By Marcelle P. Villegas
3 June 2019, Manila Elks Club, Makati City -- For the Philippine Mining and Exploration Association Monthly Membership Meeting, two speakers from Brisbane, Australia presented for the evening. They are Ms Rhonda Bulmer (Sales and Account Manager) and Mr Luke Cecchi (Mining Application Engineer) from a company called Hexagon Mining. Their topic is “Hexagon Mining Solutions”.
With the complexity and unique needs of a mining operation, specialised technology makes a big difference in ensuring success, efficiency and safety within the site. Hexagon Mining can help mining companies by providing the right tools, services and technology on every step of the operation..
Hexagon Mining is an information technology company that integrates planning, operations and safety solutions. “As champions of smart change, we recognize your competitive edge depends on a life-of-mine solution.” [1]
Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. They help manage data to assure efficiency, productivity and quality output in industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety and mobility applications. “Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous -- ensuring a scalable and sustainable future.” [1]
Hexagon has a Mining Division that links together all parts of a mine with technologies that handle data in real time. “Hexagon’s Mining division brings surveying, design, fleet management, production optimization, and collision avoidance together in a life-of-mine solution that connects people and processes. Our customers are safer, more productive and can make sense of their data.” [1]
Hexagon offers services that connects all parts of a mine while integrating, automating and optimizing critical workflows. “As energy costs fluctuate, high-grade ores become scarcer, and profit margins tighten, productive mines recognize that technology is essential to their success. Companies must be smarter, safer, and quicker to respond to change. Their future depends on it.” [1]
On initial geological planning stage for example, they assist in drillhole database management, statistical analysis, and explicit and implicit modelling. Other functions include geological interpretation, QA/QC, and block modelling modules. [2]
Further on in the operation, Hexagon offers Planning Evaluator which helps evaluate various scenarios, investigate ultimate pit limits, and generate the best value pushbacks. Planning - Schedule Optimizer offers the best value extraction sequence, detailed equipment modelling, spatial constraints and precedence. It is scalable for optimal plans across mine life. [2]
Then, there is the Planning - Activity Scheduler which offers the following benefits: customizable rules and workflow for rapid sequencing, resource achievable schedule, auditable and improvable configuration.
Moreover, Hexagon’s services include Fleet Management UG and OP (FMS), Collision Avoidance System (CAS), and Fatigue Management System (FMS). Fleet management include Foundation and Pro systems for UG and OP to handle all kinds of environment and site requirements. To further ensure safety, since most operations run 24/7 in some sites, Hexagon solution suite has features like mature collision avoidance and fatigue tracking systems along with other safety solutions. Work scenario in a mine site is now safer and efficiency levels are improved with the help of these technological solutions.
References:
[1] Retrieved from - https://hexagonmining.com/company
[2] Bulmer, Rhona. Cecchi, Luke. (3 June 2019) “Hexagon Mining Solutions”. Presentation during the PMEA Monthly Membership Meeting, Makati City, Philippines.
