GijimaAst completes copper mine control system upgrade

August 2005 System Integration & Control Systems Design

GijimaAst has successfully completed a control system upgrade of Mopani Copper Mine's Cobalt Roaster plant utilising the Siemens PCS7 V5.2 control system and replacing the Foxboro Spec 200.

The previous operator interface, including control panels with instruments and pushbuttons along with chart recorders, was replaced by a PC interface to the plant consisting of two operator PCs. The need for the upgrade was a result of the old control system becoming obsolete, with spare parts scarce to come by.

Now the reliability and repeatability of a PC interface and PLC control will make plant operations easier and more standardised. The upgrade also provides automated reports, live trends will be available, and configurable from the run time system, alarming will be more reliable and additions will be easier to implement. Interlock trip conditions can also be filtered on a first in basis.

What really differentiates GijimaAst is its comprehensive track record. "GijimaAst has one of the strongest brown field installation records in the country, as well as numerous awards from Siemens for best PCS7 projects," explains Ricky Huyser of GijimaAst. "This allowed us to implement on a live changeover basis requiring minimised downtime for Mopani Copper Mine."

GijimaAst believes that its intellectual capacity, its business model and strong customer base form the foundation for the Group's integrated services and solutions business. Well-positioned as a leading technology solutions company and focused on selected industries, GijimaAst is able to unlock significant value for its customers.

For more information contact Carla Pattison, GijimaAst, 012 675 5681, [email protected]

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