We’re working with GE to fast-track the digital transformation of the mining industry

In an exciting step forward for the company and the industry, we’ve embarked on a three-year partnership with GE to assist in the development of South32’s technology roadmap and assist the Company’s digital transformation.

Through this partnership, we’ll employ GE’s mining specific PredixTM platform, which connects industrial equipment, data analysis and instant insights. The system will enable our people to make fast, informed decisions, and provides the opportunity to optimise entire operations, rather than individualised assets and equipment.

“Bringing the world of operational technology and information technology together to monitor equipment and systems remotely and predict future behaviour is a game changer,” Graham Kerr, Chief Executive Officer, South32 said. “It has the potential to identify and solve a problem before it affects operations.”

“By partnering with GE, we have an opportunity to transform the way we work,” added Ricus Grimbeek, Chief Technology Officer, South32. “If we get this right, the result won’t just be an incremental improvement but a new level of efficiency and performance.”

For GE, bringing digital transformation to the mining industry is an exciting prospect. “The future of mining is digital. With data and analytics, we can achieve greater levels of productivity, operational efficiencies, and improve safety,” GE Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Jeff Immelt said. “We look forward to working with South32 to help them optimise their operations and accelerate the digital transformation of the mining industry at large.”

GE Australia, Chief Executive Officer Geoff Culbert said the partnership opens up the potential for a whole new market. “Successfully transforming the mining sector for the digital age poses an enormous opportunity for Australia. This is innovation at industrial scale in an area where Australia can lead the world and I applaud South32 on their vision. We look forward to partnering with them and discovering what's possible."