The Digital Computer – Applications in Mining and Process Control

The rapid growth of the modern electronic computer industry during the past 15 years is, perhaps, the greatest phenomenon that has occurred in American business in this century. This growth is due in part to the new, and in some instances, revolutionary applications of computers instigated and developed by both the manufacturers of such equipment and their customers who search for easier, faster, more accurate methods of conducting their business operations. As in other industries, modern computers are becoming more common in the field of mining. The adaptation of computer analysis to the unique problems of mining companies is undergoing research and development by both electronic and mining companies. However, for those of us in mining who are interested in the possibilities of computer analysis and control, the basic question is Where can a computer system be of use in a mining operation today? Some ideas of such applications follow, as well as a specific example of computer control at the Riverside Cement Co.