CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY
through the new Newtrax IoT Hub, providing actual shift data to compare
with the operating plan. All data collected can also be integrated to third-
party applications for reporting and visualisation, such as MSBI via
GraphQL API.
Communications
The success of such systems hinge off the communications backbone of a
mine, an area Calgary-based 3D-P focuses on.
While larger mines and those looking to automation and high levels of
digitalisation are often the most obvious candidates for new LTE
connectivity, 3D-P thinks a hybrid LTE solution can offer smaller mines the
chance to ramp up their digitisation efforts.
One of the expected benefits of LTE is connectivity at greater distances
than what Wi-Fi traditionally offers. This has seen several large companies
such as Agnico Eagle Mines (La Ronde), Newcrest Mining (Lihir), South32
(Cannington) and MMG (Las Bambas) ramp up their LTE efforts in recent
times.
Yet coupling this distance connectivity benefit with a hybrid solution like
the 3D-P hybrid LTE/InstaMesh ® (from Rajant) client can offer smaller
operations a simple and affordable network, according to the
communications provider. This allows remote access to their data in near
real time, it says.
“In this scenario, with no network required at the bottom of the pit,
vehicles can still remain connected and sharing data via peer-to-peer
connectivity,” 3D-P says. “Leveraging the Store and Forward capabilities of
the 3D-P hybrid client, data is stored on-board the client while travelling
outside the pit and is communicated to the server as coverage resumes and
the client connects to the LTE network either directly or through a
connected peer.”
With minimal infrastructure requirements, the solution is suited to
applications with non-real-time communication requirements, the company
said.
After such a hybrid network is installed, mines need to leverage the data
they receive.
“The good news is that a number of simpler, more affordable
applications have appeared over the last few years making digitisation an
option for smaller operations,” 3D-P said. “Even better, and critical to
smaller operators, is the ability that those new solutions provide to prove
rapid return on investment on the technology.”
SAFETY - First, Last and Always.
Providing full service mining solutions
and innovation around the world
since 1962.
Permafrost-proof grout
Cementitious grout for various ground support applications has been
utilised by the mining industry for decades. Yet, as the limits of mining
geography expand, new challenges are being encountered. In the Great
Canadian North, for example, extremely low temperatures restrain the use
of normal cementitious grout.
Alongside the need to operate in these extreme conditions, the mining
industry is also dealing with a technology evolution where new innovative
equipment is being used to accelerate the mining process and reduce the
risk of injuries associated with carrying out manual operations. Automatic
cable bolters (see Figure 1) are the perfect example of this. This new type of
equipment can be designed with an automatic batching and injection
system for cementitious grout, but these high-tech bolters have been
designed for normal cementitious grout; grout that does not perform in
freezing conditions, according to Simon Reny, National Director Shotcrete,
Tunneling & Mining for Sika Canada.
“Based on known existing cementitious technology for filling structural
piles in permafrost, commercially known as King Nordic grout, the Sika
Canada research and development team determined the industry would
need adapted versions of this grout,” Reny said. “The grout would need to
be either installed automatically or manually at a fluid consistency for the
EXPERIENCE
•
•
•
•
Shaft Sinking
Mine Development
Contract Mining
Raiseboring
•
•
•
•
Raise Mining
Underground Construction
Engineering & Technical Services
Specialty Services
AFRICA | ASIA | AUSTRALIA
EUROPE | NORTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA
Mining Contractors and Engineers
Consider it done – safely.
redpathmining.com
APRIL 2020 | International Mining 51