Editorial Conference on computers is a good move

The Canadian Advisory Committee on Mining Automation, under chairman Jacques Nantel of Noranda, last week in Sudbury approved plans for the Third Canadian Symposium on Mining Automation. It will be held in Val d’Or, Que., next October. The approval confirms the industry’s commitment to new technology in our mines. And it sets the stage for an even bigger trade show and conference than the one that attracted 170 people to Sudbury this week.

The manufacturers exhibition (which this year included 16 exhibitors) added an extra dimension to this year’s thirteen technical presentions and panel discussions which were a welcome feature for many in the industry who attended. Also welcome were the many frank discussions about funding for education of the technically talented and for developing a commitment among mining people to establishing Canada as an international leader in the field of mining technology.

Sweden already fills such a role and has demonstrated a commitment to maintain that position. It has recently instituted a mining research program, called Mining 2000, and has backed it up with the equivalent of $100 million. About $10 million will come from the Swedish government, the rest from the corporate sector.

The Swedes agree with us — that we have to improve technology in our mines in order to remain competitive with Third World mining operations. One of the ways Canadian mines are attaining productivity gains today is through the introduction of computers in everything from mining exploration to mineral processing. This is an area where Canada has the opportunity to be at the forefront of developments, but it will take a great deal of effort.

One of the most important steps has already been taken — an attempt to bring together the various researchers and developers of computers in the mining industry in order to share knowledge and information. Thanks to the organizational abilities of Raj K. Singhal at canmet’s offices in Devon, Alta., and Prof Gilles Barbery, Kostas Fytas and J. L. Collins at Laval University, the first Canadian Conference on Computer Applications in the Mineral Industry will be held at Laval University next March 7-9.

It is a step we support wholeheartedly. We hope it will be well received by the industry and will prove useful to mining companies.