WORLD PROSPECTS
parameters to each unique operation , with this ongoing oversight , inclusion of human experience and constant adaption allowing Dingo to correctly adapt wear , contaminant , lubricant and sensor limits to match local environmental and operational factors . This is something many analytics-only solutions have struggled to accommodate , according to Donnelly .
As an example , Trakka recently identified a LeTourneau L1850 wheel loader showing abnormal bearing wear . The standard action would have been to initiate an inspection of the rod and bearings for excessive crankshaft end play . Since this represented a difficult and costly inspection , the CI team instead elected to first recommend an inspection on the centrifuge filter assembly – a simpler and less costly inspection to perform .
“ This proved to be the right choice ,” Donnelly said . “ In short , our CI team used the data management tools in Trakka , the operational context of a specific engine and their own specific experience to resolve a potential issue with a relatively simple repair . The engine has since returned to normal condition with only minimal downtime impact .”
Craig Banks , Executive VP Americas at Dingo , says predictive analytics remain very promising for future Trakka applications , especially with the ability to merge new data streams with its 30- plus years of historic machine data .
This is seeing the company applying analytics and tools like AI and machine learning in areas where it makes sense to do so .
One example is the development of an AI-based tool that quickly converts paper-based inspection forms to digital format on mobile devices , adding contextual data from inspections to the Trakka platform in a predictive analyticsready format . This is part of a plan to deploy a brand-new platform starting with its Mobile Inspection App to enable a “ whole suite ” of extended capabilities .
“ We ’ re also actively focused on new ways to import / export additional sources of maintenance and reliability data via integrators / APIs ,” Banks said . “ Finally , we will soon offer access to our 30- plus years of historic data as a benchmarking module where clients will compare their own fleet performance against their global peers .” www . dingo . com
AHS comes to Glencore ’ s Minera Lomas Bayas
After launching Lomas Lab on its 25th anniversary , Chilean copper mining company Minera Lomas Bayas says it has continued to successfully develop this technology creation initiative aimed at designing , testing and strengthening the digitisation and automation of production processes at the operation , to then export them to other Glencore sites worldwide . It recently presented the startup of one of the most iconic projects of this innovation centre , the use of autonomous haul trucks , a major step in the sustainability roadmap of the company , which intends to position itself as an industry leader in this category . The presentation was made after a launch ceremony during which regional authorities , executives , employees and others witnessed live the operation of this new technology for Glencore and Lomas Bayas . It also marked a major milestone as it represented the first autonomous haul trucks for Glencore as a company worldwide .
This is another important step towards sustainable development for Lomas Bayas , in addition to the autonomous drills that are already remotely-enabled .
The AHS-enabled trucks offer a potential decrease in fuel consumption of up to 4 %, a lower frequency of safety events given the high range of sensors in the equipment and the relocation of personnel to safer areas . The trucks also operate for longer hours , improving the use and availability of the truck fleet .
The initial pilot project entails a first stage involving four Komatsu 930E-5 haul trucks , which will use Komatsu ’ s FrontRunner system for an autonomous day and night shift operation in a circuit of approximately 1 km within an area segregated from the rest of the conventional operation . If this pilot testing succeeds , the
project will see a gradual increase in the number of autonomous trucks until the entire fleet of 27 units goes autonomous by 2025 .
Pablo Carvallo , General Manager of Lomas Bayas , highlighted : “ We take pride in the launch of the autonomous trucks , a proposal included in a path of technological implementations that are also related to the way we communicate and reconfigure the working culture .”
He added : “ We are promoting mining innovation at Lomas Bayas . Although we cannot compete in ore grade , we can compete in the way we do things , both efficiently and under the wing of technology . Therefore , we think that we are driving things from the bottom upwards to become much more agile in technology testing , and this implementation is proof of that . It has taken us half the time it took the rest of the industry and that is not by chance . That is the fruits of clear goals , very effective team connection and a way of working that we hope will differentiate us .”
Abraham Chahuán , Copper Assets Director – South America , said : “ Our first autonomous trucks in the region are already operating , and this marks the completion of the first stage of this autonomy project , which we have decided as a Copper Department and Corporation , to then apply it at all the Glencore assets , so that we can all share the benefit of what we are currently testing here .”
He added : “ Together with this launch , we are implementing other projects such as autonomous drilling , which is being carried out here at Lomas Bayas and at other operations , and the idea is to continue to use our infrastructure and operation at Lomas Bayas as a laboratory , so that it results in a technological improvement that Glencore can leverage worldwide .”
Enrique Caballero , Regional Technology Transformation Manager at Glencore , said : “ We are a school of learning and technology development that positions us as exporters of technologies , methods and models from the driest desert in the world to many other places on the planet . The purpose is to help deploy future projects safely and efficiently at other Glencore sites worldwide , becoming leaders and an example of sustainable mining .”
Caballero also highlighted teamwork as a key pillar to achieve this and the next goals set by Lomas Bayas : “ We must not forget that everything is part of a perfectly functional and operational mechanism , of which each of us are fundamental pieces for the development of initiatives that position us as leaders in mining . Today we are carrying out drilling and truck autonomy systems , anti-collision systems , in addition to mining electrification , all under cutting-edge technology and at the forefront of the needs of modern mining .”
These initiatives constitute a robust and ambitious business plan that looks forward to the future and is in line with the evolution of the industry , the company said .
The Lomas Lab innovation program is now working on a study for developing power supply via trolley assist , which has the potential to turn Lomas Bayas into the first mining company in the world to operate autonomous trucks under trolley . www . glencore . cl ; https :// mining . komatsu
8 International Mining | JANUARY 2024