Modular Mining Systems’ DISPATCH® Underground 2015 Fleet Management System (FMS) has been selected for implementation at George Fisher Mine in north Queensland, Australia. This underground lead-silver-zinc mine, which forms part of Glencore’s Mount Isa copper and zinc mining complex, first began production as Hilton mine in 1990 and today has an annual production rate of 3.1 Mt.

Chris McCleave, General Manager, George Fisher, explained that mine management had engaged in extensive research and a feasibility study to find an FMS that best suited the mine’s operational requirements.

“With the implementation of Modular’s DISPATCH Underground system we ultimately hope to improve productivity through increased equipment availability and improved utilisation of mobile assets, while also positively impacting operator safety,” said McCleave.

The DISPATCH Underground FMS, first commissioned in 1991, delivers a scalable, full-featured, and highly-configurable end-to-end solution that gives mines automated, real-time monitoring, management and visibility of their underground operations. Released in May of last year, the latest evolution of the underground system, DISPATCH Underground 2015, supports all development and production workflows and activities, enabling mines to maximize material movement, reduce mining costs, and effectively manage their mining processes.

Greg Sweeney, General Manager, Modular Australia said he is confident that the underground FMS will give George Fisher mine better visibility into the underground operations, resulting in enhanced real-time decision-making, increased operational efficiencies, and reduced costs.

“With Modular’s underground technologies in place, the mine stands to realize greater fleet utilization and increased production gains through a reduction in delays during shift change, breaks, and other activities,” said Sweeney.

George Fisher Mine will use the system on its fleet of LHDs and underground mining trucks. System implementation is expected to begin later this year and will be rolled out over an extended project period.