In the current economic climate, increasing efficiency has become one of the main challenges faced by mining companies across the industry as they look at ways to increase production while reducing costs, essentially doing ‘more with less'. With this in mind, mining automation software has become an increasingly important tool for mine managers.

MICROMINE's Pitram is a fleet management and mine control solution that captures, monitors and reports on mining operations. With over 40 deployments across the globe, Pitram offers a centralised integrated hub of information for both underground and open-pit mining operations. Pitram exhibits intuitive design and offers configurable reporting for mine controllers, operators and management.

Pitram's automation capabilities cover a range of mine related tasks in both underground and open-pit mines.

One of Pitram's key features is the high precision Machine Guidance module which has been designed to improve the productivity, utilisation and accuracy of surface equipment including drills, dozers, graders, shovels, excavators and loaders. Machine guidance software improves the productivity, accuracy and safety of workers by ensuring equipment is provided with accurate measurements and locations the first time. This assists mining operations with reducing the rehandling of work which helps to improve operational productivity.

MICROMINE has partnered with American software company, Carlson Software, a leading provider of high performance hardware and software for surveying and machine control, to further enhance Pitram's utilisation of equipment.

Carlson's high precision hardware and software will provide equipment operators with detailed design views of their tasks whether dozing, dredging, drilling or digging and an additional range of equipment specific information including task details, checklists and shift KPI's. Machine guidance design files are automatically synchronised through the Pitram Distributed File Service to ensure machines have their latest block models, drill patterns, ramp and road designs.

Some key features of the Machine Guidance module include:

• Improved communication between supervisors and operators

• On-board production information for operators

• Eliminates delays waiting for survey teams and grade checkers

• Accurate guidance to design (typically ±50mm) minimises dilution and ensures accurate elevation control

• Reduce rework from over-cutting or - filling through being able to work accurately to boundaries identified in models

• Improved batters and high walls

• Has both audio and visual alarms, set up for avoidance zones, to keep machines within safe working boundaries

MICROMINE recently implemented Pitram at one of the biggest mines in Mongolia, Erdenet Mining Corporation (EMC). Pitram's machine guidance was integrated into EMC's drills and loading equipment to provide high precision GPS capability to assist with the measuring and optimisation of equipment.

Pitram Product Strategy Manager, Gareth Dean, comments "Pitram's Machine Guidance module can improve operations by providing high precision GPS which will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of machinery. The difference this type of automation can make to productivity levels, operational costs and safety standards makes Pitram a popular choice for mining companies wanting to operate at their peak."

The benefits of utilising automation drive the demand for software companies to incorporate it into their products.

He adds "Our goal always remains to stay ahead of the competition by offering the most innovative and functional mining technology solutions."

For more information visit www.micromine.com