Eltirus

Overview

In 2017 we set about revolutionising quarry extraction through the application of new approaches to reducing risk and costs and improving productivity and collaboration.

We did this by asking quarry operators what their biggest challenges were and what the value of solving them would be. Some of these included:

• How can I de-risk my business?
• How do I ensure continuity of planning as people move through the business?
• How can I improve decision making and collaboration and ensure transparency?
• How do I know what’s in the ground and what’s it worth?
• How do I upskill my workforce and prepare them for the future?

Our experience is that well implemented programs add tens of millions of dollars to the bottom line, improve sustainability, eliminate safety risks and improves employee engagement.

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital Transformation is the process of creating an above and below ground Digital Twin of the operation that is accessible to key stakeholders via a secure web enabled platform.

The problem most operations have is that their data is either paper based or in systems that are not accessible to them (e.g. a geological model that only head office or consulting staff have access to). This makes it very hard for stakeholders to collaborate and truly understand their site and the key value drivers.

Our experience is that when you put accurate survey, resource, geotechnical and scheduling models in the hands of stakeholders and give them the tools to enable and monitor progress, you make a significant difference to the sustainability and viability of the operation.

Most vendors have just one “piece of the puzzle” and trying to connect them up into coherent, repeatable workflows can be extremely difficult.

We identify useful software and equipment and then, through working with operations, determine which are valuable and how best to integrate them.  From there, we create a documented, repeatable, web enabled and end-to-end solution (see diagram above) that increases sustainability and drives down costs.

Our approach to Digital Transformation

Before anything else, you need to have a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve and then ensure that it is resourced and supported.

We work with you to put in place the key building blocks and systems you need and if required, work on knowledge transfer to upskill your employees with the needed methodologies, software and hardware. Key components include:

Data collection and model building

These components provide the data needed for effective planning:

• An accurate, repeatable, site wide drone program and stock control system
• A representative geological model ensuring a good understanding of what material is where
• A geotechnical model that provides certainty that the walls are going to stay in place
• A validated set of survey data e.g. property, extraction boundaries, clearing, protected vegetation, services etc.
• Quarry design identified and checked
• Rehabilitation plans identified and checked
• Market assessment to ensure there is a clear understanding of what is saleable, in what volume and at what price
• All key documents and licences identified and digitised

Tools to provide access to data

These tools provide stakeholders with access to the data for better decision making:

• A secure web based portal which provides links to other systems and critical data and licences.
  • An above and below ground Digital twin of the quarry showing stocks, survey, operational planning and design data
  • Geological/geotechnical model
  • Drill hole database
  • Geotechnical monitoring system
  • Operational performance system

Tools to implement designs

These tools ensure that operators and supervisors have the data they need in the field:

• Survey systems to ensure that designs can be accurately transferred to equipment.
  • Simple GPS survey devices
  • Drill rig hole navigation (for hard rock sites)
  • Machine guidance systems

Optional – Software to do the work in-house

• Deswik Quarry design software
  • Optimisation
  • Design
  • Scheduling
  • Environmental planning
• Geological modelling software
• Geotechnical modeling software
• Machine guidance data management systems

Summary

These initiatives are “front loaded” in terms of time and resources and our experience is that even if you have your own technical team, our assistance is vital, as there is a lot of upfront work to do and our team are well experienced in how to do this and can help you avoid known pitfalls.

Lastly, it is important to find champions within your business who can work to make this type of initiative become an integral part of your business, not just a passing fad.

To find out more, contact Steve Franklin on +61 474 183 939 or steve.franklin@eltirus.com