OK Tedi Mining Limited has become the first company in the world to acquire and deploy two units of the next-generation ArcSAR Neo slope stability monitoring radar system.
In a statement issued by OK Tedi, the company said the successful deployment and commissioning of the technology marks a significant advancement in the monitoring and management of mine slope stability at its operations.
The ArcSAR Neo was developed by IDS GeoRadar, a Hexagon company, and is designed to provide high-resolution monitoring of ground movement in challenging mining environments.
OK Tedi said the new system provides a clearer view of ground conditions, allows monitoring to continue during network interruptions and can automatically adjust its position after being moved for blasting activities.
The company said these capabilities are particularly important at its mine, where increasingly narrow and deeper pit operations present ongoing geotechnical challenges.
According to the statement, the system has demonstrated improvements in data quality, reliability and confidence in decision-making since commissioning. Its advanced processing technology and monitoring software also reduce interference caused by atmospheric conditions and signal distortions.
OK Tedi said this has resulted in fewer false alarms and improved slope stability assessments.
The radar’s enhanced resolution allows the detection of very small ground movements at an earlier stage, giving technical teams more opportunity to identify and manage potential slope stability risks before they develop further.
The company said the technology is also designed for demanding operating conditions, with durability improvements addressing historical issues such as water ingress. This is particularly relevant to operations in Ok Tedi’s high-rainfall environment.
The new radar systems are being operated and maintained by trained and certified OK Tedi technicians, with additional technical support provided by IDS GeoRadar specialists.
OK Tedi said its previous ArcSAR systems had provided dependable service for many years, while the ArcSAR Neo introduces greater precision, reliability and operational value.
The company will continue to assess the technology’s long-term performance under site-specific conditions and progressively integrate its outputs into its broader slope monitoring and geotechnical risk management strategy.
OK Tedi said ongoing training and development of its technical personnel will also form an important part of maximising the benefits of the new technology.
The deployment is part of the company’s broader effort to use technology and innovation to improve safety, strengthen operational performance and support sustainable mining practices.