Driving Mining Performance with Precision - How VEGA’s Measurement Technology Supports Reliable Operation Worldwide
Published by Kristian Ilasko,
Digital Content Coordinator
Global Mining Review,
Many sites are remote, with limited maintenance resources - making reliability and long service intervals essential. When measurement instruments fail, productivity drops, safety risks rise, and costs escalate.
VEGA provides measurement solutions engineered for these conditions, supporting dependable operation across the entire mining process.
Radar Level Measurement: Precision in Harsh Environments
Accurate level measurement underpins efficient flow control, tank operation, and slurry management. Dust, steam, and rapidly changing surfaces can compromise conventional sensors - but radar remains stable.
The VEGAPULS 6X combines multiple generations of radar innovation into a single universal device. It delivers precise, non contact measurement for liquids and solids and maintains accuracy even under difficult conditions. Its focused radar beam helps avoid interference from internal structures, while strong signal dynamics ensure stable readings despite foam, dust, buildup, or condensation.
Why mines rely on VEGAPULS 6X:
- Reliable operation despite dust, steam, or condensate
- Non contact measurement reduces wear
- Minimal maintenance - ideal for remote regions
- Can replace multiple sensor types, simplifying inventories
VEGAPULS 6X radar sensors deliver highly precise and reliable level measurement of liquids and bulk solids | Credits: VEGA
Pressure Measurement for Safety and Process Control
Safe mining requires stable management of pressurised liquids, gases, and abrasive slurries. VEGA’s pressure transmitters are built to perform reliably under mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures.
The VEGABAR 80 series uses advanced ceramic CERTEC® or metallic measuring cells to deliver accurate gauge, absolute, or differential pressure across a wide operating range (–1 to 1000 bar, –90 to +400 °C). Integrated diagnostics support proactive maintenance and early fault detection.
The VEGADIF 85 differential pressure transmitter is especially effective for flotation cells and separator circuits. Its compact, durable design ensures stable readings even during rapid process changes, supporting improved separation efficiency and consistent uptime.
Typical mining applications:
- Slurry pipelines
- Filtration systems
- Pump and thickener monitoring
- Tailings dam pressure control
Non-Contact Density Measurement for Slurry Applications
Slurry density determines separation efficiency and overall mineral recovery. Conventional intrusive sensors often struggle with wear or require frequent cleaning.
The MINITRAC 31 radiometric system solves this by measuring density externally through the pipe wall using gamma technology. With no contact to the abrasive medium, the sensor offers:
- Real time, highly stable density readings
- No mechanical wear
- No process interruptions for cleaning or recalibration
- High availability in abrasive, high solids environments
This ensures consistent separation performance and reduced process variability.
MINITRAC 31 enables precise, non-contact density measurement – maintenance-free, highly reliable, and ideal for extreme conditions | Credits: VEGA
Enhancing Mining Performance Worldwide
Mining operations worldwide face long distances, harsh climates, and rising sustainability demands. VEGA supports these challenges with durable, accurate, and easy to integrate instrumentation.
Its portfolio, including VEGAPULS radar sensors, VEGABAR and VEGADIF pressure transmitters, and MINITRAC 31 radiometric density systems, helps operators:
- Reduce downtime
- Improve process safety
- Maintain consistent production
- Build resilient, data driven operations
Together with digital monitoring tools, VEGA provides a reliable foundation for modern mining performance.
About VEGA
VEGA is a global manufacturer of process instrumentation for level, point level, and pressure measurement. Headquartered in Schiltach, Germany, VEGA develops innovative sensor technologies and automation solutions for industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, water and wastewater, mining, and oil and gas.
With 28 subsidiaries and more than 2,700 employees worldwide, VEGA combines German engineering expertise with a global sales and service network, ensuring close customer support in over 80 countries.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/27032026/driving-mining-performance-with-precision--how-vegas-measurement-technology-supports-reliable-operation-worldwide/
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