Modular Mining Systems, Inc., the global leader in the delivery of real-time computer-based mine management solutions for surface and underground mining operations, announced today that its DISPATCH® 6 Fleet Management system  has been chosen to replace the current Leica/Jigsaw system at ASARCO Mission mine. The Mission mine is part of the Mission Complex, which also contains the Eisenhower, Pima, Mineral Hill, and South San Xavier properties, and North San Xavier mine, in Sahuarita, Arizona.

In operation since 1961 and with a reserve life extending to 2033, the Mission open-pit copper mine reported copper concentrate production of 133.9 million lbs. for 2014. In conjunction with the DISPATCH 6 FMS, Mission will implement Modular’s ProVision® 3 Machine Guidance solution for Drills, Shovels and Loaders. To augment the capabilities of the FMS, the mine has also selected the Prestart, Blending, Lineup Management, Fuel Service, Crusher, Water Truck, and Speed Management, add-on modules. The technologies will be utilized on nearly 40 trucks, drills, shovels, loaders, and auxiliary units.

“We are eager to apply Modular’s proven, integrated technology to reduce our cost per ton mined and price per pound produced during these trying times,” said Bjorn Meyer, Mine Manager at Mission. “Longer term, we see many opportunities to participate in the development and testing of Modular products.” The mine, located in close proximity to Modular’s headquarters and the proving grounds operated by Modular’s parent company, Komatsu, will also become an instrumental development site for Modular.

“Modular has a long-standing relationship with Asarco and Grupo Mexico, and we are excited about expanding the relationship to the Mission mine,” said Greg Lanz, General Manager, North America, at Modular. “Their proximity to Tucson will allow us to conduct real-world testing, providing us valuable customer feedback and insights into the deployability, usability, and supportability of our products,” he added. The simultaneous commissioning of the DISPATCH FMS and ProVision 3 solution is slated to begin in mid-2016.