Demoday of M-Start 7 took place last Wednesday (Jul-27), an initiative of the Mining Hub for innovation in the mineral sector. After going through the development of proofs of concept in recent months, the selected startups presented their solutions to the challenges launched by the mining companies at the meeting that took place in the hybrid format. In this cycle we launched the challenge "Softsensor for online silica projection", where we sought a reliable and low cost system capable of estimating the value of silica in the flotation process in short-time intervals. The startup developing a prediction model with us was Beyond Mining.

On Thursday (Jul-28) representatives of mining companies and suppliers associated with the Mining Hub participated in an activity dedicated to new connections. At the meeting, it was possible to learn more about the technologies tested and their possibilities, in addition to expanding their network of contacts.

For Anatelli Heringer, a trainee engineer at Samarco, who participated in the meeting on the 27th, working with Beyond Mining was an experience with a lot of learning. "We were able to provide an excellent environment of cooperation and creativity between Samarco and Beyond. We developed a “machine learning” model to integrate with our automation system and predict the silica content present in iron ore. This allows greater agility in the decision-making of the operation team, in the control of the flotation process. The history we wrote in this cycle is part of another step towards a different and sustainable mining", said Anatelli.

“Participating in the M-Start 7 Demoday was really good. In addition to watching Beyond Mining presenting the concept developed for our challenge of predicting silica by softsensor, four solutions developed for other mining companies caught our attention and that is why we scheduled Speed ​​Dating sessions. This is the magic of the Mining Hub, addressing the challenges of the industry in a joint and collaborative manner”, pointed out Alessandra Prata, engineer and innovation leader at Samarco.

Once the concept has been tested, it is necessary to define how the model will be integrated with the company's systems and discuss ways of selling the solution so that it can be implemented shortly.

M-Start and Mining Hub

M-Start is a program carried out by the Mining Hub with the purpose of developing and testing new technologies to solve common challenges in the mining sector. The Mining Hub is the world's first open innovation hub in the mining sector that seeks solutions to common challenges, integrating miners, suppliers, startups, surveyors and investors, generating opportunities and connections for different mining players.