Spotlight Feature Articles Ansul Modern Open Pits February 16 | Page 10

MODERN OPEN PITS_proof 21/10/2015 10:07 Page 9 MODERN OPEN PITS process helps each operator work more productively, contributing more to your whole operation. The mine runs at a higher rate of production, generating more value per shift, every shift. At the same time, our services reduce the number of operating and maintenance delays, increasing uptime. Typically, we can raise total mine output by 5% to 15% - a make-orbreak difference in a stiff mining climate.” Maptek solutions target modern miners Mining operations have worked well with technical data collected throughout their processes for some time now - but in recent years the focus has been on making the most of it to add value to the business and as such the application of engineering knowledge, technology and data analysis techniques in the mining industry has grown immensely. Long term business goals require immense capital investment, smart resource allocation and a high level of confidence in the safety, quality and efficiency of processes. Measuring and analysing data collected from processes, and tracking the downstream impact can provide modern miners with a means of accurately executing processes to maintain economic viability. Maptek considers that accurate data at each stage is key to the successful implementation of a mine plan. “Knowing how to respond to change Developed in association with industry, Sentry helps sites monitor and report on movements caused by surface instability relies on timely analysis of the data. With data now collected at an impressive rate across the mining value chain, surveyors, geologists and engineers are continually challenged to use that data to meet productivity targets and performance KPIs. Maptek has exploited the high tech sensing capabilities of its I-Site laser imaging systems to develop value-adding solutions to several core business processes. Deploying laser scanning hardware for survey, surface tracking and design conformance allows operations to optimise their investment,” states Maptek CEO and Managing Director, Peter Johnson. Operations owning Sentry can use the laser scanner for survey tasks across the site, including daily pit pickups, face mapping and stockpile measurements. When not in active use, the scanner can be mounted on bollards to track surface movement. The hardware can effectively run 24/7 at no extra cost to the operation. The system operates at night and in low light under demanding conditions. The laser scan data is stored in a reduced format for quick analysis of multiple scenes. Notification thresholds can be set to ensure closer monitoring of areas deemed at risk to pit personnel and machinery. All important detail is preserved in the original high resolution I-Site point cloud data, which can be brought into I-Site Studio for geotechnical analysis. The single collection instrument provides a spatial data solution for surveying and geotechnical engineering. Hillgrove Resources’ Kanmantoo mine southeast of Adelaide in South Australia has successfully trialled Sentry from the prototype phase. Baseline data was built from weekly scans taken from a permanent bollard about 200 m from a wall of concern in a new open pit. Sentry data cor ɕ