OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
THE DIGITAL
he mining industry has evolved tremendously in the past decade, more than the combined century previous to it. With new
advancements in mining technologies, companies can capture missed revenue opportunities, enhance safety for the workforce and achieve operational goals. Digital technologies have rapidly expanded throughout the global mining industry and the biggest push has been due to the gains the sector has made from implementing these tools. Automation and remote- control technologies are proven to enhance operational performances in mines. Tese tools allow operations to continue during typical downtime events and allow operators to manage their machines remotely without exposure to hazardous mining environments. Digital tools prove to be a truly innovative solution to increasing production safely.
EVOLUTION T
Adele Huard & Gabriel Janakaraj explore how the development of innovative technology has enhanced operations in metals mining
Autonomous manoeuvring with Teleop Auto
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ARE TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY To ensure these systems’ performance, a mine-grade communication backbone is required. Tis provides the conduit to near-real-time communications between the operator, machines and other assets. Tese tools are integrated into a high- performance network to provide flexibility and transparency between all assets within the mine ecosystem. Automation and other innovative digital technologies are transforming the sector, and mining companies that adopt the infrastructure to support these advancements in their current operations will position themselves for an easy transition into future developments and greenfield projects. Traditionally, remote- control technology was used only in cases where the operator did not have the option
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of entering the machine or to complete duties in extremely high-risk environments. Now, tele-remote technologies are used in various applications to help optimise the mine’s production cycles and to support all processes throughout the mine’s operation. Tis technology coupled with automation allows for a continuous cycle to occur throughout the operating schedule. In addition, sensors can provide business intelligence on mine vitals and asset performances that enhance planning and predictability. Remote-control technologies, such
as Hard-Line’s Teleop operator control station, can be situated on the surface of the mine or in the office somewhere in the city; providing the perfect solution for safe and productive work-life. Tese ergonomic control stations provide a one- to-one control of any heavy equipment seen on site. Te system is made up of pedals, joystick and monitors that give the operators full functionality of the machine as if they are sitting in the cab. Te control station allows work to be accomplished in remote regions without the need for a fly- in fly-out schedule of the operators, thus attracting top talent to work for isolated regions around the world. Teleop Multi allows a single operator in a control station to select from multiple
machines, which may include several types of equipment of various makes and models. Tis gives operators full control over a fleet that is not dependant on location or work zone. Te system can accommodate mine expansion because it is scalable and modular. Other available technologies include autonomous software upgrades, such as Hard-Line’s Teleop Auto, which is a one-to- one system that delivers auto speed, steering and braking for trucks, trains and load haul dump (LHD) machines. Tele-remote and automation packages
have been proven viable through software capabilities that work in tangent with a high-performance backbone network. Te integration of a reliable communications infrastructure allows the connectivity of various devices such as LHDs, rockbreakers, haul-trucks, drills, etc. to function correspondingly under one shared network. Te WiFi-based network enables the remote and autonomous operation of multiple brands of heavy-duty machinery to work collectively without interference. Te diversity of these technologies allows various mining applications to
The Teleop remote control stations offer users full functionality of the machine
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