Product Overview:


The Elexon Smart Marker System provides a highly automated, accurate and efficient way to obtain high resolution flow data for mass mines — including mines where magnetic separation is not used — without disrupting mining operations.

Smart Markers are blast resistant, long-life Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices that are placed in the ore body. The Smart Marker System automatically detects, logs and time stamps Smart Markers as they are extracted with ore at the production level and collates the installation and extraction data in real time. Using the Smart Marker System’s data analysis tool, RockView, this data can be played back in a variety of 3D animated formats, making it easy to visualize what has happened in the cave. The data can also be easily exported to spreadsheets and mine planning software for analysis.


 
Key Components

Smart Markers

Long-life, hardened RFID devices designed to withstand production level blasts and transmit their unique identifiers (IDs) to Smart Marker System Readers when extracted with the ore by a Load Haul Dump (LHD) machine. Smart Markers are suitable for both Sub Level and Block Caves.


Readers

These are mounted to the 'back' (ceiling) of  drives. Readers detect, time stamp and log Smart Marker IDs when LHDs drive under Reader antennas enroute to the orepass or crusher.
 
Activator

A small, portable device used for wireless one-swipe Smart Marker activation prior to installation, enabling their detection by a Reader.


Scanner

A hand held PC that wirelessly communicates with Readers, Activators and the Marker Management System (MMS). The Scanner downloads the marker installation plan from the MMS and automatically populates it with the IDs of Smart Markers as they are activated. It can be used to capture stored Reader data and upload it to the MMS. The Scanner acts as the Reader user interface during Reader commissioning and maintenance.


Marker Management System

The Marker Management System (MMS) contains the master database of installed and extracted Smart Markers. When the MMS is connected to Readers via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Leaky Feeder, it records the logged data from Readers in real time as Smart Markers are detected and collates the installation and extraction data, revealing flow over time. The MMS can also remotely control Readers and monitor their status. The MMS data analysis tool, RockView, automatically displays installed and detected Smart Marker positions in 3D. The Smart Marker detections can be viewed in a range of formats and can be played back in several animation styles to aid with rock flow analysis.