About SMART

SMART (Surface Mining Association for Research & Technology)

SMART is an association of mining companies that meet regularly to coordinate the technology development needed by the mining industry. Since 1995, the member companies have directed research and influenced the manufacturers and suppliers to improve surface mining technology and services. SMART actively supports learning seminars, collaborative research projects and user groups.

SMART sponsors an ongoing series of learning seminars. Each year, the seminar tackles a new topic of concern for the industry from development in large haulage trucks to wireless communications and information technologies.

Collaborative Research and Projects

SMART also sponsors collaborative research. This is a primary goal of SMART and one of the biggest benefits to members. SMART has programs in several areas:

• Wear materials for the mining industry
• Diesel emissions evaluation
• Standard definitions for the benchmarking of availability and utilization of equipment
• Mine haul road design and construction
• Mining benchmarking database

New projects are considered at regular meetings.

User Groups

User groups have been formed to tackle specific challenges head-on and develop solid solutions that can benefit surface mining companies around the globe. These user groups illustrate the effectiveness of collaboration:

• Large Tire User Group
• Mining GPS Users Association
• Shovel - Truck Equipment User Group

Recognizing that there is strength in numbers, this newest SMART initiative provides members the opportunity to network on issues relating to trucks, shovels and other mine equipment. Operations and maintenance items are the focus. Meetings are about two times per year at mining industry conferences in North America.

Join SMART

Companies involved in surface mining are encouraged to join SMART and begin reaping the benefit of collective efforts. New participants are always welcome, even in projects that are currently underway. See www.smartmines.com

SMART Benchmarking

SMART has recognized the need for the establishment of a worldwide database that continuously collects mining equipment metrics related to productivity and cost. The data are validated to common definitions and analyzed to provide participating companies with regular reports that allow them to understand their position and resultant opportunities to achieve World Class Performance. The number of participants in this project continues to grow.