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For Helsinki-based mining equipment and services major Metso, India could emerge as one of the key markets for deploying its new digitisation solution that allows mining companies to use data to enhance performance and improve safety.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution, a part of Metso Metrics digital offering, was unveiled at Automation Fair hosted by the US-based automation major Rockwell Automation here this week.
The solution is built on the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Cloud platform, powered by Microsoft Azure. It securely collects data from sensors within Metso mining equipment, which can then be used to assess process performance and predict component wear and failure, thus helping companies maximise the performance of the comminution circuits.
Main drivers
“China and Australia are the main drivers at the moment, (these countries) are the most open to this kind of solutions, but I would imagine Indian companies would be interested too as some of our customers in India have interest in advance technology,” Jani Puroranta, Chief Digital Officer, Metso, told BusinessLine on the sidelines of Automation Fair.
Currently, the IIoT solution covers the company’sprimary gyratory crushers, cone crushers and vibrating screens, but in future it could cover other types of equipment, both from Metso and other vendors, Puroranta said. Some of Metso’s largest customers in India, for both mining machinery and services, include JSW Steel Ltd and Tata Steel.
Metso aims to connect around 100 mining assets with this solution by end- 2019 fiscal, Puroranta said. Currently, there are five mines that are using the solution and it could double or triple by that time, he added. The company also plans to establish several performance centres across the globe to help mining customers analyse the data collected from the mines and take proactive decisions. The first such centre in Asia will be opened in China followed by other markets where “there would be enough business” for its IIoT solution.
Connected Mine solution rolled out by Rockwell Automation earlier this month combines various technologies, including automation, machine learning, energy distribution, motor management, process control, data analytics and even real-time mobility and augmented-reality tools. The solution allows improving all major areas of mining operations, from extraction, process management and mine electrification to material handling and asset performance management - by collecting, aggregating and analysing data.
According to Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation, mining processes need more visibility and equipment performance and supply chain need to improve.
(This correspondent was at the Automation Fair in Philadelphia on invitation by Rockwell Automation)
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