FLEET MANAGEMENT include time in motion , source and destination monitoring , grade control plus availability and utilisation metrics . Intuitive user configurable dashboards can be accessed through the management portal . However , full data can be accessed via database connection . If the client prefers another portal provider , this is no problem as there are no data restrictions and no brand locking .
It ' s been a busy year for KMO-Fleet – it has finalised its new data logger hardware which can be shipped in sets in a secure suitcase format straight to clients . It has also completed Innovate UK ’ s ICURe university start up program and is set to go fully commercial and start scaling up in the coming months with a number of institutional and angel investors getting involved .
It has added block model integration – CEO Matt Eyre : “ We can now load in dig blocks , and can track a block , or part thereof , from mine to mill . It supports building a block model in reverse so you can track where marginal blocks have been placed in tips or storage areas . This is pretty novel for what is a low cost FMS .” He says KMO-Fleet has also been developing mixed reality solutions for mine operators .
What has the industry response been like ? Eyre : “ Large miners we have spoken to in Australia and elsewhere tell us that they are locked into the more costly and complex OEMdriven FMS for their existing big mines where it is also tied in with all their maintenance systems . But they also have a lot of outlying satellite pits they want to bring online and feed existing crushing and concentrating installations – but in these pits they can use the simpler , not network tied and less expensive KMO system . The same applies to pre-stripping phases of mining and to rehabilitation including backfilling old pits . Finally , a lot of mines like the fact that not only is it agnostic to what equipment it can be used with , it is also agnostic to where the data will go as it allows them to integrate our data with other streams they may have such as on maintenance .”
He says they are also seeing a lot of interest from surface and underground mining contractors – who may not have access to the mine IT infrastructure and FMS but still have to produce at a cost . And there is a lot of potential in the UK quarrying sector closer to home with some trials due to start .
Datamine digs in with Samtech buy
Datamine has announced an expansion of its asset management solution offering through parent company Vela ’ s acquisition of Samtech . Based in Santiago , Chile , Samtech has more than 600 customers and is a leading supplier of fleet management , machine performance and telematics software and hardware . Samtech ’ s fleet management solution enables
comprehensive monitoring and traceability of heavy , light and ancillary vehicles . The system is scalable from small fleets right up to thousands of mobile assets in large organisations .
Samtech serves a variety of industries including mining , construction and rental fleets in the Latin American market . Datamine will distribute Samtech products to the mining industry globally , complementing its existing Sodep Minetrack dispatch solution with Samtech ’ s overarching monitoring system for all equipment types , along with new capability to design and manufacture specialist sensors for data collection .
“ Samtech impressed us with their innovative sensor technologies and ability to monitor very large fleets ” said Dylan Webb , CEO at Datamine . “ The complementary fit between our existing dispatch and asset management technology with the Samtech offering is exciting and we look forward to providing a comprehensive , OEM independent solution to our customers in Latin America and around the world .”
Samtech has deep expertise in the deployment of a comprehensive management suite that combines operational , logistic , and administrative data , and allows the creation of customised business process rules , supporting decision-making and continuous improvement . Datamine ’ s global mining customer base will benefit from access to Samtech ’ s proven solutions for optimising fleet productivity .
Cristian Barrientos , CEO of Samtech said : “ We could not have asked for a better partner and we are excited about what the future holds for Samtech . This is a new stage of growth and evolution for us , where the main beneficiaries will be our valued customers , who will have greater support and access to a broader portfolio of solutions , which will allow them to further improve the performance of their businesses . At the same time , our team members will have new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as part of a large multinational group . I have no doubt that the quality of Samtech ’ s solutions will allow us to expand globally leveraging Datamine ’ s extensive network , solutions and expertise .”
Daniel Chausson , COO Americas for Datamine , commented : “ Samtech has distinguished itself as a dependable partner and has become a leader in the fleet management space with a large and loyal customer base in the Chilean mining industry . Samtech ’ s commitment to longterm relationships and providing superior products and support is evident by the business ’ s growth trajectory and high customer satisfaction . We are excited to welcome Samtech ’ s highly experienced team , and under the leadership of Cristian Barrientos take the Samtech technology to our global mining customer base .”
Micromine Pitram successes at NMMC and NGM
Micromine says it has established itself as a worldwide trusted partner for its clients through its comprehensive support and tailored solutions – and this includes some giants in the global gold mining industry . A recent partnership with the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company ( NMMC ) in Uzbekistan , highlights the critical role that training plays in a successful implementation .
Micromine organised comprehensive Pitram training sessions for over 1,000 NMMC employees in Uzbekistan
Recognised as one of the world ' s largest gold deposits and boasting an impressive estimated reserve of more than 4,500 t , the Muruntau mine implemented Micromine ’ s Pitram FMS in 2023 . This initiative was part of the broader ‘ Automated Control System for the Mining and Transport Complex ’ project , aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency .
Understanding the challenges associated with integrating new technology into existing workflows , Micromine organised comprehensive training sessions for over 1,000 NMMC employees . These sessions were designed to ensure that everyone from dump truck and excavator operators to geologists , mine surveyors , mining managers , production and technical staff , and IT administrators could fully leverage the capabilities of Micromine Pitram .
Conducted between July and September 2023 , the training utilised a specially prepared classroom equipped with tablets featuring Pitram Network capabilities , as well as introducing the DOME data model - a web platform for interacting and configuring Micromine Pitram software . Additional training was also provided for dispatchers on optimising shift orders and equipment allocation .
To further support the diverse workforce at Muruntau , Micromine prepared training materials , including PDF instructions and video demonstrations in both Russian and Uzbek languages . These resources were specifically tailored for dump truck drivers , ensuring they could effectively use Pitram Network and tablets . The successful trial of the Automated Control System for the Mining and Transport Complex project has led to the active use of Micromine Pitram at Muruntau . The system now enables the
MAY 2024 | International Mining 47