Novaya Gornaya introduces APCS

2024: Implementation of an automated production management system

The Maxima Group and the New Mining Management Company have completed a project to implement an automated production management system (APCS) and further plans for its development. The project is aimed at improving the efficiency of coal mining and processing, as well as reducing costs. This was announced by "Maxim" on October 23, 2024.

Igor Lokshin, director of the division for work with the mining and metallurgical complex of the Maxima Group of Companies, noted that the project includes eight subsystems and is being carried out with grant support from RFRIT. In the report, experts focused on the solutions and functionality that are currently being implemented, as well as planned for implementation in the coming year.

The management of our company was tasked with the best digital solutions available on the Russian market to cover all production processes - from geology to coal shipment, - said Alexander Ivanov, director of operational efficiency and digitalization at NGUK.

The APCS includes such modules as an automated mining control system, four large systems related to coal processing, an information and logistics system, and a single dispatching and analytical center. Accordingly, it covers areas such as production management, optimization of mining and transport operations, quality control and logistics.

At the current stage, the implementation team's focus is on two modules. Automation of blasting operations and optimization of the use of mining and transport equipment, which will help reduce the downtime of equipment and increase its productivity.

Another module is being considered for implementation - the Geomix mining and geological system to improve the accuracy of planning and modeling of mining operations.

The project also provides for the further development and integration of various systems on the basis of a single dispatch and analytical center. Similar centers have already been introduced and operate in two factories of the NGUK. The next stage will be the creation of a general EDAC, which will cover the entire organization and production facilities, including mines.

Before proceeding with the implementation of the APMS, the NGUK carefully assessed the feasibility of the project and its benefits for business. {{quote 'Improving the quality and efficiency of management decisions made in the presence of information from management personnel and line managers is an extremely important factor for performing daily functions. Also, from the introduction of the ASUP, we see such improvements as an increase in the productivity of mining equipment by 4.2% and an increase in the yield of coal concentrate from 0.5% to 2%, - Alexander Ivanov specifies. }}

An important factor was the integration of the solutions implemented within the project with the current IT landscape of the company, including ERP and other information systems. Already at the stage of preparation for implementation, integration buses were provided that will minimize manual operations and ensure seamless data transfer between information systems.