“When we were approached about this idea a while back, it seemed far-fetched. I thought to myself, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’” said Sean Brownlee, Hydraulic Operator. “Now I’m here – working in what looks like a very high-tech gaming chair and from the comfort of an office. I’m enjoying it!”
What was a vision just a year ago is now reality – the new Integrated Operations Center (IOC) at FishHawk is officially up and running.
Hydraulic Operators are using Remote Operations Stations in the new IOC to remotely operate high-pressure water guns used to “slurry” the matrix we mine so it can be pumped through pipes to be separated into phosphate, sand and clay. Along with improved functionality to support remote operations, the Remote Operations Stations are fully adjustable and designed with ergonomics in mind – providing an innovative, safer, more efficient solution for our operators.
As of this week, employees are running field operations for our Four Corners’ facility from the IOC. The focus now is on refining visualizations and dashboards that will provide employees at the IOC and those remaining at Four Corners with the data from various operational systems they need to 1.) understand how our mining operations are performing at any given time and what is driving those results, and 2.) create actionable plans to help us stay on track.
It’s taken a tremendous effort and lots of faith to get to where we are today, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team. Integrating operations is a focus across our North America Business, and getting this IOC up and running gives us a glimpse of what’s possible.
Kelly Strong, VP-Mining North America
When fully connected, this center will serve as “mission control” for our Florida mining operations – helping us leverage new technology, empower our workforce, increase our competitiveness and find new ways to deliver on our commitment to safe, responsible operations.
