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3D Laser Mapping has supplied AngloGold Ashanti with a high tech laser monitoring system, called SiteMonitor, to support mine survey activities and improve safety at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania.
SiteMonitor is 3D Laser Mapping’s state of the art laser monitoring solution. This technology gives the user the ability to exploit the potential of laser scanning for measuring change and improving mine safety, SiteMonitor is typically used in open pit mines for the continuous or periodic stability monitoring of unstable high walls.
Supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, the system combines best of breed laser scanning hardware with monitoring software specifically designed for applications within this type of environment. It is currently being deployed at the Nyankanga 
Pit to monitor slope stability and pit wall movements in order to provide early warning detection to potentially protect lives, capital and equipment.
3D’s Managing Director Jon Chicken described the laser scanning system, which includes a long-range RIEGL VZ-1000 scanner as well as the SiteMonitor software, as a “critical mine survey and safety tool”.
“This system scans the pit slopes and acts as an early warning system to determine any instability and movement which could lead to slope failures or wall collapses. Slope collapses and pit wall failures caused by unexpected ground movements can result in fatalities, damage to mining equipment and loss of productivity. The laser scanning system gives a user a far greater understanding of risk and helps ensure a safe working environment,” explained Chicken.
“The scanner and software are essential tools in preventing incidents and associated injuries, as it provides a better understanding of the immediate, fundamental and contributing causes of slope failures and wall movements,” he added.
The RIEGL VZ-1000 is a long range, high speed laser scanner with a wide range of view. The VZ-1000 uses unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse weather conditions. Achieving accuracies of 5 millimetres at ranges of up to 1,400 metres the VZ-1000 can capture up to 122,000 points per second with a 100 x 360-degree field of view.
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. For further information visit www.3dlasermapping.com
Geita Gold Mine is a leading mining company in Tanzania, contributing to building a better nation through responsible production of an essential metal that people use every day. Through its owners – AngloGold Ashanti – the company has invested over $600 million in a remote region of Tanzania, helping unlock the country’s mineral wealth. Ongoing, long-term investment will continue to support future economic growth for Tanzania.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti is a truly global company with proudly African roots. With 20 operations in 10 countries on four continents, as well as several exploration projects in both the established and new gold producing regions of the world, AngloGold Ashanti is currently one of the world’s largest mining companies. In 2012 over 70% of the company’s production came from the African continent. For further information visit www.anglogoldashanti.com
