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Intelligent mining

C3 installs intelligent surveillance system for Zambian copper mine.

First Quantum Minerals, a British Columbia-based mining and metals company has appointed South African company, C3 Shared Services, to design and install a customised intelligent security surveillance system to protect sensitive areas at its Zambian copper mine.

C3 designed and installed a unique solution incorporating CCD cameras, high-speed domes and ioimage intelligent video analytics to protect the perimeter and to effectively monitor all processes within the plant.

Theuns Claasen, security manager for the mine says, “C3 was chosen after a due diligence process was carried out on a group of suppliers bidding for our contract to install a CCTV monitoring system.

The decision to appoint C3 was unanimous in terms of their superior product and after sales service. The intelligent video analytics is programmed to detect and alert the control room operators to any intrusions on the perimeter, while the high-speed domes allow for the finer details within the plant to be monitored.

“This particular surveillance system has a very high probability of detection with a very low false alarm rate,” says Gary Egan, senior technical consultant for C3. “C3’s custom designed solution offers FQML the ability not only to monitor all security sensitive areas from a single control room, but to be notified automatically in the event of a security breach.”

C3 had the task to not only protect the perimeter and internal processes of the plant, but also to provide superior surveillance at the external main gate and the plant gate. Security at these entrances is also integrated with the advanced video management system situated in the control room. The control room, also designed by C3, is the heart of the security system. Operators have access to all the cameras on the perimeter as well as the internal cameras. The intelligent video analytics will automatically alert the operators as to the exact location of any attempted breaches on perimeter. This automated intelligent ability prevents operators from getting fatigued as they can rely on the analytics to monitor the perimeter.

C3 has deployed a solution which will provide FQML with a future-proof security system and a high return on investment. The solution is a fully integrated IP, open platform allowing for expansion and growth.

Nick Grange, technical Director of C3 says, “C3 managed to comply with all customer requirements and was able to complete the project three weeks ahead of schedule.”

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