Digital Twins for Improved Efficiency in Minerals Processing

Purpose and goal

In the project TwinWin a demonstrator of what a digital twin for minerals processing industry could look like have been developed, as well as reflected upon the learning outcomes from this process. A study of the definition of digital twins and how these are best developed have been reported. The developed digital twin has been tested by operators, work leaders and section head on a mine site. Their experience and description of tasks have been analyzed, to imagine how a digital twin can change and improve their work.

Expected effects and result

A demonstrator has been developed and used for different types of evaluation of the concept digital twin. The development, evaluation, and workshops have resulted in many thoughts and ideas for future work with digital twins within the industry. The project can conclude the existence of many areas where digital twins can potentially lead to a considerable improvement in both work environment and process performance.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was completed according to plan, and all parts have been delivered. The project has identified the following: It is important to frame a digital twin and define or find its owner. The owner needs to be someone that is willing to develop and push the development project all the way. To interconnect IT-systems with one and another is complicated and needs expertise to be done successfully. To interview different workers and constellations of personnel at the mine painted an excellent picture of how the work is done and this information is valuable for future work with digital twins.