Since 2020, Optis Engineering, a firm specializing in the engineering of rotating machinery, and BGI Analytics, a company specializing in real-time data analysis, have been working in collaboration with the maintenance team at the LaRonde mining complex of Agnico Eagle to integrate their LiveFlo® rotating equipment monitoring technology.

This solution allows for the collection of information on the condition of the main exhaust fans in the mine’s underground ventilation system, thereby guiding operational decision-making and strategic planning. ​​

Earlier this month, the system detected abnormal vibrations from one of the fans, suspecting misalignment of the blades. By performing a preventive inspection, the LaRonde mining complex team identified the misalignment and carried out the necessary repairs.

This early detection allowed the team to prevent damage to the 16 fan blades, which could have resulted in a replacement cost of $192,000 and an unplanned shutdown lasting 12 hours!