Computer monitors and controls all truck-shovel operations
The intense competition in the coal industry and the advances in computer technology have led several large mines to consider computer dispatching systems as a means of optimizing production. Quintette Coal, Ltd., of Vancouver, B.C., has engaged Modular Mining Systems, Inc., of Tucson, to install a comprehensive truck-dispatch system at a new, multiseam mine northeast of Vancouver. This open-pit operation will rely on truck-shovel teams to uncover both steam and metallurgical coal. The mine is already using about 12 shovels and 50 trucks to produce 3 million tpy. By 1986, production will hit 5 million tpy of metallurgical coal and 1.3 million tpy of steam coal. The coal is under contract to be shipped to Japan. Denison Mines Ltd., owns 50% of Quintette Coal. Of the other 14 shareholders, 10 are Japanese steel companies. Although about 10 non-coal mines worldwide are using some form of computer-controlled dispatching system, Quintette is the first coal company to do so and western US mines are reportedly studying the Quintette system carefully.
- OSTI ID:
- 6507162
- Journal Information:
- Coal Age; (United States), Vol. 90:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BRITISH COLUMBIA
COAL MINES
COMPETITION
OWNERSHIP
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
SURFACE MINING
MINE HAULAGE
COAL
CONTRACTS
EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
MONITORING
PLANNING
PRODUCTION
TRUCKS
CANADA
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS HANDLING
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
VEHICLES
012000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Mining
013000 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Transport
Handling
& Storage