The ore-beneficiation optimization solution comprises several “Optimization as a Service (OaaS)” applications that can be configured for individual mine sites within three months.
Global chemical company BASF and IntelliSense.io, an industrial artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced in July an exclusive partnership that will combine their capabilities in mineral processing, ore beneficiation chemistry and industrial AI technology. The two companies said the joint offering, called ‘BASF Intelligent Mine powered by IntelliSense.io’, delivers AI solutions combined with BASF’s mineral processing and chemical expertise and will enable mine operations employing the solution to become more efficient, sustainable and safe.
BASF said the new offering is an open, real-time, decision-making platform that can be configured for individual sites, typically within three months. Each mining process, such as grinding, thickening, flotation and pumping, is supported by an Optimization as a Service (OaaS) application that predicts and simulates future performance, generating process-specific recommendations for insights and optimization. As multiple OaaS applications link together, customers can generate efficiency gains throughout the entire mine-to-market value chain.
Remote operations access allows for 24/7 visibility of mine operational and financial performance, with BASF process experts available to provide real-time support. Additionally, the in-built simulation tool can be used to test alternative operating conditions, train staff and run non-intrusive ‘what if’ scenarios.
The AI solutions are based on a hybrid cloud architecture, enabling both on-site and cloud deployments, to help mining industry partners accelerate their digitalization programs in their operations.
The two partner companies noted that mineral sands producer Image Resources, an early adopter of the platform, reported promising results from the Intelligent Mine deployment. “Image Resources is both excited and optimistic about the potential the BASF Intelligent Mine powered by IntelliSense.io can have to positively impact the accuracy and efficiency of our process control functions to meaningfully improve our bottom-line,” said Patrick Mutz, Image Resources managing director.
“Our partnership with IntelliSense.io combines state of the art artificial intelligence and decades of ore beneficiation experience in to a powerful, fast and easy to deploy optimization platform,” said Damien Caby, senior vice president, BASF Oilfield Chemicals & Mining Solutions. “Efficiency improvements resulting from the first implementations by our joint dedicated team are helping customers accelerate digital transformation.”
“In a tough economic climate, the need to focus on mining productivity, within sustainable and remote operational constraints, is driving pressure on operating and capex budgets and requires innovative solutions with accelerated value delivery,” added Sam G. Bose, CEO of IntelliSense.io. “The partnership between BASF and IntelliSense.io ensures mining organizations have a partner that understands both their operational risk as well as new technologies.”
