Modern Mining May 2021

DIGITALISATION

Championing digital solutions for 40 years and counting

While mining companies have been considering for several years how digital transfor- mation might alter the future of work, COVID-19 has accelerated this imperative. Gideon Slabbert, Maptek’s GM for Africa, discusses how mines in Africa are leveraging Maptek’s 40 years of championing digital solutions to meet the changing require- ments of the industry in every mining stage, from exploration to operation. By Munesu Shoko .

W hile the conversation around digital trans- formation in the global mining industry has taken centre stage for some time, COVID-19 has caused a

rapid change in how organisations approach and manage their opera- tions. This, according to a recent report by Deloitte, has created an opportunity for miners to streamline the adoption of digital technologies

Gideon Slabbert, GM, Maptek Southern Africa.

and capabilities in line with the significant increase in remote working. There is a window of opportunity to accelerate digital transformation and advance the future of work. Slabbert agrees, saying that never before have digital technologies and new ways of work been adopted as quickly. Mines have traditionally hesi- tated to adopt holistic digital roadmaps. While many have mechanised their operations and somehow moved from the physical to the digital realm by adding equipment sensors and adopted unified networks to transmit data, there is still a long road

ahead before mines can augment their digital capac- ities and create platforms to integrate their data, analytics and workflows. “The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, rein- forced the need for holistic digital adoption strategies at mines. It’s no longer a choice, but an obligation,” says Slabbert. This, coupled with the disruptive influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), has left mines with insatiable appetite for digital solutions to chal- lenge their conventional definition of productivity, while embedding new tools to manage the cultural and engagement issues associated with long-term remote working. Maptek – which has over the past 40 years evolved from computerising the plotting of bore- holes and mapping of coal deposits, to developing innovative mining solutions for every mining stage, from exploration to operation – is geared to partner mines along their digital journey. “On the back of the 4IR paradigm and the digital transformation that comes with it, mines are looking for companies that not only sell them solutions, but are true partners prepared to walk with them along this long journey to harness the full benefits of their digital investments,” he says. Having first established its footprint in Africa with the opening of its Johannesburg office in 1994, Maptek has over the years seen increased demand of its digital solutions on the continent. “Since 1994, we have been providing technology solutions to mines in Africa, from South Africa up to the equator. We have gained significant traction over the past 10 years to become a real contender globally,” he says.

Sampling crews can conduct blasthole sampling with the BlastLogic Tablet linked to a portable barcode scanner, with sampling records synchronised with BlastLogic Server for analysis and reporting.

30  MODERN MINING  May 2021