WORLD PROSPECTS
BME ’ s next-generation Xplolog
Mining solutions specialist BME recently robust log-in and registration process ,” Liebenberg released a new version of its Xplolog said , with different user access levels in the new system for capturing and analysing data version giving customers more control over who on blast holes and decks , incorporating customer can access information related to their role in the feedback to improve the user friendliness of the organisation . solution .
The look and feel of Xplolog has also been
BME – part of Omnia ’ s mining segment – revised in line with BME ’ s Blast Alliance digital developed Xplolog as a tool for mines to monitor solutions . This makes users feel familiar with the their block progress in real time , providing the BME offering , through increased brand necessary data to track trends and continuously identification and continuity of the customer improve the quality of blasts . experience , according to Liebenberg .
The focus in developing this next-generation “ Another important aspect of our upgrade is that Xplolog has been the detailed guidance by users , users can easily customise their dashboards , according to Christiaan Liebenberg , BME Product creating a personalised view of block information Manager Software Solutions . This has proved to important to the user ,” he said . make the system more user friendly , scalable and Customised reports can be created and saved , streamlined with other BME digital solutions – allowing users to return to that recurring daily , while also benefiting from improved data security . weekly or monthly report each week or month , as
“ We engaged our Xplolog users in a highly required . A summary view of block data is visible to systematic way to inform us at every step of our track progress at a quick glance for the user . upgrade process ,” Liebenberg explained . “ After our “ We have also given users the ability to better first structured interviews with users , for instance , visually track block progress , with the creative use we developed mock-ups and wireframes that we of colours and iconography ,” Liebenberg said . could take back to the user group for further
BME says the process of inputting data has been testing . This approach was even taken into the optimised by rationalising the number of steps or design and prototype stages , ensuring that the actions wherever possible . system was in many ways actually built by the
Importantly , Liebenberg pointed out that users .”
Xplolog ’ s integration with BME ’ s mobile
With the design and application code built from manufacturing units ( MMUs ) has taken account of the ground up , and with a new and upgraded different regional preferences and conditions database using Google ’ s Cloud Services , the around the globe . “ The concept aligns with our performance of Xplolog has been enhanced . The strategy to deliver innovative technologies for capacity of the system can also be rapidly global mining solutions ,” he explained . increased , allowing better scalability ; customers The system also provides mines with a digital can have a site set up within a matter of hours , audit trail to track operator performance during the according to BME . drilling and charging phases , as well as provide “ Security has been improved through a more hole loading information per truck .
Xplolog is well integrated with other BME offerings like its blast planning software , Blastmap , and to third-party blast software , BME says .
Integrated with BME ’ s Smart MMUs , Xplolog allows the MMU operator to charge and top-up holes accurately from the source application , which will have the latest blast design updates loaded . The actual charged and top-up values from the MMU ’ s digital panel will automatically be sent back to Xplolog , which will make the data available on the cloud platform for review and analysis , the company explained .
Liebenberg said : “ Our new version of Xplolog continues to raise the bar in leveraging digital technology . Our Software Engineering team continues to add new features and implement continuous improvements as we receive feedback from users of the system in the field – to help mines operate more efficiently , cost-effectively and safely .” These updates are released to all existing customers of Xplolog every quarter at no additional cost .
Increased safety considerations and regulations have driven BME to build more safety features into the new system to automatically shut down the plant when a specific trip condition has been reached .
“ Using automation , we are able to remove manual processes or tasks ,” Liebenberg said . “ As mines accelerate their digital migration projects , BME remains at the forefront of developing these digital solutions .” https :// bme . co . za
Aggreko prepares UG miners for higher temperatures
Aggreko is urging the Australian mining community to prepare now for the summer , with Underground Cooling Sector Manager , Mitch Bevan , encouraging mining construction , production , ventilation and planning teams to get ready as early as possible for increases in temperatures , with rental demand at all-time highs on the back of unusually warm weather .
“ Rental cooling and ventilation solutions are a hot commodity on the back of post-pandemic supply chain challenges and increasing production targets ,” Bevan said . “ Although Aggreko is not 100 % immune from worldwide supply chain challenges , we are in a fortunate position of having an agile business model , large equipment fleet and a global team of experts .”
Having held his role for the past four years , Bevan has seen the effects of mines that are
well-prepared – as well as under-prepared – for hot temperatures .
“ For every megawatt of permanent refrigeration cooling , it ’ s upwards of A $ 1.2 million ($ 771,111 ) in capital expenditure , and ventilation alone is about 30 % of a mine ’ s total operating costs ,” he said .
“ Refrigeration is an essential cost , however there are additional risks on top of this cost , associated with purchase , installation and operation of large mechanical plants . Particularly in current times , projects are at elevated risk of cost and schedule overrun . The schedule overrun can be the most damaging due to the negative effect on forecasted production . Once the plant installation has been completed , there are further risks with operating the plant , such as sourcing labour and responsibility of maintaining the plant over time .”
Bevan adds : “ Aggreko ’ s mine cooling solutions are designed to minimise risk and provide reliable , easy-to-use mine cooling services . We can mobilise relatively fast and modify our plants year-on-year , due to the modular design of our
equipment . Along with the rental of the s
6 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2023