Haul roads can feel like a bottomless pit of expenditure for miners.
The trouble with haul roads is that most mines see them as only temporary, or at best semi-permanent. So roads are often built in a hurry, with minimal expertise, and a lot of shortcuts taken to bring them into budget.
As many mines have experienced first hand, a poorly designed road will ultimately lead to premature failure, resulting in exorbitant maintenance and operational costs.
Furthermore, when building or repairing roads, the impact of short-term decisions upon the long-term operating costs are often rarely captured or understood.
Unfortunately, many mines have not yet grasped the importance of implementing an integrated solution for haul road management despite them often being the backbone of any open-cut or underground mining operation.
Roads need to be thought of as a living thing as operating conditions can change from day to day. They require a holistic approach to management and maintenance. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If things are not done correctly, operating costs are going to soar and while productivity levels are going to plummet
To help mine operators maximise the long term value of haul roads, Dust-A-Side Australia have developed a revolutionary haul road condition monitoring and reporting software system called DASMetrics.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how mines can use DASMetrics to reduce the costs associated with haul road ownership.
What is DASMetrics and how does it work?
DASMetrics has been developed in conjunction with industry-leading experts who specialise in enhancing mine productivity. It incorporates a scientific auditing process designed to ensure the continuous improvement of road quality as well as reduce the cost of road ownership.
Using state of the art technology, the system remotely monitors, captures and reports on defects found on haul roads. The system is customised for each mine site and provides a real time web based dashboard which allows users access to road conditions and reporting data at the push of a button.
The report shows a clear picture of the state of every haul road throughout a mine site. Management can then use the system to assign repair tasks to workers.
Using DASMetrics to lower haul road costs
The real power of DASMetrics is derived from the algorithms built into the system that quantify the true value of the road conditions observed.
By reporting upon the real impact that haul roads in poor condition are having upon the likes of fuel, tyres and productivity, it means that mines are able to make more informed decisions about how best to enhance their operation. This allows mines to achieve long-term haul road optimisation.
By using the system to make incremental improvements, haul road conditions are more efficiently maintained.
These continuous improvements will lead to:
- Faster haul road cycle times
- Reduced water and fuel consumption
- Improved vehicle component life
- Reduced maintenance costs.
DASMetrics is also being used to benchmark haul road conditions on any mine site against global best practice.
Want to learn more about lowering your haul road costs?
As Australia’s leading provider of haul road management solutions, Dust-A-Side Australia provides a unique, turnkey solution for haul road management.
To learn more about how DASMetrics will lower your haul road costs, click here to request a free on-site inspection and preliminary dust report. Or you can get in touch by calling 1800 662 387.
