Teams at Newmont Nevada's Leeville and Midas underground mines received Newmont's Spot Recognition certificates for their outstanding job of successfully installing wireless communications and mine control infrastructure.
The new network will facilitate the use of advanced underground communications functionality, such as real-time people and equipment tracking, a new voice communication system, process control and automation, and video streaming. Leeville and Midas are among the very few mines in the world using this cutting-edge technology.
"The mines have demonstrated very strong commitment at every level to complete this initial phase of the project; they understand the benefits that this new technology provides and are more than ready to own it and develop it," said Todd Myers, underground communications regional coordinator.
Chris Johnson, Midas chief engineer, is planning the integration of the communications network to monitor and control critical safety and production systems, such as stench release, ground movement, refuge chambers, ventilation, power distribution and dewatering.
In Leeville, the MineSuite production management system implementation kicked off with two intense weeks of site needs analysis and operational review.
"At this stage, we want to clearly identify where and how MineSuite is going to support our operational process to design a solution that will work for us," said Robbin Rowley, mine control regional coordinator. "The site champions gave specific requirements and are fully engaged on developing the system."
System benefits Beside other advantages, the new production management system will capture real-time information from trucks and loaders, providing an accurate picture of key performance indicators versus targets at any given time during the shift, thus providing a base for production optimization and continuous improvement.
Only a few mines in the world are testing and implementing advanced systems like these, but none have approached the stage, complexity and scale of this underground mine control solution. Once again, Newmont is leading the way in the use of technology and innovation in alignment with our strategic foundations of creating business efficiencies, developing our people and driving for operational excellence.
