The Barro Alto mine is located in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Anglo selected the DISPATCH and ProVision solutions to improve material blending, ore management and crusher throughput. The solutions will reduce the ore dilution, boost blending of the ore directly from the pit into the crusher and optimise the fleet performance.

The DISPATCH fleet management system, which was chosen to replace the mine's current competitor FMS, will optimise the haulage fleet to increase productivity. The ProVision system is designed to deliver high-precision navigation and machine guidance capabilities to the mine's shovels; automating the management of material types, reducing the need for manual staking, and reducing the number of stockpiles.

In addition, the ProVision system will provide real-time tonnage, volume and grade metrics for any ore-bearing stockpile. Modular Mining's Material Blending, Prestart and Fuel Management modules will extend the FMS' equipment- and material management capabilities.

"A number of factors contributed to our decision to partner with Modular Mining," said Eduardo Caixeta, manager at Barro Alto. "In addition to their solid reputation with their fleet management and high-precision guidance technologies, the success that we have had with their solutions at our sister operation at Minas Rio played a key role in our decision. Another factor was Modular's demonstrated commitment to performance, working with their customers to maximise the value from their solutions based on a mine's specific goals."

Airton de Sena, general manager at Modular Mining, Brazil, commented: "Modular has a long-standing relationship with Anglo in Brazil and we are excited to expand this relationship. Barro Alto is a leader in nickel mining, and this investment demonstrates their team's commitment to maximising returns through operational excellence and advanced technologies."