Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) is redefining mining at Teck through integration and innovation
The global mining industry faces a number of challenges, from declining ore grades and increasing energy requirements to growing community expectations and stricter regulations.
It has resulted in the emergence of technological disruption as companies turn towards automation and digitization to not only help address these challenges, but also improve safety performance and achieve efficiencies in a sustainable way.
Because QB2 is more of a greenfield project—with the opportunity to reimagine how the operation will run—it is leveraging both new and proven technology applications in use at other Teck operations and elsewhere around the world, that will make it Teck’s most innovative and integrated operation when it begins production in the second half of 2021.
“We’re incorporating a range of technology solutions to further improve safety, sustainability, productivity, reduce costs, as well as further improve workforce planning including inclusion and diversity,” says Dale Webb, General Manager, Operational Readiness. “At QB2 we see integration of technology, process and people as the foundation of how we work—it will power our success by allowing us to be more creative, flexible and adaptable.”
Here are just a few examples of how that’s being applied at QB2.
IOC Promotes a Collaborative Environment and Improved Decision-Making
QB2 will be the first operation at Teck to incorporate a remote Integrated Operations Centre (IOC). Located in Santiago, the IOC will bring together all the resources and data necessary for centralized decision making to help achieve better operational performance. Among the main benefits identified for QB2 are improved integration and flexibility, a more inclusive workforce, a safer work environment and increased productivity.
“Collaboration and access to real-time information are the keys to a modern and successful organization,” says Mario Ortiz, Manager, Integrated Operations. “Having a physical location that promotes this type of culture and that gives us such an integrated and holistic view of the operation will be key to QB2’s future success.”
Renew Business Systems Initiative: Piloting Best-in-Class Systems at QB2
The operational needs of QB2 are also the initial focus of—and a key business driver for—the development of the Renew Business Systems initiative, an initiative that will see the implementation and integration of applications for Asset Management and Maintenance; Human Resources; Health, Safety, Environment and Community; Finance and Cost Management; and Contingent Worker Management.
“The Renew Business Systems initiative will bring together into an integrated environment many of the critical business applications in use across Teck today,” says Justin Webb, Program Director, Teck Digital Systems. “For QB2, this means that, from the outset, the operation will benefit from a best-in-class system that delivers operational efficiency, improved productivity, and the insight and information our business needs.”
Autonomous Haul Means a Safer, More Efficient Mine
QB2 is expected to start operating with a mixed fleet of traditional and new autonomous haul trucks, with a five-year transition to a fully autonomous fleet. One of the key benefits of autonomous trucks is improved safety performance, since they allow people to be removed from high-risk processes, along with improved operational efficiency and availability of the haulage fleet. Teck will be offering training opportunities on autonomous haulage systems and also has a transition plan that provides opportunities for all workers for the future operation.
