Mining & Minerals

Mining comes in many forms, depending on the product, whether it be for Coal, Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead or any other mineral in the ground. Mines can be above ground or below ground; they can have explosive atmospheres or be quite safe; they can be large or small (scale is relative!) and because of this they need different methods, processes and equipment for the miners to do their job. Quarries are similar in terms of operation but are generally above ground and they process a lower cost and less risky product such as limestone or rock.

In underground mining, especially coal, there are often explosive gases released such as Methane and so Miners have to be able to work around this. Various techniques are used to enable this such as:

  • forcing ventilation air through the mine to take away the methane
  • using special Explosion or Flame proof housings to contain the electronic and electrical equipment needed to operate and control machinery
  • monitoring Methane levels with analysers
  • increased use of automation reducing the need to have people in dangerous operational areas
  • being able to monitor the operation remotely from a safe area, such as the surface.

For surface and open cut operations, the risk of hazardous atmospheres may not be present but the scale and size of some of the equipment brings its own challenges especially in regard to asset damage and personnel safety. Monitoring and control is required just as much aboveground and different challenges present themselves such as communicating with equipment over long distances, tracking assets and personnel, exposure to the elements and damage to equipment due to collisions with heavy machinery.

In addition, the products of mining are generally processed above ground using equipment such as:

  • SAG and ball mills
  • crushers and screens
  • floatation cells, thickeners and clarifiers
  • coal handling and prep plants (CHPP)
  • sampling systems
  • conveyors, hoppers and stockpiles
  • dust suppression and monitoring systems

All of this requires measurement, monitoring and control and to support such a complex operation.

Triple I can provide specialised personnel who have the experience and application knowledge required, such as:

  • process automation engineers for control and safety systems
  • electricians for installation and maintenance
  • instrument technicians for calibrations
  • mechanical fitters to fabricate, install and maintain the various plant equipment around the site.