Although software companies are trying to feature as much functionality as possible, in many cases, the software that is being bought by a mining company is not adequate for the intended purpose, says University of the Witwatersrand lecturer Dr Bekir Genc.

“There is barely an aspect of life on the average mine which is not served by one or more specialist software programs, and these aspects include the following: mapping; geological data management; geological modelling and resource estimation; mine design and layout; planning and scheduling; financial valuation; and mine optimisation,” he notes.

Also, Genc points out that it must be considered that each software provider’s product is not compatible with the others and, therefore, it makes it difficult for customers who are trying to find a program that addresses their particular needs – without having to acquire too many different products.

To overcome some of these challenges – mainly faced by mining companies but also by other users such as consultants and education institutions – software vendors started offering additional modules to the existing software.

However, Genc believes that this tends to overwhelm the system, as it becomes unclear where the core functionality of the software lies and which features are just ‘add-ons’.

“Under such situations, methodology to evaluate mine planning software use, to enhance decision-making in South Africa and improve efficiencies within the mining sector, is required,” he suggests.

Using a database populated with data from software providers, the Department of Mineral Resources and consultants, Genc created a framework to link South Africa’s main mineral commodities with the core functionality of the software being used.

This, he notes, has allowed users to see which software is the most used, not only the function for which it is used but also for the commodity in which the user is engaged.

Genc states that one of the key issues is that mining company software choices are based mainly on individual user preference – so the choice may change when a new mine planner is employed.

“The staff turnover within the mining industry is historically high, so competent mine planning software users tend to move around quite often. “If the new appointee is not familiar with the existing mine plan- ning software package, the mine may consider purchasing a new mine planning software package which the new appointee is familiar with.”

Therefore, in current market conditions, Genc mentions that, as mergers and acquisitions will continue reshaping the mine planning software field in this very competitive market, mine planning software providers are now also in a position to understand their market impact so that they can develop appropriate decision-making strategies for future growth.