Transforming Mining Operations Through Network Modernisation and Automation

open case mine with earth moving equipment

Global, Mar 7, 2024

The Customer:

A multinational corporation headquartered in South America, it is involved in the metals and mining industry and is one of the major logistics operators in the country. This corporation is one of the world's foremost producers of iron ore and nickel. Additionally, it engages in the production of manganese, ferroalloys, copper, bauxite, potash, kaolin, and cobalt. The company also oversees hydroelectricity plants, and an extensive network of railroads, ships, and ports to facilitate the transportation of its diverse range of products.

The Objectives:

Network Modernization: Update network architecture to centralize management and facilitate agile communication across all platforms.

Process Automation: Eliminate manual work, reduce on-site professionals, enhance safety, and increase overall productivity and efficiency.

The Solution:

Logicalis proposed a comprehensive solution, implementing the SDN (Software Defined Network) project with Cisco's ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) and Hyperflex solutions. This strategic approach aimed to connect the mining company's main data centers and enable remote connections to individual plants.

To execute such a complex project, Logicalis leveraged its technical excellence, boasting over a thousand certified professionals, including more than 620 certifications in Cisco technologies. The implementation involved a radical overhaul of the network architecture, challenging conventional paradigms that had been in place for over two decades.

Cisco's ACI solution played a pivotal role, offering a single point of management, simplifying operations, and ensuring standardization of processes and security policies. The scalability of the technology allowed for easy additions of new interfaces, aligning with the mining company's future expansion needs.

The Result: 

Improved Connectivity: Enhanced interconnectivity within and between plants improved daily operating procedures, optimizing the flow of information.

Safety Enhancement: Process automation and remote management reduced the need for on-site professionals in risk areas, enhancing worker safety and satisfaction.

Cost Reduction: Efficient communication and integration through the SDN network resulted in reduced costs, contributing to increased profitability.

Simplified Business Management: Centralized and cloud-based management, coupled with HyperFlex technology, simplified decision-making and scalability, justifying technological investments.

Key Takeaways:

Logicalis, as a trusted partner, successfully addressed the client's critical and complex challenges in the mining industry. The ongoing evolution of the technological environments across all units underscores Logicalis' commitment to ensuring continuous growth, updates, and security for the mining company.

 

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