Tools of the Trade
Winter 2020
Tools to build an inclusive, skilled, and sustainable Canadian mining workforce
The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is Canada’s knowledge centre for mining labour market information. MiHR strives to build an inclusive, skilled, and sustainable Canadian mining workforce that anticipates and adapts to volatility and innovation. One of the Council’s tools to achieve that vision is the Gender Equity in Mining Works (GEM Works) tools and training program.
“GEM Works is the only program that provides mining organizations with proven, industry-developed tools and training to help identify and eliminate systemic barriers to gender inclusion in the workplace,” says Ryan Montpellier, MiHR Executive Director. “It offers a one day workshop to train senior executives to drive organizational change, a step-by-step guide to removing unintentional barriers to gender inclusion, and online learning modules for employees to help understand the importance of gender inclusion and create more inclusive workplaces.”
GEM Works is offered through a five level, subscription fee model, with program benefits and MiHR support available depending on the subscription level. Led by a company’s executive or human resources team, GEM Works fosters a network of like-minded individuals and provides both women and men the best opportunities to pursue rewarding careers in the Canadian mining industry.
Integration for accuracy and productivity
A project recently completed for an Australian gold miner is a great example of how collaboration between technology providers can result in better outcomes for mining companies. Linking Maptek™ Vulcan™ design and modelling software with Minnovare’s new Production Optimiser system for underground production drilling streamlines the connection between design and as-built for more accurate outcomes.
Ring design data, including images, can now be exported from Vulcan and easily uploaded directly to Minnovare CORE – the Production Optimiser software interface – through scripting provided by Maptek.
The Vulcan-Production Optimiser combination helps ensure that drilling follows design. It also reduces the need for re-work, as feedback on accuracy and compliance is available to both the rig operator and the technical engineering team using Vulcan.
Production Optimiser combines advanced rig alignment hardware with innovative drill data capture software, substantially reducing blasthole deviation and average rig setup times. This leads to optimum charge patterns and blasts, with a host of flow-on productivity benefits for an operation, including improved ore recovery, reduced average dilution, and a faster stope cycle time.
www.maptek.com / www.minnovare.com
Carlson releases exclusive scan software for the C-ALS® and Void Scanner
Carlson Software recently released a new laser scanner system specifically designed for underground scanning and stope surveying called the Void Scanner+ (VS+). Designed for ruggedized, touchscreen tablets, Carlson Scan was developed for in the-field use and features a smooth interface to control the scanner, analyze the collected data, and produce a deliverable. The software includes a quickstart mode with a single-click project setup and instrument auto-detection. A desktop mode is available for reviewing and editing in the office.
The powerful software provides real-time surfacing and volume calculation from raw scan data for the production of closed 3D models and volumes. Users can import existing point clouds and surfaces to see real-time comparisons with design data or previous surveys. A live view of the heading, inclination, and activity of the animated probe can be seen at all times.
“Carlson Scan’s touchscreen mode and simplified interface have been tailored for mining field operations,” says LMD Special Projects Engineer Brad Husack, B.Sc. “This allows crews to spend less time underground, and with real-time visualizations, collect more accurate results.”
First dump truck in its class: Ultra-clean, thanks to Stage V
With the 2020 upgrade of its long proven MK-A35 model, GHH, a German manufacturer of heavy machinery for mining, tunneling, and special civil engineering, presents the first 35-tonne class dump truck, already operating in the field, with ultra-clean diesel drive according to Stage V.
The engine is a Mercedes OM 470 with 320 kW output and diesel particulate filter. The diesel complies with the strictest current Stage V emissions standard. This puts operators at the forefront in terms of lowest emissions and keeps project costs under control. As an option, the engine is also available with Tier 3 and 300 kW.
With a payload of up to 35 tons and a loading capacity of up to 23 m3, the MK-A35 can carry as much as its two predecessors combined. The vehicle is currently the largest of its kind in the range of the Gelsen kirchen based company, which is one of the world’s leading suppliers. It was designed for medium to large operating environments, in particular for hard rock mass mining and tunnel applications.
Another key feature is working efficiency. The ROPS/FOPS certified cab of this dump truck has a bi-directional design. There are separate control elements for forward and reverse driving. If you want to get out of the tunnel, the driver simply turns his seat and accelerates. No time consuming turning in confined spaces (if at all possible), no confusing reversing, and no physical strain on the driver.
SDT LUBExpert: Grease bearings right
Many lube departments re-grease on a wasteful calendar-based schedule. This leads to over and under greased bearings that fail to deliver their engineered value. In November 2019, SDT Ultrasound Solutions announced significant updates to its award-winning LUBExpert, a solution that guides lubrication technicians to grease bearings right. LUBExpert employs expert logic to overcome the many challenges that threaten lubrication excellence. Embedded artificial intelligence removes the guesswork by automatically calculating the stabilization time between grease pumps.
This latest release includes a long list of enhancements that further position LUBExpert as a must have tool for precision machinery lubrication.
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