FLEET MANAGEMENT
by site personnel as well as for ad-hoc and scheduled reporting purposes .
Hexagon ’ s latest Op Pro enabling Power of One
The most recent version of the Hexagon OP Pro FMS includes support for the Hexagon 64-bit onboard platform , helping to accelerate the company ’ s Power of One vision by enabling endto-end integration with their other solutions . This gives mines access to a dynamic life-of-mine technology stack that not only leverages the power of advanced data analytics but also reduces hardware clutter in mining equipment .
Other key reasons the latest release of Hexagon OP Pro stands out are real-time truck positioning , optimal haul route calculation , peerto-peer communication , and alignment with Hexagon ’ s autonomous Mission Manager solution . Using onboard algorithms , OP Pro can determine a truck ’ s GNSS position and continuously update without relying on beacon logic - ensuring the accuracy of OP Pro ’ s production activity capture . Once OP Pro calculates the optimal haul route for each truck , it is displayed in the cabin as a line for the operator to follow , and OP Pro ’ s peer-to-peer communication capabilities ensure rapid updates on truck payload while loading .
OP Pro offers powerful insights for mines by delivering a full picture of the position , status , activity , production and utilisation of all equipment to mine operators while continuously collecting and storing data for graphic representation .
“ Reducing carbon emissions requires better optimisation of the mining fleet .” said Hexagon ’ s Sean Perry , Senior Vice President , Material Movement . “ Haul trucks are the biggest consumers of fuel on a mine site , and OP Pro provides the answer to reducing fuel usage . The optimisation engine relies on Hexagon ’ s own Novatel GNSS receivers , which are unparalleled for precision and support . Combining these with Hexagon ’ s own designed , manufactured and supported onboard computers and displays , Hexagon is the only OEM agnostic supplier of fleet and safety solutions .” Perry continued .
Combining Hexagon ’ s award-winning safety solutions with fleet management is a proven way of helping to ensure a mine ’ s success . Hexagon ’ s onboard FMS , Asset Health , Machine Guidance , Operator Alertness , Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Interaction systems provide the only onestop shop for operational safety . Working together , they demonstrate the power of one partner for the life of the mine .
Fast2Mine continues rapid expansion
Brazil ’ s Fast2Mine has gone from a relatively unknown player outside its home market to a
Fast2Mine expects to implement a further 35 projects in 2024 and reach the milestone of 300 operations by the end of 2027
global provider of FMS systems for mining in only a matter of years , and says it is consolidating its international presence with exponential growth and cutting-edge technology that redefines industry standards .
With operations in Latin America , Central America , North America and Oceania , the company stands out as a driving force behind more than 70 mines , including world class sites , such as those operated by Kinross , Alcoa , Atlantic Nickel , Imerys , Gerdau , Norsk Hydro , Ero Copper , Equinox Gold , CBMM , amongst others . This translates into more than 4,000 pieces of managed equipment and a total of more than 15,000 active users .
“ In 2023 , 22 new projects were implemented , representing a growth of more than 50 % in the customer base compared to 2022 ." And the expansion doesn ' t stop there . " We expect to implement a further 35 projects in 2024 and reach the milestone of 300 operations by the end of 2027 ,” Fast2Mine ’ s CEO , Eder Griebeler , told IM .
The driving force behind this success is the Fleet Management System Mining Control , an innovative system that integrates a set of technological modules that revolutionise the way mining operations are managed . Through dynamic Allocation and optimisation algorithms , it maximises results in real time , while automated data collection ensures efficiency without relying on manual notes from operators and the control room , providing precise and crucial information at the right time .
The plug-and-play implementation makes integration into the operational routine quick and easy . Mining Control also provides dynamic , targeted data analysis and customised reports , which provide precise insights for strategic decision-making . It also works in hybrid mode , allowing flexibility between online and offline modes , adaptable to the demands of the mining environment .
It says Mining Control is a complete and comprehensive solution , whether in open-pit or underground environments . Griebeler : “ With its data and action-oriented intelligence , it allows professionals to focus fully on optimising results ,
boosting the success of the operation , enhancing productivity , improving operational efficiency and reducing costs .”
Looking to the future , Fast2Mine continues to innovate . It is about to launch mineVERSE . ai in the first half of the year : a revolutionary system that it says connects everyone involved in mining . “ With AI insights , mineVERSE . ai promises to further optimise mine operations , offering a decentralised and mobile dispatch and short interval control system , in the palm of everyone ' s hand .”
And the evolution doesn ' t stop there . The Mining Control Autonomous system is at an advanced stage of development to meet the future demands of mining , being agnostic and integrateable with any autonomous equipment .
Jeremias Azambuja , COO and Head of Customer service , points out that all this growth and innovation is only possible thanks to the trust and results achieved by FAST2 Mine ' s customers . " Valuing people and the ongoing commitment to quality , agility and proximity in customer service will continue to be the main pillar of this expansion towards 300 operations .”
Wenco – more success in India & adding fatigue
Tata Steel ’ s Joda East Iron Mine ( JEIM ) recently celebrated the successful implementation of Wencomine FMS from Wenco International Mining Systems , marking another significant milestone in the Indian mining industry . The mining group stated : “ This state-of-the-art technology has ushered in a new era for fleet operations at JEIM , driving remarkable advancements in productivity , sustainability , and optimised resource utilisation . The introduction of the Fleet Management System at JEIM represents a paradigm shift in the way fleet operations are managed . By harnessing the power of the Wenco FMS , JEIM has experienced unprecedented improvements in operational efficiency , productivity , safety and sustainability , setting a new standard within the industry .
The FMS was implemented to track real-time performance , maximise production and enhance safety and productivity by optimising site constraints . Through dynamic dispatch , it generates real-time assignments , improving machine and employee productivity while reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint , supporting environmental stewardship .
The Fleet Management System ’ s data analytics are crucial , providing vast data for analysis and operational enhancements . It improves Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ), aids mineral conservation through grade control and blending and automates report generation , boosting automation and digitisation in mining operations for increased efficiency .
44 International Mining | MAY 2024