Agilon improves everyday operations at Europe's largest gold mine Agnico Eagle in Finnish Lapland

Europe's biggest operating gold mine is in the little town of Kittilä, high above the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. Awarded for its sustainable performance, the mine is owned by Agnico Eagle Finland Oy, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. At a challenging depth of 350 meters underground, Konecranes' Agilon improves everyday operations and sustainability.

Warehousing challenges 350 meters underground

A mine is a challenging environment, where disseminating exact information is critical for the safety of mining employees and the ease of operations. A mine located far from the suppliers in a secluded area must have an up-to-date material handling system.

A material handling system needs to provide and allow effective information flow for a well-functioning and secure operating environment. The system must also fit into a curved, tunnel-like space 10 meters wide, 25 meters long, and 5 meters high and work 350 meters underground.

It was essential to ensure the Agilon system's ability to withstand external challenges—such as tremors from explosions, blast waves, dust and humidity—that are inherent in the mining environment.

Overall implementation process was easy

The installment did not require a significant financial investment from the customer. The Agilon system was compatible with the customer's production system and, therefore, easy to integrate and implement.

Agilon improved everyday sustainability and operations

Agilon improved overall safety and protects equipment by securely storing materials such as blades, hydraulic components, respiratory masks, and safety gloves inside its enclosed shelves and tubes. It also helps suppliers monitor safety gear inventory to prevent stockouts, ensuring critical items are always available. 

Because the quarry operates in a remote location without nearby suppliers, Agilon’s real-time inventory insights like component stocks, order history and search functions provide essential support for simple and effective material management.

"We can access real-time inventory information and order history through the system. Information related to usage and consumption can also be monitored. It makes storage management transparent, trustworthy and exact," Agnico Eagle's representative explained.