In the stope
Our data analytics is another tool that focuses
In conversation with
BLAST HOLE DRILL SERIES
on overall equipment efficiency; meaning, how
effectively a piece of equipment is operating.
as possible. The information gleaned from
these units is fed into a global database.
This data is then used for analytics and to
determine trends.
The second leg of our digital framework
is process optimisation, which involves two
distinct areas: short interval control and
data analytics. Firstly, it gives our customers
insightful information to better manage their
fleets on a day-to-day basis. This information
would include telemetry and productivity
reporting of equipment; location tracking;
task management; scheduling, drill plan
visualisation; and 3D scanning.
Our data analytics is another tool that
focuses on overall equipment efficiency;
meaning, how effectively a piece of equipment
is operating. The analytics tool uses all the
information gathered from the OptiMine
Short Interval Control Modules and other
sources such as maintenance breakdown
and HR systems, to name a few. The
analytics considers all inputs and predicts
the likelihood of production targets being
met. It provides insight into equipment
health, operator performance, and key factors
influencing overall equipment efficiency.
The total system gives the mine manager
a real-time view of the mine, which enables
them to better manage the operations daily.
We have the ability to interface every aspect
of the mine to ultimately provide a better
total package. Sandvik was one of the first
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
to publish an interoperability policy, which
means we can work with other companies or
systems to create an integrated solution for
mining companies.
What does ‘interoperability’ refer
to?
It basically means working with any other
system. We can integrate with any customer
system they may have, for example breakdown
reporting systems, enterprise management
systems, HR systems, long-term planning
software, and computerised maintenance
management systems.
Automation in the underground
environment is a much talked
about subject in mining circles;
what is Sandvik doing in that
space?
We have implemented a whole range
of automation solutions, from onboard
automation on drill rigs and bolters, for
example, to tele-remote and other physical
remote operations of equipment from an
operator station. The operator station can be
located anywhere in the mine or on surface.
We are also looking at fully autonomous
equipment, which can be for a single unit,
multiple units, or an entire fleet, depending
on the mine application and mine layouts. For
example, at Resolute Mining’s Syama gold
mine in Mali, our fleet will be the world’s first
fully autonomous mine. There, everything
runs autonomously.
Syama is a unique project; what
will the mine be doing that is
groundbreaking?
In a world first, Syama will be undertaking
autonomous trucking and dumping to surface
and returning underground with the trucks
on a dedicated tramming decline. The entire
fleet at Syama is manufactured by Sandvik.
The load haul dump (LHD) trucks are
fully autonomous, as are the production drill
rigs. The face drilling units are fitted with
onboard automation solutions, which means
that they are physically able to download a
drill plan and then the machine drills on its
own; however, it is not remotely operated at
this stage.
Is moving towards fully
autonomous solutions a trend
among mining companies?
Distribution and Product Support by:
Branches and
Dealers throughout
South Africa and
Southern Africa
ELB Promise
Right
Job
Right
Time
Right
Way
For most greenfield projects in Africa,
automation is a key component. They are not
www.elbequipment.co.za
+27 (0)11 306 0700
[email protected]
www.miningmirror.co.za
MAY 2019 MINING MIRROR [37]
MAY 2019 MINING MIRROR [37]