As part of our drive towards operational excellence we apply leading edge technology intelligently through Anglo Technical Division and Anglo Research.
Superconducting interference device (SQUID), at take off for helicopter test Anglo Technical Division (ATD) is the custodian of our specialised technologies, while Anglo Research identifies emerging technologies and develops them, assisting their rapid transfer across the business units.
During 2008, a value based management exercise was conducted across Anglo Technical and Anglo Research to improve focus and the degree of prioritisation.
The technology strategy has accordingly been upgraded, with clear technology development priorities established in the following areas: safety, sustainable development, research and development, asset optimisation and nurturing of technical talent.
Anglo Research
Anglo Research provides us with world-class solutions and
expertise. Its main areas of focus are process development,
research, mineralogy and analytical services.
The research departments focus on identifying new and emerging
technologies and where these could be utilised for competitive and
economic advantage at Group operations. They work closely with the
business units to help them identify where operational improvements
can be made and new processes developed.
The process development departments perform laboratory-scale,
bench-scale and ultimately pilot-plant testwork to provide new
technologies as well as providing ongoing technical assistance as
and when required by operations.
Anglo Research carries out analytical testing for departmental
project programmes as well as for Group operations and some
external clients. The Mineralogical Research department represents
a large proportion of the world’s scanning electron
microscopy capability.
Examples of the innovative work Anglo Research is doing
include:
- Improving water and energy efficiency through development of
new technologies in the areas of ore upgrading, comminution and dry
processing
- State of the art operating software is being developed to allow
automated online mineralogy data capture at remote operational
sites
Anglo Technical Division (ATD)
ATD supports our operations globally through performing five
primary roles:
- In pursuit of our goal of zero harm, ATD provides technical
consulting and innovation in safety and sustainable development.
This includes the ongoing development and application of technology
to facilitate a safe working environment
- Participating in reviews and audits to ensure that the most
appropriate technology is selected for capital projects in both
existing and new operations
- Collaborating with Anglo American business units, suppliers and
research institutes to develop and implement new technology to
improve operational efficiencies
- Transferring best practice across Anglo business units and
providing them with multi-disciplinary support from a team with
world-class technical expertise in key areas
- Facilitating the ongoing sustainability of our human resources
in the fields of geosciences, mining, metallurgy, engineering and
project management
Examples of its technological innovation include:
- In the exploration field, its development of a superconducting
interference device (SQUID) – the most sensitive type of
magnetic sensor known – which will help to improve the
sensitivity of exploration surveys
- Design and development of a new electro-hydraulic rig for shaft
sinking, in conjunction with a major contracting company. Faster
than conventional pneumatic drills, the rig can also drill the
horizontal holes needed to insert ground support anchors, reducing
the number of people needed at the sinking face