Tucson, Arizona – May 4, 2005
Potgietersrust Platinums Limited (PPRust) has contracted Modular Mining Systems to provide a major upgrade of its current system to further increase productivity at its open pit operations in South Africa.
The upgrade includes the MasterLink® 802.11 compliant wireless network for secure, fast, and reliable communications and the latest generation of Modular's industry leading DISPATCH® application. PPRust has also requested the PowerView™ management reporting system to round out the upgrade. Based on a SQL database, the PowerView™ system allows direct access to operational data, with Windows®-based reporting that provides a direct information link between mine management, operations, and equipment working in the field.
Modular's DISPATCH® system has been successfully utilized at PPRust since 1997 to provide automatic, optimized haul truck assignments and increase productivity throughout its fleet. The original system configuration included a 1200-baud UHF radio system and first generation Rev D hardware with monochrome graphics consoles. In line with its drive for continuous improvement and to take advantage of the next generation technology, PPRust decided to upgrade its system.
The process of procuring such a large system for PPRust was not taken lightly. A comprehensive evaluation of three major mine management suppliers was conducted independently by PPRust. Each supplier's product offering, including services and local support, was considered in detail. Involvement from Anglo Platinum Corporate IT ensured that corporate information systems strategic alignment was maintained. After careful consideration, Modular's IntelliMine® mine management system was chosen as the system best allowing PPRust to further its corporate goals, optimize current values, and expand growth, while achieving maximum cost effectiveness and better integration of its systems.
"PPRust views the application of Modular's cutting-edge technology as a step forward that will enable the mine to improve on its current operational efficiency," noted Mike Jackson, Managing Director of Modular Mining Africa. "Being able to take advantage of the latest technical advances and opportunities ensures that PPRust can maintain its competitive advantage well into the future."
The upgrade replaces the mine's current IntelliMine® DISPATCH® Rev D hardware installations on its field equipment and includes additional access points to provide comprehensive network coverage in and around the pit area. The improvement of radio coverage and the availability of industry compliant protocols gained by implementing the MasterLink® backbone will enable the mine to expand services to its personnel. Additionally, the mine can work with confidence knowing that the network is self-configuring; as access points are added or relocated, the network automatically reconfigures to ensure communication and coverage are not interrupted.
"PPRust should see a marked improvement in productivity with the upgrade," stated Jacob Khumbane, Account Manager for Modular Africa. "Because MasterLink allows personnel to stay connected to the corporate LAN while in the pit, Windows-based work normally done in the office can now be done in the field. This allows supervisors and managers to continue working without interruption throughout the site."
PPRust will deploy the Modular hardware systems on a variety of equipment including: 31 trucks, 5 shovels, and 3 loaders. Installation of the system is scheduled to begin May 2005.
About Anglo Platinum Potgietersrust Platinums:
Potgietersrust Platinums (PPRust) is an open pit mine located approximately 315 km north of Johannesburg in South Africa. It is wholly owned and operated by Anglo Platinum, the world's largest primary producer of platinum, accounting for approximately 38% of the global supply. Anglo Platinum is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange and has secondary listings in London and Brussels Bourse (IDRs).
About Modular Mining Systems, Inc.
Modular, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is the market share leader in providing powerful information management solutions to meet the needs of both open pit and underground mining operations worldwide. The company's products range from fully automated, total mine management and control systems using the latest high-precision global positioning systems for surface applications, to proven mining cycle control, monitoring, and identification systems for underground mines. Modular has sales and support offices located in all key world-mining markets. For more information on Modular, the IntelliMine® system, or the company's new, revolutionary systems for rail management and equipment automation, visit the Modular website at http://www.modularmining.com.