Leading the way for integrated digital mines

As escalating challenges erode profits, the pressure is on for mining organisations to achieve new levels of performance, efficiency and productivity, while maintaining safe and sustainable operations.  Digital technology, with advances in sensor, monitoring, networking and real-time predictive applications, is creating a new environment and is making improved engineering efficiency, construction productivity and better safety outcomes a reality in integrated mining operations. Working together, these technologies can result in next-level performance enhancements throughout the value chain, says Probe Mining Group of Companies CEO Gert Roselt.

Through consolidating the mining-orientated offerings within the Probe Group, the Probe Mining Group of Companies has now evolved to offer a comprehensive, strategic array of best-of-breed technologies, products and end-to-end Digital Mine Operation Solutions that can significantly improve the design of digital mines and data analysis. With clients including Anglo, De Beers, Glencore, SPH, Aveng Moolmans, Sishen Iron Ore, Assmang, South 32, Richards Bay Titanium and Pilanesburg Platinum Mine, the Probe Mining Group of Companies has many years of experience in serving the Southern African mining industry.  

The company’s integrated offering incorporates Operation Level 9 collision avoidance systems, the design and manufacture of safety harnesses, air quality and gas monitoring,  renewable energy, industrial, air, power and other specialised solutions. Being part of battery and auto-electrical leaders, the Probe Group, means specialised batteries, parts and spares for off-highway vehicles are also on hand. 

Roselt says visionary mining leaders have realised it’s time to transform how operations are conducted, rather than simply searching for incremental improvements. “We capitalise on the potential of technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and cloud computing to transform operations, better positioning mines to be able to address resource challenges and environmental pressures moving forward. Our investment in new technologies delivers secure and out-of-the-box solutions, including uptime and remote monitoring, for more efficient and accurate exploration of operations. Our intelligent systems combine technology, people and processes to enable feedback loops, defining an organisation’s competitiveness and ability to change the industry landscape.”

According to Roselt, integrated digital solutions and platforms have delivered multiple benefits for mining clients, including:

•    Highly safe, sustainable and productive operations
•    More innovative, future-proof operational models 
•    Reduced downtime through taking corrective action in advance
•    Improved resource and asset use and availability 
•    Improved mining fleet use and control
•    Real-time visibility resulting in enhanced efficiency
•    Increased employee productivity
•    Reduced cost of ownership

Roselt says that professional installation and rigorous maintenance is essential to ensure customers experience minimum downtime. Complemented by a Field Services Division, Probe offers a fully integrated management solution, including on-site technical testing and implementation of equipment monitoring systems and charging facilities. 

The team further views environmental practices as a central component of all planning and development. “As providing social, environmental and economic sustainability guidance, we are proud partners of the #MandelaMining Precinct on The Real-Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) research programme. The RTIMS programme aims to improve data sourcing, transmission, storage, dissemination, information management tools, practices, and procedures for mines,” says Roselt.
 
All Probe Mining products and solutions are proven class leaders, including GE, Delco Remy, Prestolite/Leece Neville, Horton, Wabtec, Bosch, CE Niehoff, Horton, and Vision X. The group consistently adds best-of-breed brands to its mining, automotive, air, power, and energy solutions portfolio. “We are intent on continuing to grow the organisation through providing tailored solutions to the market and finding ways to solve customer challenges.”

Probe’s Head Office is situated in Germiston, Johannesburg with operations in over 20 locations across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.