Modern Mining December 2020

MANGANESE

Black Rock’s technology roadmap ushers in new capabilities

As part of its technology roadmap, Northern Cape-based Assmang Manganese – through Epiroc South Africa – is rolling out the Mobilaris Mining Intelligence system at its Black Rock Mine Operations. Although the system has only been partially implemented on a section of one of the three underground shafts to prove concept, the mine has already discovered several low hanging fruits that the technology brings, writes Munesu Shoko .

W hen Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO) developed its technology roadmap, which is to be rolled out over a 10-year period, one of the biggest drivers was the need for more granular information in the mine’s under- ground working areas. “The integrity and frequency of receiving this information was also limiting our decision making to become more proactive and reduce variability. Through a thorough and robust process, we identified Mobilaris Mining Intelligence (MMI),” explains technology and innovation project manager, Cobus Lerm. Located on the Northern Cape’s Kalahari Manganese field, which holds approximately 80% of the world’s known manganese ore resource, BRMO comprises three underground mining operations – Gloria, Nchwaning 2 and Nchwaning 3 shafts. Mining operations commenced in 1940 at the Black Rock hill and subsequently expanded to the Nchwaning and Gloria mines. Gloria was com- missioned in 1975 and produces medium grade

Cobus Lerm, technology and innovation project manager at Black Rock Mine Operations. semi-carbonate ore. Nchwaning 2 and Nchwaning 3 were commissioned in 1981 and 2004, respectively, and produce various grades of high grade oxide ore. The three operations employ a bord and pil- lar mining method. Once ore is drilled and blasted underground, it gets transported by loaders and dump trucks into tips. From there it is either hoisted or taken out via conveyor belts through washing and screening plants. From the plants ore gets trans- ported to stacks, where it will be either blended to the final product in the stockyard or loaded onto trucks for road transport. Stackers and a reclaimer move the final product to the train load out station.

Following the partial implementation of the Mobilaris system, TMM and personnel positioning data is now fed via Wi-Fi tracking tags, and the data is integrated into one platform.

12  MODERN MINING  December 2020