PRESS RELEASE: Use of the solution will expand from Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci open-pit copper mine in Arizona, US, to three other locations in North America and new installations at its Cerro Verde, Peru mine, with new features added to the digital platform.

This Connected Mine solution, built for Freeport-McMoRan by Accenture and Avanade using the patented Accenture Connected Platforms as a Service (CPaaS) on Microsoft Azure, provides a single application that can quickly alert personnel so they can prevent productivity and safety risks before they become a problem.

In addition to rules-based alerts based on real-time mine data to reduce machine downtime and inventory costs, the solution combines mobile, cloud and analytics to more effectively track asset utilisation and yields. The solution leverages the patented Accenture Cloud Platform to add computing power, as needed, and launch new capabilities and services for the business in a matter of days, as flexibility is critical in a highly volatile commodity business.

Advanced data analytics, visualisations and specific recommendations communicated in near real-time to mine supervisors help drive intelligent operations with greater business insights to unlock new value.

Cory Stevens, VP operational improvement at Freeport-McMoRan, said: “Connected Mine puts relevant information in the field to let supervisors be more effective in achieving desired results. Additionally, this platform acts as a conduit to effectively operationalise critical findings from our data analytics programs. Connected Mine assists us in advancing our improvement programmes to realise value in terms of improved safety, cost reduction and increased production.”

Bertrand Odinet, VP and CIO at Freeport-McMoRan, added: “The extended deployment of the Connected Mine solution not only uses digital technologies to enhance our mining operations, but adds substantial value by creating a framework for measuring improvement. It will provide context and actionable information for our field teams. We also expect it to reduce miscommunication as the platform makes data readily available almost real-time to all parties, both upstream and downstream.”

Amy Dale, managing director and client account lead at Accenture Resources, noted: “We are delighted that Freeport-McMoRan is extending the deployment of our Connected Mine solution. When faced with industry challenges including low commodity prices and declining ore grades, there’s a pressing need for miners to adapt their strategies and capitalise on innovative digital tools and capabilities to drive operational excellence. Freeport-McMoRan is at the forefront of that vanguard.”

Beyond the geographical expansion, Accenture and Avanade will continue to build new functionality into the Connected Mine solution, including dynamic mine planning, drill visualisation and blast optimisation. These and other enhancements target increased response times to mining process issues via real-time alerts to supervisors armed with ruggedised tablets and mobile phones.