FLEET MANAGEMENT make changes.”
To overcome these challenges, Herman and his team developed the Newtrax Mining Data Platform( MDP). This is a comprehensive data management solution which makes the advantages of cloudhosted technologies, like blob storage and time series databases, available to mines via a locally hosted platform. This local data driven approach enables operations that have less reliable or mature data networks to get the same transformative benefits from their data as those with advanced networks.
Herman explained:“ The data processing capabilities and tools within Newtrax MDP allow users to create data pipelines that automate the movement and transformation of data, ensuring up to date analytics.
By supporting IoT messaging protocols like MQTT, MDP enables seamless communication between devices and systems, which is crucial for monitoring equipment and ensuring operational efficiency.”
Newtrax MDP is also OEM-agnostic. It can work with virtually any data source that mines have on site, eliminating the need for application programming interfaces( APIs) and enabling data aggregation from multiple solutions into a single business intelligence( BI) dashboard.
“ All data is processed through the same algorithms, which means that mines can compare apples to apples when it comes to things like equipment performance and safety,” said Herman.
Newtrax MDP’ s built in BI features can also assist with change management. These allow an unlimited number of users to create interactive, customisable reports and dashboards to support data-driven decision-making within their daily workflows. Helping users to visualise patterns in data and understand their significance empowers them to make adjustments proactively during their shifts rather than afterwards.
Sandvik says the results speak for themselves. Since implementing Newtrax MDP, a major diamond mining company in Africa saw a 70-80 % improvement in the cycle times of its underground haul trucks through the identification and elimination of bottlenecks.
“ Newtrax MDP is very agile and scalable
MST Global – the power of HELIX Dispatch
MST Global’ s HELIX Dispatch is a relatively new underground-focused FMS that integrates with production tracking solutions, providing a comprehensive view of underground activities. It combines location, time, and crew data, allowing for a complete picture of production processes. This integration leads to better decision-making and faster responses to operational changes. Managing the entire fleet’ s schedule and tasks is simplified through Short Interval Control( SIC). With alerts for delayed activities and the ability to assign and prioritise tasks, SIC improves task completion efficiency. This feature helps reduce inefficiencies at the working face, ultimately boosting productivity.
HELIX 3D Connect is a RTLS( Real-Time Location System) bringing a real-time, geospatial digital twin of the mining operations. This advanced tracking system uses multiple positioning technologies, providing clear visibility of assets and personnel both underground and on surface. With real-time tracking, reverse tracking, and geofencing, mine operators have a comprehensive tool for optimising operations. We caught up with Nick Rebeiro, Product Manager for HELIX Dispatch.
Q What is distinct about HELIX Dispatch that makes it particularly suited to and designed for underground mining operations?
HELIX Dispatch is designed, from the ground up, to improve underground mining operational efficiency. Real time operational visibility, combined with extensive configuration capabilities, enables Dispatch to add value to any underground load-and-haul operation.
Q Is it one of the few fleet management systems to have been designed for underground mines specifically?
There are several players in the underground FMS space. What makes HELIX Dispatch stand out is the 40 + years of experience that Komatsu has in providing mission critical fleet management solutions to global mining customers. Although HELIX Dispatch is a new product, it was formed leveraging this experience, along with nextgeneration tracking technology that MST Global stands out for.
Q Are there any attributes that make it distinct in the market?
At MST Global we understand that underground mining environments are unforgiving. Every onboard component that gets fitted to vehicles to enable real time productivity tracking has been carefully designed or selected for robustness against these harsh conditions, ensuring minimal disruptions to operations in terms of replacing / repairing hardware and maximising the longevity of the solution.
Q Does HELIX Dispatch require a certain level of underground network capability to function to its full capabilities?
HELIX Dispatch has been designed to capture productivity data with, or without network connectivity. This is a fundamental principle, as we understand it’ s not practical to cover 100 % of underground operations with a Wi-Fi network. With broader network coverage, customers can take advantage of increased access to real-time operational visibility. When vehicles regain a network connection, all production data captured offline is uploaded seamlessly, providing no gaps in data.
Q Can HELIX Dispatch integrate with other technologies underground such as vehicles with collision avoidance technology as well as remote control or even semi or fully autonomous machines?
HELIX Dispatch doesn’ t directly integrate with third party systems on the edge, yet. Given Dispatch can capture load and haul productivity data without operator input, we can seamlessly capture data across manned, remote-controlled, or autonomous mining vehicles.
Q Where has it seen the greatest success in the market in terms of region and type of underground mine? What has customer feedback been like and can you give some examples?
HELIX Dispatch has been deployed in several regions globally, including block cave and stoping operations. The solution boasts configuration flexibility, ensuring productivity gains no matter the mining method or geographical location of the operation. Our customers love collecting data with ease and utilising powerful tools to assign and manage tasks for the entire fleet. After reaping the benefits of HELIX Dispatch for a holistic view of mining operations, our customers can’ t imagine going dark again.
International Mining | MAY 2025