E6cy440SQP2pqkiy0yWF - Elexon Mining Cave Tracker Brochure

Cave Tracker
Real-time measurement of fragmented rock

and its flow in underground block caving
MINING Monitoring Redefined

Elexon Mining
Elexon Mining is a world leader in wireless in-ground geotechnical monitoring systems for open
pit, tailings dam and underground mines providing real-time insight into ground movement, cave
monitoring and ore flow.
At Elexon Mining, our success is your success. We are committed to providing tailored solutions
and building lasting relationships around high precision movement and positioning activities.
Having access to this information and real-time insights enables operators to anticipate needs,
manage their workforce, diminish risks, and prevent disasters.
Elexon Mining’s wireless configuration also eliminates the need for manual monitoring and
expensive cabling thus contributing to capex and opex savings.
Since forming in 2006, Elexon Mining has worked collaboratively with some of the industry’s
leading research organisations and mine companies with systems now deployed across the globe
including in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, Chile, Sweden and the United States.
Our customers choose Elexon Mining because our professional teams have the specialist service
expertise to ensure quick project start and maximum uptime. Every challenge is an opportunity
to work together to deliver systems that exceed expectations.
Elexon Mining’s systems provide invaluable data that empowers mining companies to make well
founded decisions to improve safety, efficiency and resource conversion.
MINING
Challenge
Block caving relies on fragmentation and forces of gravity to ‘cave’ the
fragmented ore to draw points built deep underground, from where it is collected
and taken away for processing. Mine operators cannot see what is happening
in the fragmented body of ore, which means that behaviour of the ore when
it flows cannot be accurately predicted. Without accurate knowledge of ore behaviour,
risks to safety and output are high and difficult to manage. The risks include unpredicted
events that impact personnel safety, loss of resources and inefficient operations.
A number of monitoring methods have been developed which attempt to provide greater insight into the
cave’s extent. These include time domain reflectometer, extensometers and seismic systems. Each of
these methods has limitations and, in isolation, is unable to provide the broad ranging data required
to have a comprehensive 3D view of the extent of the cave.
Solution
The Cave Tracker system, developed by Elexon Mining in partnership with Rio Tinto, Mining3 and
Newcrest Mining, uses robust, wireless, magnetic beacons which are embedded into the cave and are
monitored with detectors placed in and around the orebody. The detectors feed the signal into a central
cave tracking unit which collects measurements to determine the 3D location as it moves in real time.
The ability to track beacon movement allows mine engineers to determine which parts of the cave are
moving and which parts are not. The rate and direction of movement can also be established. Through
the data gathered with the Cave Tracker system mine managers are able to make better decisions to
protect the mine asset and maintain efficiency.
The technology not only delivers significant productivity improvements but has the potential to improve
the safety of cave mining by detecting the formation of air gaps and managing them before they pose a
threat.
The system can transmit signals through two hundred metres of rock and will continue working remotely
for years, withstanding the rigours of a harsh underground environment.
What is the Cave Tracker system?
Cave Tracker is a highly sensitive but robust system that consists of the following components:
Beacon: Cylindrical fibreglass enclosure containing a strong magnet, batteries and electronic
circuitry.
Cave Tracker Detector: Cylindrical fibreglass enclosure containing a sensitive magnetometer and
various electronic circuitry including a small computer. Detectors are strategically placed throughout
the mine so that the system may detect 3D positions of beacons installed in the mine. Detectors
send the measured Beacon ranging information via the Communication Adaptor Module’s (ITCAM)
serial link to the Cave Tracker Management System server for data storage and analysis.
Communication Adapter Module (ITCAM): Provides a DC power and serial data communication
link for detectors and beacons. Messages between Cave Tracker Management System, wireless
user interface and beacons/detectors are relayed through the ITCAM.
Cave Tracker Management System (CTMS): The CTMS is responsible for data storage of detector
range readings, converting received detector ranges into 3D beacon positions and managing
installed Cave Tracker System Devices.
Wireless User Interface: A small ruggedised laptop + USB activation wand is used for system
commissioning and wireless activation of beacons prior to installation.
Cave Tracker Detector ITCAM Beacon & Wireless User

Interface Activaor
Cave Tracker Features & Benefits
World first wireless capability

Elexon Mining’s world first patented wireless in-ground monitoring system is
unrivalled to anything else on the market today. We look forward to continuing to
work with pioneers of the industry to redefine monitoring.
Monitoring where others can’t

Our wireless capability allows flexibility and to be applied in various challenging
environments where the use of cabled monitoring is costly or impossible. The
Cave Tracker system and its installation methods are far less intrusive and more
cost-effective than its wired counterparts.
Getting the answers

Be confident in the data and understand what it means for your site. Elexon
Mining’s dedicated team of interpretation experts are on hand to assist and
provide updates, giving you the intel update your stakeholders.
Reduced risks and uncertainties

Unlike above-ground monitoring, our in-ground Cave Tracker system provides real
time data and early detection of change well before its seen at the surface. Being
wireless means you’ll never loose connection allowing site and geotechnical
engineers to improve process control and mine planning. Parameters can
also be set to trigger automated communication alerts to assist with the early
implementation of the site’s Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP).
Maximised Recovery
The Cave Tracker system can be located and recovered in most cases due to its
positioning cabpabilities.
Real-time data
The Cave Tracker system can be customised to report at any time or pre-set
intervals, as required by the client. This data is automatically sent and syncs to
Elexon Mining’s GeoHive Software platform for analysis.
Reduced implementation costs

Cave Tracker’s wireless capability allows installation to be less labour intensive
and quicker than traditional cabled instrumentation. The monitoring system can
be installed at any point of mine lifecycle, whether it’s during detailed design,
development or during production. Limited infrastructure outside of Elexon
Mining’s equipment is required to be installed and can often be done by onsite by
existing personnel.
Improved safety
The system’s in-built redundancies allow multiple sets of connected data to be
more reliably communicated. The system will bypass any offline or lost sensors,
communicating to the next in sequence, ensuring data is more likely received. In
addition, the measurements taken by multiple sensors provides a means of being
able to extrapolate missing data when necessary.
Elexon Mining Support
Real time operations

Elexon Mining provides a full support, data quality control and monitors data
distribution to our clients. The secure facility helps maximise productivity of our
service through improved operational efficiency and minimises downtime.
Manufacturing
Our best in class manufacturing division has a focus on continuous improvement.
It combines a high performing team with a 1500sqm infrastructure facility
that has been designed on the Lean and 5S principles. Elexon Mining has the
capacity to deliver high volumes of various products efficiently and our Quality
Management Procedures ensure peace of mind for our customers.
Research and development

A continual focus on research and development keeps Elexon Mining at the
forefront of geotechnical in-ground monitoring and the provision of the highest
quality data. Our deployment and measurement technologies are constantly
being improved to increase value for our clients.
Project coordination
We see your success as our success. We stand behind all of our products and
work with you to ensure you receive a tailored solution for your project site and a
seamless transition from feasibility right through to delivery.
Installation support
Installation is key to ensuring great results. Our focus at Elexon Mining is to make
this process as simple and easy as possible. We have an expert team on hand to
help explain and where required, can assist with the installation – providing you
with confidence and maximising results. All Elexon Mining products can be fitted
with existing mine infrastructure.
Cave Tracker Data
The system operates through a series of
beacons that are embedded in the mine, which
can be tracked in 3D as they move with the
fragmented rock of the ore-body. The ability to
track beacon movement allows mine engineers
to determine which parts of the cave are
moving and which parts are not. The rate and
direction of movement can also be established.
3D Positioing
Electromagnetic waves are transmitted while the
Detectors help to to multi-laterate the position
of the Beacon in 3D.
Cave Tracker Software

To communicate, extract and crunch the data from the Cave Tracker system, Elexon Mining has its own
software package - GeoHive.
This hosting interface manages the data packets, correlates, stores and forwards. Allowing many visulation
options.
The GeoHive software allows the data, once processed, to be exported using a CSV format, enabling
operators to import the data into their own preffered visualisation and monitoring software such as
Voxler, Canary, Maptek and Vulcan.
A: 7/253 Leitches Road Brendale QLD AUSTRALIA
P: +61 7 3193 7100
E: commercial@elexonmining.com
W: elexonmining.com
MINING

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Cave Tracker

Real-time measurement of fragmented rock

MINING Monitoring Redefined

Cave Tracker Detector ITCAM Beacon & Wireless User

World first wireless capability

Monitoring where others can’t

Getting the answers

Reduced risks and uncertainties

Reduced implementation costs

Real time operations

Research and development

Cave Tracker Software

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