McLaren Applied and PAMA announce fuel analytics partnership

With fuel representing up to 50% of a mine’s operating expenses, small gains in efficiency can have large impacts on costs, productivity, and pollution. Such gains are hard won, with haul trucks capable of carrying approximately 100 t of mined material over steep, uneven ground operating in a dynamic environment which requires constant analysis. Ever-changing variables such as payload, weather, terrain, and route all affect the driving technique required to ensure maximum efficiency.

While traditional fuel analytics can only provide mine managers with performance reports for the previous day or shift, too late to keep pace with the rapidly changing situation, McLaren Applied’s fuel analytics service is far more advanced.

Formula 1-derived technology collects detailed live data from multiple sensors onboard PAMA’s fleet of mining trucks, transmitting it to cloud-based servers at much higher data rates than typical telemetry systems and using it to inform a powerful machine learning-based algorithm.

The fuel analytics service references the data against a full digital model of the mine, using specially developed AI tools to instantaneously calculate what changes the driver should make to optimise fuel efficiency. This information is communicated back to the driver within milliseconds, offering real-time recommendations for optimal driving to maximise efficiency and minimise fuel consumption in any conditions.

Speaking on the signing of the agreement, Pablo Garcia, Director of Connected Intelligence at McLaren Applied, said: “With over 30 years’ experience at the cutting-edge of motorsport, Formula 1, McLaren Applied has an unparalleled breadth of experience in the optimisation of performance around the globe. To be able to formally bring our expertise to a new sector is therefore an incredibly exciting opportunity.

“Together, McLaren Applied and PAMA will take vital steps to help accelerate the decarbonisation of mining, bringing benefits to the industry and the environment and creating a blueprint for optimisation which can be copied around the world.”

Pak Hendra Hutahean, Vice President Director at PAMA, stated: “Our new partnership with McLaren Applied demonstrates PAMA’s willingness to embrace new mining decarbonisation initiatives. By employing McLaren Applied’s cutting-edge technology and unique expertise, we are confident that we will be able to take significant steps towards protecting the planet.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/23022023/mclaren-applied-and-pama-announce-fuel-analytics-partnership/