Hexagon is partnering with Western Australia’s Augment Technologies to help mines optimize operational efficiencies by accurately accounting for blast movement. The partnership will harness a blend of block model data, artificial intelligence (AI), and measured 3D movement data to create the blast movement solution.
Augment Technologies leverages a physics engine powered by an AI algorithm to create a Muckpile Block Model that is continuously improved through a machine-learning process. The process uses vast amounts of blasting data to ensure that the model’s controlling parameters and simulated physics are as accurate as possible.
“We’re very excited to be working with a global technology leader like Hexagon,” Augment Technologies Co-founder and Chairman Greg Hardwich said.
The collaboration between Hexagon and Augment will allow miners to view and manage a Muckpile Block Model that retains all the data and fidelity of the grade control model, with extremely high accuracy and resolution. Users will have the option of incorporating Hexagon’s Blast Movement Monitors as an additional measure for blast movement and for training the AI model, with complete transparency into all the data inputs and output. They can also combine operational data with insights from the Hexagon Block Model Manager API to help optimize upstream and downstream processes, all within a trusted, industry-proven geological modelling software platform.
“Ore loss, dilution and misclassification cost mines millions of dollars a year.” said James Dampney, vice president, resource optimization, Hexagon’s mining division. “Our partnership with Augment Technologies will help mines to optimize digging locations and downstream handling of ore, resulting in valuable processing efficiency and reductions in energy consumption.”
