Interview By Thomas Chidamba
TECHNOLOGY plays a key role in mining by ensuring improved productivity, enhanced safety, and substantial cost savings.
As technology evolves, mining institutions must embrace it to stay competitive and meet the growing demands for sustainability and efficiency. One organization that has brought game-changing technology to mining is Kuchera.
ZiMining Editor, Thomas Chidamba (TC), interviewed Kuchera Co Founder and Director of Sales and Stakeholder Engagement Sales Kumbirai Chipadza (KC).
TC: How is Kuchera involved in mining? How does it intend to shape the future of mining?
KC: Kuchera provides a Performance Management Platform tailored for mining, enabling teams to set objectives and track progress with real-time data.
This enhances efficiency, safety, and productivity through actionable insights.
Unlike generic solutions, Kuchera helps teams achieve their goals quickly and concretely.
TC: How does your teamUp soft- ware work, and is it compatible with the mining industry?
KC: TeamUp allows teams to set measurable objectives and track progress in real-time.
We are OEM Agnostic meaning we can install on Bell, Caterpillar, Lui Gong, Liebherr, Komatsu etc, providing accurate, actionable insights.
This helps teams adjust strategies based on real-time recommendations, improving efficiency.
TC: Is this software a game-changer in mining?
Why?
KC: Yes, it revolutionizes mining operations by offering real-time data and actionable insights, allowing proactive adjustments.
Unlike static dashboards, Team Up provides dynamic tracking and recommendations, helping teams achieve their objectives more effectively.
TC: Does Kuchera service mines in remote areas with poor internet access?
KC: Absolutely. We use ORBCOMM satellite connectivity
to ensure continuous data collection and transmission, even in remote locations like Guruve in Zimbabwe and Kgatelopele in South Africa.
This ensures reliable service and real-time performance management.
TC: How does Kuchera help mining firms mitigate high operational costs?
KC: Kuchera improves efficiency and reduces waste through real-time data analytics and actionable insights.
This helps mining teams identify inefficiencies, optimise resource utilisation, and streamline operations.
By setting and tracking objectives, firms can reduce down time and enhance productivity, lowering costs and simplifying decision-making.
Recent results include: Corrected invoicing for a mining contractor billing 1km per trip to the dump site, led to a 40% revenue increase, increased uptime from 8.5 to 10 hours per shift, and reduced idling time from 3 hours to less than 30 minutes per shift.
TC: What is the response from the local mining industry?
KC: The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and productivity reported by mines using our platform.
Since March 2024, we have deployed our platform in five mines across Southern Africa.
TC: Why is data analytics important in mining?
KC: Data analytics enables informed decision-making, trend identification, and resource optimisation.
It helps predict equipment failures, improve safety, and enhance productivity.
With actionable insights, operations can implement proactive measures, reduce downtime, and achieve better performance.
TC: How does AI contribute to mining?
KC: AI enables predictive maintenance, optimises resource allocation, and improves safety by providing real-time insights and recommendations. AI empowers people to make accurate decisions, what we call the “true version of the truth.”
TC: Any final thoughts?
KC: Kuchera is committed to transforming mining through innovative solutions, ensuring reliable connectivity and providing real-time data and insights. This helps increase efficiency, safety, and productivity while reducing costs and emissions.
