Tag Archives: ProVision

Modular Mining continues to invest and expand in Tucson

Automation, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , ,

Modular Mining has unveiled its new Customer Experience Center (CEC) during a ribbon cutting ceremony this week.

Located in the company’s corporate headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, USA, the CEC’s opening coincides with Modular Mining’s 40th anniversary and celebrates the company’s continued growth and positive trajectory in both Tucson and the mining sector, Modular said.

Jorge Mascena, President & CEO, Modular Mining, said: “Our new Customer Experience Center is designed to showcase how mine management solutions can improve the safety, efficiency, and productivity of mining operations, and help our customers do so sustainably.

“Today’s announcement marks our third major renovation project in six years at this facility. Tucson is evolving into a key mining technology hub, and this expansion demonstrates our commitment to leading this transformation as a long-term member of this community.”

Established in Tucson in 1979, Modular developed the DISPATCH® Fleet Management System for the mining sector. This technology was the first of its kind in the industry and continues to help improve productivity and efficiency for open-pit mines today, the company says.

The DISPATCH system’s global success served as the springboard for further innovation, including the ProVision® High-Precision Machine Guidance system, the MineCare® Maintenance Management system, and others. The company employs more than 800 people globally, with nearly 350 located in Tucson.

The company was purchased by heavy-equipment leader, Komatsu Ltd, in 1996, enabling Modular Mining’s technology to support the world’s first autonomous mining trucks.

The expansion of the CEC comes on the successes of other recent company expansions in Tucson. Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage Systems Center of Excellence opened in June 2019, where a cross-functional team of personnel from both Komatsu and Modular Mining work together under the Komatsu umbrella to develop, sell, and support the industry-leading AHS. In 2014, Modular Mining expanded their corporate campus to include a building dedicated to the company’s research and development. That same year, Komatsu opened their new Arizona Proving Grounds in Sahuarita, Arizona; a facility largely used for research and development of Komatsu mining equipment and testing Modular Mining’s technologies.

Komatsu Australia launches updated PC4000-6 mining excavator

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, , , , , , , , , , ,

Komatsu Australia has released the latest version of its 370-t-class mining excavator, the PC4000-6 Series 3, delivering higher productivity, reduced maintenance costs, increased reliability and upgraded safety features, the mining OEM said.

The new excavator is based on the PC4000-11 released at MINExpo in 2016 – but incorporates a Tier 2 emissions standard engine, rather than the Tier 4 Final engine fitted to the PC4000-11.

It achieves its productivity increases through having the highest digging forces – both in backhoe and face shovel configurations – in its class, a large-capacity 23 cu m backhoe bucket (22 cu m in shovel mode) and faster cycle times through variable-speed slew motors, according to the company.

Komatsu-designed-and-manufactured hydraulic pumps contribute to lower maintenance costs through long life and easy-to-maintain design, the company added, while a simplified Komatsu control system ensures a high level of reliability.

Safety standards for both operators and maintenance crews have been improved through several upgrades, including 45° stairway access stairs and factory-fitted exit ladders.

The PC4000-6 Series 3 has an operating weight of 388-405 t (depending on configuration) and is powered by a Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 engine rated at 1,400 kW.

According to Michael Hall, Komatsu Australia’s National Product Manager, Mining, the PC4000-6 Series 3 has been specially developed to suit Australian conditions.

“Apart from the engine, the PC4000-6 Series 3 is the same as the PC4000-11 released in Las Vegas – including all the safety and technological developments it incorporated. Komatsu can now supply the latest design and technology with a Tier 2 option to Australian mines not requiring the Tier 4 PC4000-11 model,” he said.

“For that reason, we are offering this model with the well-known and proven Tier 2 compliant Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 engine for Australia. And it comes direct from the factory aligned with Australian mining requirements, so minimal modifications are required.”

Hall said Komatsu Australia brought the first PC4000-6 Series 3 to the country in the June quarter of 2018 in backhoe configuration.

“This size and configuration of excavator is a flexible loading tool option for many Australian mining operations and, with the local industry showing improved growth and activity, bringing in a stock machine is a sign of our confidence in the industry’s future,” he said.

“We see excellent potential for this model and are keen to see the advantages and improvements it delivers used in mining operations in Australia.”

Upgraded safety features are key improvements on the PC4000-6 Series 3.

The 45° access stairs allow operators and maintenance personnel much easier and safer access to the machine, including easier access to the machinery house level and to the operator’s cabin.

“Another safety advance is a new emergency egress system, incorporating emergency exits on two sides of the machine, ensuring high safety standards for all personnel on the machine,” Hall said.

A flipdown two-piece ladder, with anti-slip surfaces helps ensure quiet and safe exit from the machine in case of emergency, while the front window of the cabin is 19 mm thick impact-resistant glass, giving additional operator protection.

A new lighting system, consisting of 14 high-performance working lights using the latest LED technology, ensures significantly better visibility at night and other times of low visibility.

The excavator’s control system has been simplified and upgraded, using Komatsu controllers to reduce nodes and provide additional redundancy for improved efficiency.

“The PC4000-6 Series 3 is fitted with Komatsu’s latest KOMTRAX Plus remote monitoring system, providing remote monitoring information about the machine’s performance and operating status,” Hall said.

“It also incorporates extended oil change intervals combined with easier and safer machine access, significantly reducing regular maintenance requirements.

“As well, the machine is Modular Mining’s ProVision ready, allowing it to incorporate a machine guidance system that integrates with mine planning software.

“It is also ready for MineWare’s Argus Payload System, allowing accurate, reliable payload measurements, so operators can optimise loading to required truck payloads,” he said.

In backhoe configuration, the machine has:

  • Operating weight of 394- 405 t;
  • Bucket capacity of 23 cu m;
  • Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 rated engine at 1,400 kW;
  • Arm breakout of 107,068 kg-f;
  • Bucket breakout of 117,775 kg-f;
  • Maximum dig depth of 8,000 mm.

In face shovel configuration, the machine has:

  • Operating weight of 388-400 t;
  • Bucket capacity of 22 cu m;
  • Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 rated engine at 1,400 kW;
  • Arm crowd force of 127,462 kg-f;
  • Bucket breakout force of 135,620 kg-f;
  • Maximum dump height of 12,000 mm.