Modern Mining February 2020

not only allow for vibration and temperature to be recorded but also for visual inspection routes to be captured digitally. All of this information is fed back to a Remote Diagnostic Centre where it is analysed, assessed and represented in a report format or even through online dashboards,” explains Umar. Ntsele says there are four key digital technologi- cal areas that are receiving attention from industry, namely, computation power, data analytics, human- machine-interface and robotics. “These are key enablers in unlocking value in a way that would have previously been cost inefficient or just plain dif- ficult or risky – this is especially true when integrated holistically across the mining value chain,” he says. According to Nellessen, thyssenkrupp as a mining equipment manufacturer concentrates on improving its machine and processes in every aspect, but one of the key areas is the fully auto- mated and digitalised operation of its equipment. “A core advantage of these systems is the autonomous and remote operation, reducing the labour work in the physical operation and increasing the safety for all involved. This increases equipment efficiency and ensures higher equipment availability and ultimately increased productivity and reduced operational costs,” says Nellessen. Data and connectivity Connectivity is a buzzword in the industry as min- ing companies continue to drive the use of data analytics, remote operating centres, advanced min- ing planning software and even automation. While these tools have become integral parts of many min- ing companies’ practices, what is lacking from the mining industry is a proper network infrastructure deployed on site. How can data and connectivity aid the digital transformation agenda on mines? Ntsele says data and connectivity are now major business drivers deemed the basic building blocks that enable digi- tal transformation which is increasingly becoming an imperative. “This is especially true for opera- tions that are challenged in a manner that suggests that economies of scale are no longer sufficient to address issues of increasing operational costs that are brought by declining ore grades, as an exam- ple. So, to achieve quantum change, miners will be forced to consider this as an essential part of a well- functioning and reliable infrastructure requirement for their operation,” says Ntsele. Umar says that faster internet speeds and wider accessibility means that even remote locations can make use of Cloud technology. In the event of erratic Wi-Fi or 3G, data storage capacity on most field devices allows for long periods of data to be stored locally if necessary and transferred when internet access is resumed. He makes special men- tion of SKF’s IMx 8 online monitoring device, which has 2 GB of data storage capacity which translates

into months of online data storage. Nellessen says connectivity and data are crucial in digitisation, adding that some of the main benefits in digitalisation are derived from the real-time access to information derived from a vast amount of data. If process steps are not connected, and are not able to pass on their data, it’s difficult to tap the full potential. According to Zeelie, many digital systems avail- able to mines are Cloud based. The result is having access to information anywhere at any time of day. Cloud-based systems also simplify the process of communicating to other systems. For example, SKF’s IMX16PLUS has built-in Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities to support Cloud connectivity. The capability eliminates the need for the customer to purchase any hardware such as a server for data storage. The trend data as well as live data, if needed, can also be viewed at any time form anywhere,” says Zeelie. Overall equipment effectiveness Mines depend on multiple pieces of fixed and mobile equipment. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a crucial parameter in achieving productivity and digitalisation is a key enabler in that regard. Nellessen says digitalisation enables commu- nication between fixed and mobile equipment by collecting, analysing data and triggering necessary actions. In other words, digitalisation bridges the gap between these data islands and allows for a holistic view and management of the complete system in real time, for example, to mitigate bottlenecks. According to Zeelie, fixed equipment has the convenience of using the plant network for com- munication. With mobile equipment, an alternative approach is needed. This is where Cloud storage through 3G or Wi-Fi becomes important. Due to network costs when using 3G it may be decided to rather use Wi-Fi available on the plant. “The Data Acquisition systems can store the data on internal memory until a connection is estab- lished. The data will then be uploaded to the Cloud

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