Tag Archives: iridium

Blue Sky Network launches highest resolution vehicle tracking system on the market

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Blue Sky Network, an Iridium Satellite Communications partner, has announced the release of a new dual-mode, real-time tracking and vehicle management solution that could have applications in remote mining operations.

Certified by Iridium, the HawkEye 5500 (HE5500) offers full integration of on-board systems, support for both light- and heavy-duty vehicles, two-way messaging, a remote emergency switch, collision detection, audible alerts, RFID and Bluetooth driver identification and customisable application integration, according to the company. It is the first vehicle tracking system to offer this comprehensive set of features, Blue Sky Network says.

The HE5500 uses 2G/3G/LTE and the Iridium satellite network to provide global “always-on” coverage with the highest resolution tracking and communication on the market, the company said.

“Capabilities include offloading diagnostics, user, and other on-board system data over AES- 256 encrypted communications to a fleet operations centre, or through a tailor-made Bluetooth connected application,” Blue Sky Network said. “Users can customise reporting rates based on movement or location and provide driver feedback when safety violations occur.”

Nick Tucky, Vice President of Sales for Blue Sky Network, said: “The HE5500 replaces legacy systems for mission-critical operations including mining, defence, security, public safety, search and rescue, and executive transport in remote, austere environments.

“The HE5500 represents a monumental step forward in Blue Sky Network’s commitment to providing future-proofed, advanced technology for vehicle fleets of all sizes. Its capabilities and advanced on-board sensors are unique features that allow forward-looking upgrade compatibility for years to come.”

All operations are tracked via Blue Sky Network’s portal, SkyRouter, which allows for effective high-security command and control of fleets anywhere on the planet, the company says.

Eurasia and Uralmetmash agree on West Kytlim PGM-gold mining contract

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Eurasia Mining has signed a mining contract for the 2019 season at its West Kytlim platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium and gold mine in the Ural mountains of Russia.

Kosvinsky Kamen (KK), Eurasia’s subsidiary, and Uralmetmash (formerly Techstroy) have signed a pact that will see the latter carry out mining of platinum group metals and gold at West Kytlim.
Mining at West Kytlim is seasonal as the alluvial process relies heavily on running water. Work normally commences as the snow melts on site in late March or early April and proceeds until November.

The directors of Techstroy, the contractor employed at the West Kytlim mine for the 2018 season which achieved production well in excess of target (a total of 165 kg raw platinum against a targeted 100 kg), registered a new company, Uralmetmash, as a special purpose vehicle to focus on the West Kytlim.

Eurasia said the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties shall remain largely as before, with Uralmetmash responsible for pit development, mining, ore trucking, washing and disintegration, and KK responsible for concentrate upgrade, shipment of mine product and distribution of metal sales revenues.

The London-listed mining company said Uralmetmash intended to move on site immediately to prepare for mining, to include stripping of overburden and stockpiling of ore in preparation for washing, which can commence once the seasonal thaw is underway. The thaw can be expected sometime in April 2019.

The work will continue initially at the Kluchiki area, where work ended on schedule in November.

As part of the deal with Uralmetmash, the platinum revenues will be split on a 65%/35% basis, in favour of the contractor.

In the meantime, the refinery contract between KK and the Urals precious metal refinery has also been renegotiated to include an extra percent payment on the LME platinum prices (now at 98% LME, from 97% in 2018).

Eurasia Mining Executive Chairman, Christian Schaffalitzky, said: “We are pleased to be working again with the team that proved so effective during 2018. They were a very efficient operator last year, with a zero accident record, and financially motivated to develop the asset in a sensible manner.

“Furthermore, we are looking at ways to improve metal recoveries, based on the measured efficiency of the existing process flowsheet. We look forward to updating shareholders on progress and also our longer term development strategy for the West Kytlim reserves and resources before the season commences.”

Eurasia and KK personnel continue to work on an enlarged exploration programme for West Kytlim, to include the recently approved Flanks exploration licence and ensure adequate reserves are available for future mining seasons.

Work on analysis of the previous mining season’s performance has commenced and a sampling programme has been outlined for the tailings of the 2018 season. This information will be inputted to proposed modifications to the current circuit, with the possible addition of a jig to recover finer raw platinum fractions. The addition of a hopper to better control the loading of gravels to the front of the circuit, and achieve a more constant flow of material into the trommel, is also expected to improve recoveries during the 2019 season.