Sandvik Mining and Maptek today announced the execution of a memorandum of understanding that will see them co-operate to develop integrated planning and execution solutions and robust automation systems for the mining industry. The MOU will focus effort and technology from the two companies towards delivering automated mining equipment which can connect to and work directly from mine planning and measurement data in Maptek products.

‘There are enormous benefits to be had by making Sandvik mining equipment more automated and more spatially aware. Improved accuracy and precision, improved safety and improved costs are all directly related to the outcomes we are targeting. There is no longer a need for mine planning and design detail to be separated from production and execution equipment and operators. Sandvik’s work with Maptek will aim to remove that separation,’ said Sandvik Mining Global Head of Automation Rowan Melrose.

‘We are very pleased to be working with Maptek and are very excited about the prospect of creating the most advanced mining systems in the world. 

Maptek’s Peter Johnson said ‘This work will be a huge leap forward for our customers who will be able to send detailed design and modelling data flowing though the mine operations and monitor, in real time, performance and conformance. This is the next step towards further unlocking the inherent value in resource and mine planning data. The biggest challenge remains consistent delivery across the mining value chain, and this initiative between Maptek and Sandvik is aimed directly at that outcome.’