Computer science project recognised with industry award
27 November 2024
SIMEC Mining and the Magnetite Expansion Project was in good company once again after finishing equal second in a respected global industry award.
For research and a project led by Superintendent Exploration Geologist, Ed Lynch, SIMEC was runner up in the Maptek Geology Challenge.
While the challenge deals in complex areas of geological computer science, Ed summed up it succinctly when he said the project was simply to test whether the software could make things easier for geologists on site and unlock more time to go out and ‘kick the rocks’.
The complexity of the geological setting we work in presents significant challenges to our geologists when it comes to 3D modelling and grade control
Superintendent Exploration Geologist, Ed Lynch
For this year’s challenge, the theme was Geological Control for Geological Models, Ed’s submission applied the Maptek DomainMCF application to grade control and resource definition datasets from SIMEC Mining operations at Iron Magnet, Duchess South and Iron Monarch to rapidly produce usable geological and grade control models to assist resource definition and grade control activities.
Executive General Manager Growth and Transformation, Gavin Hobart congratulated Ed on his work and his submission which produced positive outcomes for the transformation project.
“The DomainMCF Machine Learning software presents an exciting opportunity for future RC and Blast Hole grade control modelling for MEP 1 & 2 allowing geologists to rapidly create block models enabling more time in the field/pit to strengthen orebody knowledge,” Gavin said
“Not only a great result for our business, with the advancement of big data and machine learning this was a great opportunity to trial some cutting-edge software with free access to the Maptek specialists.”
Maptek has been at the forefront of innovative mining technology for more than 40 years and has grown to be a global technology business employing 440 staff. The Maptek Geology Challenge encourages participants to combine their expertise with the power of machine learning to create models that accurately reflect geology.
Ed said he was keen to apply DomainMCF to specific situations in the SIMEC haematite and magnetite operations.
“The complexity of the geological setting we work in presents significant challenges to our geologists when it comes to 3D modelling and grade control,” Ed said.
“When given enough data, DomainMCF was able to produce similar results to more traditional human-driven modelling processes … I think it is particularly suited to grade control type modelling scenarios.”
Now in its fourth year, the Maptek Geology Challenge provides an opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge technology to create models directly from raw data, that are accurate and transformative for resource modelling and production applications.
Ed’s was joined in second place by a submission from mining giant Fortescue while first place was taken out by the Newmont Mining Corporation.
Main picture: Ed Lynch with his award certificate. Above right: All the award winners in Geological Control for Geological Models category.
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