3
before releasing a 2.4 GHz frequency. Because of this, the
devices are good neighbors, and you can install the devices
and gateways near existing wireless infrastructure. This is
critical at many large mine sites since wireless technolo-
gies are commonly selected for many processes because of
the scale of the operation. Next, WirelessHART works as
a mesh network to relay the signal back to the gateway.
Therefore, if equipment is moved or a truck is blocking the
line of sight to the gateway, the devices will relay the sig-
nal to ensure connection. Lastly, WirelessHART is an open
protocol which allows the network to be supported by mul-
tiple devices and ensures compatibility with existing HART
devices, commands, and tools. With many brands utilizing
the protocol, there is familiarity when working with the
devices.
SUMMARY
With further advancements in technology, Emerson and
Caltrol have been able to enhance a proven solution to
monitor and control the leaching process. The wireless
leach pad skids have turned pads from an extensive manual
process with little data into a data avalanche with over a
million traceable data points per field. Emerson technolo-
gies paired with WirelessHART have made this possible by
working as a mesh network to transmit signals back to a
wireless gateway. This has given operators insight and con-
trol over their process that has traditionally been a labor-
intensive and time-consuming process. Emerson’s extensive
portfolio with over 65 wireless products has proven success
with difficult applications like the leaching process and
other processes alike. These solutions not only give you pre-
cise pressure and flow measurement on the leach pad for
the distribution of RAF but can also show what is happen-
ing inside the pad with the measurement of temperature
and solution levels to prudently monitor safety and stabil-
ity. With future advancements and availability of technolo-
gies, this process will only get more accurate and will ensure
optimal copper returns, the safety of those that work on the
process, and environmental stewardship through effective
water management.
REFERENCES
[1] Wooten, Chris, et al. “Leach Pad Monitoring and
Control through Instrumentation.” Proceedings of
Heap Leach Solutions, InfoMine, 14 Sept. 2015, www.
caltrol.com/getattachment/0c8dfc8b-b2a0-4681-
a0d8-9eca3d680871/caltrol_fmi-heap-leach.pdf.
[2] Bolton, Larry. “Wireless Heap Leach Monitoring
and Control.” Proceedings of Heap Leach Solutions, 16
Oct. 2021, www.heapleachsolutions.ca/WPwebsite/
wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Proceedings-of-Heap-
Leach-Solutions-Conference-2022.pdf.
[3] FieldComm Group. Intrinsically Secure WirelessHART ®
Field Device Networks and the Industrial Internet of
Things (IIoT), June 2017, www.fieldcommgroup.org/
sites/default/files/imce_files/technology/documents/
WirelessHART%20security%20v1.0.pdf.
before releasing a 2.4 GHz frequency. Because of this, the
devices are good neighbors, and you can install the devices
and gateways near existing wireless infrastructure. This is
critical at many large mine sites since wireless technolo-
gies are commonly selected for many processes because of
the scale of the operation. Next, WirelessHART works as
a mesh network to relay the signal back to the gateway.
Therefore, if equipment is moved or a truck is blocking the
line of sight to the gateway, the devices will relay the sig-
nal to ensure connection. Lastly, WirelessHART is an open
protocol which allows the network to be supported by mul-
tiple devices and ensures compatibility with existing HART
devices, commands, and tools. With many brands utilizing
the protocol, there is familiarity when working with the
devices.
SUMMARY
With further advancements in technology, Emerson and
Caltrol have been able to enhance a proven solution to
monitor and control the leaching process. The wireless
leach pad skids have turned pads from an extensive manual
process with little data into a data avalanche with over a
million traceable data points per field. Emerson technolo-
gies paired with WirelessHART have made this possible by
working as a mesh network to transmit signals back to a
wireless gateway. This has given operators insight and con-
trol over their process that has traditionally been a labor-
intensive and time-consuming process. Emerson’s extensive
portfolio with over 65 wireless products has proven success
with difficult applications like the leaching process and
other processes alike. These solutions not only give you pre-
cise pressure and flow measurement on the leach pad for
the distribution of RAF but can also show what is happen-
ing inside the pad with the measurement of temperature
and solution levels to prudently monitor safety and stabil-
ity. With future advancements and availability of technolo-
gies, this process will only get more accurate and will ensure
optimal copper returns, the safety of those that work on the
process, and environmental stewardship through effective
water management.
REFERENCES
[1] Wooten, Chris, et al. “Leach Pad Monitoring and
Control through Instrumentation.” Proceedings of
Heap Leach Solutions, InfoMine, 14 Sept. 2015, www.
caltrol.com/getattachment/0c8dfc8b-b2a0-4681-
a0d8-9eca3d680871/caltrol_fmi-heap-leach.pdf.
[2] Bolton, Larry. “Wireless Heap Leach Monitoring
and Control.” Proceedings of Heap Leach Solutions, 16
Oct. 2021, www.heapleachsolutions.ca/WPwebsite/
wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Proceedings-of-Heap-
Leach-Solutions-Conference-2022.pdf.
[3] FieldComm Group. Intrinsically Secure WirelessHART ®
Field Device Networks and the Industrial Internet of
Things (IIoT), June 2017, www.fieldcommgroup.org/
sites/default/files/imce_files/technology/documents/
WirelessHART%20security%20v1.0.pdf.