Noemi Ariza

Canteras Industriales

Please introduce yourself first and tell us about your background, areas of expertise, and your position in your institution.
I am Noemi Ariza, in charge of Canteras Industriales’s quality control, research, and development laboratory. Also, I manage the actual pilot plant of a Dense Media Concentration Project under construction. I am a Chemical Engineer with a master’s degree in chemical sciences and technologies (Khemia) and a PhD (with industrial mention) from the University of Granada.

What is your role in Rotate as an organization and individual?
Canteras Industriales participates in all the WPs and as a site, is the leader of WP5. As an individual: Participation in the meetings of the WPs in which CI is involved, coordination of WP5 meetings, writing of deliverables…

Why do you think that projects like Rotate are so important?
Mainly because of the projection it brings to the company. In addition, Rotate makes it possible to establish strategic links and synergies between countries and companies in the mining sector. At a business level, it makes the methods applied up to now, at an administrative, social, and production level, cutting-edge. Finally, partnerships are important in a small working area like the one presented.

In your opinion which should be the most important areas for the future of mining?
In this order: social (important work must be done to involve society in changing the current point of view), environmental (mining can and must be sustainable), and industrial innovation (modernization of equipment and methods to achieve the necessary improvements for the strategic change towards the use of strategic resources).

Let us know you a little bit better. Would you tell us something you like to do when you are out of the office?
My hobbies are reading novels, watercolor painting, and knitting.

Francisco Ortega

Canteras Industriales

Please introduce yourself first and tell us about your background, areas of expertise, and your position in your institution.

I am Francisco Ortega, research personnel at Canteras Industriales I am involved in mine quality control and development of new celestine concentration processes. I am a Chemical Engineer with master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Granada.

What is your role in Rotate as an organization and as an individual?

Canteras Industriales participates in all the Work Packages and as site leader in WP5. I participate in meetings with partners. Providing documentation and development of deliverables in which CI is involved. Validation of the technologies to be applied in CI and analysis of the results.

Why do you think that projects like Rotate are so important?

Because it allows for efficient progress in the development and competitiveness of strategic sectors from different points of view, such as environmental, social, and technical. It also allows synergies to be established between different entities belonging to the European Union that improve the competitiveness of the sector.

In your opinion which should be the most important areas for the future of mining?

The mining industry is undergoing important transformations and I believe that the most relevant ones are to be found in the environmental, social and technological aspects.

  • Sustainable Mining:

Environmental Stewardship: Addressing environmental impacts, reducing carbon footprints, and adopting sustainable practices will be crucial.

Recycling and Reuse: Implementing strategies to recycle materials and reduce waste, contributing to a more circular and sustainable mining industry.

  • Responsible Mining:

Social Responsibility: Ensuring fair labor practices, respecting local communities, and promoting social development are becoming integral to the industry’s reputation.

  • Technological Innovation:

Automation and Robotics: Increasing the use of autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Data Analytics and AI: Leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence for better decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimization of mining processes.

Internet of Things (IoT): Integrating IoT devices for real-time monitoring, tracking, and management of mining operations.

Digital Twins: Creating digital replicas of physical mining assets to optimize performance and facilitate maintenance.

Francisco Ortega, Noemi Ariza y Jens Bruno. Canteras Industriales.