Glencore signs global satellite agreement with Tre-Altamira

By Dominic Ellis
Tie-up enables Glencore to expand satellite monitoring to over 110 dams worldwide...

Glencore has signed a global agreement with Tre-Altamira to expand satellite monitoring to over 110 of its dams worldwide - reportedly the largest industry monitoring agreement to date specifically focusing on Tailings Storage Monitoring.    

The monitoring provides measurements of surface movements every 11 days which is the current maximum available frequency for this type of data collection.  

By taking measurements from both ascending and descending satellite orbit directions, Glencore will be able to resolve any measured movement on its TSFs into both horizontal and vertical components. The typical resolution on the ground is 3m x 3m with detectable movement resolution in the order of a few millimetres.    

Measurement data will be provided via a cloud based platform which will ensure continuous provision of information. Results of the monitoring will also be used to support stakeholder engagement and demonstrate the ongoing safe performance of its dams.  

While the main focus of the satellite monitoring program will be its Tailings Dams, the data will also be used at some sites to supplement other terrestrial monitoring techniques which will include open pits, waste piles and areas prone to subsidence.

Share

Featured Articles

McKinsey: Design is the answer to supply chain disruption

Based on McKinsey research, firms that embrace the business value of design are less susceptible to disruption in supply chains and are more eco-friendly

Extending maintenance intervals with ultra-hard wearfacings

Hans Bengtsson and Daniel Hoekfors explain how wear-resistant materials are overcoming challenges from wear and abrasion at iron ore mines in the Nordics

Automating your processes? Invest in the right skills

Annee Bayeux, Chief Learning Strategist at Degreed discusses how smart mining and automation are underpinned by the right skills

Accelerating the digital mine with a bite-size approach

Digital Mining

BHP trials renewable fuel at Yandi

Sustainability

Rio Tinto trials renewable diesel at U.S. operations

Sustainability