Modern Mining May 2021

DIGITALISATION

and assisting at that level,” says Slabbert. “Providing digital mining education at tertiary level is a big step forward, not only for Maptek, but for the mining industry at large. We need to plant the digital mining mindset at an early stage.” The future Looking ahead, Slabbert sees automation as the future of mining. Although Maptek doesn’t neces- sarily offer a full suite of technologies in this regard, its computing systems are the basis for automation. “We are already exploiting machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the way we pro- cess data to get meaningful insights. If we really want to go fully autonomous, we need to get the data in time to allow autonomous robotics to make those decisions faster,” he says. Slabbert projects a big uptake of 4IR technolo- gies in the next five years, especially accelerated by COVID-19. Due to the increase in remote work, he says, there is a big drive to adopt digital solutions. “As hardware and software developers, we need to provide the mining industry with solutions that allow them to work remotely, to integrate all their digital systems and get robust data as quickly as possible. For me, it’s the speed of data and integra- tion of the various software solutions that will be key to the success of digital transformation at mines,” he says, adding that the nerve centre of a digital mine will bring together data across the mining value chain, generated by different solutions from differ- ent technology suppliers. “Not every mine will have Maptek solutions only. It is therefore important that we are open to partner with other solution providers. All solutions providers on the mine need to work towards a common goal, which is to help the customer make the most of the data generated on site for them to achieve their tar- gets,” concludes Slabbert. 

point cloud data from Maptek laser scanners, UAV and other lidar sensors into easy to understand deliverables. Maptek has recently expanded its offering to include production tracking systems. With Maptek Resource Tracking, mine owners and managers can accurately track and visualise their production per- formance in real time. It gives customers a better understanding of production performance through load and haul, stockpiling and plant processes by connecting each of these processes with their resource model and reconciliation between each stage. “We have seen a huge uptake of this system. Measuring and validating actual material move- ments near-live at every stage of the mine value chain ensures greater visibility and coordination in eliminating production bottlenecks and delivering on-spec product without delay,” he says. To further entrench its traction in Africa, Maptek has established partnerships with universities to help with Vulcan educational licences. “This year, as a region, we have decided to formulate a University Council within our Johannesburg office, focusing on entrenching our software solutions at universities

Surveyors benefit from smart, integrated tools for mapping development headings, filtering extraneous data and reporting on shotcrete and rock bolt placement among other applications.

Key takeaways  The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for holistic digital adop- tion strategies at mines; it’s no longer a choice, but an obligation  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  The company has seen increased interest in Maptek Vulcan software, which provides the mining industry with advanced 3D geological model- ling, mine design and production planning solutions  Over the past few years, Maptek blast management software, BlastLogic, has become a sought after solution for leading mining companies in Africa

32  MODERN MINING  May 2021