IOC to expand digital automation systems using mesh network technology at Canada's largest mineral processing plant

ControlGlobal.com
01/13/2006

	Iron Ore Company of Canada has chosen Invensys to update its digital automation systems.

Invensys Process Systems has been selected by Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) to implement a new mesh network-based Foxboro automation system for beneficiation processes at IOC's Labrador City iron ore concentrator. The plant is located near the western boundary of Labrador, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Connecting with several existing Foxboro systems, the new control system, when completed, will put all plant processes under I/A Series control.

The IOC Labrador City concentrator complex is Canada's largest such operation, with an annual concentrator production capacity of about 16 million tons. Approximately 75 percent of this capacity is processed into pellets on-site, and the balance is shipped directly to sinter feed customers.

Invensys will implement the latest I/A Series Version 8.X hardware and software, which will replace outdated equipment used to control the magnetite recovery and spiral processes. It will integrate with existing I/A Series systems used for controlling the grinding area and hematite plant, and the expanded system will have approximately 10,000 I/O points connecting to the network.

The integrated network will leverage IOC's investment in existing controls, and will allow IOC to combine all the process areas into a single process control system with a common operator interface for all plant units. The network infrastructure also has the capacity to integrate controls that support planned future production expansions by IOC.

The contract also includes services from Invensys Systems Canada, covering engineering services, factory acceptance testing, training services, and field services to support the I/A Series implementation. The Foxboro control automation project will be implemented in stages, with completion planned for the fall of 2006.

Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) is the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in Canada and generates over C$600m revenue. It operates a mine, concentrator and a pelletizing plant in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as port facilities located in Sept-Iles (Quebec). The company also operates a 418-kilometer railroad that links the mine to the port. The company's customer base covers North American, European and Asian steel producers. IOC has about 1700 employees and is celebrating fifty years of operations in 2005.

IOC's major shareholder and operator is the international mining group Rio Tinto, which has activities in more than 40 countries throughout the world.