The SA GeoTech conference is a major technology expo that explores geo-intelligence solutions across the design, construction and data value chain. The latest cutting-edge hardware and software technologies were on show. The theme of the conference was to drive new business opportunities and economic growth for all sectors of the economy.
As first-time exhibitors, MICROMINE Africa used the opportunity to increase the awareness of our solutions in the technology sector in South Africa. With the mining sector increasingly looking at new technologies to improve operational efficiencies, the conference presentations covered everything from 4IR, machine learning, spatial planning and modelling, to GIS, reality modelling, and satellite-based monitoring.
The presentations began with Dr Arulsivanathan Naidoo giving an in-depth look at how spatial data science is the key to the relevance of geospatial professionals in the big data age. Spatial data science is the assemblage of geography, statistics and computer science. Dr. Naidoo spoke about the importance of being multiskilled and keeping up with technology to remain relevant for the next 25 years. You can find his presentation here.
Following. Dr Naidoo’s presentation, Professor Fred Cawood from the WITS Mining Institute provided insight into uniting GeoTech and 4IR for 21st-century mining. Professor Cawood stated that mines need to create more value. He said that the focus must be to invest in sustainable development, modernization, and introducing technology responsibly. He continued by saying it will create an environment where adopting new technologies will be more comfortable. He emphasized that the skill sets required are changing, and the professions of the ‘future mine’ does not exist today and the industry needs to prepare for this. You can find his presentation here.
MICROMINE Africa’s Kayleigh Cooper, Donovan Coetzee, and Karin-Leigh Erasmus attended the conference, with Kayleigh and Donovan both delivering presentations about their field of interest. Kayleigh spoke about simplifying the geological modelling process with a focus on Stratified deposits. Kayleigh walked the listeners through the process and the multiple variables that are considered by geologists when generating a Seam Block Model (SBM) in Micromine 2018.
Donovan’s presentation was about Data Management and the correct methods and processes to managing your data the right way. Using Geobank 2018 as a Data Management Solution, Donovan took the audience through what a data management system is, the ‘best practice’ principles that guide data management, and how to acquire, validate, store, protect and display your data.
When combining Micromine 2018 and Geobank 2018, you have a robust solution that gives you the ability to not only validate, store and report on your data, but you are able to use your data now to create a clear image (block model, wireframe, pit design) of what your data looks like in 3D. MICROMINE is the only software company that provides mining solutions that cover the whole mining value chain.
The SA GeoTech conference brought to our attention the high demand for intuitive technologies that not only help operations become more efficient, but also contribute to the upskilling and reskilling of staff.
