The mineral extraction industry presents some of the most challenging environments for electronic equipment deployments. From airborne particulate and constant vibration to extreme ambient temperatures and potentially explosive atmospheres in both underground and surface operations, mining requires purpose-built technology designed specifically to withstand these challenges while maintaining operational reliability through multiple production shifts.
Mining operations frequently encounter Class I Division 1 (C1D1), Class I Division 2 (C1D2), Class II Division 1 (C2D1), and Class II Division 2 (C2D2) hazardous area classifications.
Underground coal operations may deal with methane gas accumulation while mineral processing facilities face risks from combustible dust.
Equipment deployed in these zones requires appropriate certification to prevent potential ignition sources.
Mining operations contend with:
Modern mining operations run continuously with three production shifts and minimal scheduled downtime.
Equipment failure during production cycles can halt ore extraction, crusher circuits, or processing operations, resulting in significant production losses that impact both throughput and recovery metrics. This makes equipment reliability essential for maintaining target production forecasts.
Mining operations depend on distributed control systems to monitor critical infrastructure throughout the site. These systems oversee drift ventilation, manage dewatering pumps, control conveyor interlocks, and regulate mineral processing equipment.
Durable HMIs must provide clear visibility under variable lighting conditions while offering reliable touch operation. Operators often wear heavy-duty gloves when working around crusher decks and flotation cells, requiring specialized touchscreen technologies that remain responsive despite these barriers.
Effective tracking and optimization of mining fleets demands computing systems built for harsh mobile environments.
From load-haul-dump (LHD) units to haul trucks and graders, mobile equipment generates valuable operational data while subjecting onboard systems to constant vibration.
Modern mines rely on real-time information for production tracking, cycle time optimization, and preventative maintenance scheduling. Only computing hardware specifically designed for mining conditions can deliver the necessary reliability in these challenging applications.
Across mining operations, accurate weight measurement ensures proper reconciliation between extracted ore and processed material.
Run-of-mine (ROM) pads and loadout facilities employ scale systems that operate continuously in outdoor environments. Weight data supports both regulatory compliance requirements and financial accounting processes. Computing solutions for these applications must function reliably despite exposure to weather extremes, while providing accurate measurements that maintain operational efficiency throughout the material handling process.
Modern mining operations rely on comprehensive electronic monitoring for both safety compliance and environmental management:
Mining environments demand computing systems that operate reliably in challenging conditions while maintaining compliance with MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) requirements and corporate safety standards.
As monitoring technology becomes more sophisticated, the need for industrial-grade computing infrastructure continues to grow throughout the industry.
When implementing computing systems in mining operations, site engineers should consider:
For operations with Class I Division 1 (C1D1) and Class II Division 1 (C2D1) environments, VarTech's ToughStation Hazardous Area Workstations provide:
The ToughStation purge-protected product line is particularly valuable in underground coal mining operations, methane-rich hard rock mines, and mineral processing facilities where explosive dust concentrations may occur.
For hazardous area mining applications where Class 1 Division 2 conditions exist, VarTech's DiamondVue C1D2-certified computers and monitors provide:
DiamondVue C1D2-certified products are frequently deployed in mineral processing facilities, crusher control rooms, and locations where combustible dust or gases might be present under fault conditions.
VarTech's WeighStation weigh scale HMI offers solutions for mining operations' weighing needs at ROM pads, crusher feed points, and concentrate loadout facilities:
The WeighStation functions reliably in demanding outdoor environments typical of mining operations, ensuring accurate weight measurement for regulatory compliance and metallurgical accounting.
VarTech Systems designs and manufactures all products in the United States, providing mining operations with purpose-built computing solutions engineered specifically for the industry's challenging environments.
The DiamondVue C1D2-certified products, ToughStation Hazardous Area Workstations, and WeighStation solutions offer mining-specific features that ensure reliable operation where standard commercial equipment would quickly deteriorate under the harsh conditions present throughout mineral extraction and processing operations.
At VarTech Systems, our Project Managers—with an average of 15+ years of industry experience—are ready to customize a computer, monitor, or HMI workstation solution to meet your needs. Drawing from extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, military, oil and gas, and marine applications, they provide expert guidance throughout your project journey.
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Based in Clemmons, North Carolina, VarTech Systems Inc. engineers and builds custom industrial and rugged computers, monitors, and HMIs.
