The Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AGMK) is completing the implementation of Uzbekistan’s first integrated automated control system for its mining and transport complex. This project is being implemented as part of the state strategy “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” and aims to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and ensure maximum safety at the Kalmakyr and Yoshlik I quarries.
Today, more than 400 pieces of equipment at the combine’s two largest facilities are equipped with modern sensors. These include BELAZ dump trucks, excavators, drilling rigs, and other heavy mining equipment. Now, data on the operation of each unit is automatically fed into the “Quarry” information management system.
“The system enables 24/7 monitoring of production tasks, providing reliable real-time information on truck trips, rock mass transportation volumes, compliance with speed limits, and permissible loads. All this helps reduce operating costs and optimize fuel consumption,” noted Aziz Rozikulov, Director of the Digitalization Department at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine.
The automated “Karyer” system operates using sensors installed on mobile equipment. They record the truck’s load level, remaining fuel, location, weight of the transported cargo, and even the wear of the drilling tool. The information is wirelessly transmitted to a server, where it is analyzed, reports are generated, and management decisions are made.
The system opens up new opportunities for optimizing transport logistics. The onboard systems of trucks and trains automatically determine optimal routes. An operational rock mass accounting system has also been implemented: it records equipment downtime and explains the reasons, automatically determines the load weight, and monitors tire pressure and fuel levels.
Special attention has been paid to industrial safety. The new system monitors the condition of drivers and operators, alerting them to signs of fatigue, decreased concentration, or sleepiness.
Digital solutions also ensure the quality management of mined ore and the generation of analytical reports. Sensors installed on drilling rigs provide accurate data on borehole parameters, equipment downtime, and drilling tool consumption.
Experts estimate that the implementation of the intelligent system will improve the efficiency of excavators and dump trucks by an average of 10%, increase their average speed by 5%, and increase their utilisation rate by up to 20%.
The project strengthens AGMK’s position as the largest copper producer in the region and sets a new standard for digital transformation for the entire mining industry in Uzbekistan. (MetalPortal)