OPERATIONS CONTROL IN XSTRATA TECHNOLOGY TANK HOUSES C. Phan Xstrata Technology Box 5484, Mail Centre Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia cphan@xstratatech.com.au M. Oellermann VRT Systems Level 1/1 Gardner Close, Milton Brisbane, Queensland 4064 Australia marko@vrt.com.au ABSTRACT This paper outlines opportunities provided for enhanced management and process control by Xstrata Technology (XT). XT has the core advantage of offering the potential for vastly improved electrode handling systems. This fundamental characteristic has enabled XT to develop management and process control systems that are modular, minimalist in their complexity and tailored to a tankhouses operating environment. A review will be presented on the current status of management and process control in XT tankhouses covering the central issue of electrode handling as well as electrolyte circulation systems, voltage monitoring, cathode plate tracking, and product tracking. Particular reference will be made of the recent development by XT and their technology partners, VRT Systems, of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based solution for tracking permanent cathode plates. The system encompasses fixed readers identifying plates passing through the stripping machines, and the use of sophisticated tracking and database software enabling the development of cathode asset management and operational strategies. The performance of individual plates and batches of plates can be tracked through a full service history.