RCT’s latest automation technology has been successfully deployed at the Sunrise Dam Gold Mine in Western Australia. Sunrise Dam is wholly owned by AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd, with underground mining operations contracted to Barminco.
Barminco’s Sandvik and CAT loader fleets, which were already operating with ControlMaster® Guidance Automation, were fitted with enhancements including Multiple Machine Selection (MMS) and Multiple Machine Control (MMC). This cutting-edge technology gives an operator control of numerous mobile machines from the one station. This project was a first for all parties involved who collaborated to achieve successful delivery.
“For example, this allows one operator to tram one machine, while digging with another to make the process more efficient,” said RCT’s Automation and Control Product Manager, Brendon Cullen.
“Before the introduction of these features, one operator would only be able to concentrate on the activity of one mobile machine. The new features allow them to attend to multiple machines safely and effectively thanks to Guidance Automation which will keep the machine on the correct path, to avoid machine damage and to ensure faster tramming.”
These latest automation features are made possible by digitising the mine’s work area with RCT’s Bridge, the company’s own communication network; essential in supporting the latest autonomous features.
“RCT Bridge is the stepping stone solution to bring a mine site to full digitisation and is simply integrated into the site’s existing system,” said Cullen.
In addition to this, RCT’s Area Access Control (AAC) units have also been deployed. This relatively new system acts as an extension of the Automation Control Centre and interfaces between the work areas and machines.
“These lightweight, cost effective and portable solutions are
the ideal alternative to installing a cabin on site,” said Cullen.
Operators will not only have all these innovative features at their fingertips, but they will also be utilising them from the comfort of an Automation Control Centre on the surface of the mine which has been upgraded with operator ergonomics in mind.
“The control centre was overhauled to ensure improved functionality with a new operating system which includes the MMC and MMS features to make it more comfortable for operators.”
These additions are designed to help increase the mine’s overall efficiency and to increase productivity.
”This project is a great example of RCT’s interoperability capabilities; highlighting the company’s abilities to integrate with different brands of machines and a site’s information system,” said Cullen.
The implementation of RCT’s state-of-the-art features is part of Sunrise Dam’s technology transformation.
The mining industry has undergone significant changes in the past few years to sustain profitability and growth in turbulent times with many companies increasing production efficiently by utilising new technologies including automation, digital solutions and of course, data.
In today’s digital world, the demand for data is king as the mining industry looks towards utilising analytics and the systems to process, analyse, interpret and convert it to the desired information to further improve efficiencies.
As a result, RCT made sure its systems can play an integral part of its client’s digital ecosystems, without compromising safety and system integrity and this is reflected and promoted in the company’s recently released interoperability statement.
The term interoperability is defined as the ability of a system to work with or use the parts of equipment of another system which is very relevant to RCT’s long-held philosophy of ensuring that its systems have always been able to integrate with client’s existing infrastructure. As an independent technology supplier, this has always been RCT’s point of difference from the OEM’s systems.
The company’s approach to interoperability extends beyond RCT’s systems integrating seamlessly within a mine’s ecosystem. RCT can achieve functional performance within a mixed-fleet environment and interface and exchange information between other systems; ensuring relevant data can be utilised.
RCT promotes data interoperability by defining a set of system health and operational data generated by our systems that can be shared with the customers, via pre-defined interfaces. This can be achieved through various industry standard interfaces and pathways, at a site level and within the cloud environment.
Secondly, powered by RCT’s proprietary PolyMesh technology, EarthTrack®, information system, can provide the transportation of data from and to multiple locations (e.g. from mobile machines to a central server for analysis), with or without network coverage.
Furthermore, EarthTrack® can read, store, and utilise data from other third-party systems.
RCT’s systems integrate with any machine, regardless of make and model they can also be integrated within any mine’s communications network and infrastructure and with any other systems; sharing critical information without compromising safety and system functionality. So, in other words, we have it all covered!
The company’s offering is extensive and ranges from automation and protection systems for mobile equipment to information systems with the ability to harvest, transport, and store data; along with tailored data analytics solutions.
Read RCT's Interoperability statement here.
- RCT's Mining and Resources Product Manager, Mick Tanner.
The majority of mine sites today utilise a mixed fleet in their operations; acquiring machines that best suit their needs at different stages of the mining process.
As companies look towards bringing automation and information gathering into the forefront of their operations; it is important they recognise there are alternatives to replacing big-ticket commodities such as mobile machines in order to do so.
“Retrofitting fleets with autonomous and information solutions is the most economical means for mining companies to get the most out of their existing assets,” said RCT’s Executive Director and CEO, Brett White.
“It’s not necessary to purchase new fleets already equipped with automation systems to reap the benefits of automation.”
Smart Technology company, RCT has 45 years of experience in the industry and today it boasts a vast range of profit-boosting solutions; spanning four proven brands that can be installed on any machine – regardless of make or model.
“As companies make the move towards automation in the effort to further drive efficiencies and increase productivity and profitability, it’s in businesses best interest to leverage the maximum value from its existing assets.”
“This is why it makes sense to transition to remote and autonomous control with RCT – we have both the experience and capabilities.”
“RCT’s agility and adaptability to the individual requirements of mining and application to mobile equipment is the biggest point of difference between us and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM),” said Mr White.
“While OEM’s can produce automated machines, RCT can take an existing machine and automate it with our ControlMaster® solutions; ensuring the ergonomics of the OEM remains the same, in order to keep the same feel and functionality of the machine’s controls.”
Utilising an existing fleet is not only a cost-effective solution but a sustainable option, which is why RCT’s capabilities are in demand today.
In addition to providing off-the-shelf solutions the company has a dedicated projects division – RCT Custom which has the resources and expertise to design, manufacture, install and deliver ongoing support to bespoke solutions that directly meet clients’ specific needs.
“To date RCT Custom has delivered numerous state-of-the-art projects including retrofitting a Caterpillar D8R with remote control technology – a feat deemed virtually impossible by other remote technology companies,” he added.
RCT Custom has also integrated our technology with existing systems and collaborated with other technology companies to roll-out projects requiring geofencing to ensure machines operate free from potential collisions and damage from other machines and mine infrastructure.
RCT’s solutions range doesn’t stop at automation; the company has provided engine protection solutions, industrial remotes and a communications suite.
The latest Communications Solutions offering complements RCT’s automation solutions to help clients enter, expand or completely digitise its operations by integrating solutions to a new or existing network.
“RCT can cater to individual site needs and provide analogue, a stepping stone to digitisation with RCT Bridge, roll out the full communication package with RCT Connect or simply integrate our solutions with an existing network,” said Mr White.
Furthermore, the company has also provided leading-edge fleet management solutions for the last 10 years. This proven technology is now available across both the industrial mining industries with RCT’s SmarTrack® and EarthTrack® Fleet Management systems.
“These solutions provide real-time, relevant information on machines to ensure machines are serviced only when required, that issues are picked up before they turn into costly repairs and helps to deter machine damage and misuse.”
“Again, these, like all of RCT’s solutions can be installed on ANY machine, regardless of make or model,” he said.
RCT is a global company with a solid reputation in the industry. With branches all over Australia, in Russia, America, South America, Africa and Canada, RCT is able to provide clients with support on a local level.
“RCT offers the full-service to our clients and this is definitely what sets us apart from the competition,” said Mr White.