Challenges in Traditional Load and Haul Analysis Traditional load and haul analysis methods have been characterized by estimations and disjointed data, resulting in delayed decision-making and suboptimal load optimization. The maintenance-intensive nature and high calibration costs of weighbridges and load cells further compound these challenges, leading to inaccuracies in load measurements.
Modikwa Mine experienced issues with respect to the accuracy and consistency of truck volumes at underground tipping points, as well as a lack of real-time communication with the Control Room regarding these volumes. Discrepancies between planned and actual production volumes were noted.
Whilst legacy fibre installations are established and commonplace, these are generally terminated with a network switch at level access or waiting places with limited connectivity available up to the working face, known colloquially as the “last-mile”.
Advancing Underground Mining with “Last-Mile” Connectivity A key lever for digitalization in underground mining is securing mine-wide, robust and resilient broadband wireless connectivity. The nature of underground mining is that digital infrastructure must operate and be maintained in a harsh, often unforgiving environments. Whilst legacy fibre installations are established and commonplace these are generally terminated […]
Ground Condition Analysis and Risk Mitigation In an irregular event, a cavity appeared after a blast on surface at a South African open pit Iron Ore operation. To mitigate subsequent risk the mine needed to understand the ground conditions and cavity dimensions, specifically how far the cavity extended and to ultimately understand potential reasons for […]
GAINING DATA ON INACCESSIBLE UNDERGROUND SHAFTS AND PASSES Finsch uses orepasses and underground silos to transfer ore between levels or to redirect ore for load and haul to the surface. Blockages, hang-ups, overbreak or scaling can impact the structural integrity and result in extended downtime and significant remediation costs. Accurate imagery enables mine engineers to […]
Visual Access for Remote Mine Site Inspections As a large, well respected consulting firm overlooking and managing various remote mine sites, Krypton Mining Principal Consultant Lou Moller was in search of a solution that would allow them seamless visual access to the remote project sites. He needed to be able to walk the site doing […]
Addressing Scaling and Bulging Issues in Zimbabwe’s Raise Bore Due to unknown causes, an underground mine in Zimbabwe had been experiencing scaling and bulging on the walls of their raise bore. To understand the extent of the bulge and ultimately resolve the scaling, Dwyka Mining Services, as authorized distributors of the Hovermap SLAM-based technology were […]
Enhancing Stockpile Scanning at South African Chrome Mine A Chrome Mine in South Africa formerly used a GPS powered solution, for on-surface stockpile scanning. As much as these produced results, the mine encountered several limitations which included safety issues, it is labor intensive, connectivity issues, gaps in the scanned data, errors, and a long turnaround […]
Rosh Pinah Mine: Producing Zinc and Lead Since 1969 in Namibia The Rosh Pinah mine is an underground zinc-lead mine situated in the southwestern region of Namibia. It is located around 800 kilometers to the south of Windhoek and about 20 kilometers to the north of the Orange River. The mine has been in operation […]