Barrick Gold
Barrick’s Hemlo Mine, operational since the mid-1980s was looking to align with modern standards and transition towards a digital mine.
Barrick engaged BESTECH for a comprehensive programmable logic controller (PLC) audit and integration strategy for a Mine Operations Centre.
SCOPE
The project involved collecting all existing documentation and PLC programs associated with the PLC infrastructure located in the mill, on the surface, and in underground operations. BESTECH conducted a thorough audit of over 40 PLCs, noting each platform, processor model, communication method, addresses, and input/ output cards.
From the data collected, BESTECH documented the existing PLC topology and proposed a new PLC framework that included the development of an operations center. The culmination of this project was a comprehensive report that not only detailed the findings and recommendations but also included equipment information spreadsheets to assist the site in maintaining accuracy through the upgrade process.
OUTCOME
The detailed report and roadmap provided by BESTECH enabled Barrick’s Hemlo Mine to systematically enhance its automation infrastructure, thus supporting its transition towards becoming a digital mine. This initiative laid the groundwork for integrating advanced technologies through a centralized operations center, thereby optimizing mine operations and paving the way for future technological integrations.