Vale Canada Limited
Vale’s Totten Mine, closed in the 1960s, was redesigned with modern automation and control systems.
BESTECH supported the implementation of advanced technologies through feasibility studies. The mine needed a partner for technical integration, configuration, and long-term support to enable a connected underground operation.
SCOPE
BESTECH provided engineering support during the Feasibility Study Level (FEL) stages and continues working with Vale. The firm developed technical standards, Distributed Control System (DCS) templates, and troubleshooting documentation for consistent automation system operability. They also produced configuration manuals and offered maintenance and remote support for DCS and network infrastructure.
Critical tasks included configuring and testing underground wireless networks, monitoring the fiber backbone, and enhancing real-time tracking systems. The engineering team integrated and validated wireless technologies for personnel tracking, equipment communication, and real-time control functions across the mine’s systems.
OUTCOME
BESTECH’s involvement in Totten Mine positioned it as a leader in digital mining. The integration of automation, wireless communication, and tracking technologies improved operational oversight and control. Through ongoing collaboration, BESTECH ensured that Vale’s Totten Mine remains one of the most advanced mining operations, aligning system performance with modern demands while maintaining cost efficiency and reliability.