Australasian Mining Review
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/37922
52 Increased mining demand drives automation technology The mining of iron ore in Australia represents a signifi cant percentage of all exports to Asia. With demand threatening to outstrip supply, many mining companies will need to expand their operations, which may lead to foreign investment. According to Geoffrey Irvine, Industry Solutions Manager, Rockwell Automation, the opportunity for new partnerships can be a win-win for local manufacturers and industry. trading partnerships. The greatest challenge for both parties is to ensure that the equipment incorporates effi ciency, safety and sustainability to meet Australian standards and regulations. It must include remote operation capabilities and value-add in areas such as asset management and maintenance. Mining technology imports from Asia are often perceived as a threat to local manufacturing, but can represent opportunity when the synergies between business partners are realised. W Mining industry technology providers from Asia, typically have been government-run organisations to serve their internal industries. Now, they are looking to Australian industries as a world leader in mining, to take them to the next level. At fi rst glance, Australia may be losing knowledge resources, but it offers an opportunity to collaborate with Asian suppliers to implement higher standards in key areas such as safety. Integrated safety and remote operation Integrating safety measures in any plant or manufacturing environment is paramount. This is particularly true in mining, whether it be underground coal mining, gold mining benefi ciation or iron ore ship loaders. Ideally, it should be incorporated at the design stage, but skills and expertise in retro-fi tting and upgrading are equally important. Safety and effi ciency are further enhanced with remote operation through ‘minimal manning’. Broadband networks incorporating VoIP and video can now be combined with automation network systems in a secure and safe manner. This allows mines to achieve remote operation with minimal manpower on site. Companies such as Cisco Systems in conjunction with Rockwell Automation have developed tools to ensure reliability and security of Ethernet/IP networks for this type of operation. Demanding Australian standards and safety compliance represents an opportunity for local expertise to guide Asian technology providers. Asset management Geoffrey Irvine, Industry Solutions Manager, Rockwell Automation A key part of any remote operation is the minimal maintenance to be done on site. The ability to have ‘pro-active maintenance’ can only be achieved by having integrated condition-based monitoring embedded into the automation system. This can save an operation millions in lost earnings from unforeseen downtime. The opportunity for Asian technology providers is to provide those tools at a level above and beyond what is currently available. Joint ventures with Australian mining technology partners is an ideal avenue to maximise features and benefi ts at a more cost-effective level. From an automation industry point of view, the key elements of success are the ability to provide a system which encompasses key issues such as safety, asset management, process control and the ability for remote operation in a secure manner. By working collaboratively with Asian technology providers, Australian companies need not feel undermined, but should view it as a win-win opportunity for business growth and development for both parties. Enquiries Anne-Marie Ward, Rockwell Automation marketing communications manager E-mail: award@ra.rockwell.com Company background Rockwell Automation Australia and Rockwell Automation New Zealand are subsidiaries of Rockwell Automation, Inc.—a leading global provider of industrial power, automation control and information solutions that helps manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation which include Allen- Bradley® controls and services and Rockwell Software® factory management software. Its broad product mix includes control logic systems, sensors, human-machine interfaces, drive controllers, power devices, and software. [Automation] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ith overseas investment, much of the mining equipment and technology may be sourced from Asian OEMs, EPCs and solution providers, opening the door for potential