Tag Archives: Ireland

Davra and IoTDC to pair expertise for enhanced tailings storage facility monitoring

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining safety, Water management, , , , , , , ,

Industrial IoT solutions providers Davra and IoTDC have announced what they say is a landmark partnership that merges their expertise to launch a state-of-the-art suite of software applications for the comprehensive safety monitoring of mining operations.

The announcement was made during the recent visit of the Irish Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Micheál Martin, to Wits University in Johannesburg.

This initiative builds on Davra’s established collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Protelum project, ensuring stringent compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

The advanced software suite focuses on real-time monitoring and management of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). By harnessing the power of advanced sensors, predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and Earth Observation (EO) data from the European Copernicus program and other sources, the software provides early detection of irregularities and potential hazards, thereby enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of mining enterprises, the companies say.

Additionally, the suite ensures full GISTM compliance, helping mining operators align with the highest international standards for tailings management safety and integrity, they claim.

Key features and benefits include:

  • Real-time tailings monitoring: the software suite employs EO data from the Sentinel satellite constellation and IoT sensors to provide real-time insights into tailings dam stability, enabling swift detection and response to potential issues;
  • Predictive analytics and machine learning: utilising the capabilities of AI, the software predicts and prevents potential incidents by analysing behavioural trends and patterns in tailing dam operations;
  • GISTM compliance: the suite assists mining operations in achieving rigorous GISTM compliance, ensuring the utmost safety and integrity in tailings management; and
  • Enhanced operational efficiency: with continuous monitoring and AI-powered analytics, mining operations can significantly improve productivity, reduce downtime and minimise environmental impact.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with IoTDC during the Irish Tánaiste’s visit to Wits University,” Paul Glynn, CEO of Davra, said. “By combining our ongoing engagement with ESA on the Protelum project and our cutting-edge IoT technology, we’re equipping mining operators throughout South Africa with an unparalleled tool to manage and monitor their tailings storage facilities.”

Ewald Fourie, CEO of IoTDC, added: “This collaboration with Davra brings together our local mining sector expertise and their global IoT and space data experience to deliver a unique solution. We’re confident that this technology will set a new standard for safety and sustainability in the mining sector.”

QME, Xerotech and Motics develop ‘plug and play’ battery-electric vehicle kits

Environmental, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , ,

Mining services provider QME says it has partnered with Xerotech and Motics to develop new electric vehicle “plug and play” battery kits for all medium and light underground mining vehicles.

This EV transformation, which also includes the renowned Toyota Landcruiser model, represents a huge advance towards reducing the carbon footprint traditionally associated with mining, QME said.

“The concept behind our offering is to retain as much value as possible from existing resources, products, parts and materials to create a system that allows for long life, optimal reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling,” it added.

The County Meath-based company has completed hundreds of development and testing hours to perfect this new generation electric-powered Toyota Landcruiser, working in tandem with Xerotech and Motics. QME will now begin the integration of these new technologies into its underground fleet in ongoing development projects in Ireland and Portugal, it says.

The kits will use Xerotech’s patented technology, Xerotherm®, which represents a complete step-change in safety and performance of battery systems, according to QME, with the thermal management and safety technology one of the best technical solutions in the world.

Motics, chosen as a partner due to its ongoing association with global OEMs, “ePowerone” system sets new standards in the development of battery-electric vehicles, QME said. The modular design allows new components to be integrated quickly, thereby allowing innovations to be incorporated without having to adapt the interfaces on the vehicle. All vehicles using the platform benefit from a supply chain with second-source strategies, fast system integration and reliability thanks to broad-based experience, it added.

QME says it is the only Irish company who can offer this new electrified version of the Toyota HJ79 Landcruiser, which has successfully completed trials, with the first of the new generation EV machines already available to order.

Sandvik trialling Stage V engine technology at Boliden’s Tara mine

Automation, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik is continuing its sustainability drive, announcing that it is trialling its first Stage V compliant underground truck at the Boliden-owned Tara zinc mine in Ireland.

The company, in December 2019, launched its first Stage V compliant underground LHDs for hard-rock mining applications following extensive testing. Back then, it said its newest intelligent loaders, the Sandvik LH517i and Sandvik LH621i, would receive the Stage V treatment in early 2020.

Now, Sandvik’s flagship truck, the TH663i, equipped with brand new Stage V Volvo Penta engine technology, is undergoing an extensive field trial period at Tara, allowing the company to obtain first-hand customer feedback on its technical and operational performance. Sandvik said this was “an integral part of Sandvik’s way of working and customer-focused mindset”.

The Stage V engine in the 63 t truck is expected to deliver lower emissions, contributing to reduced mine ventilation rates.

“Designed to fit seamlessly together with the truck and to perform specifically in underground use, the engine system includes built-in fire prevention solutions, increased wiring protection with shrink mesh wiring harness and electric hardware that is specifically designed for demanding conditions, with corrosion, heat and water resistance,” it said. “The new Stage V, requiring ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate, will be an optional engine for the TH663i.”

To reduce particle emissions in the lower Stages/Tiers, standard engines on both the TH663i and TH551i trucks can be equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), according to Sandvik. The company explained: “Based on studies conducted, the optional sintered metal DPF reduces particle mass by approximately 99%. From a reliability and maintenance viewpoint, the DPF is well protected but still designed for easy cleaning to reduce downtime and operating costs. The DPF is also available as retrofit kit.”

Pia Sundberg, Product Line Manager for Trucks at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, says thorough field tests are valuable to both the OEM and customer: “We want to allow enough time for sufficient testing of new technology, since it is of benefit to both sides.

“Possible hiccups that can often occur when developing something new are identified prior to the product being fully commercialised, which enables us to serve our customers better in the long run.

“Based on the feedback that we receive, we are still able to do some modifications if necessary and thereby make sure that the TH663i meets expectations when it is released to the market with the latest engine technology at a later stage. Of course, there is also some additional new technology on the test truck that we are testing at the same time.”

The TH663i also benefits from the recent improvements in Sandvik’s AutoMine® offering, as AutoMine for Trucks now enables autonomous truck haulage not only underground but also on the surface.

Sandvik said interesting glimpses into the company’s future truck offering have also been seen in Australia, where the Artisan Z50 battery truck from Sandvik carried out an extensive tour in early 2020 and gathered customer feedback for the new upcoming battery generation.

The company has also recently deployed a Z50 into Barrick Gold’s Turquoise Ridge underground gold mine, in Nevada.