Tag Archives: Hexagon

Hexagon’s Mining division partners with Phoenix Drill Control on autonomous drill tech

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Phoenix Drill Control, a technology company specialised in implementing autonomous technology to the open-pit, blasthole drilling process.

Applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine control to drill automation, Phoenix Drill Control’s autonomous drill technology overcomes the constraints typically associated with traditional drill automation platforms, such as removal or replacement of existing machine controls, extensive operator training and reliance on operator input, according to Hexagon’s Mining division.

AI algorithms monitor all input signals and take dynamic corrective action, without operator input and before catastrophic hole failure or a stuck drill bit occurs. Phoenix’s autonomous drilling platform has a proven production track record demonstrating that it outperforms the industry’s existing automated drills.

Optimised drill operations have the potential to significantly improve a mine’s bottom line by protecting machine life, ensuring high-quality blast holes and reducing overall drill costs, the company said. Consolidating the necessary technology into one connected platform is how Hexagon is helping to empower its customers’ autonomous future.

Ryan Hawes, COO, Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “Partnership with Phoenix Drill Control will further enhance Hexagon’s autonomous capabilities. Phoenix Drill Control’s simplified, scalable automation platform is commercially available immediately. It will bring profound benefits to customers, including faster decisions with greater accuracy, improved health and safety, greater efficiency by eliminating errors and a smaller environmental footprint.

“Like Hexagon, Phoenix Drill Control creates technology that is scalable and platform-agnostic. This ensures data is accurate, without operator induced noise, and does its best work, arming customers with a feedback loop that points the way to a safer, more productive and sustainable future.”

Mark Baker, President of Phoenix Drill Control, added: “We’re excited to partner with Hexagon and believe our collaboration will benefit customers. The combination of Phoenix’s AI technology with Hexagon will propel autonomous drilling to the forefront of the industry. After all, drilling is at the beginning of the mining process, and when done right, the entire value chain benefits.”

Rossing Uranium puts safety first with HxGN MineProtect OAS-HV installation

Communications in mining, Energy minerals, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division has completed what it says is a significant safety installation with Rossing Uranium Mine, in Namibia. This has seen primary mining vehicles at the mine equipped with HxGN MineProtect Operator Alertness System Heavy Vehicle (OAS-HV), two months ahead of schedule.

The customer’s commitment, engagement and willingness to adapt to COVID restrictions played a large part in the project’s success, according to Andrew Crose, Managing Director-EMEA, Hexagon’s Mining division.

“Hexagon shares Rossing’s commitment to safety and the core belief that people are a mine’s most precious asset,” Crose said. “The resourcefulness displayed by everyone involved was impressive. It ensured that we completed the project successfully and ahead of schedule.”

OAS-HV is an integrated fatigue and distraction detection, alerting and reporting solution that helps operators maintain the level of attention necessary for long shifts. Integrated with HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System, OAS-HV uses sophisticated computer vision technology to provide a real-time fatigue and distraction risk status and traffic awareness to operators via unobtrusive, operator-friendly displays, according to the company.

Included with Rossing’s deployment is Hexagon’s 24/7 Remote Monitoring Service, ensuring impartial monitoring without imposing on the customer’s IT & Server infrastructure.

A successful trial among operators of OAS-HV in the December quarter of 2020 led to full deployment, George Murasiki, former Principal Advisor: Pit Operations and current Principal Advisor: Long Term Planning, said, with the system fully adopted by the operators.

“We noticed an increase in the productivity of operators and machinery, which improved our production,” he said. “Good communication between all parties ensured we achieved the efficiencies needed to reach targets early.”

Located in the Namib Desert, 70 km from the coastal town of Swakopmund, Rossing Uranium Mine is one of the largest open-pit uranium mines in the world.

Mineral Resources partners with Hexagon for ‘autonomous road train first’

Automation, Bulk handling, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , ,

Mineral Resources Ltd (MRL) says it has partnered with Hexagon to develop an autonomous road train solution as part of a plan to unlock “stranded tonnes” in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

Part of its mining services infrastructure supply chain solution, the autonomous road trains will form an essential part of the cost-efficient supply chain for the Ashburton Hub iron ore project, MRL said.

To support the development of the 30 Mt/y Ashburton Hub, the company plans to run a fleet of 425 t Gross Combination Mass (GCM), triple-trailer road trains operating across multiple convoys, with each road train convoy consisting of up to five prime mover trucks, with three trailers each, hauling the ore from the mine site to the Port of Ashburton.

The autonomous road train solution integrates Hexagon’s drive-by-wire technology with an autonomous management system to orchestrate vehicle movement, MRL explained. A successful pilot project is already underway at MRL’s Yilgarn operations (pictured) using 385 t GCM triple-trailer road trains, which have been tailored for the specific economic constraints of iron ore and other bulk commodities. During the next two years, the testing will continue, ramping up to 425 t GCM in time for the development of the Ashburton Hub project in the December quarter of 2023.

In this final configuration, a remote operations centre would monitor the trucks, with one operator in control of the platoon.

“An autonomous road train configuration of this scale is a world first and reflects MRL’s approach to continuous improvement and innovation,” it said. “We will initially adopt the technology for our own operations, with a view to offering the solution to our large Tier One customer base, further growing MRL’s mining services business.”

Mike Grey, MRL’s Chief Executive – Mining Services, said: “MRL has always been at the forefront of providing innovative and low-cost mining services solutions. In recent years, we have implemented a number of new technologies which have enhanced the safety and operational efficiency of our long-distance road train haulage fleet, reducing the risks of driver fatigue and increasing fleet availability. The autonomous road trains will take us to the next level again. They provide a safe, cost-efficient solution for hauling ore, which is key to unlocking stranded tonnes in the Pilbara.”

He added: “Being part of the MRL Group, our Mining Services division is in a really good position to trial all of our new technologies on our own mine sites prior to offering additional services to our customers. Our autonomous road trains, combined with our other innovations, are all part of our growth strategy to expand our capability to provide full pit-to-ship, low-cost infrastructure solutions.”

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont donate blasting tech to Curtin Uni and WASM

Explosives and blasting, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , ,

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont have teamed up to provide 1,920 Blast Movement Monitors, a GP5300 Detector Kit, HxGN MineMeasure sensor software and training, valued at A$1 million ($712,570), to Curtin University and the WA School of Mines.

Recently launched by Hexagon at MINExpo in Las Vegas, MineMeasure (pictured) allows mines to safely and accurately track blasts to minimise loss and dilution with blast movement sensor software. Measuring 3D blast movement and translating ore polygons with Blast Movement Monitors and GP5300 Detector Kit to account for displacement are, meanwhile, critical steps in achieving optimal ore yield, RCF Jolimont said.

“This is great news for mining students at WASM,” Rob Daw, Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon’s Mining division, said. “MineMeasure is the only portfolio of its type and generates significant profits for customers in every blast at over 120 open-pit mines globally.”

The ability to accurately track blast movement is a huge benefit for mines striving to be smarter and more sustainable. Blasting is a highly variable process and ore loss during blasting can cost mines millions of dollars in lost revenue per year. MineMeasure provides customers with accurate blast information that is used to recover all of a mine’s resources, allowing the valuable ore to be sent to the mill, avoiding dilution and misclassification, according to Hexagon.

Sabina Shugg, Director – Curtin Kalgoorlie Campus, said: “We are delighted with this donation from Hexagon and RCF Jolimont. It enables us to provide our students with training in this best practice blast measurement solution.”

Lex McArthur, from RCF Jolimont, said: “WASM is a recognised global leader in mining engineering studies and we are delighted to have provided part of the funding to enable this donation to come together.”

Hexagon, Volvo Construction Equipment to collaborate on autonomous safety systems

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining software, , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division has announced an agreement with Volvo Construction Equipment to provide autonomous safety systems for the mining industry.

This pact would allow Volvo CE off-road mining vehicles to be equipped with Hexagon Level-9 vehicle intervention technology, the companies say.

The independent and interoperable HxGN MineProtect Vehicle Intervention System (VIS) provides brake and drive-by-wire technology, automatically taking control of the propulsion system of the truck in defined situations, if the operator fails to do so, Hexagon explains. VIS is now being deployed in three continents across 20 mines with trucks expected to be deployed by the end of 2022.

Today’s agreement empowers customers of both companies to accelerate their pursuit of zero harm, they say. Visitors to MINExpo 2021 in Las Vegas this week can see VIS integrated and demo-ed at the Volvo CE booth. Demonstrations of Hexagon’s latest autonomous capabilities are also scheduled today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These include a preview of Hexagon’s autonomous mission management system, which provides intelligent routing in the mining environment, and Hexagon-AutonomouStuff’s drive-by wire capabilities.

Hexagon offers a holistic and integrated platform for proximity detection, collision avoidance and operator awareness as part of a broader sensor, software and autonomous portfolio.

Nick Hare, Hexagon’s Mining division President, says: “We are thrilled to have this agreement with Volvo Construction Equipment, who share Hexagon’s belief that the most important assets coming out of a mine are the people who make mining possible. VIS is a key enabler of autonomy in our drive towards delivering a truly autonomous connected ecosystem, helping customers to improve efficiency and effectiveness safely and sustainably.”

Hexagon to deploy MineOperate OP Pro fleet management system at Sepon gold mine

Base metals, Communications in mining, IoT, Mine operation news, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Precious metals, , , , , , , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division is set to deploy its HxGN MineOperate OP Pro in trucks, excavators and auxiliary equipment at the Sepon gold mine in southern Laos as part of a new fleet management project.

Sepon is an open-pit gold and copper mine located in Savannakhet Province in southern Laos. The mine is owned and operated by Lane Xang Minerals Limited, one of the largest gold producers in Laos.

Since operations commenced in 2003, Sepon has produced 1.2 Moz of gold doré and more than 1 Mt of copper cathode. In 2020, Sepon produced more than 39,730 t of copper and 64,809 oz of gold doré. The mine already uses Hexagon’s drill and blast solutions.

Commenting on the HxGN MineOperate OP Pro installation – to be completed by the end of the year – Shane Boak, Business Manager & General Manager Sales, Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Lane Xang as they enhance operations at Sepon mine. OP Pro helps mines maximise efficiency while improving safety, and we are excited to see Lane Xang implement our system across their fleet.”

Jimmy Yana, Senior Superintendent – Mining Operations Excellence and Contracts, Lane Xang Minerals Limited, said: “HxGN MineOperate OP Pro will be critical for LXML to optimise the use of our mining fleet. We are excited to start this new journey in Sepon and look forward to working with Hexagon to maximise the value from their solution in our operation.”

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 colour to drill and blast process with HxGN Split HSL

Comminution of minerals, Explosives and blasting, IoT, Mining software, , , , , ,

Hexagon has, once again, looked to improve fragmentation analysis within the drill and blast process by adding split colour features to its offering.

HxGN Split provides technologically advanced image-analysis techniques to help mines optimise fragmentation, saving significant costs while improving drill and blast processes, the company says.

New to Split’s solution suite is HSL (Hue, Saturation and Luminance), a colour analysis feature that empowers mine operators with real-time detection of ore types.

“Real-time tracking of product types allows for immediate decision making to optimise rock-size reduction and product-type treatments,” Hexagon says. “The new feature further supports operational efforts to improve product throughput and ore recovery.”

This is important when mining operations are continuing to maximise existing resources, using value-added technologies.

HSL’s key benefits include:

  • The ability to monitor product type blending for optimum processing;
  • Reduce ore dilution by tracking product source mining;
  • Maximise throughput with consistent product delivery to the plant; and
  • Immediately adjust ore recovery treatments based upon product type.

“Hue, Saturation and Luminance values are measured during live plant production and provide a statistically relevant sample required to aid decision making,” Hexagon says. “A colour wheel is applied to the images to provide calculated HSL values for every processed iteration. Evaluation of the Split HSL values are correlated to the mine geologic product types to find the unique image property signatures.”

The HSL values are measured for the image samples to be trended on live operator screens. Step changes in the Split results provide immediate indicators for product type changes that signal the need for operational responses, Hexagon says.

Timely decisions surrounding the operating conditions lead to improved plant throughput and product recovery, while additional detailed measurements for individual rock particles can be measured using the same Split HSL measurements to find the ratios of the product type blends.

The company concluded: “Drill and blast is a notoriously complex, multi-layered process. HxGN Split’s image processing technology delivers high-quality information, ensuring the key step of fragmentation analysis is managed from drill to mill, thus improving mine profits.”

Gold Fields installs CAS safety solution at Tarkwa gold mine

Communications in mining, IoT, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , ,

Gold Fields is upping the safety stakes at its Tarkwa gold mine in Ghana, employing a collision avoidance system (CAS) that should reduce the number of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-personnel interactions at the open-pit operation.

Having installed a fatigue management system back in 2012-2013 – which saw equipment interactions and accidents decrease – the company has now purchased the HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System Pro as part of a “discrete, dedicated project”, a company spokesperson confirmed to IM.

Hexagon says the CAS Pro system protects all mining vehicles, assets and vehicle operators within 500 m of the installed cab-based unit in open-pit mines.

The solution provides 360° awareness for surrounding vehicles and selected assets, as well as a collision avoidance function based on path prediction, the company explained.

Using GNSS and RF technologies, the solution enjoys high operator adoption because of minimal nuisance alarms and enhanced safety for all mine and vehicle types, according to Hexagon.

The Gold Fields spokesperson said CAS Pro was being used in line with Earth Moving Equipment Safety Roundtable (EMESRT) guidelines. The solution includes operator awareness and advisory controls, the spokesperson added.

As part of the project, Gold Fields has issued 150 personal tags to employees working near operating equipment, including spotters and samplers. The operating equipment to benefit from the new solution includes 84 dump trucks, 21 excavators, 65 pieces of ancillary fleet (including loaders, dozers and service trucks) and 100 light vehicles (50 with fixed CAS units and 50 with removable units).

While the CAS solution does not include anti-braking functionality, it does have a range of other intervention procedures, according to the spokesperson.

“Stopping a plus-200 t haul truck in milliseconds in an open-pit environment may create other hazards,” the spokesperson explained.

Hexagon’s Mining and Trysome commit to South Africa mine safety partnership

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division has announced a five-year partnership with Trysome Auto-Electrical Engineering in South Africa.

The long-term agreement renews a relationship established more than a decade ago to support Hexagon’s integrated life-of-mine solutions, particularly its MineProtect safety portfolio, the company said, adding that systems ensuring collision avoidance, operator alertness, personal protection, reverse assist and vehicle intervention are among the solutions offered.

Both companies believe the agreement will be particularly welcome news for mines seeking the technology and service to comply with South Africa’s safety regulations for all Trackless Mobile Machinery, such as trucks, Hexagon said. This includes Level-9 autobraking and intervention controls, which require technologies that automatically intervene and take some form of machine control to prevent or mitigate an unsafe action.

“Backed by global support and product development, trained technicians in Hexagon and Trysome’s Johannesburg offices are well situated to help customers meet new DMR (Department of Mineral Resources) standards,” Hexagon said. “Hexagon’s MinePlan portfolio integrates the market-leading collision avoidance system (CAS) with a vehicle intervention system (VIS). VIS automatically takes control of a machine if the operator does not react appropriately to a CAS warning.”

Andrew Crose, EMEA Managing Director for Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “Like our customers, we’re serious about safety so this is a timely agreement between our companies. We’re proud of the work we’ve done with Trysome over the last decade and excited to extend this relationship to help companies pursuing zero harm throughout southern Africa.”

Trysome COO, Gunter Haacke, said:”Hexagon’s international experience and Trysome’s 28 years of African market expertise, infrastructure, and coverage are ideally suited for customers complying with safety legislation. With more than 150 skilled technicians and a team of specialist engineers, Trysome is well geared to meet local demand.”