IM 2021 May 21 | Page 6

WORLD PROSPECTS

Nokia and Claro Chile deploy private LTE network at Salares Norte

Nokia has announced it is partnering with

Claro Chile to equip the new Gold Fields
Salares Norte mine with a highperformance private wireless network . The solution will support the automation of mining operations in different applications , such as trucks , excavators , drills and in the future , drones .
Being deployed is a private LTE / 4.9G solution , including AirScale radio , small cells , packet core , IP routers and NetAct network management system . In total , the network will connect 150 sensors for operational processes , monitoring and accident prevention in addition to 72 connected vehicles and machines . Nokia and Claro will also provide professional services such as network design , testing and deployment . With this infrastructure , the network will enable critical voice , data , internet and video communications to improve employee safety , as well as operational efficiency and productivity .
“ Mining operations require highly-reliable networks that can cover large outdoor sites or deep underground corridors . Industrial-grade private wireless solutions offer robust , secure
and predictable wireless coverage for OT use cases ’ critical connectivity . They also enable an evolution of new services in mining , with a trustworthy , high-capacity , lowlatency and multiservices network that enables connectivity for several thousands of workers , machines , sensors and applications .”
Francisco Guzmán , Director of Claro Chile , said : “ Today , business optimisation is key for companies . This is why we work hard to develop solutions to strengthen their technological development and to promote automated processes , making them safer and more efficient . In this case , by deploying ultra-reliable , high-performance , low-latency networks , we ' ll be able to deliver the best tools and connectivity to support the development of mining 4.0 , which is focused on digitising its operations , and what better than doing this with a partner like Nokia ,
that has world-class expertise and knowledge ."
Fernando Sosa , Head of Market Unit Southern Cone , Nokia , said : “ Automation relies on the ability to sense , analyse and act . To do so , industries are connecting every sensor , machine and worker in the most flexible way — and for that they need business and mission-critical wireless networking solutions such as private LTE / 4.9G . By working with Claro Chile to create such an automated ecosystem for Gold Fields , we are opening new opportunities for enterprises and other asset-intensive industries , such as energy and rail , throughout Chile .” www . nokia . com ; www . goldfields . com ; www . clarochile . cl

Rail-Veyor signs deal with Polymetal for Varvarinskoye

Canadian company Rail-Veyor Technologies Global Inc has announced the signing of a Purchase Agreement with Polymetal International PLC , the leading global producer of gold and silver with assets in Russia and Kazakhstan . This agreement is the first step towards the installation and operation of a new Rail-Veyor material haulage system at Varvarinskoye , a gold-producing surface mine situated in Northwest Kazakhstan .

Currently ore is mined at the Varvarinskoye mine via conventional open-pit truck-shovel and drill-and-blast methods . Polymetal International acquired the mine and completed a turnaround of the operations in 2010 , leading to a substantial increase in productivity through the ongoing optimisation of systems and technology . Rail- Veyor ’ s Executive Chairman Jim Fisk has previously told IM that Rail-Veyor can comfortably haul up to -36 in rock and easily deal with ramps having a 22 % incline .
The implementation of the all-electric Rail-Veyor system forms a part of Polymetal ’ s overall goal to decarbonise material transport and decrease greenhouse gas emission intensity by at least 5 % by 2023 compared to 2018 . Additionally , the extreme Kazakh winter can pose challenges to traditional diesel-engine haulage solutions and ore sharpness lessens the lifespan of rubber tyres – both factors adding to operational expense .
The first stage of the Rail-Veyor system installation will implement an 887 m length of track connecting a load point to a discharge point via a single train , with capacity estimated at 145 t / h ( 1 Mt / y ). The second stage of the installation will connect the original load point to a second discharge point and add a second train , bringing the total track length of the system to 1,535 m and increasing capacity to 430 t / h ( 3 Mt / y ).
“ We believe this is yet another perfect site where Rail-Veyor will show strong benefits to the end user and deliver on our promise of a clean , safe & profitable material haulage solution ,” said Fisk . “ We are proud to partner with Polymetal International , an industry leader whose commitment to innovation has already made a huge positive impact on the performance of the Varvarinskoye mine . We believe that this may be the first of many applications
where Rail-Veyor may be a catalyst towards Polymetal ’ s continuing optimisation of their assets .”
The news follows a Russian development with the recent completion of an engineering design services project by Rail-Veyor in conjunction with a study by JSC Uralmekhanobr , the design institute of major mining group Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company ( UMMC , in Russian UGMK ), for the Tarnierskoe greenfield underground zinc operation , to be operated by UMMC subsidiary JSC Syvatogor . www . railveyor . com ; www . polymetalinternational . com
4 International Mining | MAY 2021