The programme was launched in 2015 as part of the basic automation of operations. Its key objective is to build an effective contingency planning and automated, ongoing monitoring system with aligned KPIs. In 2020, Nornickel launched a new programme, Technology Breakthrough 2.0.

Successes of the Technology Breakthrough programme

Timelines: 2015 – April 2021

Technology Breakthrough 2.0 programme goals

Timelines: 2020 – 2024

More details on automation and the Technology Breakthrough programme
Underground Infrastructure and Dispatch

In 2018, a separate programme was spun off from the Technology Breakthrough programme — Underground Infrastructure and Mining Operations Dispatch, which comprised six IT projects to be implemented between July 2018 and December 2020. In 2020, all systems went live across all sites covered by the programme.

Underground Infrastructure and Dispatch

The progress of the mining and ore transportation plan is continuously monitored online. These measures enhanced production culture and execution discipline.

Solution effectiveness

By the end of 2020, upon completion of the Technology Breakthrough and Underground infrastructure and Mining Operations Dispatch programmes, the Company implemented unique solutions that improved production management efficiency. The solutions were deployed across all operations, from ore mining to metals production. Technology Breakthrough 2.0 builds on previously-launched initiatives and consolidates their achievements.

Operational efficiency growth areas of Technology Breakthrough 2.0
Improved production asset performance Reliability management EBITDA@RISK modelling Workload management Improved energy efficiency Energy management Energy balance Lights-out/autonomous operation Automatic management of self-propelled drilling rigs during extraction and shaft sinking operations Autonomous remote management of electric locomotive haulage Autonomous remote management of self-propelled diesel vehicles Improved efficiency of mining and exploration operations Processing and analysis of mining and geological data Licence risk management Production planning and management Precious metal balance Inventory and semi-product movement accounting Management of ore dressing, charge blending, and concentration processes with forecasting Day-to-day planning of mining and metallurgical operations Modelling the content of valuable components in the ore released and optimising the release strategy Occupational safety Occupational health Smart PPE and intelligent analytics Contractor management Mobile solutions Digital model to manage CAPEX projects Digital construction control Netgroup management Interactive and analytical reports Database of resource and process models IP asset management Investing activities Process data analysis Environmental protection
Case studies