No machine at work in a surface coal mining operation moves more material more quickly than a dragline. That means even small errors in where the tub is placed or how the dig sequence is executed can lead to large amounts of improperly moved material—and that can translate into significant lost revenue.

For that reason, many coal miners are turning to advanced guidance technologies that enable high-precision management of their dragline operations—thereby ensuring more efficient material management and enhanced mine site productivity.

Many of these systems are driven by in-cab displays that help dragline operators place material as accurately as possible. A quick glance at the display shows the operator the position of the bucket and tub relative to the design plans, as well as whether each dig point is above or below plan. More advanced 3D bucket positioning technologies give operators a plan and profile view of the dragline and cut being excavated. Even machine-to-machine cut and fill status sharing is available between draglines and dozers as the operation requires.

This kind of real-time feedback is critical for improving productivity on the mine site. Material placed in the right location the first time eliminates unproductive dragline use and frees up dozers for other activities, while accurate tub placement and material updates from dozers reduce rework, spoilage and mishandling—all of which contribute to lower overall costs.

And operators aren’t the only ones who benefit. These technologies make a wealth of data available to mine managers and site planners as well, including up-to-the-minute machine location and operational status, amount and types of material moved versus plan and more—most of which can be viewed for individual draglines and operators, by specific production areas or across an entire site.

Production monitoring tools, often coupled with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities, give production managers the ability to track and report on dragline operations in real time—even recording detailed data on each load cycle count for future analysis. Machine performance, productivity and payload are monitored and organized in reports, providing data that managers can use to optimize dragline output and minimize operating costs.

Dragline guidance technologies are making a big impact in surface coal mining operations worldwide—resulting in more tons of coal uncovered in less time. What are you experiencing in your operation? Is material management an issue for your dragline operators? What steps are you taking to ensure they’re operating as productively and efficiently as possible?

Share your perspective, then click here to learn more about technology available for dragline operations: Cat MineStar System/Terrain.