FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Wenco is creating ConSite Mine for Hitachi Construction Machinery ( HCM ) on a digital IoT platform
Reid Given , Senior Product Manager at Wenco comments : “ FMS is only one component in achieving Open Autonomy . What ’ s more important for Open Autonomy than any individual component is establishing open standards that break down the current closed approach and , instead , allow customers to mix and match components from their preferred vendors . This way , customers can choose technologies that drive the best ROI for them in their unique circumstances — the most efficient trucks , the smartest and safest autonomous drivers , the FMS most tightly integrated with their systems and processes , and so on . Now that we ’ ve introduced this vision of Open Autonomy , it ’ s gathering a lot of momentum . Wenco and other industry contributors are making progress on ISO 23275 and proposing new standards for other components . We ' re also working with several customers and industry thought leaders to bring the Open Autonomy approach commercially to market .” He added that non-traditional mining OEMs are especially excited about the prospects of Open Autonomy , as it gives them a path to enter our market . Open Autonomy enables new mining strategies to become profitable , such as swarm mining — a tactic that uses trucks previously considered too small for mining . “ As a result , we ’ re being engaged by companies from the automotive , long-distance trucking , and military industries looking to apply their autonomy technologies to mining use cases .”
What about the FMS interoperability issue in mining ? Patrick Ligthart , Principal Product Manager at Wenco states : “ Interoperability can still prove a challenge when mines rely on critical technologies that remain siloed . Without the ability to exchange data freely between their operational systems , mines struggle to optimise
their decision-making — that is , have the right decisions made at the right time by the right person . Mines typically have vast volumes of data to support these decisions , but they ’ re not treating their operational data as the asset it is . Too much data is left untapped in huge databases with only limited connection to other systems — at best .”
He says Wenco has always taken care to make its database as accessible as possible , allowing mines to turn their data into actionable intelligence with the least amount of overhead . “ We ’ re continuing to expand our capabilities in this area with our own technologies and with other vendors in the pit-to-port landscape . We currently have projects working to integrate solutions from various OEMs and aftermarket vendors that enforce stricter material compliance , facilitate ISA-95 automation , and strengthen management of unexpected events using cameras and other sensors . All these projects are aimed at extending our interoperability with others to help mining customers extract more unrealised value .”
But automation aside , what role do today ' s FMS systems in enabling highest levels of mining efficiency such as high precision and asset health systems ? Given says : “ The real power of any data system comes from its improved decisions . FMS and other operational
FAST2 Mine gaining ground in Brazil
The market is not all just about the global majors – there are increasingly important and nimble regional players in key mining hubs who are already taking their systems global . FAST2 Mine is a relatively new Brazilian company that operates in the area of software development focused on mining , as well as providing consultancy in the areas of mine operation and planning . It aims to make cutting edge technologies accessible to small and medium-sized mining companies , with a focus on the customer and long-term partnerships .
The main product of FAST2 Mine is its Mining Control software – operational control and equipment management software applied to mining . “ With it it is possible to manage all times of the unit operations of the mine equipment , as well as the physical availability , utilisation , productivity and others . Its function is to provide a complete diagnosis of the equipment and the operation of the mine , providing the manager with a technical basis in decision making .”
Eder Griebeler , FAST2 Mine Executive Director told IM : “ With the purpose of revolutionising the operational management of mining companies to make the mineral sector more competitive and sustainable and improve people ’ s lives , FAST2 Mine , a mining technology company leader in Brazilian market , is experiencing rapid growth and a moment of international expansion . The company has been tripling in size year after year since 2018 , and the growth projection of doubling revenues in 2021 has already been overcome with contracts closed until April / 2021 . Multinational companies such as Norsk Hydro , Atlantic Nickel and Great Panther are some of the new customers of FAST2 Mine in the year 2021 . The complete FAST2 Mine customers list contains more than 30 mining companies , with more than 2,000 active licenses of the Mining Control System .”
Brazil ' s FAST2 Mine has been tripling in size year after year since 2018
Through modules of Fleet Management , Dispatch , Underground , Grade Control , Fuel Control , Contractor Management , Maintenance and Telemetry , he says the Mining Control System from FAST2 Mine is a complete and innovative integrated operational management system for mining . “ Currently , FAST2 Mine is also in the process of internationalisation , where a multinational company , whose name cannot be revealed yet , will represent FAST2 Mine ' s products and services outside of Brazil , contributing to the company ' s expansion and fast growth in the next years .”
He concludes : “ FAST2 Mine differentials is a high quality and stable system , based in user experience , with ease to use technology and powerful data driven management model . Besides a customized and close technical support service for the client .”
30 International Mining | MAY 2021