Industrial Engineering Division
Ukwazi's Simulation division (SET) is a leader in creating accurate discrete-event computer simulation models of complex systems. The company specialises in creating models for the mining industry and uses the state-of-the art Arena® Simulation Software by Rockwell Automation®.
Using simulation technology has many advantages and has become mandatory for leading mining companies when doing due diligence studies of a new mine or changing current design parameters.
These are just some of the business advantages to using computer simulation:
- Reduced risk - Clients can avoid costly mistakes and test ideas without disrupting operations.
- Insurance policy - It affords the opportunity to understand the impact of a change before implementation, and evaluate the impact of assumptions on performance.
- Better decision-making - It allows companies to view the system operation to generate ideas for improving productivity; the model can be used to test alternatives and select the best option.
- Capital Avoidance - eliminate excess capacity.
- Capturing randomness and variance - Most systems contain random components (such as equipment failures and load times) and simulation is the only tool capable of capturing randomness.
- Improved profits - Simulations allows companies to eliminate bottlenecks; optimize their equipment fleet and underground excavation; and secure a high return on Investment.
The simulation team has broad experience in creating models for local and international clients. This experience includes:
- Ore Flow Simulations
- Bottleneck identification and alternative analysis;
- Shaft hoisting and underground bin optimization;
- Ramp and decline traffic analysis;
- Underground haulage dispatch system optimization;
- Underground crushing and conveying;
- Block cave mine optimization;
- Mine tunnel development models;
- Narrow reef mining methods;
- Bord and pillar mining;
- Rail systems;
- Personnel and material hoisting and logistics;
- Open pit optimization; and
- Stockpile sizing