Ensuring the integrity and successful deployment of ADS and AHS in a gold mine in Canada, with FTP J2A

Background & summary

A leading gold mining company launched its first greenfield mine in Canada with full autonomous execution. To ensure a smooth and successful deployment of its Autonomous Drilling System (ADS) and Autonomous Hauling System (AHS), the client partnered with FTP, leveraging its Journey to Autonomy (J2A) framework for seamless integration, implementation, and ongoing support.

The Challenge

The client required a trusted technology partner with expertise in autonomy to provide:
– Comprehensive engineering and procurement.
– Pre-staging, commissioning, and OT infrastructure setup.
– Full-scale implementation of ADS and AHS.
– 24/7/365 active remote monitoring for continuous support.

Design

FTP conducted a comprehensive analysis of the client’s application requirements for autonomy, providing strategic recommendations on supported operational technologies to ensure a successful AHS deployment. In parallel, the team evaluated the organisation’s operating model and capabilities, ensuring a structured plan was in place to align people, processes, and technology with the autonomous transition for operational technology. During the design phase, FTP delivered Project Management Services, low-level design, and end-to-end integration design, ensuring seamless incorporation of autonomous application requirements across disparate vendor technologies.

Implement

During the execution phase, FTP provided Project Management Services and ensured seamless integration and Factory Acceptance Testing at FTP’s facility. This process included full end-to-end network staging, incorporating disparate vendor technologies and power system components to validate system performance before deployment. During the validation phase, FTP conducted a simulation of Command for Hauling application traffic to assess system performance under real-world operating conditions. This included a thorough network performance validation to ensure alignment with Command for Hauling requirements, guaranteeing reliability, efficiency, and seamless operation within the autonomous mining environment.

Support

During the support phase, FTP delivered 24/7 active remote monitoring of AHS performance from both Calgary and Perth, with a primary focus on network availability. This included:
– Active remote monitoring and Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
– Reporting and trend analysis for AHS issues
– Maximizing the value of IMS deployment
– Ensuring optimal AHS performance
– Proactive monitoring of critical triggers and alerts from IMS
– Continuous tracking of AHS application KPIs and performance metrics related to operational technology infrastructure

FTP's Benefits

FTP’s J2A service delivered a custom-engineered solution tailored to ADS and AHS requirements, integrating LTE for backhaul, Wi-Fi access, and a combination of backhaul solutions to ensure high OT availability. Active monitoring plays a crucial role in sustaining operational efficiency by enabling real-time identification and resolution of productivity issues. When deeper analysis is required, issues are seamlessly escalated to the appropriate party to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions. This proactive approach has supported the successful deployment of 20 Autonomous Haul Trucks and 5 Autonomous Drills, ensuring a smooth transition to full-scale autonomous mining and gold production. With a scalable, high-availability network and continuous optimization, the operation is built for long-term reliability and growth.

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At FTP, we specialise in creating innovative, tailored solutions that help businesses like yours tackle complex challenges. With a proven track record in designing and implementing cutting-edge technologies, our team works closely with you to achieve measurable outcomes—whether it’s enhancing safety, boosting productivity, or optimising operations.

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