RPMGlobal has provided an update on its purpose-built Discrete Event Simulation solutions SIMULATE and HAULSIM which it says continue to lead the way in haulage simulation platform solutions for miners and OEMs. RPM is currently engaged with a global Tier 1 miner to simulate the benefits of haulage vehicle electrification within their mining operations and has added electric vehicle support to its global equipment library.

Commenting on the release, RPM’s Chief Executive Officer Richard Mathews said: “For a miner or OEM to be able to quickly calculate the environmental and social benefits and considerations contemporaneously with the financial and operational differentiators between diesel powered and electric vehicles will be enormous in the coming years. To be able to quantify the impact of equipment decisions not just economically but also environmentally is a massive leap forward for any mining organisation. Whilst sustainable mining may sound like a paradox, technology enablement and simulation to produce optimal haulage routes that minimise energy use and maximise deployment of electric vehicle alternatives has never been more important – and playing a role in this important initiative is a change that RPM is passionate about leading.”

RPM first released its haulage simulation platform solutions to the market in 2016 and now proudly supports both mining companies and the world’s leading OEMs as customers, including Komatsu, Volvo, Hitachi and more recently Caterpillar. The SIMULATE platform is now available to all Caterpillar equipment dealers, with Finning, Barloworld, Sotreq, Hastings Deering and WesTrac all adopting the platform to manage and enhance the productivity of their large-scale fleet base.

Commenting on the increased adoption of SIMULATE, Mathews continued by saying: “Since releasing SIMULATE to the market, RPM has been focused on establishing the platform as the industry benchmark for OEM simulation needs. Mine sites are dynamic and constantly changing, and with complex road networks, more miners are turning to innovative technology solutions to automate haulage activity to boost efficiency outcomes. Having the ability to run multiple scenarios and quantify the outcome without financial outlay is a major benefit. It’s fantastic to see that SIMULATE is proving to be the solution of choice for the world’s top OEMs and their dealer networks.”

Discrete Event Simulation enables customers to understand the complete haulage picture. With a calibrated simulation model, every question about changes to a haulage system can be tested and answered before equipment is purchased or works begin. Each simulation results in an abundance of information that can then be used to make informed decisions.With SIMULATE, OEMs can accurately model complex haulage networks at a mine with a high level of speed, precision and consistency. These simulations also utilise the equipment library for accurate calculations. OEMs can embed their own proprietary libraries as well as customised equipment matching logic, enabling them to accurately demonstrate productive mining outcomes to their mining customers.

For example, the ability to accurately conduct modelling of a customer’s haulage network using SIMULATE enables an OEM to recommend alternative machines, fleets and operational configurations to increase utilisation rates, production rates and improve equipment life. With SIMULATE, users can showcase and articulate equipment value that is quantified and proven through simulated demonstrations. This allows an OEM to work closely with the miner or contractor to support them in solving their issues and quantify improvements that can be made prior to investing capital in equipment or works.

With OEMs and miners needing to work closely to solve the issues the mining industry faces, RPMGlobal says SIMULATE is proving to be an important solution in that relationship. Mathews concluded by saying: “The ability to quantify and compare multiple scenarios and equipment selection through simulation ensures OEMs can make informed decisions about the best ways to maximise production and operational outcomes and provide the best solution for their mining customers. The world’s biggest miners are consistently looking for ways to unlock greater value from operations. Using SIMULATE, OEMs are able to effectively demonstrate the various ways their customers can achieve maximum profitability as well as minimise energy use and maximise deployment of Electric Vehicle alternatives from their equipment over the long-term.”