In Association with Sencieve
Mining operations have historically relied on inspection and manual survey to detect ground movement. However, the mining industry is rapidly evolving, and so are the technologies that support it.
Options range from the big-picture perspective offered by remote sensing techniques to highly focused insights from instruments deployed in the ground. Satellite INSAR, for example, provides precise measurement across wide areas but with limitations in terms of temporal sampling (typically 9 to 11 days between updates). Slope monitoring radar systems cover wide areas, but come with significant capital and operating costs. At the other end of the scale, geotechnical logging tools such as borehole inclinometers, extensometers and piezometers detect changes in subsurface ground stability and water content, but only at discrete locations. Selecting the right monitoring solution is a balancing act that must weigh up cost, precision, spatial coverage and sampling frequency. It’s in this context that the sector is showing growing interest in wireless remote condition monitoring as a technology that is easy to use, delivers precise data from wide areas, and crucially, provides continuous updates and virtually real-time alerts.
Wireless remote monitoring systems typically comprise three elements: sensors such as tiltmeters and laser displacement sensors, communication gateways that collate and transmit data from site to a cloud-based portal, usually via the cellular network, and data visualisation software such as Senceive WebMonitor.
Remote wireless monitoring is transforming risk management in the mining sector, helping operators improve productivity and manage risk. Typical applications include:
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace remote wireless condition monitoring in mining is the substantial reduction in site visits. This translates to a significantly lower risk to your team through:
The scope of remote monitoring extends beyond just tracking ground movement. These systems can comprehensively monitor critical mine infrastructure, including tunnels, shafts, processing facilities, and railways. Here’s how:
Remote wireless condition monitoring solutions come with several economic advantages that can make a significant impact on a mining operation’s bottom line:
Remote monitoring systems are designed for efficiency and convenience, with quick installation and immediate data accessibility:
Continuous access to precise data can help you move away from a deterministic approach, where slope angles are designed to a strict theoretical factor of safety, to a wider risk-based approach where a mine is designed for optimal safe performance. Here are some examples of how this can work:
In conclusion, the mining industry is transitioning towards smarter, safer, and more cost-effective solutions for geotechnical and structural monitoring. Remote wireless condition monitoring is one of the key technologies, providing numerous advantages over traditional methods. With continuous data, fewer site visits, comprehensive infrastructure monitoring, and cost savings, remote monitoring can be a game-changer for the mining sector. By harnessing the power of wireless technology, mining companies can not only improve their safety records but also optimise their operations for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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