Integrating mining operations for improved performance: applying ISA95 as an enabling framework

摘要

Each step change in technology redefines what "real-time" improvements actually means and how businesses can be run. The industry faces the use of different technology, organizational issues, lack of common terminology,(same terms often used for different things by different groups),lack of consistent representation of data, different views of what is important, and different metrics. Today, innovations in the areas of integrated computing, mobility and cloud computing mean that "real-time "improvements for the first time actually means real time. People can access up-to-date business data and systems wherever, whenever and however they need to. The flow of business information in exploration, mining and minerals processing has accelerated to real time, where the plant is integrated to sensors, controls, performance KPI's ,and business improvements. Real-time integration offers significant opportunity for intervention on all manufacturing related issues. For the mining executive, it represents an opportunity for agile responsive operations and positive impact on cash flows. This paper describes the use of ISA95 standard to improve information flow between the plant floor, the automation system, the manufacturing execution level and the enterprise resource planning levels. It also shows how measurable performance is generated. Examples used are a Mine to Port Iron Ore application and an induration furnace value generation application using ISA95 standards and Business Intelligence models.