OZ Minerals plans to incorporate advanced digitalisation technology at its underground Carrapateena operation through a partnership with Epiroc and Mobilaris.
OZ Minerals will work with Epiroc and Mobilaris underground specialists to deploy the Mobilaris Mining Intelligence (MMI) information management platform at the South Australian copper-gold project throughout 2019.
MMI is a software solution offered by Epiroc that provides a 3D visual of underground mines and real-time tracking of personnel and equipment, such as vehicle routes.
The monitoring leads to improved safety and optimisation for operations. Epiroc has previously referred to the technology as “Google Maps for the underground mine”.
The platform is also technologically agnostic, allowing it to be used with several other digital technologies across mixed fleets.
“OZ Minerals aims to be a modern mining company, and the partnership with Epiroc and Mobilaris will foster enhanced safety and facilitate advanced mining methodologies,” Carrapateena general manager Myles Johnston said.
Epiroc Australia general manager Terry Browne said the partnership with OZ Minerals would add value to Epiroc’s automation offering. Its support for MMI will be provided through Epiroc’s regional application centre in Perth.
The Carrapateena project is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped copper deposits and is undergoing phase two of construction. The project is expected to produce an average of 4.25 million tonnes of ore a year (for 65,000 tonnes of copper and 67,000 ounces of gold) over an estimated 20-year mine life.