Sandvik Mining and Maptek Pty Ltd today announced the execution of a memorandum of understanding that will see the two leading mining suppliers cooperate 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.’
Maptek
Maptek™ is the leading provider of innovative software, hardware and services for the global mining industry. Founded over 30 years ago, Maptek products are in use at more than 1700 sites in over 60 countries. Products cover the whole mining cycle from exploration to reclamation. Vulcan is one of the world’s leading 3D mine planning and modelling packages. I-Site™, is an integrated hardware and software system for 3D laser scanning, surveying and imaging. PerfectDig is an augmented reality system used to evaluate and support design conformance. BlastLogic™ is intelligent 3D drillhole validation and load design software, while Eureka™ provides an interactive 3D environment for visualising and interpreting geophysical and seismic data.
Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global industrial group with advanced products and world-leading positions in selected areas – tools for metal cutting, equipment and tools for the mining and construction industries, stainless materials, special alloys, metallic and ceramic resistance materials as well as process systems. In 2013 the Group had about 47,000 employees and representation in 130 countries, with annual sales of about 84,000 MSEK.
Sandvik Mining
Sandvik Mining is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a leading global supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining industry. The offering covers rock drilling, rock cutting, rock crushing, loading and hauling and materials handling. In 2013 sales amounted to about 28,000 MSEK, with approximately 13,000 employees.