Sandvik's OptiMine Analytics transforms data into process improvements via predictive insights and actionable dashboards embedded into operation management systems. Using the analytics capabilities from IBM Watson IoT, this information management solution allows mining companies to combine equipment and application data from disparate sources in real-time, analysing patterns in the data to help improve availability, utilisation and performance.
Through a series of IBM Design Thinking workshops, IBM and Sandvik work with clients to develop a framework to shape offerings around data-driven productivity and predictive maintenance. Using the Watson IoT technology, Sandvik and IBM have jointly created a platform able to comply with the stringent reliability and security requirements of mining operations. Predictive maintenance technology leveraging IoT sensor data has also been introduced as part of this platform.
"Proactively identifying maintenance needs before something breaks is leading to huge cost and time savings," said Patrick Murphy, president, Rock Drills & Technologies, Sandvik. "Our award-winning OptiMine Analytics with IBM Watson IoT solutions offer our customers a more complete view of their operations for smarter, safer and more productive work."
Sandvik and IBM clients such as Petra Diamonds and Barminco are using IoT to help reduce miner exposure to hostile work environments and increase safety.
"Our top priority is the safety of our employees and if a machine fails underground, we need immediate insight into what is happening in that tunnel," said Luctor Roode, executive operations at Petra Diamonds. "With the solution from Sandvik and IBM, we have real-time data that allows us to immediately identify the root cause of the problem and act accordingly."
OptiMine Analytics allows us to fast-track our efforts
"Leveraging data is becoming increasingly valuable across the mining sector. Through analytics, machine learning and AI, we are seeing new possibilities for increased operational efficiency," said Paul Muller, CEO, Barminco. "Our partnership with Sandvik's OptiMine Analytics allows us to fast-track our efforts, leveraging Sandvik's whole-of-fleet data and innate machine knowledge."
OptiMine Analytics will also be used by Vedanta Zinc International's Black Mountain Mining operations in South Africa's Northern Cape Province, to accelerate data-driven operations for safety, efficiency and productivity for trucks, loaders and drills. Additionally, Hindustan Zinc, one of the world's largest integrated producers of zinc, lead and silver has tapped Sandvik to implement a major digital transformation at its Sindesar Khurd Mine, India, to ensure all required infrastructure and platforms can achieve world-class mining safety, efficiency and productivity.
"Sensors and tracking systems for asset management is only the beginning when it comes to how artificial intelligence will disrupt the mining industry," said Jay Bellissimo, general manager, Cognitive Process Transformation, IBM Global Business Services.
"Creating a solution that turns the data into actionable insights is a delicate matter. It requires an interdisciplinary effort spanning across mining technology, software engineering and data science. IBM and Sandvik are now on course to help transform the mining value chain with the fusion of cognitive capabilities into miners' business and operating processes."
