A logical course to better managed D&B
August 22 - 28, 2012
WE know that drill and blast is fundamental to the cost effectiveness of a mining operation, given its interrelationship with downstream processes. Digging rates, toe and wall control and loss or dilution of ore provide a good measure of blast performance, and demonstrate the effectiveness of site controllable factors like efficiency, productivity and product quality.
The ‘flaw’ of averages in mine project evaluation
August 1 - 7, 2012
TRADITIONALLY mining organisations use various types of quantitative methods to estimate profit and loss associated with a proposed mine project. Among all these measures of profitability, the net present value (NPV) that is based on the discounted cash flow (DCF) technique – which is based on expected values and a risk adjusted discount rate – is the most widely used in the mining industry.
Integrated software offering reveals hard numbers, fast
August 1 - 7, 2012
A LEADING US project cost management software product has been integrated with one of the mining industry’s most popular mine planning packages, creating what the integrator claims is the first mine design, scheduling, financial and productivity modelling program for project lifecycle planning.
Evaluation time is up
June 21 - 27, 2012
SNOWDEN is ready to find a partner, or partners, to commercialise its Evaluator mining optimisation software after demonstrating its robustness and value in a series of major studies by its consulting team.
Charting a new course
June 21 - 27, 2012
A YEAR ago Phil Edmiston was in uncharted territory with a big Canadian technology firm looking to make its mark in the mining software market. That company’s recent ‘downsizing’ in Western Australia created an opportunity for Edmiston to return to more familiar ground – and he’s sounding a little euphoric about the move.
Vulcan gone to water
June 21 - 27, 2012
SOUTH African marine exploration company AuruMar is using 3D modelling software developed in Australia in its continental shelf search and development program.
Gemcom prepares to map out new future
June 13 - 19, 2012
GEMCOM, soon to be Geovia, could have a roadmap for the creation of new mining software products ready by the end of this year. Speaking to HighGrade on a visit to Australia, Gemcom president Rick Moignard said the Dassault Systemes business unit would hit the ground running once Dassault’s $US360 million acquisition of Gemcom was concluded in July.
Mintec enhances multi-purpose optimiser
May 23 - 29, 2012
MINTEC says it is aiming to cement MineSight as the “go-to software for mine planners” with the introduction of an improved schedule optimiser.
Itasca advances new blast modelling approach
May 23 - 29, 2012
ITASCA’S aptly named Blo-Up software, a product of its 11-year involvement in the Hybrid Stress Blast Model (HSBM) project, has reached a new phase of development with the quality of Blo-Up model predictions being tested against real world blasting results. Field-scale bench and underground blasting tests currently are being used to validate and improve the model, the consulting and technology group said.
API counts gains from ‘holistic’ scheduling
July 7 - 13, 2011
ORELOGY has demonstrated it’s not just the ease and speed of throwing up mine optimisation scenarios that’s important in an age of cloud computing and smarter software – it’s still the results that count. Cue the Australian Premium Iron Joint Venture (APIJV).
The importance of geological domaining throughout the mining cycle
June 23 - 29, 2011
DURING the production phase in the mining cycle, the level of geological information increases, enabling a better understanding of the local geology. Creating and updating geological wireframes is an important part of any mine geologists role, one that continually evolves through drilling, sampling and mapping over the life of a deposit.
Best laid mine plans reaping rewards
June 9 - 15, 2011
A DIFFERENT approach to mine planning and scheduling is a key factor in the burgeoning fortunes of Mintec, according to management of the US-based mine software company.
Shooting for the same goals
May 26 - June 1, 2011
WHEN Minemax canvassed customers for feedback on major mine planning process deficiencies several years ago three main areas were highlighted. Spatial mine plan alignment was at the top of the list.
Grant to advance mine planning models
May 26 - June 1, 2011
A CANADIAN mining engineering professor has been awarded $C2.7 million in research funding – one of the largest ever Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grants – to improve mine planning models.
Mincom delivers 5.2 to schedule
May 5 - 11, 2011
MINCOM has added Russian-language support and new functionality to boost mine-planning speed and improve usability in its newly available MineScape 5.2 modelling and design software offering.
New force in iron ore
May 5 - 11, 2011
MINESIGHT Applications, the Australian business unit of 40-year-old American firm Mintec, seems to be growing increasingly confident about its chances of forging a new market stronghold in Western Australia’s frenetically expanding Pilbara iron ore region.