Tag Archives: GroundHog

GroundHog looks to increase precision in drilling operations

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining services, Mining software, ,

GroundHog has launched what it says is a state-of-the-art high-precision solution that sets a new standard for precise drilling in mining operations.

By acting as an integrator, GroundHog is looking to bring together a complete solution to streamline drilling operations. The integration includes strategically positioned base stations, RTK receivers with 20 mm accuracy, and dual antennas − ensuring optimal signal coverage. The GroundHog Operator app further enhances this approach, offering mining operators a unified solution for maximum efficiency, it says.

The distinctive feature of this solution is the integration of GroundHog visualisation, tracking drill status, hole details, consumables and additional information within the operator app. This powerful combination enables precise data collection, offering operators immediate insights into drilling processes, GroundHog says. It promotes adherence to drill plans, addresses the common challenge of data quality in drill operations and transitions from traditional pen-and-paper methods to electronic data capture for improved efficiency.

Amitava Dutta, Director − Product Operations, GroundHog, said: “Conventional drilling without precision techniques poses multiple negative impacts, with drill operators spending substantial time on drill placement. Deviations in drill holes lead to improper burden, spacing, angle and depth of drill holes which, in turn, lead to safety and productivity issues. High-precision drilling minimises these impacts, ensuring better adherence to plans and enhancing overall operational efficiency.”

The standout benefit of High Precision technology lies in its ability to get accurate equipment navigation and control even in challenging terrains or complex orebodies. Highly accurate position information allows to guide the equipment, laying the groundwork for autonomy eventually, GroundHog explained.

Data quality issues pose significant challenges in QA/QC in drill and blast operations. Any deviation from the designed parameters can impact final blasting results, affecting successive processes such as loading, hauling and crushing. Precise drilling reduces these chances of deviation, enabling improved drill productivity, optimal blast fragment size, reduced toe generation, improved excavator and truck productivity, precise sampling, and enhanced quality control of ore and crusher productivity.

GroundHog updates LMS end-to-end safety training platform

Careers in mining, IoT, Mining safety, Mining software, , , , ,

GroundHog has announced the release of the Enterprise version of its Learning Management System (LMS), delivering, it says, advanced task training, competency group management and career advancement planning (also called progression planning) tools that enable mining operations to upgrade the way they manage health and safety training.

The Enterprise version now has advanced reporting to track overall site and cross-site safety training compliance, organisation-wide skill competence and tracks financial metrics. The new capabilities also make it easier to manage multiple mine sites and transfer miners between sites that may have different training requirements, according to GroundHog.

GroundHog said: “Due to a mining operation’s diverse landscape, teams struggle to keep up with paper methods. Without real-time access to training and certification records, safety managers spend an arduous amount of time manually keeping track of training, certification and compliance. GroundHog solves this with an integrated solution that combines state-of-the-art analytics for safety and training solutions.”

The integrated, cloud-based solution includes a comprehensive compliance management system, provides better visibility into training programs and enhances productivity without sacrificing safety, according to the company. It gives a 360-degree view of every employee, complete with their own personalised QR code, while freeing safety trainers from arduous data entry so that they have more time to train and upskill workers.

Satish Penmetsa, GroundHog CEO, said: “As technology continues to advance the way mines operate in real time, regulatory and operational safety requirements are becoming increasingly strict. GroundHog was built on the principle of applying digital solutions to once arduous processes. Ensuring the safety of mining operations has always been our number one priority, and our end-to-end safety training platform was purpose-built just for that.”

What makes LMS Enterprise unique is that it’s a scalable, customisable solution that can adapt to the needs of any size mine, according to GroundHog. It has a reporting system designed for large-scale operations with thousands of employees, while the intuitive interface makes learning easy. LMS is tightly integrated with GroundHog’s other cross-team modules for operations and maintenance, bringing all teams on the same page to ensure that people with the right skill sets are operating the correct equipment to further enhance the safety of their mining operations.

Kenny Groves, Safety Superintendent for Cementation Americas, said: “The GroundHog LMS app is a one-stop-shop for an entire training package, and it’s an awesome tool for safety professionals. We replaced our manual paperwork and spreadsheet matrix with LMS. It’s been great and I can’t say enough about it. It’s saved us a tremendous amount of time that we can reinvest in being forward-thinkers and focusing on the meaningful aspects of our job.”