The CSA Mine, operated by Metals Acquisition Corp (MAC) in Cobar, New South Wales, is one of Australia’s highest-grade copper mines. At 1.9 kilometres deep, it is the country’s second-deepest copper mine, producing around 40,000 tonnes of copper annually. Accurate data is critical to optimize mining operations and improve efficiency.

At CSA, the Business Improvement (BI) team focuses on leveraging advanced tools to track material and support data-driven decisions. One key innovation is the Pitram and Loadscan integration, which enhances material tracking, fleet management, and operational visibility.

The Challenge: Traditional Truck Factor Estimates

Before this integration, CSA relied on truck factors—estimates based on truck size and load—to measure material movement. This method posed several challenges:

• Inaccurate load data: Estimates could lead to errors in tonnage reporting, inventory, and scheduling.

• Limited visibility: Mine control teams could not verify loads in real-time.

• Operational inefficiencies: Lack of precise data made fleet optimization difficult, leading to higher fuel costs and equipment wear.

The Solution: Pitram and Loadscan Integration

The integration connects Loadscan’s Mine Payload Scanner (MPS) with Micromine Pitram. As trucks pass through the scanner at the 9040 level underground, advanced 3D laser scanning captures the exact volume of material in each load.

This volumetric data is sent via an API to Pitram, which calculates tonnage, tracks truck performance, and generates KPIs like Truck Kilometres per Tonne (TKM). Operators now receive accurate, real-time data instead of relying on estimates.

Additionally, Loadscan monitors haulback—material left in the truck bin—to ensure the next load is clean and maximize efficiency.

Advanced Features: Dashboards and Visual Monitoring

The integration includes a vision camera in the Loadscan scanner, giving operators real-time visibility of each truck load. Dashboards display:

• Loadscan Analytics: Real-time volumetric data for precise material tracking.

• Target Tracking: Monitor load efficiency, weight, and TKM goals.

• Live Camera Feed: Visually inspect truck material for quality and verification.

• Performance Insights: Track fleet utilization, trip times, and operational bottlenecks.

These features improve decision-making, operational control, and transparency.

Benefits: Accuracy, Efficiency, and Control

The Pitram and Loadscan integration delivers significant benefits:

• Accurate load data: Volumetric scanning eliminates truck factor estimates.

• Improved efficiency: Real-time insights optimize fleet performance and resource use.

• Enhanced visibility: Operators can monitor material and make immediate adjustments.

• Data-driven decision-making: Access to KPIs allows proactive management of trucks and loads.

By combining volumetric scanning with advanced fleet management, CSA Cobar sets a benchmark for data-driven mining. The Pitram and Loadscan integration improves load accuracy, fleet efficiency, and operational transparency, reducing costs while boosting performance.