Modern Mining January 2020

the smaller ones, Hull points out that it is modular in nature. “A customer might use aspects of it rather than the full suite of services,” he says. “It all depends on how far the customer wants to take it. If all that is required is a traditional service, then we can accommodate that as well. While

see the value in how a simulated operational facil- ity model, or a ‘digital twin’, can improve productivity and reduce much of the risk associated with con- struction and commissioning. While there are many third party providers offer- ing 3D modelling services to the mining sector, Worley is one of the few companies with in-house digital capabilities, and the know-how and technol- ogy to take BIM from 3D modelling right through to 7D, creating an intelligent and integrated project scope that runs from the design phase right through to operation and even decommissioning. “Many companies have not gone very far beyond 3D design,” says Hull. “By contrast, we have addressed the entire project development cycle, with 4D adding the benefit of a project schedule, 5D bringing in cost control, 6D sustainability and com- missioning, and 7D pertaining to the operations. We eventually hand over a hard drive – essentially the ‘digital twin’ – to the client on the conclusion of a project. This replaces the three or four containers filled with data and documentation that we would previously have left on site. “This new digital approach makes accessing proj- ect information incredibly easy. The customer, for example, can ‘walk’ through the virtual facility model, click on any component or system such as a pump or an electric motor and immediately access the plans, the maintenance manual and any other relevant data or information. How much easier is this than spend- ing a day or more going through containers to find what you’re looking for?” While the full scope of Worley’s digital offering may not be appropriate for all projects, particularly

we encourage customers to realise the benefits of digitali- sation, we certainly don’t insist on a digital approach across the board.” Reinforcing the points made by Hull, Worley’s Senior Vice President Mining, MM&M Europe, Middle East and Africa, Denver Dreyer says that Worley is leading the way in terms of devel- oping BIM capabilities for mining in South Africa. He cautions, however, that there are many pitfalls in digital trans- formation. “We have traversed this path for some time, so we understand the digital challenges. Worley is the closest you’re going to find to

help you navigate through these challenges.” He also notes that in order to deliver an intelligent and integrated project scope, it is vital to partner with a

Denver Dreyer.

A ‘digital twin’ of a facility can improve productivity and reduce much of the risk associated with construction, commissioning and operation.

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