Capital Equipment News March 2019

Sandvik developing AutoMine access API for interoperability Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has announced that it will develop an interoperable platform for its automation system for underground loaders and trucks, AutoMine ® , at #DisruptMining, an event focused on

fostering new technology in the mining industry. “As a world leader in underground automation, we have a responsibility to make this game-changing tech- nology easier to implement for the mining industry,” says Patrick Murphy, President Rock Drills & Technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “While we feel that customers will achieve the highest level of performance when purchasing Sandvik equip- ment, we recognise the need to unlock automation’s full potential for all equipment regardless of manufacturer. Customers with mixed fleets will have the full power of AutoMine behind them as well.” To enable interoperability, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology will introduce the AutoMine Access API which will provide standard, pre-defined interfaces for connecting third party loaders and trucks for control by Sandvik’s AutoMine system. An API (Application Pro- gramming Interface) is a set of functions and procedures that allows the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service. In addition to APIs, to be compatible with AutoMine, third party equipment designs must conform to the functional safety requirements specified for AutoMine. This API is another step in Sandvik’s journey to drive a digital ecosystem that makes mining smarter, safer and more efficient. Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology released its Interoperability Policy in April 2018, outlining the principles by which Sandvik systems can communicate within a digital ecosystem including data accessibility, fleet data compatibility, data rights and control, and

In addition to APIs, to be compatible with AutoMine, third party equipment designs must conform to the functional safety requirements specified for AutoMine.

data privacy. The addition of AutoMine for underground loaders and trucks to this policy is the next step in Sandvik’s continued journey to set the industry standard for mine automation and digitalization. “Sandvik has been leading the market in automation for decades, with

more than 400 pieces of equipment using AutoMine ® around the world without an injury,” says Murphy. “As more customers embark on their digital journeys, interoperability will be a requirement. We are proud to leverage our experience to drive digitalization further in the mining industry.” b

Multotec’s ceramic impellers to boost uptime at DRC mine

A large order of 24 ceramic impellers destined for pumping equipment in a copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo signals the value this technology brings through longer wear life and less plant downtime. Designed and manufactured in South Africa by Multotec Wear Linings, part of the Multotec Group, the ceramic impellers can be a viable alternative to conventional pump impellers and in the right application are expected to last up to five times longer. “The impellers will be used in slurry pumping applications where particle sizes are less than 6 mm in size,” says Mark Jarrett, business development manager at Multotec Wear Linings. “The ceramic solution is particularly effective in resisting abrasion, and also deals well with high levels of either acidity or alkalinity.” The ceramic design, in which alumina ceramic com- ponents are bonded mechanically and chemically onto a stainless steel impeller skeleton, is growing in popularity. Multotec Wear Linings has been supplying ceramic impel- lers into the market place for many years and some 300 ce- ramic impellers have already been exported by Multotec Wear Linings into the African market during the past four years.

Designed and manufactured by Multotec Wear Linings, the ceramic impeller is a viable alternative to conventional pump impellers.

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