Schneider Electric: Utilising Single Integrated Solutions in Mining
Announcement posted by marcus evans, summits division 08 Nov 2011
“It is crucial for mining companies to get to market faster,” says Paul Cooper, General Manager - Mining, Minerals & Metals, Schneider Electric. “Through the use of integrated solutions, mining executives can effectively reduce risks and speed up the delivery of their project”.
From a sponsor company at the upcoming marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit, Cooper discusses effective methods for reducing energy usage and deploying automation and electrical distribution projects faster.
What are the current challenges in the mining industry?
Paul Cooper: It is crucial for operators to get to market faster. The demand for resources and the number of projects currently being developed are simultaneously growing. The problem is that there is a shortage of skills and a corresponding increase in the cost of labour. Mining organisations will find it difficult to source the quantity of skills traditionally required to operate and maintain their operations.
Deploying solutions in a modular fashion through a single sourced integrated solution can help manage these risks and provide a solution that allows mining executives to operate their business with visibility across the demand chain. The integrated technology platform means that maintenance and diagnostics can be performed to a detailed level easily from remote locations.
What opportunities do sustainable developments bring?
Paul Cooper: A single integrated strategy will help provide a mechanism to monitor energy usage across the operation. Energy consumption can then be monitored with a production context so that intelligent decisions can be made about how to reduce energy while still meeting required production targets.
What are the top priorities of mining executives?
Paul Cooper: We must look at the specific pain points that customers are experiencing and find ways of alleviating those while adding business value.
There is an operational advantage to providing a top-to-bottom single integrated system, as the tools will highlight productivity opportunities from the outset of the project. There is a corresponding maintenance benefit once systems have been deployed. Being able to drill from a high level down to a device level will allow personnel to understand why a device is not operating the way it should.
What is your outlook for the next few years?
Paul Cooper: We must find innovative ways to automate existing operations and introduce new procurement models for equipment and for the delivery of projects. The skills shortage will be a major influencer over the next five to ten years and will lead to increased automation and the use of remote operations. Increased visibility across an entire mining business (the demand chain) and the corresponding ability to make quick decisions resulting in bottom line value will be a key differentiator amongst mining competitors.
Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit
Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com/PCPR
marcus evans group - mining sector portal
Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, that is focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient. The company holds leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as in residential applications.
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/meSummitsGlobal
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/MarcusEvansGroup