The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is reaching the mining industry and the adoption of the technologies involved in this shift is accelerating on a global scale. In 2020, 77% of mining companies across the globe announced that they had started this process. While Australia holds the role of a world leader in innovation in resource extraction, Canada is making headway in shifting its mining industry to computerization. At the same time, the mining sector is witnessing an increase in its demand, in particular due to the presence of mineral substances in batteries and electronic devices, ubiquitous in contemporary daily life. Therefore, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, a key resource region for the Canadian mining industry, has no choice but to computerize its production in order to respond to this burgeoning market.

The mining industry of Abitibi-Témiscamingue is currently at an inflection point. At the center of this transformation, is the exchange of data. Connectivity has also become a primordial quality of production logistics. Consequently, accessibility to the Internet network constitutes an essential tool and the technologies supporting this network of connections must be deployed at a territorial scale. Several innovations in terms of mobility and connectivity of individuals and machines have also been developed in order for the data transmission system to operate even in remote regions which would promote a democratized access to telecommunication services.

This leads to a necessary reflection on the evolution of resource regions in the digital age. Due to its expertise, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, whose mining industry is beginning an imminent transition to 4.0, has the potential to become a real hub of innovation and convergence of technological knowledge regarding natural resource exploitation. In addition to optimizing production and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource exploitation, the computerization of this sector would have a beneficial impact on the, now problematic, relationship between industry actors. An improvement in individual’s connectivity would facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and exchanges between businesses, public organizations, workers, indigenous communities and city residents. In addition, since the community’s acceptance of mining projects relies on the transparency of companies, particularly with regard to environmental and economic repercussions, the establishment of an accessible and inclusive communication network is essential for the pursuit of their activities. Architecture has the potential to materialize this innovation hub and the shared knowledge that addresses the pressing challenges of today's mining industry. It presents an opportunity to showcase Abitibi-Témiscamingue and to make it a pioneer in the turn to 4.0 resource regions.

References