MINEXPO PREVIEW
n Autonomous training – training for entire workforces . Immersive Technologies , which says it is the world ’ s largest , proven and tested supplier of surface and underground Advanced Equipment Simulators to the global mining industry , works with mining companies to solve real industry challenges and welcomes these types of discussions at its MINExpo booth . The company supports training and continuous improvement solutions for any OEM fleet or mining application . Insights will be presented from projects spanning 300-plus mines across 45 countries with something valuable on display for every attendee .
Scanning , prospecting and software
The combination of hardware , software and connectivity continues to accelerate decision making in mining , with laser scanning being a great example of such integration .
Maptek R3 series mkII scanners feature improved range , image clarity and quality alongside significantly faster data acquisition to enhance user experience and outcomes for surveyors , according to the company .
The scanner , to be showcased on Maptek ’ s MINExpo 2021 booth alongside mine planning and measurement tools , benefits from two new developments . First is a dual window laser scanner that captures data from both sides simultaneously . A standalone field controller that builds on two decades of functionality and distils customer feedback is the second new addition .
“ Conventional terrestrial laser scanners capture data from one window , spinning to achieve a 360 ° field of view , whereas the new
Maptek R3 series mkII scanners feature improved range , image clarity and quality alongside significantly faster data acquisition to enhance user experience and outcomes for surveyors , according to the company
XR3-D mkII captures data from both sides simultaneously , cutting in half the time for mobile , continuous scanning from the safety of vehicles ,” Maptek said .
For daily processes , survey crews can incidentally scan surrounding terrain in both directions on the way to capture highwall information and stockpile data . “ There is no need to return to the pit later as the haul roads , gradients and infrastructure have already been acquired ,” the company added .
From day one , Maptek has incorporated standard survey workflows from setup and scan georeferencing through to design conformance . The latest release improves this experience to optimise the time spent surveying in active mining locations , shortening the time from data capture to deliverables .
The in-field , handheld controller FieldHHC provides dynamic 3D views of scans in progress , thumbnail views and detailed information on every scan , alongside instant 3D visualisation , colouring and measurement tools . Full geolocation support , including geoids and bluetooth connection to GPS devices for RTK corrections , improves efficiency . Smart lighting settings for indoor , outdoor and underground conditions , meanwhile , improve the surveyor experience .
In terms of in-field on-tablet applications , the new design conformance tool helps surveyors instantly recognise whether pit walls are conforming to design , Maptek said . This allows issues to be quickly resolved rather than waiting for office processing . Dynamic reporting and cross-section output allows everyone to stay updated and site safety guidelines to be followed more closely .
Maptek has been building laser scanners dedicated to mining since 2004 , with many early models still in field use . Co-development of software functionality ensures the most efficient field-to-finish survey experience and the Maptek team at MINExpo will outline how resource , recovery and conformance reporting benefits flow through to decision support for planning and production teams , the company said .
Software updates that improve and support the automation of daily tasks round out the midyear mine measurement release , Maptek said . New and enhanced features for inter-ramp conformance reporting , Rock Quality Designation , Python scripting integration and interoperability for surface monitoring applications are highlights .
Visitors to the Maptek booth can catch up on the latest Maptek solutions through daily Live Tech Lounge sessions that will also be streamed live for people who cannot be at the show . Solutions for grade control , machine learning and cloud-ready applications in engineering and
geology are among the topics to be covered that target economic and safe mining practices .
GroundProbe , an Orica company , is set to display its latest monitoring solution , the RGR- Velox , at MINExpo 2021 .
The latest technology to be born from GroundProbe ’ s industry-leading research and development and product development programs , RGR-Velox ( also featured in the IM Slope Stability report ) was developed to help avoid the tragic tailings dam failures seen across Brazil and elsewhere in recent years .
The RFR-Velox , billed as the highest precision , fastest scanning and longest range doppler radar in the market , tracks the movement of material , post-collapse , for immediate alarming and evacuation .
It is a military-precision system that provides warning when such breaches or collapses occur , with a design purpose to keep people , assets and communities safe , giving early warning with alarm outputs such as lights , sirens , pagers or phones .
The RGR-Velox was designed , developed and tested in direct contact with GroundProbe ’ s customers .
“ By incorporating customer feedback and onsite testing directly into our R & D process and product development cycle , we were able to develop a system that was designed in collaboration with geotechnical engineers ,” the company said . “ This enabled us to ensure the final product offers the ideal emergency functionality and features required by on-site geotechnical engineers .”
RIEGL ’ s team of experts will be on its MINExpo booth to talk through its latest developments for the mining industry at the show , highlighting hardware and software solutions to improve productivity and efficiency , while reducing costs and improving safety .
With more than 40 years of experience in the research , development and production of laser scanners , rangefinders and distancemeters , RIEGL says it delivers proven innovations in 3D .
On display throughout the week will be the RIEGL VZ-i Series Laser Scanning System , the RIEGL miniVUX-2UAV mounted on a DJI drone , and the RIEGL miniVUX3UAV .
The RIEGL VZ-i Series Terrestrial Laser Scanning System combines a future-oriented , innovative new processing architecture and internet connectivity with RIEGL ’ s latest waveform processing LiDAR technology , the company explained . The system provides a high range of flexibility by supporting numerous external peripherals and accessories via its integrated USB ports and stable mounting points .
Real-time data flow is enabled through dual processing platforms : a dedicated processing
42 International Mining | AUGUST 2021