The mining industry continues to be a hotbed of innovation. Activity is driven by the need to enhance safety, improve productivity and control costs, with the growing importance of technologies such as automation, 3D mapping and geomodelling, robotics and IOT. These technologies can improve the success of exploration activities, reduce the environmental impact of mining, improve productivity of operational mines, and, in the case of tunnel ventilation systems, enhance both safety and efficiency. In the last three years alone, there have been over 48,000 patents filed and granted in the mining industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Internet Of Things in Mining: Tunnel Ventilation System. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 350,000 patents to analyse innovation intensity for the mining industry, there are 150+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Tunnel ventilation system is a key innovation area in Internet of Things
Tunnel ventilation system is a network of connected sensors to monitor mines and enhance operational safety and efficiency, and optimise mine productivity. Since ventilation systems are the largest consumers of power in underground mines, smart tunnel ventilation systems significantly improve miner working conditions while also lowering mine energy consumption. Smart digital technologies are being used by companies all over the world to monitor and optimise ventilation systems and ensure a safe working environment.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 10+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established mining companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of tunnel ventilation system.
Key players in tunnel ventilation system – a disruptive innovation in the mining industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of different applications identified for each relevant patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of different countries each relevant patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to tunnel ventilation system
| Company | Total patents (2010 - 2022) | Premium intelligence on the world's largest companies |
| State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council | 21 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Epiroc | 19 | Unlock Company Profile |
| China Railway Construction | 16 | Unlock Company Profile |
| China Railway Group | 14 | Unlock Company Profile |
| China Energy Investment | 14 | Unlock Company Profile |
| China Coal Technology & Engineering Group | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| State Grid Corporation of China | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Walt Disney | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| China Railway Tunnel Survey & Design Institue | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Huainan Mining Group | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Tian Di Science & Technology | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Leaders in Tunnel Ventilation Systems include Epiroc, which provides a complete ventilation solution for tunnelling and underground mining operations, including system design and installation of fan stations and ducting. The company’s Serpent Ventilation System is made up of highly efficient, low-noise fans and long-lasting PVC-coated ventilation ducting. Advanced sensors measure carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels on a regular basis to determine air quality, and then automatically adjust fan speed to maintain adequate air flow and a perfectly regulated underground work environment. The smart Serpent Automatic module reduces energy consumption while adhering to all environmental requirements and regulations.
To further understand how Internet of Things is disrupting the mining industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Internet of Things in Mining, 2021.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
