Recent Improvements at Hosokura Lead Smelter and Refinery
601
Rationalization of the Closed Dam Monitoring
Management of Hosokura Mines
Hosokura Metal Mining Co., Ltd., is responsible for the management of the closed
mines and the closed dams where deposited lead slags and discharged tailings are
piled. Previously, it was difficult to patrol several dams by two workers because they
are wide in the mountains and far from the smelter. In particular, in case of emergency
due to heavy rain, especially at night, the patrol was very difficult and dangerous,
because the roads and ways are very slippery and sometimes closed by landslides.
For safer and easier patrol, installation of automatic monitoring camera system
was considered. But the dams are located in the mountains, and the problem was to
supply electric power at a low cost.
Remote Monitoring Camera System
Remote monitoring camera system is consisted of a solar panel, lead-acid battery,
power controller, router, and network camera with night vision function. The system
can be continuously monitored from PC and mobile terminals and has no electric
power line. The lead-acid batteries have many advantages such as safe, stable performance, low cost, and established recycling technology. The lithium ion batteries
have a risk of ignition in the mountain and are expensive.
Results
Now, it is possible to monitor the closed dams from operator’s mobile terminals and
increase the frequency of monitoring, from once to three times per day. With the
new monitoring system, it is no longer necessary to go to the dams for monitoring in
heavy rain, and the risk of patrol could be much reduced. The company has increased
the number of remote monitoring camera systems, totally four.
601
Rationalization of the Closed Dam Monitoring
Management of Hosokura Mines
Hosokura Metal Mining Co., Ltd., is responsible for the management of the closed
mines and the closed dams where deposited lead slags and discharged tailings are
piled. Previously, it was difficult to patrol several dams by two workers because they
are wide in the mountains and far from the smelter. In particular, in case of emergency
due to heavy rain, especially at night, the patrol was very difficult and dangerous,
because the roads and ways are very slippery and sometimes closed by landslides.
For safer and easier patrol, installation of automatic monitoring camera system
was considered. But the dams are located in the mountains, and the problem was to
supply electric power at a low cost.
Remote Monitoring Camera System
Remote monitoring camera system is consisted of a solar panel, lead-acid battery,
power controller, router, and network camera with night vision function. The system
can be continuously monitored from PC and mobile terminals and has no electric
power line. The lead-acid batteries have many advantages such as safe, stable performance, low cost, and established recycling technology. The lithium ion batteries
have a risk of ignition in the mountain and are expensive.
Results
Now, it is possible to monitor the closed dams from operator’s mobile terminals and
increase the frequency of monitoring, from once to three times per day. With the
new monitoring system, it is no longer necessary to go to the dams for monitoring in
heavy rain, and the risk of patrol could be much reduced. The company has increased
the number of remote monitoring camera systems, totally four.