Mining technology and geotechnical slope stability monitoring radar systems supplier Reutech Mining introduced two new products, the Slope Vision georeferenced camera system and the Movement and the Surveying Radar (MSR) Connect software suite, at the Slope Stability 2018 symposium and exhibition held in Seville, in Spain, last month.

The Slope Vision georeferenced camera system and the MSR Connect software are both used in openpit mines.

“It is gratifying to be introducing products that we believe will play an important part in providing direction for further improvements towards improved open mine stability,” says Reutech Mining executive Jan de Beer, noting that the team had the opportunity to discuss the innovations with global professionals, researchers and specialists in the field.

The Slope Stability symposium and exhibition aims to consolidate the knowledge gained over the years and show how techniques have improved over the last decades.

“With some top mining, civil, geotechnical, geological, hydrogeological and geophysical engineers present, we are confident that our new products have been received with interest among those who already know and use our range of MSR products, as well as potential new customers,” he states.

New Products

Slope Vision is an advanced georeferenced camera. While performing real-time monitoring using Reutech’s MSR, Slope Vision provides users with an independent view of the pit. Reutech Mining Products Development project manager Daryl Grobler explains that, once slope instability is detected, the camera can be steered to the affected area, which allows for the radar to continue with its prime function.

“In an operational environment where reaction time is critical and manpower limited, Slope Vision offers an extra pair of eyes when most needed,” he enthuses.

The Slope Vision can be mounted independently in the pit and on multiple platforms, such as on the MSR, or Reutech’s Multi-Purpose Platform or any fixed location, for example. Working in conjunction with the MSR through the local WiFi network, the camera is capable of operating autonomously.

“The high-end camera has an X 30 zoom, low light capability and a cold temperature rating of –45 °C (standard) and –51 °C (extreme cold unit), which allows for it to operate easily in low temperatures and other adverse conditions. [Further,] it has user-friendly georeferencing software when coupled with the MSR system,” Grobler says.

Users can view a scanned point in real time, as well as record video. In addition, users can edit and save the recorded video, with the added benefit of encrypting the saved video if needed.

MSR Connect

Reutech South America business manager Garth Day explains that the MSR Connect software provides a modern human interface to the MSR slope stability radar systems.

The MSR Connect software works through its Web-based viewer that provides increased versatility. Day explains that clients can “enjoy access to multilingual real-time information, no matter where they may be located”.

“The flexibility of this system allows the user to access information with their choice of device or operating system. An on-site geotechnical engineer analysing live trend graphs can now make use of an Apple Mac or a Windows desktop to view trends. At the same time, the mine manager who may be off site, can get a view on his or her Android smartphone,” he stresses.

Day further enthuses that the new MSR software speaks to the current and future requirements of an ever-changing industry. Reliable, accurate and fast data, linked with ease of use and access. “These are some of the key requirements of our clients today – MSR Connect’s Web-based browser is a fundamental shift from how data is assimilated, processed and distributed,” says Day.

He adds that the customised reports and dashboard view are notable additions to further enable the dynamic decision processes that are required for the job. This allows for the user to create a custom dashboard display with customised reports that are specific and relevant to the task at hand.

“This has opened up a host of new possibilities previously not available to MSR users and makes way for increased capacities on all levels, starting with Big Data management and processing, including enhanced analysing capability,” Day concludes.