Mining software and technological innovation in the mining industry will heavily influence mining operations over the next decade – specifically the development of safer, smarter and more efficient methods of managing resources and operations, says Australian mining software company MICROMINE global marketing manager Kate Gilbey.

She states: “2015 will go down in history as one of the worst years on record for the mining industry, which was hit by record-low commodities prices that forced companies to cut jobs, dividends and production, and sell off assets.”

Gilbey points out that, as the effects of last year’s commodities crash have yet to subside, mining companies have had to use mining software, such as MICROMINE’s products, to assist with mine optimisation and automation, thereby increasing efficiencies and reducing costs.

While Gilbey notes a positive trend in global economic growth of late, this does not negate the benefits of MICROMINE’s product offering, adding that, as the mining industry adopts a more technological approach, companies will have to do the same or risk becoming obsolete.

The company, which celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year, will showcase its entire suite of solutions at the quadrennial 2016 MINExpo International, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the US, from September 26 to 28.

Gilbey notes that the MICROMINE team will showcase Pitram, said to be “the world’s leading underground fleet management and mine control software solution”. She explains that Pitram is a scalable software solution that records, manages and processes mine-site data in real time.

“Pitram records data pertaining to equipment, personnel and materials, providing an overview of the current mine status, thereby enabling improved control over operations. This enables sites to increase production, reduce costs and improve safety and business intelligence.”

During the event, the company’s MINExpo team will highlight the benefits of Pitram’s new service pack that was introduced earlier this year, which allows for enhanced functionality and provides new features.

Gilbey explains that one such feature is the capacity for the integration of Belaz haulage trucks. Previously, integration was possible only with other original-equipment manufacturers, namely Caterpillar, Komatsu and Terex. The system integration allows for the relay of data pertaining to the truck’s payload, fuel, speed and cycle status to the Pitram Mobile screens for display.

The Pitram solution has multiple modules for various mining-related aspects and activities. The Pitram Mobile module also allows for GPS tracking, speed warnings and proximity detection.

Gilbey points out that the Pitram file distribution service allows for files from various sources to be collated and distributed to multiple clients (typically through wireless mobile devices) through a main server.

Visitors to MICROMINE’s booth will also get to view Geobank 2017, the company’s latest version of its data management solution, along with Micromine 2016, the newest version of its exploration and mine design solution, released in May.

Technical staff are set to deliver demonstrations throughout the MINExpo event and will be available to discuss the applications’ features and benefits with delegates. Product specialists will deliver software demonstrations at the company’s booth and will be on hand to discuss how their product offering – which covers the entire mining process – can help delegates’ operations meet their business objectives.

“MINExpo is the largest show of its kind in the world and draws a truly international audience representing all major mining regions of the world. We also look forward to joining global mining industry leaders in the opening session to debate the issues of the day, provide perspectives on industry challenges and share visions and insights for the future,” Gilbey concludes.