Laser monitoring is helping the Mogalakwena mine remain profitable in stark contrast to other platinum mining operations in South Africa. Mogalakwena mine is still expanding and an integrated laser monitoring system, from SiteMonitor Systems, is being used to ensure safe continuity of production. Purchased from 3D Laser Mapping the Mogalakwena system includes a state of the art high speed laser scanner together with mine monitoring software specifically developed for this type of operation. Mogalakwena is a large open-pit mine located in Mokopane, Limpopo and represents one of the largest platinum reserves in the region, 3D Laser says.
 
“Mogalakwena Mine is a dynamic platinum mine that invests in reliable technology to ensure safe delivery of profitable platinum to all stakeholders. Laser Scanning is a proven solution and we have worked with 3D Laser Mapping for nearly ten years during which time they have provided us with the best technology, service and training,” commented Frans Benadé, Section Surveyor for Anglo American Platinum at Mogalakwena.
 
“The main production focus is currently on the northern extent of the mine at the North open pit. Due to the large footprint and unusual ‘boomerang’ shape the decision was made to expand our current monitoring set-ups. We already have a number of systems from 3D Laser Mapping and the latest installation will support future expansions including the joining of the three individual pits.”
 
The latest monitoring solution being implemented by Anglo American Platinum at Mogalakwena includes SiteMonitor4D; SiteMonitor Systems’ state of the art laser monitoring solution. SiteMonitor4D is a modular system that gives the user the ability to exploit the potential of laser scanning for measuring change and improving mine safety. SiteMonitor4D is typically used in open pits for the continuous or periodic stability monitoring of unstable high walls and slopes.
 
The system also includes a RIEGL VZ-4000 high speed laser scanner. The VZ-4000 offers superior and unrivalled long range performance at distances of up to 4,000 m. The VZ-4000 uses unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse operating conditions and demanding multi target situations caused by dust, haze, rain, snow, etc. which are frequently found in difficult environments such as mine sites. Achieving accuracies of up to 5mm the VZ-4000 can measure up to 222,000 points/sec with a 100 x 360^o field of view.