MINING SOFTWARE
deformation monitoring with its ShapeArray inclinometers ; 3vGeomatics , which uses InSAR ( radar ) to monitor subsidence and geohazards ; Syscom Instruments , which covers vibration and seismic monitoring using vibration monitors ; and NavStar Geomatics , which supplies vibration and seismic monitoring using GPS / GNSS .
Orica Digital Solutions Geosolutions are widely used in mining , particularly for tailings dam monitoring and slope stability monitoring .
Craft says the addition allows the company to further connect the upstream and downstream parts of the mining process .
“ As a blasting company , we are responsible for disrupting the orebody ' s structural and geotechnical integrity and , now , with these technologies complementing our Orebody Intelligence acquisition , we can manage both ends of the value chain spectrum ,” he said .
Synergetic product development has already begun , with basic prototypes entering customer operations to leverage complementing products , according to Craft .
“ As momentum gains , the value these development opportunities provide will continue for our customers ,” he added . “ This includes data from RST Instruments , Measurand , 3vGeomatics , Syscom Instruments and NavStar sensors , as well as GroundProbe ’ s radar information , which adds another unique layer of insight to an ever-growing database .”
More broadly , Craft sees Orica ’ s ongoing ability to develop leading hardware solutions as a defining factor in refining its software developments .
“ We do see our hardware footprint as a strength because a software solution or digital twin is only as good as the data ingested ,” he said . “ Even though instrumentation exists in key areas of interest , we see opportunities in capturing , organising and using the data better . We can make hardware more valuable by improving data acquisition time , short interval controls and the right data supplementation to provide the correct macro workflows and insights .
“ Specifically , we see improvements arriving for underground with better connectivity to charging units , a better understanding of borehole deviation and overall improvement in our understanding of blasted inventory material movement , which does not have many reliable advanced solutions outside of those offered by FMS providers .”
A unified digital environment
Glenn Barlow , GEOVIA Industry Process Expert Director at Dassault Systèmes , says ‘ virtual twins ’ within the 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem are helping mining companies effectively collaborate internally and externally to progress mining
Dassault Systèmes ’ life of mine planning tools provide pit optimisation , phase generation , schedule optimisation and parametric mine designs which allow for instant updates and changes to be incorporated
developments and asset optimisations .
The Dassault Systèmes ’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrates and automates mining processes , dismantles silos and enables executives to focus on higher-value areas and optimised geotechnical , economic , productivity and ESG parameters . The optimisation ensures positive cash flow or net present value while adhering to sustainability and compliance goals , the company says .
“ Our clients rely on virtual twins to simulate and optimise mine designs , assess feasibility and streamline operations ,” he told IM . “ Engineering and design firms use the platform to create detailed and robust designs for mining infrastructure , from pit layouts to processing plants .”
This allows them to test various scenarios to ensure their designs meet operational and environmental goals .
“ Construction partners , meanwhile , benefit from the integrated project management tools , which allow them to plan and execute infrastructure development and expansions efficiently ,” he said of 3DEXPERIENCE platform ’ s capabilities .
Technology providers and consultants , meanwhile , leverage the platform to integrate data and perform scenario analyses , enabling them to offer specialised solutions and actionable recommendations to their clients .
On the environmental side , regulatory stakeholders and community representatives use virtual twins to visualise and assess potential environmental impacts . “ This capability is invaluable for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating meaningful engagement with local communities ,” Barlow says .
He added : “ The beauty of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform lies in its ability to connect all these stakeholders in a unified digital environment .”
A platform such as 3DEXPERIENCE which supports the retention of knowledge through revisions , issue management and requirement management means mining companies can see a history of how they arrived at a given decision to change the estimation parameters for a resource model or the equipment requirements for pit optimisation , according to Barlow . It means this specific domain knowledge becomes instead part of the company library of knowledge .
“ However , managing the ‘ why ’ and the ‘ how ’ of mining project data is only one aspect of how the 3DEXPERIENCE platform assists our mining clients ,” he said . “ They also utilise our geological modelling tools to analyse their drilling data and process it into advanced implicit geological models and resource models .”
And , in engineering departments , the company ’ s life of mine planning tools provide pit optimisation , phase generation , schedule optimisation and parametric mine designs , which
allow for instant updates and changes to be incorporated .
“ By bringing together solutions to manage requirements , tasks , sign-off , modelling , optimisation , design and monitoring in one
International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025