Tag Archives: Micromine

MICROMINE to play leading role in MinEx CRC’s 3D geological modelling project

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MICROMINE says it has been selected by MinEx Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) as the sole software provider for the project.

MICROMINE will provide information and advice on software solutions for mineral exploration as part of the A$218 million ($154 million) CRC project, which was set up to develop new technologies to increase the discovery of new mineral deposits.

“Australia’s share of global mineral exploration reduced from about 25% in the 1990s to around 12.5% in recent years,” MICROMINE said. “The decline in activity has driven the establishment of the CRC, which is backed by A$50 million in Australian Government funding and another A$165 million in private sector support.”

MICROMINE joins 34 MinEx CRC partners from the mining equipment, technology and services sector and major miners BHP, South32, Anglo American and Barrick Gold, as well as research organisations in Australia and overseas, such as CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and various universities.

MICROMINE will be involved in the team focused on 3D geological modelling, which brings together mining companies, geological surveys and research institutions from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the UK.

Mark Gabbitus, Product Strategy Manager for MICROMINE’s exploration and mine design software, Micromine, said: “MICROMINE will work with our project partners to develop a 3D geological and geophysical modelling package, which will help geologists, researchers and exploration companies to find mineral deposits in a more efficient and cost-effective way.”

The resultant solution will allow field geologists, researchers, explorers, resources modellers and managers to better define their 3D geological environment and assess the need for additional data and research, according to the company.

“It will also address existing problems explorers face that are related to urban geology, basin resources exploration and exploitation and mineral and scientific exploration in poly-deformed metamorphosed terranes,” MICROMINE added.

Gabbitus said the CRC complements the work MICROMINE is already undertaking to develop its geological software solution, Geobank.

“MICROMINE will contribute to the development of an open source algorithm, while scoping the development of a commercial version that could fit more seamlessly into the workflow of the explorers or miners that work with Micromine,” he said.

“There is a significant amount of work to do over the coming years but there are some exceptionally smart people involved in the project and it is very exciting for MICROMINE to play a role in developing the next generation of exploration and modelling tools.”

MICROMINE after more bits for newest version of exploration and mine design software

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MICROMINE says the next major release of its exploration and mine design software, Micromine 2020, will no longer support installation or use on computers with a 32-bit processor.

There are a number of technical reasons why the company has made this move, mainly revolving around the ability to access more RAM, MICROMINE said.

Thirty-two-bit processors are limited to 4 GB of RAM, which is starting to become a limitation to functionality in Micromine, especially in some of the future development projects the company has planned for users, the company said.

Additionally, the development effort to support both 32-and 64-bit processors was high and impacted on the company’s ability to deliver new functionality to MICROMINE’s clients, it said.

MICROMINE’s decision follows closely on the heels of graphics card producer, Nvidia, announcing it was ending support for 32-bit operating systems in April last year.

Mark Gabbitus, Strategic Product Manager for Micromine, said: “We surveyed all of our regional offices, prior to making this decision, to ensure that this would not significantly impact our clients. We appreciate that there are probably a few older computers out there with 32-bit processors running Micromine that will need to do a hardware upgrade but we felt that the time was right to make this move.”

MICROMINE open to integration in the face of interoperability hurdles

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MICROMINE says its digitisation strategy is focused on ensuring clients are able to use its products in tandem with those from other third parties, alleviating any potential interoperability issues.

The company said it places a strong emphasis on integration and ensuring its software solutions can fully integrate with various third-party systems in a mining environment. “It is something the company prides itself on and sees as key to not only making the client’s job easier, but also advancing technology and innovation across the industry,” MICROMINE said.

“As mining companies continue to advance their digital transformation strategies, the ability for different systems to integrate and share data with one another has become a critical success factor. Integration has been a key theme for the METS sector in recent times and it will continue to be a focus for the industry in 2019.”

Data management solution Geobank Mobile has led the way in this area, according to MICROMINE, offering integration across barcode scanners, magnetic susceptibility devices, GPS and scale devices and DSLR cameras.

MICROMINE’s fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, includes Pitram Restful Integration Services (PRIS), which allows third party software applications to submit and retrieve Pitram information without having to directly access the Pitram database, according to the company.

Micromine Product Strategy Manager, Mark Gabbitus, said: “Whilst we would love everyone to use only Micromine, we know there will be preferred solutions for certain applications, so it is in everyone’s interests for us to enable the efficient transfer of data between packages. We have always had this approach to data integration and that is why Micromine has been the market leader in this space for many years.”

Three dimensional modelling and mine design solution Micromine has also made significant progress in the integration space, according to the company. A recent example is the latest release of mining consultancy group Snowden’s ‘Supervisor’ resource estimation tool, which now includes added functionality for Micromine users. This means users can now directly export variogram parameters directly to a Micromine control file, according to MICROMINE.

“This new functionality will save time and effort for exploration geologists when conducting resource estimation and streamline the process for exchanging data between the two platforms,” the company said.

Gabbitus said: “When Snowden first came to us to discuss how we could integrate Supervisor with Micromine, we were only too happy to help. Snowden have been doing some great things in the mining software space recently and we wanted to make sure that our mutual clients had a good experience when transferring data between the two systems.”

Micromine is an exploration and mine design solution, which offers integrated tools for modelling, estimation, design, optimisation and scheduling. The latest version of MICROMINE’s exploration and mine design solution, Micromine 2018, comprises 10 modules.

A timely update from mine software solutions provider Micromine

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As the New Year begins, Micromine is reminding mining companies to update their software to avoid potential cyber-security breaches, data loss, system integration issues and operational downtime in 2019.

The reminder comes on the back of Micromine’s release of new versions of Geobank and Micromine in 2018, which delivered a range of new productivity tools features and data security enhancements on both the exploration and mine design and geological data management solutions.

It also comes in the same week mining and metals processing company Nyrstar was hit by a cyber attack.

Micromine Chief Technology Officer, Ivan Zelina, said: “Software updates are often overlooked as they are not as visible as other business processes, but the value of new software versions should not be underestimated in our current, highly digitalised mining environment.

“Investing in software, but not upgrading it, is like buying a new car but never getting it serviced – you simply won’t get the best out of it.”

Potential risks and issues of not upgrading software, according to Micromine, include:

  • Security – all software and saved files become vulnerable to hacking and cyber crimes over time. Developers like Micromine proactively identify and address security threats, holes and bugs in new software versions;
  • Compatibility – many different technology systems and platforms are used simultaneously, which means older versions of software can be slow or not configure properly when integrated with other, newer platforms. As new technology emerges, it’s important that systems remain compatible. For example, Geobank Mobile integrates with the latest magnetic susceptibility devices, barcode readers, GPS, in-built and external cameras and more;
  • Inefficiency – new features and enhancements exist in updated software to make it easier to use, faster and more effective. Micromine invests significantly into continuous research and development to ensure clients enjoy intuitive, feature-rich functionality and interpretive capabilities with each upgrade;
  • Support – older software versions are often not supported as developers focus on improvements to enhance client outcomes. Users operating on outdated versions can waste time and energy on workarounds or lost time addressing issues.
  • People – by providing staff with the latest, innovative software tools, mining companies are more likely to attract and retain the best talent. It provides employees with the opportunity to learn and apply new techniques to problem solving whilst increasing their knowledge and skills.

To ensure clients can easily manage software upgrades, Micromine offers an annual licence programme for Geobank and Micromine.

The company said: “After paying a one-off annual fee, clients receive unlimited software upgrades and patches, complimentary new version training and participation in software beta programs and focus groups.”

Micromine to release AI solution for underground loading and hauling

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New underground mining precision performance software, using machine learning to refine and enhance loading and haulage processes, is set to be launched by global mining software company, Micromine.

The solution is to be released in early 2019 as part of the company’s fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram.

Using the processes of computer vision and deep machine learning, on-board cameras are placed on loaders to track variables such as loading time, hauling time, dumping time and travelling empty time. The video feed is processed on the Pitram vehicle computer edge device. The extracted information is then transferred to Pitram servers for processing and analyses.

Micromine Chief Technology Officer, Ivan Zelina, said the solution considered the information gathered to pinpoint areas of potential improvement that could bolster machinery efficiency and safety.

“Pitram’s new offering takes loading and haulage automation in underground mines to a new level,” Zelina said.

“By capturing images and information via video cameras and analysing that information via comprehensive data models, mine managers can make adjustments to optimise performance and efficiency.

“It also provides underground mine managers with increased business knowledge, so they have more control over loading and hauling processes, and can make more informed decisions which, in turn, improves safety in underground mining environments.

“This can contribute significantly to the overall optimisation of underground mines, which we believe have a lot of room for improvement.”

Pitram is a fleet management and mine control solution that records, manages and processes minesite data in real-time.

Micromine trialled the new technology in Australia, Mongolia and Russia as part of a research and development pilot programme.

The initial concept was on the back of a trial project in partnership with the University of Western Australia. One of the master’s students from the university was subsequently employed by Micromine to help drive the company’s development of machine-learning projects across its global business.

“This advance is another demonstration of how Micromine is operating differently to other software providers by extending our products well beyond simple built-in machinery automation to artificial intelligence,” Zelina added.

“The ability for mining companies to increase their knowledge of mining processes through automated data collection and analysis is endless and this is just the start of the work Micromine is doing with our mining software solutions.

“We’re striving to help companies optimise their mining value chain and we believe enhancing one of the most fundamental and critical underground mining assets – loaders – is a great place to start.”

Micromine looks to next phase of mining software growth with private equity deal

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Australasia’s leading technology-focused private equity firm, Potentia Capital, has taken a large stake in Micromine, as the software solution provider looks to move into a new growth phase.

As part of the deal, Alan Broome AM and Claire Tuder will remain on the board, with Tuder also continuing as Chief Executive Officer. Andrew Gray and Michael McNamara from Potentia Capital will also join the board, while the Advisory Board of John McGagh and Mitch Hooke AM will remain in place.

Even after the deal, the founding Tuder family will maintain significant ownership of the company, Micromine said.

Claire Tuder said: “Micromine is entering a new growth phase so we were seeking a partner to assist us reach our goals whilst respecting our values. Potentia has a strong track-record helping companies like Micromine and I liked their partnership approach.”

Micromine was founded 32 years ago by Graeme Tuder. It provides geological exploration, data management, resources estimation, 3D mine design, planning and production control solutions to the global resources industry from junior explorers to Tier One miners including Newmont, Newcrest, OZ Minerals, MMG and Rio Tinto.

“The company remains at the forefront of innovation with deep machine learning, mixed reality and automation projects underway,” Micromine says.

Potential Capital is a Sydney-headquartered private equity investment firm focused exclusively on technology, tech-enabled services and software businesses. The team is one of the most experienced in the Australian private equity market, Micromine says, having collectively deployed over A$2 billion ($1.44 billion) of capital across more than 10 investments in the technology sector globally.

Andrew Gray, Managing Director at Potentia Capital, said: “I look forward to working with the Micromine team to achieve its vision and to further demonstrate Potentia’s commitment to supporting innovative Australian technology businesses.”

Michael McNamara, Investment Director at Potentia Capital, said through the company’s due diligence, “we have been impressed by Micromine’s track record of innovation, world-class mining software and loyal customer base.”

Micromine Pitram takes control at Independence Group’s Nova operation

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Micromine has signed a contract with Independence Group (IGO) to help drive productivity and cost efficiencies at the Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation in the Fraser Range of Western Australia.

As part of the agreement, Micromine will implement at Nova its fleet management and mine control software solution, Pitram.

This implementation of Pitram, a mine control and management reporting system aimed at delivering mining production efficiencies, comes on the back of a resurgence in Western Australia’s nickel sector, which increased in value by 26% in 2017–18 to $2.6 billion, after several years of decline, Micromine said.

Nova began commercial operation in July 2017 and produced 22,258 t of nickel, 9,545 t of copper and 740 t of cobalt at a payable cash cost of A$2.78/lb ($2.01/Ib) of nickel in the 2018 financial year. Production is expected to increase some 20% in FY19 to 27,000-30,000 t of nickel, 11,000-12,500 t of copper, and 850-950 t of cobalt.

Micromine’s Pitram Operations Manager, Daren Hinchliffe, said Pitram would be used by operations personnel, to capture insights and data from mobile equipment and underground mining activities, in real time.

“Using Pitram’s voice-based mine control system, underground operators can call in their activities, locations and status to mine control, and performance results can be monitored constantly, allowing for continuous improvement,” he said.

Pitram’s automated technology allows shift supervisors to keep track of what is going on throughout the mine, while allowing constantly monitoring of results and performance, he added.

“This will provide IGO with critical data as to how the mine is performing and, help identify bottlenecks, enabling the company to respond quickly to opportunities to implement process improvements,” he said.

IGO’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Dusci, believes this will drive significant value through productivity efficiencies and cost savings at Nova and, ultimately, serve as a platform for future integration with automation at the mine.

Micromine’s roll-out of Pitram at Nova commenced in December and is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Micromine on board with IREDES standard

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Micromine has become the newest mining software and machinery provider to offer technology solutions integrated with the International Rock Excavation Data Exchange Standard (IREDES).

The global mining software provider, headquartered in Western Australia, is among nine companies globally to integrate its products with IREDES, which was developed by industry, for industry, to streamline data exchange between machinery and office IT systems, Micromine says.

Micromine has integrated its latest fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, and its latest 3D mine design and exploration solution, Micromine, with IREDES.

MICROMINE Chief Technology Officer Ivan Zelina said Micromine prioritised the IREDES integration to provide customers with easier, more streamlined mine digitalisation processes.

“By utilising IREDES we have removed the e-language barriers that often exist between machinery products and office-based software systems,” Zelina said.

“IREDES provides a standardised information exchange interface, which allows different machinery databases, simulation tools and other enterprise level software to exchange data and information.

“This avoids the need to develop and install individual and expensive software workarounds and development projects, and also streamlines and enhances data sharing and reporting.”

Zelina said this conversion is a straightforward process. In the company’s Micromine product, for example, a ring design can be converted to an IREDES file format “so that it can be accessed using other software and systems”.

Zelina concluded: “In an industry where digitalisation is growing exponentially, the integration of IREDES into Micromine’s software solutions reduces the time and cost of interface development during installation and maintenance of systems and products.

“Instead, customers can concentrate their resources on the intelligent use of information to enhance their business processes and outcomes.”

IREDES uses the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), which is a widely used format by commercial standard software and database systems. It builds on this language though XML schemas – the building blocks of the XML file – which describe hierarchy and data exchange parameters. The information is then transferred using XML data sets, which can be readily accessed by users and transferred between programmes.

Micromine unlocking the value in data through Pitram OLAP tool

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Using data-driven insights to improve the decision-making process and unlock value has been one of the biggest trends in the mining industry over the past few years and it will continue to be a strategic priority for mining companies going forward, according to Micromine.

“While data collection on site is important, what happens with that data next can sometimes be a challenge,” Micromine says.

Many tools exist to help management with analysis, modelling and reporting in order to realise value in their data, with Micromine’s Pitram OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) tool an example.

“Pitram’s OLAP Analysis module provides users with the necessary tools to perform multidimensional analysis of operational mining data. OLAP is a powerful technology used across various industries for data discovery, reporting, complex analytics and predictive forecastin,” Micromine says.

“With mining companies required to manage large and very complex data sets, this type of technology can provide enormous value to a mining operation.”

OLAP technology has been integrated into the Pitram solution to assist mines in understanding key data and improving business intelligence, according to the company, with multidimensional analysis, complex calculations, trend analyses, and sophisticated data modelling able to be applied through the Analysis module.

Pitram Product Strategy Manager Gareth Dean said the Pitram OLAP module can assist mine managers, engineers, geologists and analysts to perform data analysis, while providing them with the insight and understanding they need for better decision making.

The benefits of the OLAP Analysis module for Pitram users are significant, according to Micromine.

Multidimensional analysis, trustworthy data and calculations, self-service reporting and the ability to manipulate data to identify areas of improvement are just some of the features.

Dean said: “Having a fully dedicated and integrated OLAP Analysis module within Pitram makes it easy for users to access their key mining data relating to equipment, minesite personnel and materials.

“Users of the Pitram OLAP Analysis module can leverage the large amounts of data collected on site to improve key focus areas such as production, safety and mine planning.”

The OLAP module can also aggregate data from third party sources such as Microsoft Excel and OEM systems.

Micromine’s Pitram fleet management and mine control solution has been implemented at more underground sites than any competitor product and is increasingly popular with sites using automated practices, according to Micromine.

Micromine aims for productivity gains with Pitram Shift Planner 2.0

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The Pitram Shift Planner 2.0 from software developer Micromine has taken into account user feedback, with the latest version built to reflect the dynamic nature of underground mining operations.

The new version, to be released shortly, allows planned work for equipment and mining locations to be divided into small, interdependent tasks or activities, allowing these tasks or activities to be rescheduled or re-allocated in real time during a shift.

These tasks are communicated to equipment operators along with expected duration and/or deliverables. The progress of a task is tracked automatically and supervisors are notified when a task is at risk of delay. Dependencies between each task are shown graphically allowing the effect of a delay to be identified and the overall impact on the shift outcome to be known.

“This type of functionality reflects the dynamic nature of a mining operation, allowing tasks to be rescheduled or re-allocated in real-time during the shift and allowing a manager or supervisor to determine the best way for the shift to be efficient and productive, despite unexpected delays or occurrences that may have occurred in the shift to date,” Micromine said.

Unlike traditional in-shift planning tools that focus on equipment only, Pitram’s Shift Planner monitors the production or development cycle at each location ensuring equipment units are not held up due to delays on other equipment.

“This is extremely important for operations that are constrained by limited access to stopes or development faces,” Micromine said.

Pitram Strategy Manager Gareth Dean said the development of Shift Planner came from collaboration and feedback from Micromine clients: “A missing feature that has been requested by multiple clients is to implement user roles and permissions. Specifically, an often-cited example of this is the inability to lock down a plan and only allow certain users to create or modify a plan.”

The current Shift Planner user interface does not allow for much customisation outside of configuring views. This forces the user to adapt to a design that may not suit their requirements. In Shift Planner 2.0, user interface elements will be dockable (or hidden) as required and can be saved per each user’s preference, for individual customisation.

In addition, the Short Interval Control (SIC) panel provides a graphical view of tasks in the current shift, comparing planned versus actual start and finish times and progress. This will be integrated into Shift Planner 2.0 as part of the application.

Notifications and warnings are an important planning tool to draw attention to the progress of the plan. While the current Shift Planner has no built-in notifications apart from highlighting of tasks behind schedule in the SIC panel, the latest version will include new areas such as: safety messages, tracking the user and being able to add comments.

And Shift Planner 2.0 will also allow users to be able to see how the entire shift is operating in relation to the plan.

Dean said: “We’re moving into a digital age, no longer are mine sites using paper, white-boards and walkie talkies to track people, equipment and their associated tasks on site. Micromine’s soon to be released Shift Planner 2.0 offering is a true example of digitisation that will offer significant increase in productivity gains.”