MINING CONSULTANTS
on these crucial projects . Involving local and Indigenous communities is a top priority for all these significant projects we undertake .”
Brian Mashford , Senior Vice President – Mining , Minerals and Metals , says Stantec ’ s ability to draw on a network of over 450 offices allows it to access a global knowledge base and deliver expertise at a local level , as exemplified on this project .
“ When we match our local teams with our global outreach , we combine the best of both worlds ,” he said .
“ This also applies to partners within Stantec who support mining projects through the lens of other industries . Our integrated teams include professionals who can support all aspects of mining projects , including environmental services , water resources , infrastructure developments , community and stakeholder engagement , Indigenous relations and more .”
He said Stantec mining clients are currently requesting more in terms of carbon accounting , net-zero planning and renewable energy generation services .
“ These will become even more important as our clients source the critical minerals necessary for the energy transition ,” Mashford added .
And when it comes to innovative approaches in the work Stantec does , he referred to digital tools , like remote sensing , automation and other resources being deployed for clients in the right circumstances .
“ We are in a unique position because we have the expertise available to support our clients through the entire mining lifecycle , from initial permitting through mine closure and asset transformation ,” he concluded . “ Find , Build , Operate and Return .”
‘ Bridging the distance ’
SRK Consulting is looking to technology , among other things , to give it an edge in the competitive consulting market , with the introduction of HiveMap set to bring advanced capabilities to geologists , geotechnical engineers and mining professionals worldwide .
HiveMap is , SRK says , a groundbreaking software solution for improving the mapping and interpretation of remotely collected rock exposure data . The software is designed to streamline the collection of geological data using photogrammetry and LiDAR ( light detecting and ranging ) scanning technologies .
Previously known as EasyMineXR , HiveMap has been rebranded and refined , providing geologists and geotechnical engineers with a safer way to conduct mapping tasks without the need to enter hazardous surface or underground environments .
SRK said : “ Data accuracy is crucial for developing high-quality geological interpretations , which are vital for both engineering and geoscience applications . Yet , many open-pit and underground rock formations are not easily accessible , posing significant safety risks and limiting the effectiveness of traditional field mapping techniques .”
One of HiveMap ’ s notable applications is its ability to detect large-scale fault patterns and maintain continuity in otherwise inaccessible pit slopes , SRK claims . The software also excels at grassroots mapping in mountainous regions , offering a level of geological analysis that was previously difficult to achieve .
“ Conventional mapping practices required you to be up against or directly adjacent to the rock exposure , but the mining industry is now more risk averse and prohibits proximity to hazardous areas ,” SRK Senior Rock Mechanics Engineer , Andrew LeRiche , explained .
Findlay Fraser , SRK ’ s Principal Structural Geologist , added that conventional mapping is hampered by limited access , bulky equipment and lengthy post-processing times required to build a 3D model . “ HiveMap , in contrast , is quick and easy to use , enabling mining operations to prioritise mapping efforts more effectively ,” he said .
HiveMap also facilitates collaboration and data sharing by enabling field staff to capture geological observations on a tablet , then transfer the data to a laptop version of the software for further analysis . This allows technical staff at the head office to collaborate with teams in the field . “ HiveMap bridges that distance by bringing the rocks from the field to the office and allowing everyone to work together in a 3D environment ,” Fraser said .
LeRiche says advancements in data collection technologies such as LiDAR and photogrammetry have played a significant role in the development of innovative mapping tools like HiveMap .
“ As recently as 10 years ago , data collection methodologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry weren ’ t as prevalent on mine sites ,” he said . “ LiDAR , for example , was very expensive when it was first introduced but is now being used by many of the operations we work with .
“ Using drones , we now see models being built with photogrammetry for $ 1,000 , and in underground scenarios we ’ re seeing the use of iPhones with built-in LiDAR capabilities , so the ability to collect 3D datasets is now easier than ever .”
Fraser expects HiveMap ’ s ease of use and availability to lead to increased analysis frequencies in the geomapping space .
“ When I started in the mining industry , we ’ d be lucky to get a model update once a year ,” he said . “ Sometimes , we had resource models in operating pits that we knew were wrong and had to rely on them for longer than was ideal because the conventional mapping tools were so difficult to use .
“ If you want to operate safely , you need the most accurate and up-to-date representation of your geology possible . Similarly , for grade control , if a geologist sees something is not right , it ’ s now possible using HiveMap to map the ore boundaries and update the model for optimal material routing on an expedited basis .”
‘ Making Sustainability Happen ’
SLR Consulting ’ s acquisition of Wardell Armstrong is aimed on building and retaining its world-class sustainability and environmental consulting services globally .
By adding Wardell ’ s 550-person environmental , engineering and mining consultancy to the SLR umbrella , SLR is able to enhance its core business and offer an even broader range of services to clients , while expanding its global reach and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability .
The two companies have a shared focus on “ Making Sustainability Happen ”, they say , with individuals and practices retaining a focus on delivering sustainable solutions .
David Walker , Global Mining Sector Director for SLR , told IM : “ SLR believes in making a difference : a difference to our clients , the communities we touch and the world we live in . We ’ ve made it our mission to support clients in Making Sustainability Happen which is why our goal in the mining sector is to bring this company mission to life through the solutions , services and projects we provide to the industry .”
Walker says both businesses have long histories of helping companies to address their environmental and sustainability issues , and are among the few remaining large companies to solely focus on sustainability issues .
“ The coming together keeps that focus and expands the services , sectors and geographical reach we can offer together for the benefit of our clients ,” he added .
For the mining side of the respective businesses , SLR is adding significant resources or capacity to its collective ability to serve the market .
“ Specifically , the Wardell Armstrong International ( WAI ) team provides additional , specialised geological , mining , processing and environmental expertise from the offices in Truro , Cornwall , to SLR ’ s existing capability across the UK , Ireland and Europe ,” Walker said . “ The addition of an office in Kazakhstan matches our collective ambition to better serve the market in Central Asia .”
The office in Truro , at the old Wheal Jane mine site , includes an extensive mineral assaying , processing and pilot plant testing facility , he added .
38 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024