Metals And Mining Review: Specials Magazine

Nickel and palladium mining have powered critical industries like automotive and electronics manufacturing for centuries. The global push for sustainability, along with increased demand, is driving the adoption of newer, cleaner methods to retrieve these essential metals. Nornickel, the largest palladium and nickel producer in the world, is advancing sustainable mining practices through strategic investments in best-in-class technologies. It also produces copper, platinum, cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and sulphur. “We instill confidence in the future through our agility in adapting to evolving industry needs with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation,” says Vitaly Busko, vice president of innovation. Algorithms at Work in the Mine In an industry where quality and reliability are non-negotiable, clients turn to Nornickel because every shipment reflects uncompromising standards. It collaborates with them as a technology partner to develop solutions aligned with their long-term business strategies—an approach that deepens loyalty and reinforces lasting relationships. Vertical integration ensures consistency, with each stage of extraction, processing and delivery under Nornickel’s direct control. Employing AI across its key production and logistics processes, it turns data into decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and supply chain transparency. Since Nornickel began AI implementation three years ago, operational improvements have translated into annual revenue gains exceeding $100 million. In ore beneficiation, AI systems analyze real-time sensor data to stabilize processes, reduce metal losses and optimize energy consumption. Flotation plants, for instance, leverage AI algorithms to precisely control reagent dosing, airflow and pulp density beyond human capability, resulting in maximized metal recovery rates and improved product quality. Smelting operations have also been reshaped. AI systems control temperature regimes and chemical reactions to create stability across processes that once fluctuated with human experience. In mines, autonomous drilling and blasting solutions model rock conditions and guide rig positioning with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and raising ore yield. Nornickel’s AI integration strategy has progressed from isolated pilot projects to full-scale digital transformation, integrating machine learning, computer vision and digital assistants across every stage of production....Read more