Micromine has been selected by Gold Fields to implement its mine control and management reporting solution, Pitram Optimum, at the Damang Gold Mine in Ghana. Pitram Optimum should allow Damang to increase production efficiencies by capturing data in real-time and improving the site’s reporting capabilities. The project commenced in May 2011. Pitram is a mine control and management reporting solution that provides the tools needed to make informed production and safety decisions, and run shifts more effectively. Comprised of intuitive asset, personnel and material tracking; safety; grade and stockpile management; real-time viewing; planning and optimisation; and reporting and analytics capabilities, Pitram offers mining operations of all sizes a scalable and flexible solution for maximising profitability and driving continuous improvement.Pitram Optimum is one of four solutions that comprise the Pitram product suite. The Pitram suite provides a unique upgrade path from the entry level Pitram Report solution, to the Pitram Control Solution, then to the fully automated Pitram Fleet Manager and Pitram Optimum Solutions.
The implementation of Pitram Optimum at Damang, an open-pit gold mine located in sothwest Ghana, commenced early May 2011, and is expected to be complete mid September. Micromine has also been contracted by Gold Fields to provide the wireless network that communicates, in real-time, the information captured by Pitram.
Micromine’s Business Solution Manager, Kyle van der Berg, explains “Because Pitram Optimum integrates production planning and optimisation, Damang will see a significant improvement with regards to the execution of mining plans and the maximisation of asset utilisation and efficiency. Damang’s management will be able to compare actuals against plans, and will have the ability to correct deviations from plans. Also, through intuitive equipment allocation, Damang can optimise production, reduce wait time and execute shift plans according to design or blending requirements. This will allow business targets to be achieved at the lowest possible cost”.
Gold Fields’ Supervisor – FMS & Projects, Barrett Blaauw, said “Gold Fields identified a need to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs at Damang. After considering a variety of mine solutions, Pitram Optimum was selected. I am confident that Pitram Optimum will benefit Damang, and help the site achieve company objectives”.