"AFS has successfully implemented its total fuel management solution in some of the country's largest coal and platinum mines to address these issues," says Tony Warrener, CEO of AFS Group - one of South Africa's leading suppliers of fuel management solutions.
As specialists in technologies and services that control and measure the various elements of the fuel supply chain, AFS sought not only to reduce fuel management costs, but to also manage fuel as well as the related equipment and technical services in a way that would allow mines to run at optimum levels with minimal interruption.
"The total fuel management solution allows us to strategically manage fuel to synergise the different elements to work with maximum efficiency. For example, the technology utilised records all volumes dispensed into and out of the tank and monitors the lubricants in the tank to detect levels. This allows for orders to be placed with enough lead time for the mine to not run dry. Moreover, the data relating to volumes is captured and consolidated with accuracy, ensuring that the variants are better than the industry standard," says Warrener.
Furthermore, the total fuel management solution provides high-level facilities management and support. The on-site technical and support staff monitor readings, provide environmental services and carry out scheduled checks on all equipment to proactively detect failures. They are also available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year to respond timeously to any emergencies that could occur, thus ensuring that mine operation can proceed without hindrance.
"In our experience, we have learnt that managing fuel usage in the mining environment requires intricate collaboration. By providing an end to end solution in the management of fuel, related equipment and technical services, all fuel and lubricant related matters are holistically integrated to ensure that the mine enjoys optimal stock supply and that operational equipment is taken care of - therefore, maximising output," concludes Warrener.
