Maptek and PETRA Data Science

Maptek and PETRA Data Science have established a partnership which will enable seamless value chain optimisation and simulation from resource models through to metal produced.

PETRA’s suite of highly scalable and platform agnostic algorithms are successfully deployed by mining companies around the world. These prediction algorithms prevent unplanned downtime and enable process optimisation by predicting process variables in real-time.

Digital twins for value chain optimisation ingest millions of tonnes of ore data to predict and simulate plant performance using machine learning.

Applications include drill & blast simulation, geometallurgical prediction, and process control simulation and optimisation. Machine learning models are readily deployed across the value chain from mine planning right through to advanced process control.

PETRA’s Managing Director, Penny Stewart will continue to drive the growth and development of PETRA solutions, with Maptek Managing Director, Peter Johnson appointed to the PETRA Advisory Board.

‘I see Maptek as the go to company for spatial data in mining. Whether you are looking at their 3D virtual environments for geological modelling and mine optimisation, or long-range laser scanners for 3D mapping and monitoring, every aspect is custom built for mining,’ said Stewart.

‘Any true digital twin in mining needs to consider geology. Our partnership with Maptek provides PETRA with easy access to upstream geological data for value chain optimisation, and enables Maptek to extend schedule optimisation downstream of the mine.’

‘For the first time, miners will be able to play forward the mine schedule into the processing plant.’

The integrated technology offerings of PETRA and Maptek cover solutions from geological modelling to plant and process optimisation and simulation. Combining deep domain expertise from across the whole value chain offers the industry a practical alternative to the common practice of siloed optimisation.

Maptek Evolution mine schedule optimisation will be dynamically linked to PETRA’s latest digital twin performance models, including metal produced, grade, quality, recovery and throughput. Dynamic mine scheduling is made possible by bringing together Maptek optimisation engines and PETRA’s prediction and simulation algorithms.

Maptek BlastLogic blast design optimisation will benefit from dynamic links to PETRA digital twin models for loading, crushing and grinding. And PETRA MAXTA digital twin blast design simulation will benefit from connection to BlastLogic historical drill and blast design data.

Johnson said that Maptek’s goal to enable customers to realise greater value from the available mine data requires consideration of a context far beyond the orebody model and mine plan.

‘We need to empower our customers to relate the performance and characteristics of processes and equipment far downstream from geology or planning assumptions and understand the relationships better.’

‘PETRA has a proven capability to create prediction and optimisation algorithms for miners through the innovative application of their data science expertise and experience in the real world,’ Johnson added.

Stewart acknowledged Maptek’s reputation for maintaining substantial investment in software and hardware for spatial data.

‘I feel honoured that Maptek has chosen to partner with PETRA, and the whole PETRA team is excited by what this partnership will achieve for the mining industry!’

The investment and ongoing partnership will build business improvement into the mining cycle by leveraging the technology of both companies.

To find out about the possibilities, contact PETRA info@petradatascience.com or Maptek solutions@maptek.com.au