Modern Mining October 2024

Digital solutions allow Weir to monitor key variables like vibration and temperature in real time.

between them,” he says. “This is what Weir’s new platform will deliver – a holistic solution that covers everything from equipment optimisation, predictive maintenance and expanding very quickly across to process optimisation.” King Becerra, Director of Digital Product Strategy at Weir, highlights the significance of being able to provide specific recommendations to customers that will optimise efficiency, recovery and profitability. The real value of the solution goes beyond monitoring each machine in isolation and aims to achieve two goals. “Firstly, we want to extend the life of the machine by predicting wear and making the necessary recommendations to the customer,” says Becerra. “Secondly, we want to achieve process optimisation without the need for any additional physical infrastructure.” For instance, if the mine is looking for reduced energy consumption – or wants to maximise production while maintaining quality – the system is able to provide clear instructions on how to achieve this. Using machine learning, making use of Weir’s own equipment data, as well as the customers’ operating data, to generate specific recommendations that will achieve goals that the customer has prioritised. “This is not about replacing operators at all; rather, it is augmenting the resources available to them in carrying out their duties and meeting their key targets,” he says. What such an approach acknowledges is that customers operate under different conditions and have a varied range of priorities and requirements. While the cost of energy may be critical to one site, another might be focused on reducing waste to extend the life of

The digital solutions equipment can be installed on a range of equipment such as pumps, screens, hydrocyclones and HPGR.

the tailings storage facility. Weir has been able to demonstrate the value of its digital solutions around the globe. In one recent case, a copper mine in North America with 12 processing lines increased recovery in its first pass by 30%, considerably reducing the recirculating load. While the operating data gives insight into each machine’s performance and condition, Becerra highlights that Weir’s AI solutions also draw vital information from the process models that the company develops for each of its process solutions. These models are built from decades of experience in the field, working closely with customers on a range of machine applications. Knudsen emphasises that new digital technologies are enabling Weir to consolidate the value of these models and field experience into standardised tools. “As a company that prides ourselves on being close to our customers and developing knowledge-based partnerships, the digital space is a key enabler in our journey of transformation,” he says. “This is important as process plants become more complex, with perhaps more items of specialised and interacting equipment to monitor and control.” Respondents to the EY report are excited by the potential of generative AI, and are seeking greater collaboration and partnerships to help speed up innovation; Weir has shown its leadership as one of those partners, he concludes. n

October 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  7