Glencore Mount Isa Mines has engaged Mipac to join two control rooms at Mount Isa Mines’s copper concentrator, combining control for the HBF and wet fill areas.
As part of the merger, the control network will also be upgraded from Yokogawa Vnet to the gigabit control network Yokogawa Vnet/IP.
The singular control room will create efficiencies and reduce operator costs because just one operator will be able to monitor both parts of the plant simultaneously.
The staged upgrade, which began in November 2013, is initially focusing on reviewing and redesigning the DCS system, developing a migration plan and assisting with plant shutdown planning.
“Mipac is experienced in working directly with plant management and operators on optimisation projects and our engineers are collaborating with Glencore’s site personnel to develop the best-possible design solutions,” Mipac’s Glencore Account Manager Alan Thorne says.
“Mipac is also working with an ergonomist to ensure the control room will provide optimum working conditions for operators.”
The design process will involve an investigation into abnormal situation management (ASM) strategies to redevelop operator screens.
Mipac’s scope of work also covers hardware procurement including the installation of the latest CCTV equipment.
The first phase of the network upgrade and control room project should be completed by May 2014.
Once new workstations have been added, operators will transition to the new control system in June 2014 with testing, commissioning and cutover completed by the end the year.
