WORLD PROSPECTS
the Netherlands . The URM machine is cable powered and has four independently suspended crawlers and a cutting drum with centrally located teeth that cuts a layer of kimberlite similar to a surface miner . The kimberlite is then hydraulically pumped to surface to the dewatering plant and ulimately the main processing plant for actual diamond recovery . The hydraulic system will use a biodegradable hydraulic fluid . Arctic Canadian Diamond told IM that the trial will take place at Lynx over the summer of 2023 and 2024 . The initial Lynx trial is expected to generate 150,000 t of kimberlite . If the trial is successful , Underwater Remote Mining will be implemented at a commercial production scale at Sable in 2026 after two seasons of flooding of the open pit . URM has the potential to significantly extend the mine life at Ekati – mining would be done in the spring , summer and autumn with the machines undergoing winter maintenance . There is also consideration of using the method at Point Lake and Fox but this is just conceptual at this stage . https :// arcticcanadian . ca ; www . royalihc . com
RAMJACK ’ s ROC as-a-service for Iduapriem
In collaboration with the world ’ s third largest gold producer , AngloGold Ashanti ( AGA ), mining technology specialists Ramjack Technology Solutions ( RAMJACK ) has announced the launch of its Remote Operations Centre as-aservice for AGA ’ s Iduapriem Mine in Tarkwa , Ghana . With an emphasis on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ), the collaboration makes use of RAMJACK ’ s Remote Operations Centre ( rROC ) in Johannesburg and is designed to optimise the performance of the mining fleet through the use of a networked organisation and real-time data generated by the mine ’ s existing Fleet Management System .
“ At Iduapriem we are striving to achieve world class mining operations and the rROC is one of the key initiatives to ensure we move closer to our goal . Together with our recently mobilised long term mining contract we are looking forward to step-changing our performance ,” said Samuel Pobee , Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine . “ This is an exciting collaboration to utilise a networked organisation with our trusted technology and service providers focused on operational improvement ,” said Marius Roux ,
Business as usual is how Kim Schoepflin CEO of Kwatani describes the news of the closing date of the transaction whereby Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions and Kwatani signed an agreement for the multi-national Sandvik Group to acquire the shares of this 45-year-old leading vibrating screen and feeder OEM . Schoepflin says when the exciting transaction , which was subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions , was made known to the mining and materials handling industries earlier this year it was exceptionally well received by the markets , from both potential and existing customers .
“ Kwatani has operated its world class production facility in South Africa for more than 45 years , and both Sandvik and Kwatani are technology leaders so bringing our combined resources to customers will be of enormous benefit ,” she says . “ What is most significant for the South African industry is that the collaboration is aligned with our government ’ s industrialisation strategy . Furthermore , Kwatani is
Chairman of the Board of Directors , Iduapriem Mine . Tebogo Mushi , VP Mining commented : “ We believe that we can achieve bigger things when industry experts collaborate , and the team at RAMJACK has the experience and depth of knowledge to make this happen .”
The programme has been designed specifically to target OEE improvements by incorporating a process and datadriven knowledge transfer model , including both on-site and remote expert services to the mine . It includes 24 / 7 data analysis and operational support to amplify real-time decisions driven by a combination of data analytics , system optimisation and mine operations expertise .
“ Effective use of real-time production and safety systems is a critical component to operational excellence in the mining industry ,” said Mike Jackson , President and CEO of RAMJACK . “ Having worked with the forward-thinking team at AGA for many years , we ’ re honoured to help bring this next
Sandvik completes Kwatani buy
known for its commitment to compliance with the South African Mining Charter and we are a proudly Level 2 B-BBEE company .”
Add to this , and a game changing move for the South African economy is that the Kwatani facility is set to become the global engineering and manufacturing base for vibrating screens and feeders for both local and international customers . The internationally recognised Kwatani brand , with its promise of being engineered for tonnage , will remain unchanged and the Kwatani brand will continue to be used across Africa while products sold internationally will be sold through the Sandvik sales channels under the Kwatani product name .
Schoepflin says that also exciting for the market is that Sandvik will further develop the Kwatani vibrating equipment brand globally . “ This will see increased access to the Kwatani product through Sandvik ’ s global
level of efficiency to Iduapriem , and we look forward to continued collaboration with AGA towards achieving optimal performance from their technology solutions .”
Iduapriem has experienced notable improvements in availability , utilisation and operational efficiency , since implementation of the programme three months ago . Further improvements are anticipated as additional insights and system optimisation opportunities become available . www . anglogoldashanti . com ; https :// ramjacktech . com
distribution network and customers will benefit by having access to a vastly increased customer service network . Sandvik will also , through its global technology resources , provide access to monitoring and automation processes as well as access to its extensive R & D facilities which include simulators .” This , Schoepflin says , will provide opportunities for driving efficiency arising from the advance of artificial intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and will significantly empower the process of cost effective customisation . https :// kwatani . com
8 International Mining | JANUARY 2022