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Conference Proceedings

11th International Mining Geology Conference 2019

Conference Proceedings

11th International Mining Geology Conference 2019

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Transforming geoscience through integrated workflows at Olympic Dam

Advancements in technology have allowed mine geologists to become highly multidisciplinary, but our fundamental role has not changed to maximise the value of the resource. We must embrace automation and standardisation or risk diluting the effectiveness of mine geologists through repetitive, non-value adding tasks. With rapid expansion underground into the Southern Mining Area, Olympic Dams Mine Geology team required systems and processes that allowed a core focus on providing quality geological products and maximising value from data observations. This paper documents the innovative transformation of Olympic Dams mine geology practices. The key enabler was the DeswikTM software package, which is used across mine planning teams, and provides a single source of stakeholder data. Integrated workflows have enabled automation of repetitive tasks and reduced processing time while improving data quality, repeatability and transparency. Underground geological mapping has been transformed from a paper-based system to an electronic workflow using DeswikTM process maps, enabling extremely efficient data capture. Up-to-date reference data is used while mapping, including survey data, 3D wireframes and drill hole information. Collected data is immediately available to all stakeholders on return to surface, for interpretation and incorporation into geological models. Our entire diamond drilling process from exploration targeting and detailed planning to scheduling is fully integrated through DeswikTM and available for animation along with mine plans. The changes have resulted in an estimated time saving of four full-time equivalent positions (FTEs), allowing prioritisation of high value-adding geological work including interpretation, analysis, modelling and strategic planning. The Mine Geology team is now working towards the first fully integrated, live 3D geological model of Olympic Dam. Additionally, the work has enabled greater transparency, collaboration between planning teams and ability to communicate risk and opportunity. CITATION: Dowling, L, Clark, J M, Hatt, A and Poznik, N, 2019. Transforming geoscience through integrated workflows at Olympic Dam, in Proceedings Mining Geology 2019, pp 397408 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).
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  • Published: 2018
  • PDF Size: 0.253 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P201908042

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