Modular Mining Systems has received a follow up order to replace a competitive fleet management system (FMS) with Modular’s Dispatch^® FMS, at Vale’s Abóboras mine. Located 50 km from downtown Belo Horizonte in Nova Lima City, Abóboras comprises one-third of the Vargem Grande Complex, which also includes Vale’s Tamandua and Capitão do Mato operations.

The Dispatch system will supersede Vale’s current FMS on 46 pieces of equipment. Modular’s Speed Management, Prestart Checklist, Fuel Service Management, and Auxiliary Equipment add-on modules will enhance the system’s operator safety, cost control, and equipment utilisation, capabilities. In addition, Modular’s MineCare^® Maintenance Management and MasterLink^® Wireless solutions will provide proactive equipment health monitoring and network communications, respectively.

“Vale is very progressive, and is committed to investing in technology that can help increase the efficiency, safety, and productivity of their operations,” said Airton de Sena, General Manager, Modular Brazil. “Modular provides the forward-thinking, innovative solutions that Vale is looking for to help solve their challenges,” he added.

The successful implementation of the Dispatch system at Vale’s Capitão Xavier mine was a key motivator in the decision to install the FMS at Abóboras. Because of the system’s optimization capabilities, Capitão Xavier mine realized excellent productivity gains. The mine was also able to maximize its fleet utilization and meet planned production targets with two fewer trucks in operation.