Integrating the IoT and Blockchain Technology for the Next Generation of Mining Inspection Systems

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mining asset inspections are vital for maintenance but often rely on inefficient, paper-based methods.
• Digital transformation offers opportunities to improve the reliability and transparency of these inspections.
• Integrating modern technologies like IoT and blockchain into mining inspections remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and evaluate an end-to-end digital system for mining asset inspections.
• To demonstrate the integration of mobile devices, IoT sensors, and blockchain technology.
• To enhance the efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness of mining inspection data.

Main Methods:

• Developed an end-to-end system utilizing mobile devices for direct interaction with constrained IoT sensor devices.
• Implemented a method for integrating IoT devices as smart measuring tools with a blockchain system.
• Evaluated the proposed architecture through a real-world case study in a mining inspection scenario.

Main Results:

• The proposed system enables mobile devices to directly interface with IoT sensors for inspections.
• Blockchain integration ensures data integrity and enhances the trustworthiness of inspection records.
• The case study validated the practical benefits and effectiveness of the digital inspection system.

Conclusions:

• The integration of mobile devices, IoT, and blockchain offers a significant advancement in mining asset inspection processes.
• The developed system improves data integrity, transparency, and stakeholder trust.
• This digital approach addresses the limitations of traditional inspection methods, paving the way for more efficient and reliable maintenance.