The system allows parcels of coal from BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Bowen Basin coal mines to be traced by consignment and quality from mine site to shiploading, where the coal is dispatched to customers in 27 countries.

 

Each customer specifies the quality of the coal they require – so quality control is of great importance.

 

The CTS software, developed by a team of Hay Point employees and technical consultants, integrates logistics, quality and equipment location systems.

 

It provides 3D images that accurately represent the physical dimensions and quality variations in individual coal stockpiles.

 

Hay Point port manager Sam Bonanno said the system not only controls and reduces quality variation of coal dispatches, but also improves the quality of feedback to the mines, allowing them to adjust production targets to optimise yield.

 

“The ability to pinpoint and isolate pockets of non-conforming product in a stockpile ensures we are providing a superior product to our customers,” he said.

 

Courtesy The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) March 2005.