Arianne Phosphate to use AI to improve safety at Lac à Paul project

Arianne partnered with the Quebec Center of Geomatics (CGQ) to advance research and development on a new method for the design and future monitoring of the company’s tailings operations. This work will use geomatic and remote sensing tools combined with artificial intelligence that should greatly improve the safety aspects of Arianne’s operations.

“The Lac à Paul mine is projected to be one of the most environmentally friendly phosphate mines in the world,” said Jean-Sébastien David, COO of Arianne Phosphate. “From the project’s onset, Arianne’s design process had the goal of constructing a mine using best environmental practices and, the integration of technology was vital in this regard. Further, our reliance on renewable hydro-electricity will allow us to greatly diminish our production of greenhouse gases [GHG] with the goal of ultimately being GHG neutral. Our most recent endeavors have also added to the safety and structural integrity of our tailings facility.”

Brian Ostroff, CEO of Arianne Phosphate added: “we take seriously our responsibilities surrounding environmental and safety issues. We know that many challenges surrounding mining operations stem from failures at their tailings facilities and, our work here goes a long way towards reducing these threats. Arianne will produce a high-purity, low-contaminant phosphate concentrate that provides for society’s needs but, in as safe and effective manner as possible.”

Arianne partnered with the CGQ, a group within the College of Chicoutimi, in the Province of Quebec, to develop a new way to use geomatic and remote sensing instruments and monitor this information through a solution that uses artificial intelligence. It is during the construction process that sensors will be built in throughout the tailings dam that will measure, in real-time, data points such as moisture and pressure and, make adjustments as necessary to allow for smooth and safe operations, allowing for greater safety.

This research project was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through its Partnership Engage Grants.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/09042021/arianne-phosphate-to-use-ai-to-improve-safety-at-lac-paul-project/