MATERIALS HANDLING
Tis step forward was achieved
through sophisticated production modelling that compared the loading process with conventional techniques. MMD talked to miners to get as much input as possible. Ten it developed software to define benchmarks for truck and shovel operations and compare these against actual production run rates. Tis software demonstrated precisely what would occur. Harnessing this information, the team generated a simulation of trucks loaded in a traditional fashion and compared it with the same operations using the FMSL. It was immediately clear that the new solution represented a major improvement in terms of performance.
TAKING OPEN-CAST MINES TO THE NEXT LEVEL Based on data simulations, MMD believes that the FMSL can deliver between 20% and 40% production gains with the shovel loading at maximum capacity, compared with existing
truck-and-shovel techniques with a standard cycle of three to four shovel passes per truck. Using greater numbers of the loaders
Typical truck and shovel mining operation incorporating the FMSL
within a mine can increase the benefits substantially – for instance not only can the number of trucks for a mine be reduced, there can also be a reduction in the number of shovels in the new system.
Large open-pit mines could deploy multiple units to facilitate mining on multiple benches, with the fully mobile sizer and surge loader for ore processing and individual surge loaders accompanying each shovel to manage overburden.
Te FMSL can prove particularly
effective in mining operations that have switched – or are in the process of switching – to autonomous truck mining. Integrating seamlessly into the operation, it can greatly boost the transition to autonomy by simplifying truck movements. In turn, this makes the mine much safer for the shovel operator. MMD’s priorities were to increase
production, reduce ongoing CAPEX and OPEX and decrease truck wear and spotting time, whilst enhancing mine safety. Its experiences in Colombia and China have demonstrated that investing in tomorrow’s technology can transform the efficiency and safety of open-cast mines today.
Chris Pearson is with MMD.
www.mmdsizers.com
www.engineerlive.com 45
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