MINING SOFTWARE
former is the rapid adoption – and possible overhyping – of generative AI technologies over the short term , and , on the long-term underestimation front , the take-up and expected benefits associated with electric and autonomous vehicles .
In terms of the Adjacent Possible , Carpenter cites the evolution of drone technology . “ Initially used for simple aerial photography , drones have now become indispensable tools for real-time data capture of both imagery and 3D data feeding into geological modelling and highprecision mine planning ,” he said .
Carpenter says the company ’ s modelling solutions are playing an increasingly important role against this backdrop , helping address operational complexity , sustainability pressures and regulatory demands to optimise performance across the entire mining value chain . He listed some examples . Solutions in this space include Isatis . neo for geostatistical capabilities that integrate machine learning and advanced simulations for recoverable resource modelling . Carpenter added : “ Its extensive library of tools , from variography to grade-tonnage curve generation , supports accurate risk analysis and long-term planning .”
MineScape provides stratigraphic modelling and geostatistics integration – especially effective for complex stratigraphy like coal seams .
Minemax Scheduler in the strategic mine planning space provides the ability to simultaneously optimise mining , processing and transport constraints . “ It supports decision making for cutoff grades , capital expenditure and stockpiling ,” Carpenter explained , with its visualisation tools allowing users to animate pit development .
Studio RM , also in the Datamine offering , has been specifically designed to match the workflow of resource and reserve evaluation . Inside the software , Studio RM contains algorithms and geostatistical techniques , alongside workflows for building and updating geological models with implicit modelling . “ Studio RM delivers auditable , repeatable processes to reliably produce resource and reserve statements ,” Carpenter says .
The company can also offer up Studio Geo , Datamine ’ s geological modelling software ; Supervisor for advanced variography and simulation tools for geologists ; Studio Mapper to bridge field data capture and geological modelling ; and Sirovision to turn drone-based 3D imagery into structural and geotechnical models .
He concluded : “ Together , these specialist solutions providing and supporting modelling reflect Datamine ’ s commitment to empowering operators to address today ’ s operational needs and evolve and adapt to the future .”
Polymathian furthers BOLT functionality
Polymathian , a Deswik Company , has decided now is the time to enhance its BOLT multicommodity blending and logistics optimisation software .
This solution helps mining operations mathematically optimise planning and decision making across all stages of the value chain .
The recent enhancements centred around improving workflow , control and usability , are set to further streamline the critical mine-to-market planning process , while maximising margins , it says .
BOLT has , first off , improved data integration options via a more user-friendly API . The upgraded API enables users to push data from their data warehouse to BOLT , and have BOLT send back published plans .
Tao Vink , BOLT ' s Product Manager , said : “ BOLT ’ s new API makes it easy for users to create
many scenarios and run what-if analysis . By generating alternative options for mine plans or maintenance profiles , users can explore different ‘ what-if scenarios ’ and assess the potential outcomes , to anticipate and mitigate risks more effectively . This level of holistic flexibility empowers users to experiment with different strategies , facilitating innovation and continuous improvement within supply chain operations .”
Scenario comparisons , a new feature , allows users to evaluate the impact of different decisions on KPIs , helping identify the most appropriate course of action .
The time taken to create and run scenarios have improved with a substantial reduction in pre-solve network generation time , meaning users can optimise and plan much larger models with ease , the company claims .
Vessel planning enhancements now see the BOLT team prioritise modelling improvements in relation to vessel sequencing and LAYCANS .
Vink explained : “ For instance , users can dictate that vessel 1 must be loaded before vessel 2 , while vessel 3 can be loaded at any point .” This gives users more control , while allowing BOLT to minimise demurrage costs .
The latest enhancements to BOLT also include support for co-shipping where vessels carry multiple products .
BOLT ’ s Live module , meanwhile , estimates stock levels and grade quality by tracking material movements on and off stockpiles in near real time .
Polymathian , part of the Digital Mining Technologies division within Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions , says additional features and enhancements are already in development to ensure BOLT remains the supply chain optimisation tool of choice , now and in the future .
The tonnes-weighted averaging stockpiling feature that will offer alternative aggregation methods for stockpiles beyond FIFO and LIFO is well into development , for instance .
Vink says : “ The addition of flow fields will introduce a new constraint type giving users the ability to enforce constraints on both tonnages and material composition . This will facilitate more nuanced and effective supply chain rule adherence .”
And , with the increasing integration capabilities offered , further automation will become the next core focus . Vink concluded : “ The ability for the BOLT system to automatically pull the latest data , optimise and then have plans ready for planners to review when they start in the morning , is where we see BOLT developing next .”
Studio RM has been specifically designed to match the workflow of resource and reserve evaluation , Datamine says
RPM arms planners with new tools
RPMGlobal came out with two significant
International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025