WORLD PROSPECTS
with the AHS being managed from a new Autonomous Operations Center .
Codelco states that in total , 310 people at Ministro Hales have been trained in direct roles like controllers but also those indirectly involved with the autonomous operations as part of change management to allow successful introduction of the new technology . It also includes both Codelco employees and collaborating companies . The Autonomous Operations Center was finalised and completed and two 797F trucks successfully completed material loading cycle tests .
José Díaz , a shovel operator and one of the first to interact with the autonomous truck , commented : “ They installed a screen on my equipment and on it I trace the route of the truck with the trajectory to be loaded . I define the position where it is going to be docked , and with my OK , the truck begins the manoeuvre and we carry out the loading .” For the Mine Manager ,
Daniel Cavada : “ The success of this test also has a lot to do with a new culture , because it is necessary to adapt to a new way of operating . Rigorous procedures are needed , for this training is key . There are also changes in mine planning and how the shift manager operates .”
Multidisciplinary work has been essential for Juan Carlos Villagrán , Technology Business Partner & Director of the Vice Presidency of Technology and Automation ( VTAP ), who highlights that ,“ we work as an integrated team , understanding the importance and high visibility of this initiative for Codelco , which is leveraging our digital transformation .”
In 2021 , Codelco consolidated the operation of new communication highways based on Nokia private LTE network technology in the Radomiro Tomic and Minister Hales divisions . This wireless network connects 100 % of the mining fleets inside the open pit mines , with a high quality signal , higher transmission speed . The main
One of four autonomous Cat 797F trucks readying for operation at Codelco Ministro Hales
advantages are greater coverage , power and bandwidth ; high levels of security ; a large amount of connected users and low latency , “ features that allow the integration of a growing number of data that contribute to a better integration in our operations and reliably implement the technology of the autonomous trucks .” www . codelco . com
Epiroc and BluVein enter into MOU on e-rail system
Electrification solutions from Epiroc support mining customers in their transformation towards using Battery Electric Vehicles ( BEV ). To further strengthen this approach the company has agreed to form a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) with BluVein , a joint venture between Australian mining innovator Olitek and Swedish electric highways developer Evias . The purpose of the MOU is to fast-track development of the BluVein dynamic charging solution towards an industrialised and robust solution which is ready for deployment across the global mining industry . The MOU is focused on the BluVein Underground solution ( BluVein1 ).
“ The collaboration with BluVein gives us the opportunity to extend the focus beyond our own fleet and produce a dynamic charging solution which suits the needs of mixed fleet customers . I also believe this has potential to be vital for the electrical infrastructure required to fully electrify
A MoU with Epiroc will help is fast-track development of BluVein ’ s dynamic e-rail based charging solution mine operations ,” says Jess Kindler , Divisional President of the Parts & Services division in Epiroc .
Epiroc will collaborate with BluVein in developing and testing the viability of their patented slotted ( electric ) rail system . This system uses an enclosed electrified e-rail system mounted above or beside the mining vehicle together with the BluVein hammer that connects the electric vehicle to the rail . The system provides power for driving the vehicle , typically a mine truck , and charging the truck ’ s batteries whilst the truck is hauling load up the ramp and out of an underground mine . Epiroc will as part of its contribution to the collaboration provide the first ever diesel to battery converted Minetruck MT42 underground truck for pilot testing on the slotted electric rail system from BluVein .
“ Having Epiroc collaborating in BluVein product development and testing shifts us to having an industry-ready solution sooner . Epiroc brings not just a globally respected reputation for mining equipment but also a long-established aftermarket support network which is essential to the successful transformation of the industry towards electrification ,” says James Oliver , Managing Director of BluVein . www . epiroc . com ; https :// bluvein . com
ShovelSense at TeckCDA
Following a successful trial of a MineSense ’ s ShovelSense ore sorting unit at Teck Resources ’ Carmen de Andacollo mine in Chile , the operation is now using the system to divert trucks in real-time , MineSense says . The implementation of an additional ShovelSense system at CDA is now also underway , the Vancouverbased company says . CDA is Teck Resources ’ second mining operation using ShovelSense , following commercialisation in 2019 at Highland Valley Copper ( HVC ) in British Columbia , Canada .
“ The ShovelSense results are spectacular !” Victor Araya , Teck Superintendent Geology , said , referring to the results of the trial recently completed . All new technology introduced into the mine is rigorously tested at different stages of evaluation at scale to ensure the system works reliably in the field , according to MineSense . ShovelSense exceeded one-digit accuracy ( singledigit relative error ) measuring copper ore and met and exceeded expectations for all criteria in the trial : system availability ; accuracy to blast hole data ; and precision in the field , the company reported .
Teck CDA also recently celebrated the diversion of seven ore-from-waste trucks , which are the first of many that ShovelSense data will automatically divert to maximise ore recovery and minimise the needless transportation and processing of waste , MineSense said . “ We have now incorporated ShovelSense to decide the
destination of the materials , not at the block scale , but truck to truck , due to the reading of grades on each shelf of the loading equipment … the end result is increased ore to mill tonnage and also a significant improvement in feed grade ,” Araya concluded .
Claudio Toro , EVP Business Development at MineSense , added : “ We are proud that Teck has chosen to partner with MineSense again , demonstrating confidence that ShovelSense is a proven and valued technology . Global mining operations are continually seeking new ways to get more value out of their mines and extend the life of mine and we are pleased to again be chosen by Teck .” https :// minesense . com ; www . teck . com
6 International Mining | MAY 2022