The modern mining landscape demands efficiency, safety, and adaptability. As mines become increasingly complex, embracing automation is critical to ensuring optimal operations. MST Global’s HELIX Automation is an integral part of this transformation, offering advanced features like rule-based programming, IoT integration, and custom dashboards to streamline mining operations. In this post, we’ll dive into the key features of HELIX Automation and explore how they improve productivity and safety in the intelligent mine.
What is HELIX Automation?
HELIX Automation is part of the HELIX enterprise software platform, an innovative solution for underground and surface mining operations. With the ability to integrate automation into daily processes, HELIX enhances the efficiency and safety of mining operations by automating tasks such as equipment control, personnel tracking, and resource allocation
The platform incorporates real-time data from sensors, devices, and IoT systems to drive intelligent decision-making, ensuring that operations run smoothly and without interruptions. By combining automation with powerful data analytics, HELIX enables mining teams to achieve more in less time while reducing human error.
Key features of HELIX Automation
1. Rule-based programming
HELIX Automation’s rule-based programming allows for the creation of specific protocols to control various equipment and systems. This could include managing fan speeds, controlling pumps, or adjusting traffic lights in response to real-time conditions. Through custom rules, mining operators can ensure that critical systems remain efficient, responsive, and aligned with operational goals.
2. IoT integration
The platform integrates seamlessly with a wide variety of IoT sensors, devices, and third-party control technologies. This integration allows HELIX to monitor and manage equipment, personnel, and environmental conditions remotely. By connecting equipment with intelligent systems, operators can monitor performance and respond to issues proactively, improving both safety and productivity.
3. Custom dashboards
HELIX Automation offers customizable dashboards that give users the ability to visualize key metrics and performance indicators specific to their operations. Whether it’s tracking equipment health, resource allocation, or environmental conditions, these dashboards provide real-time insights that enable quicker decision-making and a deeper understanding of ongoing activities. Operators can customize the dashboards to suit different roles, whether for safety personnel, fleet managers, or supervisors.
4. Seamless control and communication
HELIX Automation supports control via multiple units, allowing for centralised management and streamlined communication across various mining processes. With integration into other HELIX modules, operators can ensure smooth and efficient coordination between personnel, equipment, and automated systems. The real-time and historical control of alarms and processes ensures that everyone on-site remains informed and responsive to changing conditions.
5. Enhanced reporting and analytics
With HELIX Automation, mining operations benefit from advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities. The system can generate reports based on historical data, providing insights into trends, performance, and potential areas for improvement. Customizable reporting ensures that management can focus on the data that matters most, whether for safety compliance, resource optimisation, or environmental monitoring.
How HELIX Automation improves productivity
1. Reduced downtime
By automating equipment control and monitoring, HELIX Automation helps reduce downtime caused by manual processes or slow response times. Real-time alerts allow operators to address issues before they escalate, leading to increased operational uptime.
2. Optimised resource allocation
Automation optimises resource allocation by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions. For example, with HELIX Automation, fleet management can be optimised by automatically scheduling maintenance or reallocating equipment based on performance data. This maximizes the productivity of each asset, reducing unnecessary expenses and ensuring that resources are always used efficiently.
3. Minimized human error
Manual operations are prone to human error, which can lead to costly mistakes or safety risks. With HELIX Automation, tasks that were once performed manually can be automated, reducing the potential for mistakes. This improves the accuracy of operations, enhances safety, and ensures that tasks are performed consistently and reliably.
4. Enhancing safety through automation
The safety of personnel is a top priority in mining operations, and HELIX Automation plays a crucial role in this. With features like real-time personnel tracking and proximity detection, the system can monitor the location of workers and equipment in real time, reducing the risk of accidents.
By automating environmental control systems, HELIX ensures that conditions remain safe for workers, even in challenging underground environments. Whether it’s controlling ventilation, lighting, or detecting hazardous conditions, automation enables a more responsive approach to managing safety risks.
Conclusion
HELIX Automation is a game-changer for mining operations. Its ability to streamline processes, integrate with IoT devices, and provide customizable insights makes it an indispensable tool for modern mines. By reducing downtime, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing safety, HELIX Automation ensures that mining operations run at peak efficiency. The intelligent integration of real-time data and automation not only improves productivity but also helps create a safer and more sustainable mining environment.