Mining software company MICROMINE will provide previews of its major product releases – Geobank 2018 and Micromine 2018 – at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 5 to 8.

The company will showcase its entire suite of solutions, including data management solution Geobank, three-dimensional modelling and mine design solution Micromine and underground fleet management and mine control solution Pitram.

MICROMINE South Africa regional manager Renier Strydom tells Mining Weekly that the newest version of Geobank and Micromine are scheduled for release in March and both products have been developed on the back of “extensive” consultation with clients.

He notes that they include several new features aimed at improving operation and ease of use. “With numerous bug fixes and product enhancements, Micromine 2018 and Geobank 2018 provide improved functionality and are aimed at helping our clients reduce costs and improve efficiencies.”

MICROMINE places great emphasis on research and development, and is committed to regular product releases that build on the strengths of previous versions, states Strydom. He highlights that the company’s longstanding relationship with the Mining Indaba can be attributed to the range and calibre of delegates that the event attracts.

Strydom notes that product specialists will deliver software demonstrations at the MICROMINE booth throughout the event and will be available to discuss how the applications, which cover the entire mining process, can help operations meet business objectives.

“We are looking forward to catching up with our key clients from across Africa, as well as building relationships with new clients,” Strydom says, adding that MICROMINE will also look to receive updates from clients on current projects and some of the challenges they are facing. He says another benefit of the event is gaining insight into current mining industry trends, including technology and innovation.

“Mining Indaba 2018 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Mining Indabas yet and, with a new programme for 2018, we are excited at the opportunities it will bring to mining companies and service providers across Africa,” Strydom points out.

In recent years, the event has had an increased focus on networking and providing a platform for deal-making which, he says, “has been great for mining service providers, like ourselves, who are looking to do business at the event. Also, an increased emphasis on technology and innovation has seen the event evolve with the industry”.

Strydom notes that the company is particularly keen on attending the Junior Mining Showcase. “We think this is a great initiative that will generate plenty of new opportunities for junior miners. Also, the enhanced networking programme will enable our team to meet with more mining companies throughout the week than before.”

Pitram 4.9
Strydom notes that MICROMINE launched a new version of Pitram in October 2017. Pitram 4.9 improves functionality for users and has resolved some of the drawbacks of previous versions. He notes that the improvements were the result of the company’s desire to address feedback from users, with key areas addressed including Pitram’s reporting capabilities, portal and servers, as well as Pitram Mobile.

According to Strydom, Pitram 4.9 allows for not only improved control over operations but also for sites to increase their real-time data and business intelligence.

He notes that the software interacts seamlessly with MICROMINE’s mobile application Pitram Connect, launched in March 2017. “Pitram Connect provides users with access to mine-site data through their mobile devices. Mine managers can retrieve data relating to their site’s operations without directly impacting on mine control personnel or having to be at a workstation.”

Strydom notes that MICROMINE’s project pipeline for 2018 is looking “extremely healthy” across all of its product offerings because miners and potential clients have come to realise the benefits of software investments.

“We are optimistic and see a lot of opportunity to increase the user base of our software moving forward, particularly in Africa,” he concludes.