- Exploration
- Mining
- Sorting
- Cutting & polishing
- Jewelry manufacturing
- Retailing
At GAO RFID, we understand how RFID can be applied to certain functions in many industries and can explore ways to provide customized solutions for the Diamond Mining industry to help to:
- Track mining equipment
- Track raw ore deposits
- Control Access for Mining Personnel and Vehicles
- Secure Inventory
Exploring RFID for Diamond Mining
Diamonds are extracted from the earth through a wide variety of methods such as the following:
- Underground mining
- Open pit mining
- Marine mining
- Vertical mining
- Alluvial mining
For every method, we can explore some solutions that may help Diamond Mining organizations improve operation efficiencies, we can apply our knowledge from the following core products.
Tracking Assets
Extracted diamond ore goes through a crushing and processing stage before being sorted and classified. After the unrefined diamonds are dropped of at processing, the sorting experts determine the value and assign different categories in preparation for selling to different buying parties. RFID Tagging is an efficient method to distinguish diamonds based on size, shape, quality and colour. During the classification process RFID Tags can be installed within individual bins for further sorting. The highest quality diamonds are determined by the colour and clarity for the gem market. Electronic tagging of gem quality diamonds ensures the authenticity of the Kimberley Process Certification (conflict free zones). Depending on the mine in question, equipment used for extraction can be bought or rented. Diamond mining equipment covers some of the following:
- Missile dredge (marine mining)
- Export Cargo Skiff (transportation for vehicles over rivers)
- Komatsu shovels
- Alluvial processing equipment
- Diamond jigs
- Jig separator
All mining equipment can be tagged with RFID Tags making asset locating clear and maintenance schedules for machinery in warranty easily accessible. Mining operators can easily track the location of these expensive assets to reduce theft and never have to worry about a piece of equipment breaking down that will compromise the extraction of diamonds from a particular mine. Tracking the transport trucks that come into and out of a mine carry expensive mined diamonds is easily accomplished with RFID Tags. Installing RFID Tags on every mining truck accompanied by long range active RFID Readers at strategic points enhances the logistical operations of a diamond mine. Raw ore that is dug up and placed in mining trucks may be able to be traced with RFID Tags placed in piles to be processed. Keeping track of ore deposits that may have to be moved multiple times within the grounds of a mining site is the best solution for tracking inventory and is one extra layer of theft prevent that helps protect the organization’s bottom line.
Providing Access Control
Mining supervisors may be able to accurately monitor the location of mine personnel working underground, with our customized solution that may be used to provide precise location of the personnel and also it can be used for controlling access via RFID technology. Deploying Wi-Fi capabilities throughout a mine enables communication between the RFID Tag in a worker’s vest or helmet. In addition, RFID Vehicle Tags can be affixed to the fleet of mining vehicles, automating the vehicle’s ability to enter certain zones throughout the mine. Collecting data regarding the movement of mine workers and vehicles using a long range RFID reader is manageable from the central office using our web-enabled software.
Integrating with your Mining Management Software
GAO RFID’s Systems can be deployed as a standalone solution or can be integrated with other software solutions, according to your needs. GAO RFID’s AUTO-ID Engine, incorporates middleware and essential RFID functions that perform RFID data collection and information processing. It can seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mining management systems so that you can access the data it collects directly via the system or systems you currently have in place. Our team of seasoned professionals who have the capability to combine our RFID experience with your industry experience and provide a customized solution that will smoothly integrate the appropriate RFID Solution with your IT architecture. The result is an RFID solution that is seamlessly unified with your mining management system. We can work with you to integrate the RFID tracking data collected from our custom solution with today’s leading information management systems in your industry.