Tag Archives: Blast Movement Technologies

Blast Movement Technologies bolsters post-blast data acquisition with FED 2.0

Automation, Explosives and blasting, IoT, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Blast Movement Technologies, part of Hexagon, has released a new flight enabled detector to safely and expediently retrieve post-blast location data.

FED 2.0 is a specially fitted UAV that comes with improved detection depths of up to 12 m. By adhering to strict ‘stand-off’ guidelines, it enables the swift retrieval of BMM (Blast Movement Monitor) location data, post blast, without the need to walk the muckpile, according to BMT.

BMT released its first UAV detector in November 2019, establishing an alternate, semi-automated solution to retrieve BMM sensor data.

Like its predecessor, FED 2.0 is based on the DJI Matrice M600Pro flying platform, but now features an automated Winch mechanism to lower the detector closer to the surface and away from the main UAV body. This not only ensures greater detection depths but also lessens the interference from the motor and blades, according to BMT.

The Winch was developed in partnership with Australia-based, unmanned systems specialist, Insitu Pacific, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Insitu ensured the new winch technology worked seamlessly with the existing FED ground control software, as well as introducing several other user experience improvements, BMT said.

FED 2.0 features an automated flight control and customisable flight plan. It has a built-in GNSS receiver to enhance positioning information and a vertical and horizontal collision detection system. It can also resume the mission after low battery replacement from the point where it was suspended. The on-board computer allows for immediate processing of incoming data, ensuring access to the movement data while resolving safety and environmental considerations.

BMT CEO, Jacques Janse, said: “With many mines focused on recovering more ore quickly and safely, our FED 2.0 continues our journey towards an autonomous future. This safety aspect, along with the increased detection depths, opens up the ability to use our BMM system in more mines.”

Hexagon adds Blast Movement Technologies to Smart Mine portfolio

Explosives and blasting, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Hexagon AB has acquired Blast Movement Technologies (BMT) from RCF Jolimont Mining Innovation in a deal that will see customers “extract greater profit from every blast”, the Stockholm-listed company said.

The acquisition of BMT, a pioneer in blast movement monitoring and analysis for open-pit mines, will complement Hexagon’s drill and blast solutions with accurate ore location information, according to Hexagon.

“The ability to accurately track blast movement is a huge benefit for mines striving to be smarter and more sustainable,” Hexagon said. “It’s a highly variable process that can cost mines millions of dollars in lost revenue per year from ore loss – where valuable ore is sent to the waste pile, and dilution – where waste is sent to the mill.”

Through a combination of sensors and software, BMT’s solution provides customers with accurate blast information that is used to recover all of a mine’s resources, Hexagon said. The patented solution collects data from blast movement sensors, which move with the blasted material. Software is used to transform the data into actionable insights – from the post-blast location of ore to the outputs of more precise dig lines based on the measured movement.

Hexagon President and CEO, Ola Rollén, said: “Today’s acquisition of BMT is a powerful addition to our Smart Mine portfolio, further closing the drill and blast loop for our customers and, ultimately, improving their ability to measure, manage and improve mining operations from pit to plant.”

Nick Hare, Hexagon’s Mining division COO, said the deal was great news for Hexagon customers. “The Blast Movement Technologies system is the only one of its type and generates significant profits for customers in every blast at over 120 open-pit mines globally. The company is rapidly growing and is becoming standard best practice for open-cut mining operations. It will be a highly valuable and complementary addition to our suite of pit-to-plant digital solutions.”

With offices worldwide, Brisbane-based BMT counts more than 100 customer sites mining nine commodities in nearly 40 countries. The company, which will continue to be run by Jacques Janse, CEO of BMT, will be fully consolidated and operate within the mining unit of Hexagon’s Geosystems division. BMT’s 2019 sales amounted to €19 million ($21.1 million), according to Hexagon.