MINING SOFTWARE
process ; the excavation requires a very precise schedule to remove the different material types to maintain the grade balance at the mill , while minimising re-handling .”
Using MinePlan 3D software , the engineers created the dump designs with a specific amount of volume or tonnage in mind . This allowed the engineers to design waste dumps to be rehandled at a specific time , strategically scheduling the start of the final waste dump areas .
“ This kind of long-range planning tool helps the site verify that they can achieve their mining objectives and provides a schedule for the life of mine ,” the company said .
It factors in more than just the company ’ s licence to operate , though , with the long-term plan allowing site engineers to simulate different mining scenarios when considering commodity prices and inflation by the input of economic information .
“ Using all the tools at their disposal , the engineering group can optimise the schedule and evaluate many of the possibilities the mine may see ,” the company said .
Hexagon ’ s recently launched Power of One solution can help provide such a holistic view , according to Anderson .
Connecting sensors and software , in-field apps and cloudware , the Power of One empowers digital transformation , according to the company .
“ This ongoing integration between all technologies that touch a mine in the coming years will ensure that all data can be used and analysed – from the mine to the boardroom – to keep a continuous live pulse on the entire operation ,” Anderson said . “ This data is vital in achieving ESG goals .”
This “ live pulse ” will help minimise deviations from the mine plan , with Hexagon ’ s Mining division continuing to partner with mining companies to develop the tools they need to execute industry initiatives . “ For example , implementing the use of electric equipment in plan estimation or introducing additional solutions to better model reclamation ,” Anderson said . He concluded : “ Our customers are under immense pressure to prove their mines are as sustainable as they are safe and productive . By partnering with customers and putting their data to work , we are uniquely positioned to help them achieve ESG goals , reverse the trend of resource depletion and rise to the challenge of our age .”
Keeping the ESG promises
Datamine , a company that has both consulting and software expertise across the mining value chain – from exploration and resource and reserve estimation to mine planning and operations , to supply chain optimisation – has continued to grow its capabilities over the years .
This growth has tracked the shift from using traditional mining practices to a highly automated and increasingly reduced carbon footprint future – “ with autonomous equipment , robotics and automated software solutions being key components in realising this transition ”, it said .
With miners collecting and dealing with everincreasing quantities of data and looking for ways to leverage it to make data-driven decisions that enhance risk management and increase profitability , integrated software solutions are – now , more than ever – essential in supporting continuous improvement , and maintaining data fidelity and data integrity across the entire mining value chain , according to the company .
Within this ‘ new normal ’, Datamine can leverage solutions such as Studio UG and Studio OP for the automated modelling of alternative open-pit and underground mine designs , and scheduling tools with advanced optimisation techniques such as Minemax Scheduler , NPV Scheduler and Studio UG .
More recently , the mining sector has seen a heightened focus on ESG and sustainability that many of the company ’ s software products play a key role in confronting .
“ A holistic view of operations is gained using Datamine solutions such as MineMarket , Centric and Reconcilor , which provide traceability and auditing for chain of custody and governance