Going for gold: mine upgrades DCS for long‍-‍term efficiency

Everest Metals Corporation’s Revere Gold project covers 171 km², and is located 90 km northeast of Meekatharra in a prolific gold producing region of Western Australia’s Murchison Region.

With high market prices for gold, and a location with outstanding potential for efficient extraction, Everest Metals sought a plantwide control system that would drive long-term efficiencies. Just as importantly, given the favourable market conditions, they needed it delivered quickly.

“Another key consideration for this project was that it could operate without full-time electricians stationed on site. Fault-finding and diagnostics needed to be able to be done remotely and in real time,” said Harikrishnan Subbian, director of EQ Logic, a Rockwell systems integration partner. EQ Logic has successfully delivered end-to-end PlantPAx solutions on projects of all sizes.

After seeing the scope of work, EQ Logic determined that Rockwell’s PlantPAx DCS would provide the best solution for Everest Metals Corporation in both the short and long term.

“Not only did PlantPAx fit the scope of work, but since we were working to short commissioning times to benefit our customer, having fast responses to technical questions is highly valuable to us, and allowed us to deliver effectively to a happy customer,” Subbian said.

The PlantPAx system was tailored by EQ Logic to seamlessly integrate with other Rockwell products such as CompactLogix processors, PowerFlex drives and Point I/O modules.

“PlantPAx provides a plantwide, scalable, integrated control and information platform that helps producers make better, faster production decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce operational risk,” said Adrian Giecco, regional director, South Pacific, Rockwell Automation. “Gold mining operations like this one need to be flexible and adaptable to changes, while keeping downtime to a minimum because every second they’re not producing, they’re not earning.”

“With a system like this, information is key. You’re only as good as the information in front of you — so having quality data in real time drives greater efficiencies and better results,” Subbian said.

“All commissioning was able to be done remotely, and ongoing diagnostics and fixes will also be able to be done this way. Given the remoteness of the site this is critical feature,” he added. “As the Revere Gold project progresses toward its initial Mineral Resource Estimate and beyond, the scalable PlantPAx platform ensures the control system can grow alongside the operation without disruption.”

The Revere Gold project has potential for further growth, with Everest Metals Corporation identifying a “clear pathway to an initial Mineral Resource Estimate in the short term and increase beyond 334,000 oz exploration target, positioning Revere as a cornerstone asset for EMC”.

“EQ Logic and Rockwell Automation worked tirelessly with us to meet ambitious commissioning deadlines, and achieve outstanding results,” said Simon Phillips, business development and investor relations, Everest Metals. “Everest Metals invests every dollar with the intent to maximise value, and this control systems integration is already delivering value, and has the features to continue adding value to our operations.”