Background: The mining industry faces significant challenges in monitoring the safety of tailings dams, highlighted by the catastrophic failure of the Brumadinho dam in Brazil. Traditional monitoring methods often fall short in providing timely data to prevent such disasters.
Challenge: Innoflex was approached by GlassTerra to develop a solution that could offer real-time, accurate monitoring of tailings dams, even in remote and harsh environments. The solution needed to be sustainable, cost-effective, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
Solution: Innoflex and GlassTerra collaborated to create a cutting-edge IoT LIDAR Monitoring Solution. Key components of the solution included:
- Edge Compute Processor: Innoflex developed an advanced edge compute processor, tailored to operate in the challenging conditions of mining sites. This processor forms the backbone of the real-time monitoring system.
- Nomad VueCell Battery System: To ensure continuous operation, Innoflex designed a custom battery management system capable of enduring high temperatures and prolonged use.
- Software Integration: The processor was integrated with GlassTerra’s software, enabling precise measurement and reporting of tailings dam wall movements.
- Sustainability: The system was designed with eco-friendliness in mind, capable of running indefinitely on solar power.
Implementation: The solution was implemented at AngloGold Ashanti’s mining site in Obuasi, Ghana. It involved setting up the IoT LIDAR system for continuous monitoring, with data being relayed in real-time to a cloud-based geospatial IoT platform developed by GlassTerra.
Results:
- Enhanced Safety: The solution provided early warning signals for potential dam failures, significantly improving safety measures.
- Sustainable Operation: The eco-friendly power system ensured uninterrupted operation, contributing to the sustainability goals of the mining operations.
- Cost-Effective Monitoring: The use of cost-competitive LIDAR hardware along with advanced software led to an economical solution without compromising on accuracy or reliability.
Testimonial: Christian Larsen from GlassTerra remarked, “This collaboration with Innoflex has been instrumental in achieving our goal of making the mining industry safer and more responsible. The innovative approach and technological expertise of Innoflex were key in developing this life-saving technology.”
Conclusion: The partnership between Innoflex and GlassTerra has set a new standard in the mining industry for safety and sustainability. This case study demonstrates Innoflex’s commitment to technological innovation and its ability to develop solutions that address critical industry challenges.