RESUMEN
Over it's more than 100-year history, the Kennecott operation has often been at the forefront of innovation;driven by the demands of the lower grade ore-body and the higher costs of operating in the US where wages are generally higher and regulation more restrictive. One way of reducing operating costs in c/lb is to increase the lbs produced at minimal cost. Despite the relatively coarse grind at Kennecott - about 30% >150μm, approximately 20% of the Cu lost to tail is liberated chalcopyrite in the <20μm fraction, and about 30%-40% in the <37μm fraction. In 2020 Kennecott undertook a detailed plant scale test of the magnetic aggregation technology to increase copper recovery by reducing fine copper losses. A paired statistical plant test of magnetic conditioning on one rougher line showed a 1.12% increase in Cu recovery to 97% statistical confidence. The next challenge, unforeseen at the start of the project, was the fabrication and transportation to site of the equipment for the three remaining rougher rows, during the severe supply-chain constraints of the Covid pandemic in 2021. This resulted in delays and unforeseen costs as world-wide transportation became chaotic, particularly transportation via west coast USA. Nevertheless, the project was completed and commissioned, with only minor delays and cost increases, due to a flexible approach to overcoming the hurdles encountered. Copyright © 2023 by SME.
RESUMEN
This study sought to investigate the challenges in the adoption of AI and ML in the Zimbabwean insurance industry. The TechnologyOrganisation-Environment (TOE) model was selected as the base theory underpinning the study. The study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy and a census was carried out on twenty insurance companies. Questionnaires were administered on operations managers representing their insurance companies. Interviews were used to collect data from 12 operation managers. NVivo version 16 was used to analyse the data thematically. The study results show that adoption of AI by the insurance sector in Zimbabwe is hindered by shortage of resources, lack of expertise and high cost of AI compliant products. These researchers recommend resource allocation, training of employees, culture change, and updated technological environment to ensure effective adoption of AI. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge, be significant to insurance practitioners and policy makers whilst giving direction for future studies. © 2022 IEEE.