Modular Mining Systems is launching an affordable solution to track and manage assets: the DISPATCH® AssetAlertTM module. The new module for surface mines was unveiled today at EXPOSIBRAM 2011, the largest mining show in Brazil. IM’s Editor, Paul Moore is atteding the event. AssetAlert uses low-cost, low-maintenance hardware, within a self-healing wireless mesh network, to communicate asset data to the DISPATCH fleet management system’s central server.
The hardware is comprised of a small, rugged device called the LASSOTM. The LASSO is equipped with on-board GPS, analog input, two digital inputs and outputs, and digital accelerometer. The LASSO attaches to any asset, mobile or fixed, and relays critical information such as: location, movement and speed, status (e.g. on/off, fuel level, temperature), or abnormal driving conditions. Mines can use LASSOs across the site to locate missing equipment, optimize equipment use, track vehicle movement to prevent theft, receive alerts when user-configurable thresholds are exceeded, and more.
“The possible uses are virtually limitless,” states Michael Lewis, Modular VP of Sales and Marketing. “With the AssetAlert module, you can ensure that your assets are in the right place, at the right time, performing the right task.” The new technology is just one of many innovations from Modular that will revolutionise the way mines work in real time.
Out in the field, Mirabela Nickel has implemented Modular’s IntelliMine® asset management suite into its Santa Rita operation, in Bahia, Brazil. Along with the DISPATCH fleet management system, Modular MasterLink® communications infrastructure and hardware are now installed at Santa Rita. Additional software associated with this project includes: the Lineup Management Module for automatically allocating people to machines; the Fuel Module to efficiently assign equipment to the fuel bay; the Aux Task Management Module that allows proactive management of the auxiliary fleet; and the Blending Module to automate blending at crushers and stockpiles. Modular says its “technology is now fully integrated into operations and making a visible difference.
“Mirabela selected the IntelliMine suite for its advanced product features, quality, reliability, and scalability on both open-pit and underground fronts. Also, Mirabela aims to take advantage of the global support network offered by Modular.”
“We chose the IntelliMine suite based on Modular’s worldwide presence in real-time mine management,” said Helbert Thomazella, Manager of Mine Planning and Control at Santa Rita. “The new technology has provided us with increased productivity, better management of equipment maintenance, easy creation of reports, and improved overall operations in real time.”
The Santa Rita operation, Mirabela’s primary asset, boasts the world’s largest greenfield nickel sulphide discovery in over a decade. Santa Rita is expected to be the world’s second largest open-pit nickel sulphide mine, with an estimated full annual production of 23,000 t of nickel in concentrate projected to begin by the end of 2011. With over 0.83 Mt of contained nickel from both open-pit and underground resources, the site looks to be a promising long-life project and a major player in meeting the rising global demand for nickel.
