X-Scann Technologies’ X-ray body scanning solution has reduced theft at platinum and gold refineries in South Africa. The team involved in the project look forward to replicating this success in similar projects in the Southern Africa region and beyond.
Some mining companies, especially in gold and platinum, are profiting from a spell of high prices in their respective commodities. Despite this, employees of these companies may not be immune from the effects of tough economic conditions. And so, the employees may seek additional means of making ends meet. Unfortunately, in depths of despair, some may find pilferage of valuable minerals within their grasp the easy way out.
So, gold and platinum producers must enhance security measures to safeguard their invaluable assets. One of the practical options mining companies could adopt is investing in technologies (innovations) with proven efficacy in deterring theft.
Opportunities in body scanning technologies
Rudzani Ramovha, the Managing Director of X-Scann Technologies, suggests that mining companies could consider exploring opportunities in safeguarding valuable minerals that body scanning technologies have opened. This is based on concrete evidence gathered from mining companies where X-Scann Technologies supplied its scanning solutions.
Xscann’s intervention save millions
Through its intervention, recently, X-Scann Technologies has helped South African platinum and gold refineries stem huge losses of gold and PGMs (respectively) hugely attributed to theft. “Usually, platinum and gold refineries measure the material value of what goes out of the plant after processing against what came in. In the context of the two projects, conspicuously, there was a huge discrepancy between the two, strongly suggesting possible theft,” says Ramovha.
To better comprehend the scale of the challenge, the recorded losses translated into large sums in revenue, probably in millions. And so, their impact on the bottom line could not be underestimated.
Traditional security measures fall short
All the more intriguing was that the losses at the two refineries occurred despite the implementation of traditional security measures. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the security measures, prompting a rethink.
Some traditional techniques previously employed mainly involved physical searches (hand part) and hand-held metal detectors. Unfortunately, though well-intentioned, shortcomings were encountered, mainly:
· It was difficult to find stolen metals hidden in difficult-to-reach areas to search, including swallowed metals.
· Physical searches and metal detections equipment could only reach limited areas of the body;
· Longer time taken to search people exiting the plants, causing long queues; during peak times;
· Unidentified people were going into the plants and coming out undetected; and
· Collusion between searching personnel and the workforce.
Identifying challenges, devising a solution
The team at Xscann viewed the challenges as a glorious opportunity to prove their expertise.
At the outset, before embarking on any project, Ramovha clarifies, the team is cognisant that every client has a unique problem, which must be addressed according to its own merits. And this was the case with the gold and platinum refineries.
Accordingly, the team at X-Scann Technologies spared no effort in identifying the common problems encountered and customising a suitable solution specific to each client. “We highlighted different scenarios, specifically possible areas where minerals could be hidden and difficult-to-reach with conventional searching. Then based on this, we established that a suitable solution could be an x-ray full body scanner able to identify objects concealed internally and externally,” Ramovha narrates.
Meticulous planning and execution
Tailoring solutions for each of the two refineries entailed meticulous planning and execution. There had to be attention to detail and every element accommodated. Despite each refinery’s uniqueness, integrating the X-Scann Body Scanner into an existing access control system was the common challenge.
Adeptly, the X-Scann team seamlessly synced the Xscann Body Scanner with the access control systems. “We have implemented the X-ray management software (XMS) to manage the Body scanner integration to access control, and the output is amazing. We are proud to have risen to the challenge,” says Ramovha.
This approach was cognisant of needs in security systems specific to refineries that produce highly-valuable products. There is no margin for error. And the refineries were no exception.
Significant payback
Recently, following the installation of the X-Scanner solution, the Team approached the refineries for feedback. Thus far, from what they have gathered, there is significant payback on the investment.
Management at the refineries confirms a reduction in theft. Now, they are assured their invaluable assets are secure.
Benefiting client, contented team
On the whole, the Team at X-Scann Technologies are satisfied that the refineries are benefiting from the host of features the X-Scanner offers. “The new body scanner offers massive benefits, specifically, dose exposure controls, reviewing previous records, and reports generation. The client can now also perform full auditing of previous daily scans. Most importantly, improvement in the balance of what was measured coming into the plant and what leaves the plant as a finished product can only mean less is lost to theft.”
The team pronounces that they are to deploy the X-Scanner to similar projects in the South African mining sector and possibly the region.
X-Scanner Technologies is based in Johannesburg. It has the necessary wherewithal to service clientele in South Africa and beyond.
