On Jan. 11, Vale Base Metals announced on LinkedIn that the company’s Integrated Remote Operating Centre (iROC) has now begun to service all five of its underground mines in Ontario. The centre will officially service the Coleman mine, the Copper Cliff mine, the Creighton mine, the Garson mine and the Totten mine. Vale’s Ontario operations produce nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group metals, gold and silver.   

The centre, located at Vale’s North Atlantic Operations Centre in Sudbury, relies on digital technology to act as an “air traffic controller of sorts,” Vale explained in the LinkedIn post. The centre monitors underground mining activities on a continual basis, such as the use of company equipment and daily production, while offering direct feedback and, if needed, support. “It’s another way we’re leveraging technology to ensure we’re a safe, reliable, best-in-class operator,” Vale stated.  

In an article published on Jan. 11 by International Mining, Vale told the publication that its “integrated remote operating centre combines proprietary and off-the-shelf technology to provide a comprehensive view of productivity and overall mine performance.” Vale added that through the centre’s updated location awareness, and the constant monitoring of hazards, such as seismic activity, it expects emergency response times to be reduced.  

This news comes after Epiroc’s announcement on Jan. 9, in which the equipment manufacturer stated that it had entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Vale to collaborate on applying and upgrading Epiroc’s solutions for automation, electrification and digitalization in underground mining. The two companies will develop, test and utilize equipment and techniques in areas that include long-hole drilling, blasting, face drilling, bolting, mucking and hauling. This partnership will see Vale continue to use Epiroc’s technology in underground mining activities to remove employees from higher-risk areas, such as the rock face, production drilling locations and ground support areas, ultimately supporting safer mining activities.  

“We are excited about our shared commitment with Vale Base Metals to accelerate the transformation of the mining industry through innovation that will keep pushing the benchmark of safety for workers, without compromising on productivity,” said Sarah Hoffman, vice-president of sales and marketing at Epiroc’s underground division, in the release.