OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Operators of tailings dams and storage sites have an obligation to maintain structural integrity, so accurate, real-time monitoring is critical
DELIVERING DIGITALISATION
The Krucial Connect solution provides a private drop- in network to digitise any location. This means mine operators can deploy the system on a site and benefit from continuous and autonomous data transfer from hundreds of sensing devices across a 15km range, from any location. The solution is off-grid
capable with multiple in-built power options, including renewable energy sources, and sends data via multi- backhauls across cellular or satellite, depending on what is available. The solution is robust to extreme environments and ensures data continues to flow through storms or power outages.
Right: Mining equipment features lots of data points that need to be transmitted and monitored accurately
E
nsuring the structural integrity and monitoring the environmental impact of tailing dams is critical,
given the potential risks they impose, says Kevin Quillien, Co-Founder and CTO of the UK-headquartered communications company, Krucial. “Traditionally, conventional in situ geotechnical instruments such as piezometers, inclinometers or manual water sampling are used and read by operators, and it is not uncommon for these readings to be manually inserted into spreadsheets or other data recording applications,” explains Quillien. “But given tailings dams are often located in remote or off-grid locations and range in size from a few to a thousand hectares,
this can take up a lot of resources and the data collected using manual resources often does not represent a current indication of the environment.” The telecoms tech expert also points out that is imperative to monitor the potential water quality impact from water run-off due to rainfall or other reasons: “Operators have a duty to ensure environmental compliance to local regulations,” he states. Luckily for said operators, Quillien
and his team at Krucial have recently developed a new solution – Krucial Connect – that aims to modernise how operators conduct tailings dam monitoring. Describing the solution, Quillien says: “Krucial Connect provides a drop-in private network
for enterprises to digitise any location on Earth, even the most remote where no other infrastructure is present on site. Users can transfer data to/from hundreds of industrial IoT, sensing or control devices, within a 15km wireless range from a central gateway to any data application, digital twin or AI on the cloud.” Further detailing this advanced
comms technology, Quillien says: “Robust for extreme environments and off-grid capable, Krucial Connect utilises multi-backhaul satellite- cellular connectivity to ensure continuous data is available anytime from anywhere. We’re giving decision makers access to the data they need to cut cost, reduce risk and improve sustainability.”
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