Outokumpu, a global leader in stainless steel manufacturing, has selected Sandvik, to deliver its OptiMine digital platform as an underground operations management system to improve productivity at the Kemi Mine in Finland.

"One of the key elements of digitalisation at Kemi Mine is improving the situational picture. By visualising mine operations and conditions in real-time, we are enabling well-timed decision making and forecasting. Sandvik OptiMine and Newtrax positioning solutions will have a major role in Kemi Mine's underground operations scheduling, task management and visualisation," said Martti Sassi, senior vice president, Business Area Ferrochrome, Outokumpu.

Outokumpu's Kemi Mine has been a forerunner in mine digitalisation and has been using self-developed solutions for managing underground operations for more than a decade. Sandvik OptiMine will replace several existing systems and integrate them into one solution. The agreement with Outokumpu also includes a Newtrax tag-based personnel and vehicle positioning solution. Sandvik will support Outokumpu throughout the implementation of the OptiMine solution and will continue to provide support and training after commissioning as well.

"OptiMine is known for its exceptional performance in demanding mining conditions. The scalability and productivity increase capabilities of the OptiMine platform have made it the technology of choice for a multitude of mines," said Riku Pulli, vice president, Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, and continued: "We are delighted to leverage our experience to deliver safe and reliable technologies in line with Kemi Mine's production demands. Sandvik has the right global expertise and strong local support to help keep mines up and running safely and productively at all times."

Sandvik's OptiMine is the most comprehensive solution for optimising underground hard rock mining production and processes. It integrates all assets and people - including Sandvik and non-Sandvik equipment - delivering descriptive and predictive insights to improve operations. OptiMine is interoperable and able to connect to any system and technology, including Newtrax IoT devices, providing a real-time view of mining operations. It is an open and scalable modular suite that gives flexibility to expand and work with a full range of equipment, systems and networks.