Sandvik Mining and Maptek Pty Ltd (Australia) have announced the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see the two leading mining suppliers cooperate to develop integrated planning, execution solutions and robust automation systems for the mining industry.
The MoU will focus the effort and technology from the two companies towards delivering automated mining equipment which can connect to and work directly from mine planning and measurement data in Maptek products.
"There are enormous benefits to be had by making Sandvik mining equipment more automated and more spatially aware," said Rowan Melrose, Sandvik Mining’s global head of automation.
"Improved accuracy and precision, improved safety and cost reductions are all directly related to the outcomes we are targeting."
Melrose said the cooperation between Sandvik and Maptek will aim to remove the separation that exists between mine planning and design detail and production equipment and operators.
"We are very pleased to be working with Maptek and excited about the prospect of creating the most advanced mining systems in the world," Melrose added.
Peter Johnson, Maptek’s general manager – Australia, said the MoU was a significant development for the industry.
"This work will be a huge leap forward for our customers, who will be able to send detailed design and modelling data flowing though their mine operations, and monitor in real time performance and conformance," Johnson said.
"This is the next step towards further unlocking the inherent value in resource and mine planning data. The biggest challenge remains in consistent delivery across the mining value chain, and this initiative between Maptek and Sandvik is aimed directly at that outcome."