Russian Mining Operations Use Mobile App for Real-Time Equipment Checks

A new digital tool helps technicians monitor machinery using NFC tags, saving time and improving accuracy.

Russia’s mining sector is rapidly adopting digital tools to enhance operational monitoring. One such innovation is a mobile application called 'Acron. Patrol,' already in use by field technicians at the Oleniy Ruchey mining and processing plant in Murmansk Oblast.

Aided with mobile terminals staff scan special NFC tags installed at checkpoints to receive real-time data on equipment conditions. The system allows for quick detection of performance issues, improves data accuracy, and reduces the time needed for inspection rounds.

At the Oleniy Ruchey facility, the app has proven especially effective in the grinding and flotation areas, where two inspection routes with a total of 129 NFC tags have been set up. In addition to flagging faults and failures, the app also tracks downtime—helping monitor equipment use and worker discipline.

Digital assistants like this are increasingly common in Russia’s extractive industries which gain much both for maintenance and workforce management.