GTS has developed a set of protocols for the layout of an Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag, which, when applied, allows all manufacturers and users of RFID technology in explosives to be working off the same page.

The protocol is called RFID - ETC (Explosives Tracking Code) and it allows manufacturers to place their current barcode information into the RFID tag without having to redesign their inventory management systems.

The protocol meets the requirements of EPC Gen 2 and ISO standards and is currently with the Australian ISO working group for barcodes and RFID technology for review.

On the 1 January 2008, the Brazilian Government decreed that all explosives must be tracked at a unit level.

According to the Global Tracking Solutions' CEO John Moore, PREtrack is the application of the RFID - ETC into the manufacturing process to allow manufacturers to gain the most out of RFID technology, while not having to develop and build a new RFID system and process for explosives application.

PREtrack provides both an inventory tagging process along with traceability of product through the manufacturing process.

In May 2008, Johnex Explosives started tagging all of its boxes at the Kalgoorlie plant in Western Australia with GTS's RFID tags.

This first stage approach allows for the ramping up to unit level tracking in both a controlled and systematic approach over the coming months, while at the same time placing MAGsafe cabinets into other Johnex facilities across Australia to provide a closed loop of tracing and stock management support.

Prior to entering the 5th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, Global Tracking Solutions had been able to service a fairly large client base.

However, the company's client base exploded after winning the coveted title of best Innovative Mining Solution.

"When you pick up an award like this, there is a common understanding from the industry that the award is well respected and well judged and then you find that doors start opening," Moore told Australian Mining.

"From Global Tracking Solutions point of view, the amount of doors that have opened in a relatively short amount of time is unbelievable."

The company is currently in discussions with the Prospect Awards Innovative Mining Solutions sponsor BASF Chemicals.

"One of the patents we have is for the tracking and storage of dangerous goods," Moore said.

"Since the awards night we have been involved in ongoing discussions with BASF in the hope that we might be able to install RFID trackers on containers in order to track and tag the transportation of chemicals."

A patent for many

The judges were impressed by all of the entrants in the Innovative Mining Solution category, however, they believed Global Tracking Solutions presented a well thought out, innovative and unique design that could be implemented right across the mining industry.

Moore said he was overwhelmed to win such an accolade for his design.
"For a small innovation company to take on the international big guns of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, match them and then beat them was overwhelming," he said.

"I firmly believe that if you have a worthy and innovative idea you should enter the Prospect Awards. It doesn't matter if you are a fitter for BHP Billiton that has come up with a good idea or an ex-mining professional that has developed a product in their backyard."

"The learning, the networking and the support you receive from the industry makes the entire process not only enjoyable but also rewarding."