Mining Magazine October 2019 | Page 111

gold miner with its DISPATCH Fleet Management System ( FMS ). “ It has optimised operations at Tasiast , saving time and reducing costs ,” confirms Alemán . The system gives mines automated , real-time monitoring , management and visibility of their operations whether above or below ground . “ We connect the data received to our mobile maintenance workshop ,” explains Alemán , highlighting the use of predictive analytics to drive efficiencies across the fleet . Kinross also deploys Caterpillar ’ s Terrain applications for precision drilling , while guidance and tracking tools are used to control the stability of the slopes . “ All of this is running wireless so we have to ensure all the machinery is connected across our IT network ,” he says . While innovative applications are helping deliver huge operational improvements , Alemán points out that mines are traditionally run on controlled , isolated networks which , though the technology was old , made them safe . “ Now with the Internet of Things ( IoT ) and cloud applications the temptation is to connect the mine all the way to the internet ,” he says . “ It ’ s a big security risk for mining operations opening up the control network to the
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