FLEET MANAGEMENT applications with the information they need . “ These AI engines are going to make the decisions , and then pass them to DISPATCH to get executed . So the engine itself at this point is not native to DISPATCH . We have these applications currently at a couple of our mining customer operations in tests , focused on the refuelling optimisation .”
Currently Komatsu is using the digital twin with the engine making the decisions on its side – referred to as encapsulated dispatch . Komatsu is pulling the data it needs and the AI engine is currently on Komatsu premises . But it will have the ability to this on the Cloud as well . The outcome is going to run and the AI engine will provide that schedule that is then sent back to DISPATCH for execution .
The other big FMS news in Komatsu is that it has acquired iVolve Holdings Pty Ltd based in Queensland , Australia , which is led by CEO Kim Parascos . iVolve is well known supplier of FMS for construction and mining equipment . In particular it provides FMS for small to mid-tier miners , contractors , and quarries . iVolve offers systems that visualise operation management information , reduce running costs , and promote safe operations through access to real-time data .
Through this acquisition , Komatsu says it will globally deploy iVolve ’ s FMS , which has a unique IoT platform , as a new solution to further contribute to improving safety and productivity at customers ’ workplaces . iVolve will continue to provide its services as an independent group company , and Komatsu says it aims to become the world ’ s leading FMS provider in the construction and mining equipment market by capturing new business opportunities through Komatsu network . iVolve ’ s main FMS package is Mine4D , which focuses on operational efficiency improvements directly related to production and vehicle maintenance . This enables its clients to increase productivity , cut costs and minimise risk . The 4D refers to four key components . iVolve Mine4D Production enables real-time decision making in two ways : by providing real-time feedback to operators in-cab ; and by monitoring and recording in real-time all parameters of the haul truck load cycle . This data is sent over the Nexis network to the iVolve Server for real-time access 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 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
Fast2Mine expects to implement a further 35 projects in 2024 and reach the milestone of 300 operations by the end of 2027
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 .”
MAY 2024 | International Mining