In surface mining operations (open pit or open cast), location tracking of the OreTracker mobiles is via GPS.

 

In common applications, standard precision GPS is used to determine the mobile position. That position is then compared against system-defined locations, for the purpose of ore tracking and in-cab guidance.

  

Optional radio beacons may be used in areas of obscured GPS locations.

For more demanding surface applications requiring tighter positioning, OreTracker caters for differential GPS (DGPS) reception.

 

DGPS location determination uses the sky satellite signals and a differential correction (named RTCM, after the name of the correction protocol), eiher site-broadcast or supplied by a commercial system, such as OmniStar(TM).

In deep pit mining, VHF/UHF radio reception  is often a problem. Numerous black-spots of coverage can be found next to the pit walls or behind high spoils in open-cast strip mining operations. 

 

Seldom it is either economic or practical to dimension and position repeater towers of suitable height to provide adequate in-pit coverage under those conditions.

 

OreTracker resolved this problem by providing mesh in-pit coverage. 

 

Underground OreTracker mobile location determination and tracking is via radio beacons, placed in surveyed locations.

 

Underground communications to the head-end are typically maintained over a VHF/UHF leaky feeder or WLAN. 

 

 

 

When interworking with on-board equipment, OreTracker can be used to provide a cost-effective remote maintenance management solution, namely through integration with the fleet component.