A CASE STUDY IN TAILINGS DAM MONITORING
TSF Monitoring Dashboard .
CRADLE TO GRAVE •
Using ArcGIS Pro Desktop , a map was created and shared via ArcGIS Online and / or Portal for ArcGIS and then downloaded onto a smart device where it could be edited using Esri ’ s ArcGIS Field Maps application . The person in the field could collect data and take photos at preloaded locations using drop down lists and data fields with built-in validations . The application worked offline , which meant the data could be collected at any time and uploaded , when in a network environment , to the server ( SQL Database ). The person back in the office could then view the data in real time using Esri ’ s Operations Dashboard or a customised website . Data verification and validation could also be done within the database with graphs , indicators and other valuable information automatically generated .
All images by SRK Consulting
TSF Surveillance Dashboard .
In a recent case study involving a digital solution for Tailings Storage Facility ( TSF ) surveillance , SRK Consulting , an independent international consulting practice working in the exploration , mining , environment , water , energy and infrastructure industries and Esri South Africa , a global leader in Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ), show how data collection and analysis can be enhanced .
The Challenge Tailings Storage Facility ( TSF ) surveillance involves the collection and analysis of data from field inspections and instrumentation . An effective surveillance programme is essential to ensure safe management of any tailings dam . The current practice on most South African TSFs is to measure , record and process surveillance data manually . In these cases , the processing and interpretation of data is nonetheless prone to human error , and turnaround times are dependent on both the quality of data and the response times of individuals involved at each stage . The challenge , in this particular case study , was to overcome these limitations .
The Solution The solution involved digitising the surveillance process and improving data quality using digital capturing methods with builtin validations . Automated processes for transfer , interpretation and communication of data and results were introduced in order to reduce response times . Data storage was enhanced via the use of secure , managed servers . Data accessibility was also improved by using Web-based dashboards accessible to selected users . Data anomalies could then automatically trigger alerts for prompt specific actions to be taken to safely manage or mitigate any suspected risk .
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The Benefits ArcGIS Field Maps is freely downloadable and works on any smart device . Its ease-of-use enabled the data collector system to be implemented immediately , doing away with the cumbersome manual data collection practices . The new system ’ s real-time validation processes , location tracking and access to historical field data resulted in major time savings , fewer errors , and improved data quality .
SRK ’ s long-term plan is to create a fully comprehensive in-house TSF surveillance system per mine that seamlessly integrates all available data into an easy to interpret format such as an interactive online dashboard . This would include the integration of current and historic surveillance data such as piezometers , drain flows , slurry densities , freeboard surveys , drone imagery data , on-site climate stations and satellite imagery . This would allow all data to be effectively managed by a centrally controlled data repository , enabling editor tracking and instant updates .
It is clear that the benefits of this solution include time savings , enhanced data quality , real-time monitoring and improved effectiveness of TSF surveillance .
NEW ELECTRICAL TRACK- MOUNTED CRUSHERS AND SCREENS SET TO TRANSFORM AGGREGATES INDUSTRY
Metso Outotec has responded to the growing demand for sustainable solutions . The company is conducting a program to develop a new , complete range of electrically driven trackmounted crushers and screens .
The new Lokotrack range will be built on a unique platform that company has been developing since 2020 with a total R & D investment of EUR20-million . The development work will take place primarily at Metso Outotec ’ s technology centre in Tampere , Finland .
African Mining African Mining • June 2022 • 33