OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
operate efficiently with tele-remote and autonomous capabilities that help the mine achieve operational excellence.
NEW ADVANCEMENTS ARE OPTIMISING OPERATIONS Te mining sector has gained immensely through developments in automation and remote control. Tese systems offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced in operating mines around the world. Te integration of these techniques has brought considerable benefits in terms of higher productivity, through improved performance and reduced downtime. Mining companies can also achieve higher profit margins. As the cost-per-tonne and cut-off grade decreases with lower operating cost and increased throughput, these operations are less dependent on the price of commodities and increase their available reserves. Companies have invested in integrated
remote operations centres (IROC), located in urbanised areas. Tese centres reduce the stress of working in remote locations by mitigating the risk of environmental
A Hard-Line-generated mine model
hazards and operator fatigue. Mistakes can be minimised if not eliminated with the use of digital services that ensure accuracy and precision. Trough short- interval control modules, management can ensure the efficiency of its operations through mine vitals sent in real-time to the control centre. Tis assists in ensuring that key activities planned for each shift are achieved. With real-time updates from the face, management has control to make adjustments if necessary. Operations can monitor the mine from the surface and act promptly if something goes wrong.
Te technology empowers workers and feeds information to a management of operations system, which helps with planning and scheduling. Increased asset utilisation, of both mine personnel and equipment, can be accomplished through available teleop software upgrades because the same number of operators can each manage multiple pieces of equipment. Tis allows operations to take on bigger projects using existing assets. While these technologies enhance efficiencies, they continue to transform the mining industry and redefine rather than eliminate jobs – providing operators new skills and enhanced abilities. Mining companies that embrace the change will stay ahead of industry and in return, achieve operational excellence.
Adele Huard & Gabriel Janakaraj are with Hard-Line.
www.hard-line.com
www.engineerlive.com 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
