Press Releases

Tucson, Arizona – January 26, 2016

Modular Mining Systems, Inc., the global leader in the delivery of real-time computer-based mine management solutions for surface and underground operations, proudly announces that its DISPATCH® Underground Fleet Management System (FMS) is the recipient of Mining Magazine’s Load and Haul innovation award for 2015.

The DISPATCH Underground 2015 system, released in May of last year, maximizes underground production through real-time, total-activity management of all mobile equipment units. Rugged RFID tags and tag readers track the movements of machines through the mine, while GPS technology monitors equipment position above ground.

Modular’s DISPATCH Underground system has been helping underground operations achieve their utilization and productivity goals since 1991. To keep pace with changes taking place in the industry and ensure continued customer satisfaction, Modular underwent a multi-year project to overhaul the system.

“We retained our proven core functionality while incorporating numerous innovative enhancements based on valuable customer feedback, to give mines a higher degree of visibility into activities below the surface,” said Neil Ferreira, Product Manager, Fleet Management, at Modular.

The latest DISPATCH underground FMS enables mines to automate all processes and workflows, including inventory and material movement, crew management, equipment and location tracking, and active task management.

Key developments include:

• Fit-for-purpose user experience improvements for the central- and mobile-side application interfaces
• Advanced development process management
• Expanded automation capabilities
• Out-of-the-box compatibility with all common underground communications protocols
• Augmented position tracking of LHDs, trucks, development and production drills, and auxiliary units
• Increased flexibility, configurability and adaptability for more reliable production data captureInteroperability with standard Microsoft® technologies such as Active Directory®, .NET, SQL Server®, and SQL Server Reporting Services® (SSRS)

With support for both development and production activities, and compatibility with all common underground mining methods for non-intrinsically safe environments, the DISPATCH Underground 2015 system is purpose-built to help mines keep operations running at optimal capacity and according to plan. The first installation was successfully commissioned at a high-grade gold-silver mine in Sonora, Mexico. The mine will utilize the FMS to monitor and manage the haulage operations of nearly 50 mobile equipment units.

“Modular is committed to increasing the value that our customers receive from our products,” said Michael Lewis, Vice President Product Innovation. “We invested a great deal of time and resources into the modernization of our underground FMS, so it can better address the unique needs and challenges of today’s underground mining environment,” he added. “By leveraging our years of industry experience and taking advantage of the latest technology advancements in mining and non-mining sectors, we are confident that the DISPATCH Underground 2015 system will far exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Held annually, the Mining Magazine awards recognize innovation and commitment within the mining industry. When determining award candidates, the publication looks at specific projects and initiatives, product releases, or inventive applications of existing products and practices. Companies that have demonstrated environmental consciousness and those on the leading-edge of innovation are also considered.

The Load and Haul category for which the DISPATCH Underground 2015 system was recognized, was newly-added in 2015. Other new award categories include: Software, Drill and Blast, Safety, Technology, and Service and Support.

To read the article and see the full list of winners and runners-up, visit: www.miningmagazine.com/top-articles/mining-magazine-awards-2015-winners/.

Media contact

Patricia Browne
Manager, Marketing
Modular Mining Systems
520.806.3274 | [email protected]