Data acquisition in mining is the systematic process of capturing, sampling, and recording raw data from various sources across mining operations, including sensors, instruments, drilling equipment, laboratory equipment, and operational systems. In bauxite mining, data acquisition systems gather information on ore grade, moisture content, conveyor throughput, and slurry density at various points in the production circuit. In gold mining, data acquisition encompasses sampling data from grade control drilling, assay results, plant sensor readings for leach circuit chemistry, and carbon-in-pulp efficiency metrics. Iron ore mining relies on data acquisition from on-belt analyzers, magnetic separators, and beneficiation plant sensors to track iron content and impurity levels in real time. Diamond mining operations use data acquisition systems to capture X-ray transmission (XRT) sorter readings, DMS plant performance data, and security camera feeds. Modern mining data acquisition systems are often automated and connected via industrial protocols such as OPC-UA, Modbus, or SCADA systems, enabling near real-time data capture that supports operational decision-making, process optimization, and regulatory compliance reporting.
