West Sumbawa, 8 June 2026 – Every day, nearly 100,000 tons of mined ore flows into the processing plant at the Batu Hijau mine, operated by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN). Behind this large-scale operation lies a critical success factor: ensuring that every material entering the plant can be processed safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
This responsibility is at the core of the work carried out by Victor, Achmad, and AMMAN’s Metallurgy team. They continuously monitor the flow of material moving along conveyor belts toward the SAG Mill, a massive grinding machine that plays a vital role in breaking down ore into finer particles before entering the mineral separation stage.
However, within this steady stream of ore, there are instances where oversized objects or non-rock foreign materials are carried over from the mining area. If not detected early, these materials can disrupt the ore flow into the SAG Mill and compromise the efficiency of the processing operation.
Enhancing Visibility with 3D Laser Technology
Previously, material flow monitoring relied on two-dimensional (2D) camera systems. While effective, this approach had limitations in distinguishing objects under varying lighting conditions or when materials shared similar colors and textures.
To address these challenges, AMMAN’s team developed a more precise solution by implementing 3D Particle Size Measurement (3DPM) technology based on laser triangulation. Installed along the conveyor route before the material reaches the SAG Mill, this system uses real-time 3D laser scanning to accurately measure the shape, size, and volume of objects, offering a significant improvement over conventional methods.
As a result, potentially disruptive materials can be identified at an earlier stage, giving operators sufficient time to take preventive action and minimize operational risks.
Precision Driving Efficiency
The implementation of 3DPM technology provides operators with enhanced visibility into the condition of materials entering the plant. More accurate data supports faster and more informed decision-making, while also helping to reduce the likelihood of operational disruptions.
Beyond improving process reliability, this technology contributes to maintaining a smoother material flow within the processing plant, ensuring more consistent production performance.
For Victor, this innovation exemplifies how the company’s culture encourages employees to continuously seek solutions aligned with real operational challenges.
“The implementation of 3DPM technology demonstrates how innovation can emerge from real needs in the field. We are not only adopting new technology, but also adapting and developing it to suit our operational conditions. The result is a more reliable and efficient process that also supports better operational risk management,” said Victor.
This innovation stands as one of AMMAN’s ongoing commitments to leveraging technology to strengthen operational excellence while supporting more modern, safe, and sustainable mining practices.
