Efficient utilization of LIMS data and integration with mining process management systems

摘要

In an industry where small gains in process improvement and control can mean the difference between extending mine life and increased production or reduced returns, the need for systems integration for business solutions is changing from a desirable option to an essential requirement. Demands on production and control have never been greater; therefore it is no longer feasible to maintain islands of information in areas that impact heavily on each other. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) improves the efficiency of laboratory processes and data quality, greatly improves data access, and makes data readily available for use in real time decision making. LIMS, like other management systems, can produce significant financial savings through more efficient control, but can be all the more powerful when integrated with other process management systems. It is all too common for data within a LIMS to be transferred manually to the site Process Information Management System (PIMS), or in single laboratory/multiple processing sites to multiple process management systems. This not only leads to transcription problems, it can also lead to significant delays in data availability for production. In addition, results from the PIMS may be required for calculations of some laboratory results, once again resulting in delays. Having LIMS connected directly to a company PIMS provides a solution to manage quality of data, improve sample processing in the laboratory, and form part of a feedback loop for a PIMS by making laboratory data available for real time decisions.