Australian mining software company Micromine will launch the latest version of its data management solution, Geobank 2017, at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 6 to 9.

Micromine global marketing manager Kate Gilbey explains that Geobank 2017 provides improved functionality and performance, as well as several user benefits that are relevant to exploration and mining. “The new and improved sample tracker allows for the processing of batch loading or laboratory data, which is essential at operations with on-site laboratories, and has several automated features designed to reduce configuration and management for the database administrators.”

Other key enhancements include quality improvements – upgrades to graphic report bar chart annotations, legends, the search function and design sheet display – and a faster response speed. Gilbey adds that issues with column settings and decimal places for exports have also been fixed, in addition to improving the section view alignment in the plan view setting.

She notes that Micromine has established and maintained its leading reputation over the past 30 years by regularly releasing new software versions that build on the strengths of its prior solutions. The Geobank 2017 release is the latest in a long line of improvements, Gilbey adds.

“Geobank products are designed and built to ensure that a company has access to the necessary solutions regardless of its size, the extent of its information technology capabilities or the level of diversity of its geological resource,” she states, adding that the secure and flexible data-management solution protects companies’ most valuable asset – their data.

At the Mining Indaba, Micromine’s stand at Booth 524 is next to that of the Australian government. Company specialists will showcase Micromine’s entire suite of solutions, which include the exploration and three-dimensional mine design solution, MICROMINE 2016, and Pitram, a fleet management and mine control solution.

Importance of African Market
Gilbey notes that the mining sector has started to rebound from its protracted downcycle, particularly regarding commodities such as gold and battery metals. “Now, with rising copper and iron-ore prices, there has been a notable improvement in investor sentiment.”

Therefore, Micromine believes the 2017 Mining Indaba will focus on the ways in which investors, mining companies, African governments and associated industries can boost profitability, portfolio returns and sales during the sector’s recovery and future growth cycle.

Gilbey says it is important that the company attend and exhibit at the event because of the reach and acclaim the Mining Indaba has attained since its launch in 1994.

“The Indaba is considered Africa’s leading mining investment conference and exhibition. More than 6 000 delegates from global mining and exploration companies are expected to attend this year’s event . . . with many of the world’s leading institutional investors and mining companies also expected to attend. It represents a significant networking opportunity that mining-related companies can ill afford to miss.”

Further, Gilbey comments that Micromine has been involved in the South African mining community since 1992, when its first South African sales agent was appointed, and has had much success since.

“With the growth of South Africa’s secondary and tertiary industries, the relative contribution of mining to the country’s gross domestic product has declined over the past 10 to 20 years,” she states, pointing out that the industry is continually adapting to changing local and international mining conditions, and remains a cornerstone of the global economy.

As such, Gilbey expects the South African mining market to remain a significant source of revenue for the company and looks forward to continued success throughout the rest of Africa.