Glencore Mount Isa Mines
How Glencore turned a task management challenge into a digital success story
- Australia
- Mining
- Software
The pressure to perform in modern mining
Mining operations today face relentless demands: higher production, tighter safety standards, and sustainability goals; all while keeping costs under control. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it’s a strategic necessity. But for Glencore Mount Isa Mines (MIM), one critical gap remained: managing thousands of daily operational tasks efficiently.
When ERP falls short
Glencore’s existing ERP system was robust but far too complex for frontline operators. The result? Inefficient task scheduling, poor visibility, and communication breakdowns. Continuous shift cycles compounded the problem, making workload distribution and safety compliance harder than ever.
A simple idea with big impact
Rather than force-fit an ERP solution, Glencore partnered with Mipac to co-create TCard: a lightweight, intuitive digital tool designed for operators. TCard brought:
- Clear task visibility across shifts.
- Roster-based scheduling for balanced workloads.
- Two-way communication between crews and management.
- Integration with safety protocols and shutdown plans.
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From concept to copper concentrator
MIM’s main objectives for a task management solution were to:
- Spread the workload so the same crew were not always doing a particular task
- Make the task management list coherent so that everyone manages the same tasks in a consistent manner
- Be able to embed links to manuals, training, SWIs, and photos so they are easily accessed while the task is underway
- Ensure the system worked with the operation's roster and continuous shift cycles
- Improve transparency and reporting across the operation
- Give the operators a sense of purpose and recognition for good performance
The first rollout happened at Glencore’s Copper Concentrator, spanning four sections: primary grinding, secondary grinding, flotation, and control rooms. Development was iterative: prototypes, feedback, refinements, all ensuring TCard fit real-world operational needs.
Success at the concentrator paved the way for expansion to Glencore’s MIM Lead Smelter, MIM Copper Smelter, MIM Mines Power Station (MPS) and the Townsville Copper Refineries (CRL)
The results speak volumes
The hard numbers
- $250K annual savings from reduced reagent spoilage and downtime.
- Over 4,000 tasks/month completed - a major leap in efficiency.
- No need for an extra full-time planner
The soft gains
- Transparent reporting and accountability
- Stronger communication between operators and management
- Recognition for good performance, boosting morale
- Smarter resource allocation during shutdowns
Mining & Processing operations are inherently different to other industries so we needed a product that could meet our needs rather than fitting our business around the product. TCard helped solve a number of challenges, some obvious from the outset and others that became obvious once resolved. Sharing the load, standardising the approach and giving our operators continuous input into the tasks continue to be key to the success we’ve achieved.
Why this matters
Digital transformation doesn’t always mean complex systems. Sometimes, the simplest tools deliver the biggest wins. TCard proves that targeted solutions can:
- Cut costs.
- Improve operational efficiency.
- Strengthen team culture.
Ready to transform your operations?
Discover how TCard can streamline your plant’s daily tasks and deliver measurable results. Contact us today to start your digital journey.
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