Following worrying discrepancies in the monitoring of production output, sales and inventory, a belt scale from Tru-Trac is winning the day for KwaZulu-Natal-based AfriSam Coedmore Quarry. With groundbreaking static calibration accuracy error levels as low as 0,06%, the belt scale provides reliable data for sound decision-making.
Over the years, AfriSam Coedmore Quarry has had issues with stock capturing and evaluation. “Accurately measuring production, sales and stock levels is critical for effective management and efficient operations,” says Lloyd Maringa, Works Manager at AfriSam Coedmore Quarry.
“Traditionally, we conduct quarterly stockpile surveys though an independent third-party to gauge the levels of stock on the ground. It was during these surveys that we would always encounter huge discrepancies between what we had produced, what would have been sold and what should have been on the floor.”
Proof-of-concept approach
In some instances, the variations were as high as 70 000 tonnes (t). In the quest to resolve the problem, the operation resorted to monthly surveys instead of the usual quarterly routines. The more frequent surveys, however, did not yield different results. Further investigations eventually pinpointed issues with the existing belt scale between the intermediate stockpile and the secondary crusher. Despite several interventions, including regular calibrations by the supplier and even the installation of a second belt scale, the challenge persisted.
