Chapter 2 - Mine Transport Surveillance and Production Management System

Abstract

Mine transport surveillance and production management system has been designed to check the overloading of minerals on trucks or dumpers and their efficient disposal from a mine site, as well as stop the illicit transportation of minerals through unauthorized routes. The system consists of five modules: (a) a weighbridge automation module for manless checking of overloading of minerals on trucks or dumpers; (b) a vehicle tracking and production monitoring module for keeping continuous watch over vehicles on transportation routes and monitoring of production, as well as providing advice on optimum use of shovels, dumpers, and other auxiliary equipment by minimizing their idling time; (c) close-circuit television cameras for keeping their surroundings under constant surveillance, particularly to watch vehicles carrying minerals; (d) a periphery surveillance module for detecting intrusion of vehicles with the intention of illegal transportation of minerals through unauthorized routes; and (e) a centralized monitoring station for overseeing all the activities of transport surveillance, as well as production monitoring from a central location. This system would definitely prove to be a boon to the mining industry as it is quite effective in averting financial loss due to mineral theft, in addition to improving the efficiency of smooth dispatch of minerals by optimum use of shovels and dumpers.