Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology says it has devised the most comprehensive solution for optimising underground hard-rock mining production and processes with new OptiMine® functionality.
Continuing the development of this platform, the newest OptiMine modules expand the existing offering focused on increasing productivity and improving safety, the company says. The new functionalities include smart scheduling, evacuation assistance, and a playback feature.
“Sandvik has always worked with customers around the world to address the key issues that affect productivity and safety,” it said. “And, with customer focus in mind, our engineering team develops new digital solutions to increase operational effectiveness. These tools connect thousands of pieces of Sandvik and non-Sandvik equipment around the world. The latest extensions to the OptiMine suite of solutions add enhanced visibility and control.”
OptiMine Evacuation Assistant (pictured) visualises an evacuation mode, searching for the nearest safe places underground and providing the visibility of personnel locations, according to the company. It guides personnel to the nearest rescue chamber depending on their locations and rescue chamber capacities, making sure they were able to reach a rescue chamber safely. It helps to execute evacuation timely and to focus on things that matter the most, Sandvik says.
OptiMine Playback is built on the 3D Mine Visualizer module and allows to view historical recorded data of locations and statuses of all assets and people that were underground during the selected time period.
OptiMine Smart Scheduling allows automatic adjustment of production plans based on actual shift completion results. It substantially streamlines the process for the execution of the mine’s production plan most efficiently, according to Sandvik.
OptiMine is a powerful suite of digital tools for analysing and optimising mining production and processes. It integrates with Newtrax IoT devices, delivering data from all assets, people, and equipment – including non-Sandvik equipment – into one source, providing real-time and predictive insights to improve operations, according to the company.
“OptiMine is open and scalable, giving customers the flexibility to build at their speed and incorporate other equipment, systems, and networks,” Sandvik added.
Petri Mannonen, OptiMine Product Line Manager, BU Automation, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “Understanding and improving operations in real time changes the game. Our customers are gaining higher efficiency and producing more tonnes each day as they act on these insights. Information and visibility of the operations make mining safer, more productive and more sustainable.”