The importance of adoption and utilization of Mining technology has been recognized by almost all Mining Companies in the USA.

In general, the most significant mining technology has turned out to be the GPS navigation solution.

The GPS navigation solution is featuring numerous application characterizations of Gps Features that later on bring positive impact upon the overall work of a mining company.

Nevertheless, the essence of the mining environments requires different techniques and tools to achieve relative positioning or a greater accuracy.That is to say different functions of GPS System. In spite of that, the GPS features can help mining companies to achieve this goal.

So, how can the application characterizations of GPS features help mining companies?

Well, once a mining company implements a GPS navigation system, it will straight proportionally enable the mining company with an access to:

• Real-time positioning with instantaneous feedback;
• Relative positioning;
• Techniques for greater accuracy;
• Kinematics positioning;

In addition, during the mining operation, the GPS navigation system, that is to say, the GPS receiver that is being placed on the equipment is continuously positioning using the GPS satellite signals- it is how this solution is enabling mining companies to receive positional data and to perform accurate mining operations.

Further, in this article, you can read more about the 10 crucial application characterizations of GPS features for mining companies.

So, let’s take a look!

1. Accuracy

In general, the mining industry is pretty much tricky and capital intensive!

That means that mining companies should not take any chances of luck.

Consequently, the operations of mine employees and mining companies should always be correct and accurate.

Thereupon, if we take a look at the GPS features, as well as the benefits of GPS vehicle tracking system, then we can see that – its application into mining businesses would bring increased accuracy in all mining operations.

So, it is crystal clear that the technical advances are changing the business strategies of mining companies.

Nevertheless, it is the extremely accurate GPS features that bring mining companies a precision of 10 meters radius.

2. Fleet Management

The GPS is known to be one of the technological advancements to have made a difference in almost all industries all across the USA and wider.

As time goes by, GPS devices are becoming an invaluable tool for mining operators too!

The prime aims of the GPS features and benefits are to achieve:

• Improved safety standards;
• Show proper navigation;
• Mapping and surveying;
• Performance and health monitoring of equipment;

Straight proportionally we can see that the functions of the Global Positioning  System are indicating accurate blending and quality control to meet the requirements of the, particularly selected process.

Moreover, the GPS vehicle tracking solution is becoming the best tool that mining companies can use to manage their fleet of big trucks and their equipment as well!

The fully advanced GPS features are letting mining companies to:

• Locate the precise location of their vehicles;
• Ensure safety and accountability– GPS features and benefits can help mining companies to monitor and track driver behavior and by that to increase the accountability;
• Improve the workflow;

3. Surveying

Mapping and surveying are the very first GPS features that this solution has developed.

In addition, these two GPS features are providing longitude as well as a latitude position – which indicates the measured angles and distances between two points.

Generally speaking, there are three types of surveying application characterizations of GPS features that mining companies can perform:

1. Static GPS baseline– In general, the static GPS baseline feature is being used by mining companies to determine the precise coordinates for the survey point.
2. Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Observations– Real-time kinematics or also known as code-based positioning, is the most commonly used method of surveying in the mining industry. This method of surveying is using a carrier-based ranging and is providing ranges or orders of magnitude. Mining companies are using this feature when they are performing operation that requires higher accuracies- such as centimeter-level positioning;
3. GPS Baseline– This feature gives mining companies the accuracy of baseline measurements. That is to say within 10km of the base station.

Here are the advantages that mining companies will experience if they use GPS for surveying:

• No weather restrictions;
• No line of sight required;
• Surveying will require one person (since it is performed via satellites) – which will save you time and labor;

Mining companies using a GPS tracking devices have seen how their surveying processes are considerably speeding up. By that, they are reducing the time surveyor stay on the mining site.

4. Detecting Dangerous Driving Behavior

The application characterizations of GPS features for mining companies simply goes beyond pinpointing company vehicles and assets on a map.

Thanks to the global positioning system, mining companies nowadays can detect and collect data that indicates truck driver behavior. Data on harsh driving activity can be seen via the GPS devices.

Moreover, mine site managers can easily monitor and detect dangerous driving behavior thanks to the advanced GPS features.

Yet, once a mine manager detects dangerous driving and operational behavior, straight ahead he can alert drivers on their risky behaviors.

In addition, this application characterization of the GPS features can decrease the chances of accidents or any injury happening on mine sites.

By that, not only that mining company can decrease the chances of accidents and injuries, but they can as well reduce the wear and tear on the vehicles.

So, by detecting dangerous driving behaviors via the global positioning system mining companies can improve their overall efficiency.

5. Hazard Avoidance

To put it another way.

The application characterization of GPS features for mining companies can be seen in the process of hazard avoidance as well.

In general, the mining industry is a risky one.

Mine workers every now and then experience health risks that can often become serious.
By this, you can see the importance for mine workers to be constantly protected.

Yet, mining companies have found out that they can protect their workers and their business by implementing GPS tracking devices.

The functions of the GPS vehicle tracking system can improve the mining process and make it safer than ever.

So, hazard avoidance can definitely be achieved with the Global Positioning System!

In addition, mining companies that do invest in strict safety legislation and safety solutions are the ones that experience the best reputation, as well as the lowest rate of injuries or accidents.

All mining companies have the same goal, which is to achieve zero harm via fleet tracking!

GPS solutions have shown up to bring the highest safety rating in mining companies. This solution is highly helpful for mining companies because they can be set up to warn the operator of site hazards.

So, here is how mining companies are actually avoiding hazardous situations with the help of GPS solutions:

1. Mining companies are implementing cab computers in the dozers- by which they can see its real position on the map;
2. The second step includes a setup of the dozer that enables mining companies to broadcast any assistance required signal;

All in all, GPS solutions are especially helpful for underground mining operations.

6. Drill Guidance

Drilling has never been easier for mining companies.

With the implementation of Global Positioning System, mining companies are eliminating the need for surveying for drilling operations.

In general, the application of GPS devices in mining processes enables the employee/drill operator to position the drill precisely. So, it means that initial surveys are not needed.

Moreover, the employee/drill operator receives drill guidance from the onboard computer display that has been specially designed to show the real situation for a hole to hole movements.

On the positive side, mining companies with the implementation of GPS vehicle tracking solution are experiencing numerous benefits and application characterizations of this solution. Such as is the application characterizations of drill guidance.

All in all, GPS solutions can increase the overall productivity of mining companies and can lower the manpower requirements too.

7. Zone Control

Having a full zone control is crucial for mine managers because it is the only way that they can maintain all operations to go smoothly.

Thereupon, by implementing fleet tracking and  GPS features  in mining companies, straight proportionally mine managers will be in the position where they have the full control, not only of the zone but as well they will be in the situation to:

• Track workers;
• Monitor entrances;
• Monitor evacuation status;
• Receive alerts;
• Dispatch for improved worker safety;

Also, the application characterizations of GPS features for mining companies spans beyond that.

Mine managers thanks to the GPS features can as well have a clear insight of the temperature, humidity, voltage as well as gas level sensors.

The overall insight can improve mining operations as well as it can reduce the costs of mining companies.

In addition, by having clear control of the zone will as well lead to improvements in energy efficiency and worker health.

The GPS features that indicate the zone control can also help in ensuring that the machines do not travel into unauthorized areas.

All in all, we can see that the zone controller recognizes the location of the mining vehicle and its relation to the zone- which makes mine manager’s work easier.

8. Stay on top of maintenance

The GPS solution platform, in general, provides engine hour data that indicates the real-time metrics about scheduling preventative maintenance.

Most commonly mining companies tend to rely on their drivers, who are reporting the odometer of the vehicle.

Yet, it is time for mining companies to stop relying just on their drivers. With the newly developed GPS features, mining companies can keep up on top of maintenance.

So, reducing the time the vehicle is out of commission and reducing the breakdowns on time is the future that GPS solutions have enabled mining companies to enjoy.

9. Reduce Idling

On average for every two minutes a mining truck is idling- it is using almost the same amount of fuel that it would be using if it was driving for a kilometer.

Thereupon, it is most commonly for mine truck driver to idle the truck more in the winter than in the summer. It is as a consequence of “warming it up”.

Yet, it is crystal clear that fuel costs do represent a big part of mining company’s expenses. As such, fuel costs can be reduced with the use of GPS fleet tracking solutions.

Many mining companies nowadays that have implemented GPS solutions into their daily activities are experiencing upwards of 25% savings in fuel costs- by just reducing the idling times.

At the same time, the GPS solution can reduce the idling times, as well as to improve fleet management and fuel consumption.

10. GPS Features lead to a Clear Mining Company Strategy

In order to perform all heavy duty tasks, mining companies have to have a clear strategy.
Having a clear strategy in the mining business means moving forward and collecting the rewards that these newly developed technological advancements are bringing.

Thereupon, the application characterizations of GPS features are bringing systematic three-step process that helps mining companies to make a proper plan and to achieve their goals.

1. Setting Goals

First of all, mining companies should take the time needed to set a realistic goal. Regardless if the goal that the mining company is going to set is short-term or a long-term one- it won’t be functional unless it has a well-defined target included. So, the best way that mining companies can define a great target is via the implementation of GPS features. GPS features will lead mining companies to a data that can help mine employees to perform their job exceptionally.

2. Realizing the Purpose of Setting Goals

The value of the outcome of every set goal can be seen by mining companies only when they can realize the purpose itself. Companies by identifying and realizing the purpose of setting goals for every mining operation will boost their employees’ motivation. As well it can strengthen their commitment to accomplishing the desired outcome.

3. Final Step

The final step that mining companies should take is to identify all information and data that will lead them to achieve the desired outcome. It is in this final step where mining companies will see the most benefits of using GPS features as a solution for their operational process. The GPS features will keep your mining company moving on track towards achieving your goals.

Thereupon, it is crystal clear that GPS features and its application in mining industry can improve the overall efficiency and productivity of mining operators and mining companies.

Thanks to the GPS solutions, mining companies nowadays can address the key issues in the industry itself. And what is more important thanks to the GPS solutions, mining companies can solve those key issues and move forward.

Conclusion

To enumerate, these 10 application characterizations of GPS features for mining companies that I have included in this article are considered to be the most important and useful ones.

The spectra of opportunities for improvements and benefits that GPS features are providing mining companies to enjoy are numerous. Still, it is up to mining companies to decide whether they are in need of such solution or not.

Nevertheless, I would highly recommend you to implement a GPS solution into your daily mining activities, and straight proportionally to enjoy the application characterizations of GPS features for mining companies.