KCGM Super Pit Makes a Case for Wenco

The three main reasons for selecting Wenco was the performance of BenchManager’s precise bucket positioning, the ability to utilize KCGM’s existing MESH radio network, and the ability to share data with the existing dispatching system.

Wenco provides the industry’s most accurate bucket positioning tool on the market. The Motion Metrics Arm Geometry System determines the precise bucket location by measuring joint angles with accelerometers. Unlike most other systems that can only inform of the bench elevation beneath the tracks, The Motion Metrics AGS also provides the elevation while digging into the face.

Chris Reardon, Superintendent, Mine Planning and Technical Services with KCGM supervised the 3-month trial. “Bucket positions during the trial were surveyed to within 16cm accuracies,” Chris reports, “this capability allows KCGM to optimize their selective mining process and operate safely around the in-pit hazards from the old underground workings.”

KCGM’s MESH Network 2.4GHz field communications infrastructure is designed for mobile broadband communications. MESH Networks allows for the rapid deployment of high-speed wireless connectivity. With all components on the BenchManager hardware being IP addressable a simple Ethernet connection allows Wenco to remotely monitor and support the onboard system software and hardware. Using a VPN connection Wenco support personnel are able to log on to the network and view the selected onboard application and hardware in real-time to monitor their performance.

The 4 BenchManager systems will be integrated into Wenco’s Fleet Management System that is currently managing over 80 mobile units (trucks, shovels and auxiliary equipment). The systems will share and store all information into one ODBC compliant database; WencoDB. The goal is for comprehensive reporting and improved geological reconciliation.

BenchManager provides an auto-decision facility whereby the system reconciles the precise bucket position to the ore block polygons displayed on the operator’s console for automatic determination of material type and quality. With the information incorporated into Wenco’s dispatching algorithm, the system determines the best equipment assignment to meet productivity and ore quality control requirements.

Jayson Bebek, Project Manager for Wenco, states, “Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines and Wenco have been business partners for over 10 years. KCGM demands highly technical solutions, cooperation and openness of the system.” Evidence of this is in the fact that KCGM has developed their own in-house intranet reporting system to view data from WencoDB alongside information from other systems and they pioneered the use of the Wenco fleet management system in the Mt.Charlotte underground mine. “Wenco worked closely with KCGM in all these aspects,” says Jayson, “and has successfully delivered, worked alongside other vendors and provided guidance to the mine on each occasion.”

Wenco’s head office in based in Vancouver, British Columbia with support for their Australian clients based out of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

For more information contact:
Garth Connal
VP Marketing
Wenco
www.wencomine.com
(604) 270-8277