Design-Manufactured & Installed Total Solution Vince Hagan stationary batch plants set the industry standard for reliability and longevity. Our plants address your needs for robust storage, a uniform mix, and the high-production demands of both large and small projects. We will custom design your plant to meet your site layout needs while considering seismic and high-wind requirements for your location. Plus, our exclusive smart plant technology is pushing our plants to the forefront of the industry with an app that monitors sensors on vital plant components and can predict possible downtime. It also manages weekly/monthly maintenance schedules. TRUSTED INSTALL BY MANUFACTURER Installation of your equipment is just as critical as the purchase. And with over 60 years of turnkey installation services, Vince Hagan is your trusted industry partner. All installations include comprehensive operational and maintenance training to assure your equipment is running safely and efficiently. RETURN ON INVESTMENT Vince Hagan plants are legendary for value because of their proven dependability, high production, and longevity. When it comes to making this significant investment, you can rest assured that the center of your production relies on equipment built to last for a generation. Go factory direct, and cut out the middleman. We help you maximize your profits instead of paying for corporate overhead and shareholder dividends.

The Vince Hagan Company invented the mobile batch plant in 1956 and we’ve been innovating batching equipment ever since. With decades of patented equipment, innovative technology, industry education, and world-class service, Vince Hagan is committed to making batching equipment more productive, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced. We provide one-stop shopping which assures proper interface of all concrete batching equipment. Our service teams have decades of experience with full plant installations, operational and maintenance training, on-site troubleshooting of equipment, and plant performance optimization. We don’t just sell you the plant, we support you for years to come.

Belt conveyor systems can solve complex transport problems involving bulk materials of all kinds. When choosing the components of a system, you have to consider factors like wear resistance and maximum permissible slopes. How is the BEUMER Group able to develop the perfect solution for your application and deliver it to you? You’ll get answers from Christoph Dorra, Regional Sales Manager for South America, Conveying and Loading Systems, and Martin Rewer, Team Leader for Overland Conveyors.

Haver & Boecker Niagara offers a full diagnostics portfolio by combining the Pulse Impact Test, Pulse Vibration Analysis, and Pulse Condition Monitoring to give aggregates and mining producers a more holistic view of their mineral processing equipment.

Ensure that your plant has a good inventory of spare parts on hand by learning how to collect the data necessary to build your own spare parts inventory model.

How can the overall performance of your plant be determined? Most plants calculate availability, or the percent of the time the plant or a particular circuit is operating, as well as overall production and recovery. But, is this information enough? Does it provide sufficient fine-grained information on where improvements can be made? This paper suggests five quantitative factors applied to a plant or to individual parts of a plant that identify the productivity of the plant—in other words, its productivity profile.

In this interactive PDF, we talk about common training myths and our responses.

How can the overall performance of your plant be determined? Most plants calculate availability, or the percent of the time the plant or a particular circuit is operating, as well as overall production and recovery. But, is this information enough? Does it provide sufficient fine-grained information on where improvements can be made? This paper suggests five quantitative factors applied to a plant or to individual parts of a plant that identify the productivity of the plant—in other words, its productivity profile.

Founded in 1983, Performance Associates International (PAI) is the worldwide leader in mine and plant industrial training. Our custom training modules and on-site training have improved start-up success and operations for clients on nearly every continent. We invite you to experience one of our e-learning training modules. Here you will see a video demonstration of a sample principle of operation from an e-learning module. A principle of operation describes in detail how a piece of equipment or a process works. In this sample, you will learn about Jameson Cell flotation technology and how its design allows for more efficient mineral separation in a much smaller tank than traditional column and mechanical flotation cells. We describe in detail the key components of the Jameson Cell and the operating principles. At the end of the module, a test will help assess what you learned. In a full training program, test results can be recorded and tracked in an LMS. A principle of operation like this would be only one of many included with a full plant operations training program. Note: This is a sample and does not contain the Jameson Cell training module in its entirety. If you would like to try out this e-learning module, please contact Kenneth Slack at [email protected] or +1-520-544-2220.

Drone adoption is thriving in several industries and the aggregates and mining industry that Firmatek serves is no exception. Although drone tech is relatively new, drones are revolutionizing the way we work. However, with all of the operational benefits that drones bring to the table, there are a few concerns that contribute to lack of adoption. We tackle three common concerns in our latest article by Henzé (hen-zay) Gustave. Check it out here!

The geology report, feasibility study, and mine plan look great. Why do so many mining project start-ups fail to perform? Most mining companies put a great deal of emphasis on the nature of the reserve, the mine plan, the extraction process to be used, and the process plant design—obviously all very important. Even when large, highly regarded engineering, procurement, and construction firms develop the project, operating results are very often disappointing. In this paper, we explore the role of Operations Readiness on the financial impact of mining project start-ups. A relatively small investment in operations readiness produces a huge financial return. Many investment firms, as well as mining company senior executives, fail to consider this important factor in operating success.

We know that geospatial data collection is increasingly accessible. But data is more than just a number. Real solutions come from understanding and analyzing the data that is collected. We work with our clients to develop meaningful deliverables for underground mining applications that save our clients money and improve their operations. Transforming data into actionable insights is what the Firmatek team delivers. Learn more about the data collection and analysis process in our case study by Seaver Hall, Project Engineer.

We were recently asked to inspect a large indoor construction site with a roof height of approx 100 feet. The project will eventually be one of the largest indoor mall and family entertainment complexes in the world. The site has experienced a rocky journey with construction that started nearly 20 years ago. The roof height poses a challenge for new owners and contractors. The only solution in knowing whether proper work has been done over the years? Indoor drone inspection. In this article, Andrew Maximow discusses this project and three significant challenges to deploying drones indoors. Learn more on the blog!

With reference to greenfield plant projects, using process simulators similar to the designed plant Human-Machine Interface (HMI) or Distributed Control System (DCS) has become common practice. These simulators represent a “virtual plant” based on process modeling of the circuit chemistry and thermodynamics, and on the physical nature of the plant, including equipment, valves, piping, etc. The virtual plant allows trainees to troubleshoot problems, optimize process variables, react to alarms, etc., all based on the process simulation model.  Performance Associates’ experience is that this complex simulator training is valuable, but only after more in-depth training on the process and control logic. To truly optimize a process plant, prior to simulator training, the control room operators must have detailed knowledge of the following:Process objective of each process system, comprising a group of unit operations.Process objective of each unit operation.Process chemistry and the variables affecting it.Important characteristics of each unit operation, the variables affecting it, and the impact on downstream unit operations.Plant control loops, interlocks, and alarms.Safety issues related to the process and control schemes.Operating procedures for start-up and shutdown under various scenarios, as well as important operator tasks.Additionally, trainees must be intimately familiar with the applicable fundamental scientific concepts, such as pressure, temperature, heat exchangers, electricity, PID control logic, combustion, etc. With this fundamental and plant-specific foundation, the process simulator can be fully exploited for training. 

Drones have made it faster, easier, and safer to collect data. New drone tech has allowed us to develop better deliverables and custom solutions for our clients. But it hasn’t always been a smooth transition to new technology. We’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and we continue to learn them as our business grows. Learn more about the insights we've gained in our latest blog by Lauren Elmore!

With reference to greenfield plant projects, using process simulators similar to the designed plant Human-Machine Interface (HMI) or Distributed Control System (DCS) has become common practice. These simulators represent a “virtual plant” based on process modeling of the circuit chemistry and thermodynamics, and on the physical nature of the plant, including equipment, valves, piping, etc. The virtual plant allows trainees to troubleshoot problems, optimize process variables, react to alarms, etc., all based on the process simulation model. Performance Associates’ experience is that this complex simulator training is valuable, but only after more in-depth training on the process and control logic. To truly optimize a process plant, prior to simulator training, the control room operators must have detailed knowledge of the following:  Process objective of each process system, comprising a group of unit operations.  Process objective of each unit operation.  Process chemistry and the variables affecting it.  Important characteristics of each unit operation, the variables affecting it, and the impact on downstream unit operations.  Plant control loops, interlocks, and alarms.  Safety issues related to the process and control schemes.  Operating procedures for start-up and shutdown under various scenarios, as well as important operator tasks. Additionally, trainees must be intimately familiar with the applicable fundamental scientific concepts, such as pressure, temperature, heat exchangers, electricity, PID control logic, combustion, etc. With this fundamental and plant-specific foundation, the process simulator can be fully exploited for training.

In the past, we’ve discussed techniques and best practices necessary for precision mapping projects requiring a high degree of absolute accuracy. Not all clients require that level of accuracy, so different tools and techniques are used to create the deliverables. A one-size-fits-all solution in our industry isn’t practical, so we research and work with our clients to determine the best tool and software available for precise and efficient data collection and processing. In this article, Andrew Maximow compares the traditional way of processing photos along with two faster and more efficient methods that save time, processing steps, and resources. Learn more on the blog!

Now more than ever, we’re aware of our personal data and how much we’re willingly handing out. Whether it’s through data uploads, social media, or allowing applications to have access to your personal info, it’s important to think twice about what you’re doing with your data. In our industry, we often receive questions related to data security concerns with drones, specifically about drones manufactured outside of the US. With this in mind, it’s valuable to equip you with an overview of the data security concerns being widely reported on and discussed in the media. Read our detailed article by Chief Drone Officer, Andrew Maximow to learn more.

Developing a profitable mining venture is no small matter. It requires enormous initial investments in research, construction, and equipment. But a mineral processing plant does not run itself. Even with the best equipment and good ore quality, optimal results are dependent upon keeping the process running smoothly, avoiding process upsets, maintaining process variables in the desired range, and minimizing breakdowns and downtime. A highly trained workforce is an essential element in a successful, and profitable, start-up. The knowledge and abilities of plant operators and maintenance personnel can make or break an operation. Trained operators know what to look for during preoperational and routine inspections, allowing maintenance tasks to be planned and unexpected costly breakdowns avoided. Trained operators know what variables exist at different stages in the process and how to make appropriate adjustments in real time. Trained maintenance personnel are well acquainted with the plant equipment, and maintenance planners can schedule work and maintain a spare parts inventory to minimize downtime. Additionally, new operations that train their workforce just prior to plant commissioning can utilize their operators in the commissioning process. Having been trained and gained field experience through plant commissioning, operators are ready to hit the ground running once feed is introduced. A faster ramp-up means more earnings, more quickly. The cost of developing a proper training program is a small percentage of the overall engineering, procurement, and construction budget but it constitutes a large percentage of the gains realized from a successful start-up and ramp-up to full production. Performance Associates International (PAI) has designed and presented custom training programs for operators and maintenance personnel in metallurgical plants around the world for over 35 years. We are proud to have been part of the successful start-ups at Lundin Mining’s Eagle Mine, Vale’s Voisey’s Bay project, and Torex Gold’s El Limon-Guajes project. Click Download to view the actual vs. projected start-up results from these three metallurgical plants that made use of PAI’s custom-built training programs and on-site training.

Mapping is one of the least understood applications for drones. Maps are very useful for many industries, but if your customers require accurate measurements, additional controls are needed beyond simple photo processing. As drone-based photogrammetry becomes widely accepted, it is important to note best practices that help ensure quality, trusted insights for your clients. In Andrew Maximow's latest article, he covers what is needed in a drone mapping system to produce and collect accurate, quality data. Check it out here.

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up. www.perfnet.com 

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up.  www.perfnet.com 

Three dimensional animations integrated into a process plant computer-based training (CBT) program can greatly enhance trainee understanding of process equipment. This introductory maintenance manual and animation provides a narrative description of a jaw crusher’s location in the process, its function, components, and maintenance requirements. The animation introduces maintenance personnel to the jaw crusher in a dynamic visual context. The narrated animation replaced the standard text and graphics in the description section of the equipment maintenance (CBT) module. The descriptive text was adapted to a narrative form. Multimedia specialists used engineering drawings and photographs to create models of the equipment and animate the modeled images to illustrate the key concepts and components in concert with the narration.

Excellence in Mining, Process Plant, Maintenance, and Safety Training Performance Associates International, Inc. (PAI) is the world leader in online and on-site training for the mining industry. We provide organizations with a single source for assessments, skills training, continuing education, safety training and compliance mandates, and more. Our first-class content guides your staff to gain the critical knowledge they need to work safely and efficiently today. Our proven, leading-edge industrial training programs improve performance in existing operations and ensure success during the start-up of new operations. Our training programs have saved companies millions in personnel accident prevention, production loss, and equipment damage. We partner with our customers and consult collaboratively to provide the analysis and content development to meet your needs. Services PAI Offers Plant Operator TrainingOur three-tier concept for effective plant operator training starts with fundamental knowledge and progresses to plant-specific concepts that are reinforced through detailed animations and interactive simulations. Maintenance TrainingWe custom build state-of-the-art maintenance training programs using exploded graphics, explanatory text, detailed procedures, and management systems. Mobile Equipment Operator TrainingOur first-class training program focuses on operator controls and indicators, safety, and performance optimization. It also includes operating, emergency, and troubleshooting procedures.Commissioning and Start-UpWe can identify, track, and control the thousands of activities that must occur for the successful commissioning and start-up of a process plant. There is no shortcut to a successful start-up.Testing and Tracking SystemsWe can help manage and track the performance of employees to improve the overall performance of the mine and plant industrial training programs. Our testing and tracking systems provide invaluable assistance in safety and operational compliance. Introductory and Safety TrainingOff-the-shelf introductory and safety training packages are an excellent source for mine and plant industrial training courses. They provide fundamental knowledge and basic training concepts. Now offering online courses!E-Learning, Animations, and SimulationsOur interactive e-learning keeps trainees focused and engaged. Our experienced in-house multimedia team develops state-of-the-art graphics, virtual and mixed reality training, stunning 3D animations, and technically engineered simulations of real-world scenarios.Other ServicesWe also provide many services relevant to planning, analyzing, and evaluating process plants, including:·         Operations readiness plan.·         Planning studies.·         Quality management.·         Systems implementation.·         Statistical process control.·         Reliability-based asset management.·         Productive capacity studies.·         Surveys and needs analyses.·         Economic life analysis.·         Process control strategies and methods.·         Debottlenecking and process optimization.·         Spare parts inventory and analysis.·         Feasibility studies.·         Consulting assistance.Consulting * Gap Analysis * Content Development * LMS * On-Site * Train-the-Trainer * E-Learning * Process Plant Optimization * Training * Safety * Mine Training * Plant Operator Training * Maintenance * Mobile Equipment * Competencies * Commissioning

Excellence in Mining, Process Plant, Maintenance, and Safety Training  Performance Associates International, Inc. (PAI) is the world leader in online and on-site training for the mining industry. We provide organizations with a single source for assessments, skills training, continuing education, safety training and compliance mandates, and more. Our first-class content guides your staff to gain the critical knowledge they need to work safely and efficiently today.  Our proven, leading-edge industrial training programs improve performance in existing operations and ensure success during the start-up of new operations. Our training programs have saved companies millions in personnel accident prevention, production loss, and equipment damage. We partner with our customers and consult collaboratively to provide the analysis and content development to meet your needs.  Services PAI Offers  Plant Operator Training Our three-tier concept for effective plant operator training starts with fundamental knowledge and progresses to plant-specific concepts that are reinforced through detailed animations and interactive simulations.  Maintenance Training We custom build state-of-the-art maintenance training programs using exploded graphics, explanatory text, detailed procedures, and management systems.  Mobile Equipment Operator Training Our first-class training program focuses on operator controls and indicators, safety, and performance optimization. It also includes operating, emergency, and troubleshooting procedures. Commissioning and Start-Up We can identify, track, and control the thousands of activities that must occur for the successful commissioning and start-up of a process plant. There is no shortcut to a successful start-up. Testing and Tracking Systems We can help manage and track the performance of employees to improve the overall performance of the mine and plant industrial training programs. Our testing and tracking systems provide invaluable assistance in safety and operational compliance.  Introductory and Safety Training Off-the-shelf introductory and safety training packages are an excellent source for mine and plant industrial training courses. They provide fundamental knowledge and basic training concepts. Now offering online courses! E-Learning, Animations, and Simulations Our interactive e-learning keeps trainees focused and engaged. Our experienced in-house multimedia team develops state-of-the-art graphics, virtual and mixed reality training, stunning 3D animations, and technically engineered simulations of real-world scenarios. Other Services We also provide many services relevant to planning, analyzing, and evaluating process plants, including: ·         Operations readiness plan. ·         Planning studies. ·         Quality management. ·         Systems implementation. ·         Statistical process control. ·         Reliability-based asset management. ·         Productive capacity studies. ·         Surveys and needs analyses. ·         Economic life analysis. ·         Process control strategies and methods. ·         Debottlenecking and process optimization. ·         Spare parts inventory and analysis. ·         Feasibility studies. ·         Consulting assistance. Consulting * Gap Analysis * Content Development * LMS * On-Site * Train-the-Trainer * E-Learning * Process Plant Optimization * Training * Safety * Mine Training * Plant Operator Training * Maintenance * Mobile Equipment * Competencies * Commissioning  

As many industries are adopting drone technology across their entire organizations, it is important to learn from our collective successes, mistakes, and key findings. Regardless of your industry, there are many similarities in implementing a drone program across your organization.Building an Enterprise Drone Program requires first seeking to understand why you want it, what success looks like, and how you want to build it. Building a successful Enterprise Drone Program is a large task. But when done well, the impact on your business can be significant. You will gain the business intelligence that you need to make your operations more efficient.Download our white paper to learn more about successfully building and implementing your enterprise drone program.

Performance Associates (PAI) delivered a jaw crusher introductory maintenance manual and animation to Northern Star Resources, Ltd.—Kanowna Belle Project in Western Australia on June 7, 2019. The animation provides a narrative description of the jaw crusher’s location in the process, its function, components, and maintenance requirements. With this delivery, PAI successfully met Northern Star Resources’ need for an animation that could introduce new maintenance personnel to the Kanowna Belle jaw crusher in a dynamic visual context. The narrated animation replaced the standard text and graphics in the description section of the equipment maintenance computer-based training (CBT) module. The descriptive text was adapted to a narrative form. Multimedia specialists used engineering drawings and photographs to create models of the equipment and animate the modeled images to illustrate the key concepts and components in concert with the narration.

In many mine and plant operations, safety is looked upon as an extra layer of special attention placed above the operations management layer. But safety awareness must be built into the detailed operations and maintenance training on the equipment as well as on the process itself.  

In an industry that’s flooded with new and improved tools and software systems, we help our clients by providing key insights and custom solutions. Serving our industry to the best of our ability requires us to act as trusted advisors. We start by suggesting the right tool for the job. In part three of our Guide to Drone series, Steele Olsen, Geospatial Field Technician, highlights some specific UAV platforms that are currently in-use at Firmatek and discusses why they fit well within our clients’ operations. Download our resource to learn more about the tools we use and why!

Many people look to implement drones into their operation and only go as far as to think about the data they are receiving. At Firmatek, we enable our clients by giving them more than just a number. We believe in using the right tool for the right job, so we work with our clients to provide a solution that works for them. Sometimes that means we do everything from collecting the data to analyzing it and providing analysis and results. Other times, we put a drone in the hands of our clients and they collect the data and we do the analysis; often, we do a combination of both. Our clients take the analysis we provide and use it to elevate their business intelligence and improve their efficiencies. That's why Turner Mining Group chooses our drone solutions. Download our resource to learn more about our Q&A with Turner Mining Group at the AEC Next conference this week.

While drones are widely used for collecting amazing photos and videos, technology is evolving rapidly to collect and analyze more data. Industries that deploy drone tech discover new possibilities. Firmatek is helping clients in several industries get started with data, build use-cases, and deliver insights via more quantitative and qualitative data analytics. In the first blog of our Guide to Drone Series, we discussed the criteria we use to select drone/UAV platforms. In this article, we take a closer look at specific use-cases and the types of data they provide. Download our resource to learn more.

Does Firmatek hire drone pilots? The short answer is no. Providing key insights is our WHY. Collecting data, whether with drones or other tools, is just the tip of the iceberg of WHAT we do. Because of this, when we hire we look for skill sets beyond Part 107. We hire people who speak our client's language— mining, geology, construction, energy, and civil engineering. Andrew Maximow provides an in-depth explanation on our blog. Check it out here!

Geospatial mapping is becoming a game-changer in the quality of the construction process. The construction industry is continually evolving, trying to find the best ways to maximize their profits and ensure efficiency. Cutting-edge drone technology has been a key influence working towards goals of better documentation; project management and inspections; and designing, planning, and estimating. Download our resource to learn more about the advantages of utilizing geospatial mapping data in your operation.

What if there was a cost-effective way to get accurate, timely, and frequent data? Drone technology is changing the game. Tech has transformed the way you manage your dirt-moving operation and is drastically improving efficiencies. New tech can be hard to embrace and hard to implement. That's why we believe in supporting our clients through that transition process. It is worth the challenge of a new process to have the information you need to improve your operation. Download our resource to learn more!

We frequently get asked about the drones or UAVs that we use. What is the best drone? Why do you use such-and-such vendor? Utilizing the best technology available helps ensure that we can equip our clients with the business intelligence that they need to improve their operations. A one-size-fits-all solution in our industry isn’t practical, so we work with our clients to determine the best tool for precise and efficient data collection. Check out part one of Andrew Maximow's article series, Guide to Drone, to learn more about how we choose the right tool for the job. hashtag

Stockpile measurements are an integral part of running a successful aggregates business. Operating efficiency and profits depend on stockpile measurements, yet many aggregates operations are guilty of making numerous common mistakes. Stockpile measurements aren’t 100 percent perfect, but you should focus on making accuracy one of your top priorities. With a more refined picture of your stockpiles, you can base decisions on sound data instead of deceptive estimates, improving efficiency and boosting profit margins. To solve some of the most common measurement problems, there are a few strategies to keep in mind. Download our resource to learn more! 

We talk a lot about providing insights to our clients and equipping them with business intelligence. Researching and testing new technology helps ensure we can do that. With this in mind, we recently had a field tech training day where we introduced our team to two new members of our drone fleet: the FireFLY 6 Pro and the DJI Phantom 4 RTK. Training is an important part of setting up our team and our clients for success. It is critical for our team to have the skills to succeed. If we just give them the tool, but don’t give them knowledge to use it, we are not going to be successful. We give them the knowledge to raise the bar. Download our resource to learn more about what our team is saying about our new drone technology!

We're always looking for new ways to help clients solve problems, increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve safety. So when our client approached us about finding a better way to identify joint sets, we created this deliverable with a services-led, technology enabled approach. Download our resource to learn more about the importance of identifying joint sets and how they effect operational efficiency and safety.

We consistently tell our clients one thing: you can't manage it if you can't measure it. The increased demand for data analysis and use of drones for 3D mapping has prompted more questions around additional case uses for drones. And in 2019, we see this trend continuing. As the "early majority" adopters in the commercial/enterprise drone industry climb up the "slope of enlightenment", there is a need for different ways to measure its growth beyond the number Part 107 license and drones being deployed. For us the key to growth is in the demand for data analytics. This demand, in turn, will further drive the supply of drones and Part 107 pilots. How does Firmatek plan to facilitate demand and drive growth in the drone industry? Download our resource from Chief Drone Officer, Andrew Maximow, to learn more.

At Firmatek, we love technology. Who wouldn't want to have cool drones, lasers, and software? But cool tech isn't what makes our clients' operations more successful. It's the insights we provide from the information tech gathers. We often see clients start with the "what" when they need to be looking at the "why." Why do you want to use technology? How will it help your business? We use tech to give you more than just another data point or inventory volume. We give you insights that help you increase your business intelligence. Download our resource to learn more about business intelligence.

Once upon a time, decision makers in the aggregates industry had to rely on guesswork to figure out whether they could meet a client need. Fast-forward to today, and drone technology has taken much of the guesswork out of the equation. Plus, mines are safer because data collectors are spending less time in the field.As drone tech continues to improve, there will be fewer and fewer reasons for decision makers not to incorporate drones. In the aggregates industry, it's imperative that executives begin to prepare even their most tech-challenged employees for a drone-filled future. Download our article, published in Rock Products, to learn about four tips that can help you get started. 

Moving from using traditional surveying techniques to using drones for aerial data capture can increase productivity as much as 200%.  You can deliver the data you have always produced for your customers quicker and take on new projects that were too complex or hazardous before.With Firmatek’s Data Analysis and Reporting Platform, you can quickly fly a site and process the data in hours, providing a fast, cost-effective way to perform surveys. Our platform turns your drone captured aerial imagery into high precision 2D maps and 3D models, reducing expensive and time-consuming field work, while expediting the output of reporting and analytics, while providing you with survey-grade accuracy, custom reporting and reliable analytics designed for surveying and mapping.

Are you a DIY-er? Or do you prefer hiring a full-service provider? The choice between the two comes down to what you value most: time, cost, or the experience you want to have. At Firmatek, we believe that clients deserve a tailored solution and we work with them to determine which option on the spectrum of full service to partial DIY makes sense for them. We work with clients to uncover what value choices are right for them. Download our article to find out where your business falls on the DIY spectrum. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Lato}

The Best Training Results - Industry-specific maintenance management training yields positive results. Public maintenance management seminars are often generic and provide few ideas that have immediate application to the mining industry. Other attendees usually have little understanding of mining and cannot share any useful experiences. Expensive attendance fees often preclude attendance and associated travel costs further limit those who might attend. Some topics like ‘supervision’ may have universal themes but the chief janitor has little in common with the smelter foreman. Off-site courses can pull key personnel away from the operation for the seminar duration plus travel time creating a troublesome gap in essential control of work. The timing of potentially useful courses might be in conflict with shutdown schedules further limiting attendance. While specialized topics like condition-monitoring technologies have potential utilization, the factors of cost and absence may outweigh the value gained. Similarly, specialized reliability topics can be valuable but the absence of a maintenance program platform can preclude their useful implementation. And remote mining operations often cannot even consider off-site training no matter the topic or its potential value. Their response is no training no matter the urgency. The tradition of promotion from within ultimately to maintenance manager has produced dismal results primarily because no training is being provided. No public seminar or course can fill this need. This training must come from within. It must not only be industry–specific, it must be site-specific.   These factors were the incentive for creation of the Mining Maintenance Management Course. It mitigates all of these negative training factors by providing complete on-site maintenance management training available to all - - anytime - - without limits. See attachment.

Let's face it: Pipeline planning and upkeep require a huge investment of capital. Technology is taking pipeline construction and maintenance to another level. Ignoring the benefits of tech is no longer an option. If you want to keep up with the competition and improve safety, efficiency, and profits, you have to jump on board and make the most of what's available. Download our resource to learn more.

Transform your site data into business intelligence. Conducting inventory measurements on a monthly basis gives you key insights about your operation. The measurement itself is just data, but when you turn the data into insights, you're building your level of business intelligence. This allows you to manage and improve your overall operation. Download our article to learn more about the 3 Reasons to Conduct Monthly Inventories and how you can improve your operation.

What's All the Buzz About Electronic Tickets?Paper tickets - this has been a trending topic across the Heavy Building Materials industry for quite some time. Why? Because paper processes are entirely outdated and inefficient, and in an industry that is on-the-go, they can be a hassle to keep track of. Using paper discourages quick billing and quick driver turn around. With the use of mobile technology, drivers can now deliver electronic tickets as soon as materials are delivered. This means quicker invoicing to suppliers and enhanced partnerships. Let's Break It down for You - How Can MOBILEticket Improve Your Business?·        MOBILEticket provides paperless tickets that can’t be lost, rained on, or thrown away. The ticket is an electronic document that is distributable via email without scanning.·        MOBILEticket’s native integration with MCM’s Apex system provides seamless data routing from dispatch to the drivers.·        The intuitive workflow within MOBILEticket makes it easy to learn for new employees.·        Using tablets in their trucks, MOBILEticket can be set up and implemented quickly.Midwest Concrete Materials Sees the Advantages of Implementing MOBILEticketBeing a Command Alkon customer for years, Midwest Concrete rolled out MOBILEticket to the aggregate side of their business. The implementation and training process was straightforward as MCM was already using a number of Command Alkon products. The results of this tool were almost immediate - radio traffic decreased, driver time in the yard decreased and MCM’s internal staff were able to invoice quicker.Placing Focus on What MattersMCM’s drivers appreciate not having to contact dispatch for questions on their tickets. With the paperless tickets they no longer have to manually fill out paper tickets and they get their next ticket displayed on their tablet as soon as they submit the existing ticket. Having all the ticket information on their tablets reduces the amount of questions they have to ask dispatch and there is no risk of the ticket being lost on the jobsite. The reduction in radio traffic increases driver efficiency and allows dispatch to focus on coordinating schedules and getting orders into the system.A+ Customer Experiences and Strengthened Partnerships·The MCM internal staff has seen increased speed at which they can invoice their tickets. The MOBILEtickets are downloaded directly to their financial software and after importing, the tickets are immediately billed. This has reduced time to invoice and eliminated double data entry.Mike Sanson, IT Manager at Midwest Concrete stated, “Our trucks are more efficient, in that they have their assignments immediately upon completion of the previous order. Our drivers have the order information available at their fingertips. The drivers no longer have to fill out paper tickets, and therefore we do not have to double enter to get them into our billing system, eliminating time and mistakes. Our customers receive an email of their ticket immediately in the office alerting them that the material has been delivered, and not waiting on a worker on the job to deliver the paper ticket. Overall, this has streamlined the whole process, and MOBILEticket is a win-win for both our company and our customers.”Want to start a conversation about MOBILEticket? Click here to contact us!

Turner Mining Group continues to embrace new technology to increase efficiency and keep their employees safe. Drones have had a big impact on both of these factors. From billing reconciliation to safety, adopting Firmatek’s Drone Solutions across Turner Mining's nationwide organization has helped them improve efficiencies in a number of areas. Download our case study to learn how drone solutions can help improve your operations.

In an industry where technology is constantly evolving, you can’t just listen to what everyone is saying. When there’s a new drone or app introduced every few weeks, how can you keep up and separate the truth from the hype? In our latest blog, Chief Drone Officer Andrew Maximow debunks 3 popular myths about drones in the commercial & industrial space. Download his full article here!

Each individual will require more than 3 million pounds of minerals, metals and fuel during his or her lifetime, meaning companies must optimize to meet increased demand. Big data can help achieve that goal, but only if it's used correctly. Because data is being collected more frequently, it's more important than ever for everyone to understand the basics of data collection, analysis, and delivery. The best way to do this is by forming an accurate  picture of the end-to-end process. Download our published article to learn more. 

Training is a make or break customer satisfaction opportunity. If not executed well, it can actually chase your clients away. It's our job to make sure our clients are prepared and equipped to capture great data. With this in mind, building a strong training program has been a key focus this year at Firmatek. Our Chief Drone Officer, Andrew Maximow, identifies 3 key take-aways that he believes make training programs great. Download his article to learn more.

Technology has made business operations more seamless, but in order to understand exactly what customers need, you have to spend time with them and get to know their business. It’s more than a sales pitch — we like to partner with our customers to create the best technology solution. Despite the constant stream of technological advancements we enjoy, the human element isn’t going out of style. If your company is looking to stand out from the crowd, incorporating the human element into your company-wide strategy will help you reach your full industry potential. Download our article for strategies on how to maintain a personal touch in your tech company. 

Complimentary Mining Maintenance Management Course - Maintenance is always more successful when operations, management and staff departments have a more comprehensive understanding of how maintenance works. Then their roles in the support, cooperation and direction of the interdepartmental maintenance effort can create the circumstances that can yield improvement. Education and training of operations, management and staff department personnel adds directly to the effort of improving maintenance.   Those who perform and control maintenance possess significant diagnostic and repair talent. But these skills do not automatically yield management skills. As a result, maintenance often struggles to limit downtime and meet equipment reliability needs. Within maintenance there are many capable personnel who could easily acquire essential management skills providing training and education are provided. The unfortunate reality is that no such training is being provided. Instead, the unfortunate practice of promotion from within does not always produce capable maintenance managers. Typically, an outstanding craftsman is, over time and attrition circumstances, promoted to maintenance manager. Through no fault of his own he had not acquired the requisite management skills for the job. Nor had training been provided. The end result is poorly managed maintenance that ultimately impacts mine operation performance. This oversight requires correction.   When effective maintenance education and training are available and accessible, those who can influence maintenance improvement will use it. Outstanding craftsman will aspire to efficient supervision and management.Operations managers will connect better maintenance to greater availability.Managers will realize cohesive interaction among departments to assure profitability. Complimentary Mining Maintenance Management Course - Over 600 Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) member organizations are benefiting from the Mining Maintenance Management Course (see attachment) being offered as a complimentary professional courtesy. If you are member of SME you may access the course: Log into http://community.smenet.org Click: Browse then select link to Mining Maintenance Management Course Library. PPT course topics (01 – 22) appear with Word reference (MIT) files for each course topic. Select and download course topics to make them available to your personnel. If you are not an SME member, the course can also be made available for transmission to your organization. Please inquire.   Paul D. Tomlingson, Mining Maintenance Consultant (Retired) Legion of Honor Member – Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Denver, Colorado USA [email protected]                  

Technology is adding unparalleled value to the mining and aggregate industries. Executives and plant managers are able to access more information than ever before, allowing them to make better, more informed business decisions. However, technology adoption in mining could frighten many employees in the industry for various reasons. To help ease their fears, we've developed 4 things to keep in mind. Download our article to learn more!

A lot can happen in a month or quarter on your site, making it difficult to prepare for your month end inventories. Firmatek’s Drone Solution allows you to fly your sites and then upload the data to our team for processing. This gives you the flexibility you need to capture data when you need it. With this in mind, we've developed three tips to remember when preparing for your month end inventories. Download our article to learn more!

Manual mapping methods are expensive, time consuming, and dangerous. Firmatek is breaking that paradigm using drones to simplify the mapping process. We use drones to collect mapping data from our client's sites and integrate technology into our service offering. Download our article to learn how.

Firmatek's strategic Drone Program addresses the complex needs of clients and delivers the same precise measurements and data analytics that our customers have come to know and trust. Our drone solutions are simple, fast, and accurate. Simply fly the drone on your site, and upload the data to our client portal for processing. Firmatek doesn't stop there, we make sure you understand what the data is saying so you can be confident in the decisions you make for your operation. We invite you to watch our Drone Program video for more information. Get started with Firmatek Drone Solutions today!

Planning and scheduling maintenance work should follow specific procedures. Here are some suggested guidelines.

Planners are most effective when they plan the right work. Here are some recommendations for determining which work should be planned in your organization.

Data is everything, but gathering it can be a challenge. There are several factors that go into choosing the right technology for your site. LIDAR and drone technology are both effective data collection methods, so how do you know which method is the best tool for the job? For aggregate producers, there are a few key questions you should ask when deciding which technology is best for a particular job. Download our article to learn more about the 4 questions you should keep in mind when choosing between LiDAR, drone technology, or both.

Firmatek has been measuring stockpiles and helping the Aggregate Mining Industry manage its inventory for almost 30 years. The industry has used a variety of different technology over the years. From wheel and tape, to drone solutions, Aggregate Mining companies have continued to develop innovative solutions for measuring inventory. With each evolution in the technology, there have been improvements in everything from accuracy, to safety, to management systems. Let’s take a look back at how we got to where we are today.

The amount you pay for your measurement is not your only cost when it comes to inventory. In the industry, we talk about what it costs to measure your inventory, but rarely do we discuss the cost of not measuring your inventory. Cutting costs by rarely measuring inventory could actually be costing your business more money. We invite you to download our article on the costs associated with not measuring your inventory for more information.

Get More Performance Out Of Your Crusher impactor maintenanceThere’s an urban legend out there about the company whose maintenance crew mistakenly installed a new crusher with the rotor spinning backwards. It still worked! And you think you have issues? To get the most from your equipment investment, you need to put in the time. Yes, a crusher costs a bit more than your average automobile, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. An automobile needs oil changes too, right? Performing regularly scheduled maintenance on impact crushers is crucial for guaranteeing day-to-day reliability and optimum product output. Did you know you can boost output and quality by doing just a little bit more? Even daily cleanups and inspections can increase service life. It’s a no-brainer, though possibly easier said than done. Here are some steps and practices to incorporate in your ongoing operations and maintenance. Beginning with maintenance team education, parts logs, and general maintenance record keeping, plus troubleshooting, these guidelines will help your crusher go the distance. Training: Proper training for consistent maintenance is one of the most fundamental requirements for successful, reliable production. Begin with the crusher’s operation and maintenance manual. Incorporate the manual’s suggested routine maintenance schedule into the maintenance team’s duties. Appoint a “lead person” for each crusher as the go-to for that machine. This person is the historian for the unique operational adjustments the producer has incorporated for raw feed and product requirements. Daily log (document the following every 8 hours): Amperage draw: See if it changes from day to day. If amperage is exceeding normal levels, it could be a signal of bearing problems, loose belts, or general feed issues. Coast-down time: You’re going to need to know (and log) how long it takes the machine to come to a complete stop after shutdown. Here’s why: If the time starts to shorten, this could indicate a bearing problem. Oil pressure: You’ll want to record performance in a variety of operating conditions. This will allow you to identify trends and help to detect problems before they cause costly damage or downtime. Daily maintenance (every 8 hours): Check oil level, sight glass, grease appearance, and other lubrication schedules. Check high temperature or low hydraulic pressure indicators and switches. Check wear parts. Tighten bolts. Inspect belts. Remove dirt and debris from crusher frame surfaces and areas around the machine. Check intake/discharge chutes for any obstructions and/or build up. Check alarms. If electrical changes are made or programs are altered in automated systems, verify that all alarms and interlocks function properly. Don’t be afraid to replace switches or timers that appear damaged or are in poor condition. This is more economical than a major overhaul, but never disable or alter any alarms or interlocks! Lubrication: Completely drain and thoroughly clean out the inside of the oil tank (if you have one) to eliminate any contaminants before refilling. Find contaminant sources. Contaminants such as dust particles and water can get in where oil leaks out. Inspect hydraulic systems and tag any leaks for corrective action on the very next maintenance cycle. Use the proper grade of oil. Use the proper specification of filters. Keep the oil breathers clean. Understand grease versus oil lubrication. Grease requires less-intensive maintenance than that of oil-lubricated systems. Automatic oil lubrication systems or sealed cartridge bearings are for higher speed crushers like vertical shaft impactors, air swept fine grinders, or high-speed cage mills. Most horizontal shaft impactors, hammer mills, and cage mill applications are below 1,000 rpm and grease is sufficient. Maintain a scheduled oil sampling program. By creating a baseline of normal wear, it helps indicate when abnormal wear or contamination is occurring. The exact condition of a mechanical assembly is reflected in the oil. Belts: Inspect V-belt drives for damaged belts or loose belt tension. By replacing cracked, glazed, torn, or separated belts, plus maintaining proper belt tension, you’ll optimize your plant’s performance. Wear parts: Don’t overextend wear parts. Avoid running them so long that they become too worn. You may find that you can no longer rotate breaker bars or interchange wear plates to lower wear areas — and now, you’ve lost half of the wear. Guards: Rubber and chain curtains located in the feed and discharge openings of the crusher are subject to wear and tear. Since they are a first line of protection, it’s important to inspect them regularly and to establish a schedule of regular maintenance. Electrical: When (or if) electrical changes are made, you’ll need to verify that all alarms and interlocks still properly function. Same goes for programs when altered in automated systems. Always check with the manufacturer before making any modifications. Spares recommendation: Keep the recommended spares on hand and order replacements as soon as they are used. A list of recommended spares may be included with your equipment operations manual. If not, contact the manufacturer for recommendations. Update your equipment: All equipment evolves, and the recommended manufacturer upgrades are a good investment for increased life and better crusher performance. Check with the manufacturer for any possible updates. Unapproved modifications: Manufacturer design engineers have considerable field experience, which helps them as they calculate the design and perform prototype testing. Their engineering tasks include calculating bearing loads and bearing clearances. They’ve also worked to maximize throughput by establishing the most efficient speed and setting combinations to optimize impact on the material undergoing reduction. So when plant personnel suggest modifications that alter the intended design, these changes will more than likely hurt the purpose of the original design. As a result, you’ll have a less productive and reliable crusher due to potential damage and overload. Since the manufacturer has a vested interest in how well the crusher performs, contact them before making any modifications Cage Mill Operation and Maintenance Requirements for optimum production and wear part utilization include the following: sleeve wear patterns cage wear pattern identification To increase multi-cage sleeve life, cage rotation should be reversed regularly, if possible. (Some cage mills can be reversed, while others cannot.) By reversing the cage direction, sleeves will be worn from both sides, thus extending wear life. Wear parts: Index and or replace sleeves periodically. Inspect or replace hopper ring and shaft protector, if needed. Cage rebuilding is an option. Bearings: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended specifications and schedule for lubrications, temperature, and vibration ranges of spherical roller bearings in pillow block housings. Horizontal Shaft Impactor Operation and Maintenance Variables affecting product gradation include the following: Rotor speed – Higher rotor speeds produce finer product output.Breaker bar wear & new edges crush finerBreaker bar changes. Apron gap settings – Closer gaps retain the feed longer producing a finer product. Breaker bar wear – Regular inspection and turning will lower operating costs. Throughput (tons per hour) – Overfeeding a crusher can make the output more coarse, but it also causes a number of wear and longevity issues making overfeeding a major concern to avoid. Moisture – Moisture cushions the impact, producing a coarser product. Apron wear – Worn plates can be replaced or moved to areas of lower wear. Spring bridge operation – Spring set height is critical to maintain proper operation of spring bridges. Spring bridges return the aprons to their original positions after an overload situation. The use of altered or non-specified springs can cause equipment damage or catastrophic failure. Requirements for optimum production and wear part utilization include the following: Protect inlet and outlet. Restrict maximum feed size. Maintain feed rate within allowable limits. Check rotor rotation. Use metal detection (required). Check for wear. Follow recommended breaker bar rotation setting sequence. Check rotor breaker bar, wedge, and stop block or jack screws. Check liners and breaker plates. Vertical Shaft Impactor Operation And Maintenance The vertical shaft impactor uses high rotor speeds (1,000 to 3,000 rpm) to apply high energies to the material, and since Energy + Material = Size Reduction, it can create sand from 2-inch feed. Requirements for optimum production and wear part utilization include the following: optimized parts in rotor tube Limit feed size. Use metal detection (required). Observe any vibrations with the use of continuously monitored vibration sensors. Listen to the equipment, if something sounds unusual, shut down and inspect. Limit recirculating product in a closed system. If using water for dust suppression, introduce it into the discharge area if possible. Introducing water in the intake will increase wear. Place weight match shoes opposite one another. The image above shows rotor tubes indexed 90 degrees providing a new wear surface. Wear parts include the following:recommended parts for vertical shaft impactors Shoes and tubes Anvil ring or other inserts Housing liners Rotor table liners and assembly Spares recommendation: Shoes (one complete set) Table liner Anvils (one complete set) Discharge plate The spare parts inventory shown above is recommended for vertical shaft impactors. Hammer Mill operation and Maintenance Up running hammer mills combine impact and shear to reduce material. Down running hammer mills primarily use shear by immediately taking feed to the screen or grate bars where hammers shear the material, until it passes through the openings. Requirements for optimum production and wear part utilization include the following: Lubricate bearings regularly. Regularly inspection (unclamp or unbolt front upper half housing for access to screens and hammers) liners, hammers, hammer bolts, rotor discs, grate bars, and screens. Spares recommendation: Hammers Screens Liners Grinding plate Summary A partnership begins between the manufacturer and the customer when the crusher is installed in the field. The manufacturer needs the customer’s help as much as the customer needs the manufacturer’s help to achieve the highest performance possible. Maintenance service after the sale, although mentioned last, is a central part of crusher system performance. And just in case, the manufacturer will have the people and the parts available 24/7 to assist with any problems. Regardless of the field application, the training of personnel is key to successfully and optimally operating equipment. For the size-reduction industry, crusher maintenance problems are mostly related to inadequate training. This exists at plants both large and small. The most effective education is a current and ongoing program for crews — and that’s what will result in legendary performance.

This guide describes our recommended best practices for setting, maintaining, and capturing Ground Control Points suitable for creating 3D maps using drones. We've included tips for GCP placement, as well as how to properly maintain your GCPs to ensure you are establishing an accurate position of data.

Drone technology is still relatively new, but the adoption of drones is revolutionizing the way we work in countless industries. The aggregate industry rarely leaps at the latest and greatest technologies, preferring to stick with known commodities, but those who incorporate drones will discover that they have the potential to create a far safer and more efficient job site. First published in Cement Americas Spring Edition 2018, this article discusses 3 steps to follow to incorporate drone usage into your workflow.

Learn about Telsmith's annual Technica Trainings. Training focuses on Telsmith T-Series and SBS Cone Crushers, Iron Giant and D-Style Jaw Crushers and Inclined Vibrating Screen products.

A true service provider is called upon to bring all of their tools, knowledge, and expertise in times of crisis. We provide our clients with confidence in their data, and go above and beyond to serve them and work with them to solve critical problems. One of our clients was facing a serious problem when an underground tunnel was in grave danger of collapsing or causing a major flood. Read our case study to find out how we used the right tool for the job and found a solution to their problem.

Drones have exploded in popularity thanks to their versatility and the growing accessibility of the devices. Flown carelessly, drones can be dangerous. While drones work to keep employees safe and out of dangerous environments, it's important to be aware of the regulations enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration. Check out our Drone Regulation Guide published in Occupations Health & Safety to review a couple of important considerations in maintaining safe and legal flying practices.

This maintenance management course is unique to the mining industry. Its objective is to improve maintenance through the education of personnel at all levels of the mining organization. It represents over 40 years of direct, world-wide mining maintenance consulting experiences to provide proven, useful and practical improvement guidelines. Topics are logically arranged and emphasize the interdependence of maintenance actions, essential interdepartmental coordination and knowledgeable management guidance. The accompanying textbook reinforces the course and stands alone as a classic source on mining maintenance management to guide achievement of World-Class status. Inquires: [email protected]. Paul D. Tomlingson, Mining Maintenance Consultant Denver, Colorado USA Member, Society of Mining, Metallurgy ad Exploration (SME)

Sometimes a turning point can only be seen clearly in hindsight. Such is the case for the mine of the future as we begin 2018, coming out of a 2017 where major mining companies continued to demonstrate capital spending austerity and focus on debt reduction. All the while, there were growing signals that digitalization, electrification and automation were all gaining momentum, even though actual examples of minesite implementations could as of yet, still be counted on one hand. MacLean took the opportunity that industry downturn presented over the past several years to focus intensely on three key product development ventures – first and foremost, the battery electrification of our entire fleet, which will be complete by the end of 2018; second, the successful introduction of face bolting as a feature on our 975 Omnia bolter; and, third, the launch of the latest addition to our utility vehicle product line – the LR3 Boom Lift for heavy load and high reach applications. The past year was one where for the first time we had a fleet of battery electric vehicles working underground, allowing us the ability to validate our performance and total cost of ownership (TCO) models with real-world data, while at the same time continuing to build out our EV offer across the product lines. Looking forward, as we work hard to fully electrify our fleet of ground support, ore flow/secondary reduction, and utility vehicles, we’re keenly aware that electrification is but one step in the ongoing mechanization of underground mining, a transition to the mine of the future that will be increasingly efficient through digitalization and automation that will increase production and reduce costs.

This underground nickel mine in the Midwest United States is relatively young with only a few years of production blasting. The operation is employing a sublevel stope mining technique. The operator purchases Dyno TITAN® RU emulsion and electronic detonators for blasting. The customer was experiencing poor blast results over a substantial period of time. When the customer first contacted DynoConsult® for assistance, the concern was the under-breaking of the ore which left valuable material along the ribs. At that time the mine engineers were looking for guidance on the delay times they should be using to improve the recovery of ore. During the site visit by DynoConsult, it was also discovered that there were a few instances of benches and bridges being left in the stope after mucking. In one stope it was estimated that over $1 million worth of ore was left unrecoverable in the stope. It was also revealed during the site visit that there were issues related to tight digging of the muckpile even though the fragmentation was adequate.

Ramp trials of the MacLean BT3 battery electric boom truck in Canada - Switching out diesel fuel for battery electricity on mobile equipment in underground mining is as much of a user experience exercise as it is an engineering exercise.

Establishing criteria for determining which maintenance work requires planning can improve work control efficiency.

Too often training is done “for the sake of it” or only to fulfill a compliance requirement. In reality the biggest return on investment from training equipment operators is achieved by targeting actual performance variance identified through data including fleet management system data. Performance variance in production, machine abuse and safety costs an average mine millions of dollars per year.

How to Utilize Maintenance Planners Effectively Don’t waste this valuable resource Paul D. Tomlingson A Key Player - Maintenance planners are utilized in larger organizations where there is considerable major work requiring detailed and advance preparation before the work can be scheduled. Smaller organizations still have a need for planning but, the task is often carried out by supervisors or team members. For those organizations using planners, it is important to establish what the planner should do, how it is done and what tools are required to do it well.

Determine production utilization required to determine minimum equipment availability. Comments welcome.

Significant work control problems are needlessly created when there are no criteria for determining which maintenance work requires planning.

Here are some of the maintenance planning/scheduling questions that require resolution if this activity is to be carried out efficiently.

Using insights and alerts gained through ActiveCare Direct monthly reports allows for operator training that will help avoid five common instances of machine misuse, saving thousands of dollars in machine repair costs down the road.

A maintenance organization was found to be planning only 21% of all work. Study revealed that most equipment deficiencies were being discovered just before failure. Major jobs that required detailed planning were being attempted as unplanned work. As such, they cost too much, took much longer to complete, were hurried and often failed again prematurely. Read how this situation was corrected.

The Elusive Qwest for World Class Maintenance - ‘Seat of the Pants’ Maintenance Isn’t Good Enough - A major deficiency of too many mining operations and the explanation of most maintenance problems is no program. As a result, maintenance personnel who are to carry it out or support it (like purchasing, warehousing and operations) are confused and uncertain about how to help. Mine managers are frustrated and impatient, expecting that maintenance should, by now, know what they are supposed to do and how. Too many assumptions have been made starting with the mine manager who should have said, "I want a logical, well-defined program about maintenance that fits our operating plan and I want all mine personnel to understand it, support it and make it work." To those mining operations and their maintenance departments who insist they know what to do, have them prove it with a well-documented program. Many can’t.

The Mining Maintenance Management Course is ideal for training maintenance personnel on the procedures, techniques, strategies and methodologies required to manage maintenance effectively. While maintenance personnel are the primary audience, staff organizations and operations will learn how to focus their support and cooperative efforts to enhance maintenance performance. Mining managers will appreciate recommended policies and key indices to guide and monitor the overall maintenance effort. The overall course objective is the development of a cohesive, efficient team from manager to worker to meet the unique maintenance requirements of the mining industry.

Download PowerPoint instructions - How to Implement a Maintenance program.

The purpose of this paper is to review a case study of a successful energy project at the ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor facility involving the addition of five new adjustable frequency drives (AFDs) used to regulate flow of the high-volume water spray system for the runout table (ROT). The paper will outline 1) processes used in justifying new technology updates, 2) mill alignment with the serving electric utility to leverage energy credits, 3) equipment selection and installation and 4) metrics used to demonstrate the project delivered the desired payback.

This paper outlines the experience of one global cement producer that embarked on site surveys and studies to achieve arc flash safety compliance at 13 cement plants in the U.S. and Canada.

Mining Maintenance Management Course - The Course includes 22 essential maintenance management topics presented in a logical, straightforward PowerPoint format. Strategies, techniques, methodologies, technologies and procedures are accompanied by step-by-step instructions, illustrations, case studies and detailed instructor’s notes.

I have attached a PowerPoint (PPT) presentation on how to implementing a Mine Maintenance Management Program. But before you study it please understand that superior maintenance performance is built on three conditions: 1 - Maintenance proficiency – Maintenance personnel from manager to worker are proficient in all aspects of management, control and work execution. 2 - Knowledgeable support – All mining departments understand the help needed to make maintenance successful and provide it. 3 - Strategic direction – Mine managers assign mutually–supporting departmental objectives, provide policies to guide interdepartmental actions and verify performance. The one proven answer that meets these conditions is a quality maintenance program. That program must spell out who does what, how, when and why. These guidelines must be applied to the nine essential maintenance management phases: How to (1) Request or (2) Identify work, (3) Classify it to determine the best reaction, then how to (4) Plan, (5) Schedule, (6) Assign, (7) Control and (8) Measure the resulting work and finally, (9) Assess accomplishments against goals such as performance standards and budgets. All personnel in maintenance as well as those who interact with maintenance must be included in the program since every maintenance action requires a supporting or cooperative interdepartmental reaction. Just as the maintenance planner follows specific planning procedures, so must the purchasing agent who orders major component replacements for the job the planner is organizing. After 44 years as a mining maintenance management consulting in all types of mining operations, I can confidently state that the absence of a quality program will preclude meeting these three conditions and frustrate all efforts to achieve superior maintenance performance.

A maintenance organization was found to be planning only 21% of all work. Study revealed that most equipment deficiencies were being discovered just before failure. Major jobs that required detailed planning were being attempted as unplanned work. As such, they cost too much, took much longer to complete, were hurried and often failed again prematurely. How was this situation corrected?

Today’s fleet manager is empowered to make incredibly informed decisions based on real site data. Fleet management software can calculate optimized haul routes. Site simulation software can ensure the equipment fleet is perfectly suited to the operation and its production goals. Telematics software helps predict and plan for service, track locations for better fleet utilization and even helps identify needs for operator training. With all this data at a fleet manager’s fingertips, there is enormous potential to positively impact the operation’s bottom line. All too often, however, a critical part of the equation is left inadequately monitored and tracked — tires.

Browse the directory for Haulage & Loading 2017. This includes complete exhibitor list and contact information along with the technical program for the conference.

The utilization of professional training materials in the conduct of on-site maintenance management training has many advantages. Training can accommodate the availability of key personnel to avoid conflicts with operating schedules. As many personnel as necessary can be trained, singly or in logical organizational groups. Personnel from several departments can be trained together to clarify interdepartmental roles and actions. Presentations can be repeated for new personnel or those assigned new responsibilities. Individuals can train themselves. Training needs at remote mining locations are met avoiding expensive attendance fees and travel expenses to distant venues. Training solutions and recommendations are based on actual, realistic and proven situations unique and directly applicable to the mining industry.

Learn what World Class mining organizations do to make maintenance planning more efficient, deliver reliable production equipment, reduce cost and help ensure mine profitability. Implementation of these 10 actions can have a direct, positive impact on maximizing maintenance performance. A must read for all mining and maintenance managers whose objectives include improving maintenance.

Maintenance Management Course – This course provides proven training materials to enable industrial plant personnel at all levels to understand, appreciate and support the: who, what, how, when and why of maintenance commit to its success

Maintenance in Transition – The Journey to World Class Maintenance is the classic text book on every phase of maintenance management.

The mining operation that understands who does what about performing or supporting maintenance, how, when and why can meet the objective of providing consistently reliable production equpment. A well informed workforce confident in all aspects of achieving effective maintenance guarantees this reality. The reality is the development, documentation, implementation and operation of a proven mine maintenance management program.

Maintenance Planning Essentials Please review the PowerPoint presentation to learn the essential, proven planning techniques that ensure the significant benefits of well-planned work are achieved. Note especially the illustrative diagrams, informative captions and the detailed instructor’s notes that ensure effective training.

A maintenance program that prescribes who does what, how when and why is the primary necessity for effective maintenance. Without it you are wasting your time. Here's the proof.

No Maintenance Program – Major Omission Attention Mine Managers – If maintenance does not have a program parallel to the one described in this article, don’t expect them to be able to deliver consistently reliable production equipment. Here is how to correct that situation. See an important notice at the end of the article.