Boulby goes green
Mining operators Cleveland Potash are using sophisticated computer software to help reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage at their Boulby Potash Mine, in East Cleveland, Teesside.
The cost of energy used at the mine has doubled in the last three years, and now accounts for over 10% of the company’s annual turnover, thereby impacting on profit margins.
As a result, Cleveland Potash sought ways to drive down energy costs to improve their profitability and to help ensure a more secure future for the 1,000-strong workforce at Boulby.
The company turned to consultants Energy Intelligent Solutions for help, who, in turn, approached computer firm Microsoft to see whether they could develop a bespoke software package for Cleveland Potash, to reduce energy costs, control emissions and improve process performance at their mine.
Microsoft recommended their SQL Server and Business Intelligence Tools, which have now been installed at Boulby. The software constantly measures output, flow rates, temperatures, pressures and energy usage, but a key feature of the system is that it allows staff to pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted and where equipment is not performing efficiently. This vital information means Cleveland Potash can replace or adjust equipment to ensure energy is being efficiently used with fewer CO2 emissions.
Matthew Dunstan, marketing director for Databases at Microsoft UK, said: ‘Business Intelligence is a versatile technology that has been used in other markets sectors, such as retail and waste management.
‘For mining sites, where high energy and resources are used, we can help operators make a big difference to their bottom lines, as Boulby Mine has proved. At a time when the industry is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, I hope Cleveland Potash has set an example for other companies to follow.’
Graham Clarke, general manager at Boulby, says the main goal is to achieve a reduction in energy costs of around 5-10% per tonne of ore, which would provide substantial savings for the company.
‘We now have a way of tackling energy costs by examining data that usually gets bypassed or overlooked,’ he said. ‘Cleveland Potash are a progressive employer and we will continue to effectively manage our energy consumption and improve profitability.’
Microsoft UK, Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, Berks RG6 1WG; tel: (0870) 60 10 100
The cost of energy used at the mine has doubled in the last three years, and now accounts for over 10% of the company’s annual turnover, thereby impacting on profit margins.
As a result, Cleveland Potash sought ways to drive down energy costs to improve their profitability and to help ensure a more secure future for the 1,000-strong workforce at Boulby.
The company turned to consultants Energy Intelligent Solutions for help, who, in turn, approached computer firm Microsoft to see whether they could develop a bespoke software package for Cleveland Potash, to reduce energy costs, control emissions and improve process performance at their mine.
Microsoft recommended their SQL Server and Business Intelligence Tools, which have now been installed at Boulby. The software constantly measures output, flow rates, temperatures, pressures and energy usage, but a key feature of the system is that it allows staff to pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted and where equipment is not performing efficiently. This vital information means Cleveland Potash can replace or adjust equipment to ensure energy is being efficiently used with fewer CO2 emissions.
Matthew Dunstan, marketing director for Databases at Microsoft UK, said: ‘Business Intelligence is a versatile technology that has been used in other markets sectors, such as retail and waste management.
‘For mining sites, where high energy and resources are used, we can help operators make a big difference to their bottom lines, as Boulby Mine has proved. At a time when the industry is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, I hope Cleveland Potash has set an example for other companies to follow.’
Graham Clarke, general manager at Boulby, says the main goal is to achieve a reduction in energy costs of around 5-10% per tonne of ore, which would provide substantial savings for the company.
‘We now have a way of tackling energy costs by examining data that usually gets bypassed or overlooked,’ he said. ‘Cleveland Potash are a progressive employer and we will continue to effectively manage our energy consumption and improve profitability.’
Microsoft UK, Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, Berks RG6 1WG; tel: (0870) 60 10 100
