Project Definition
Norton Gold Fields use DataShed to store, organise and analyse their mining data. They also use LogChief to log and validate their drilling data and QAQCR to manage assay quality control.
Like most mining companies, Norton Gold Fields uses a number of other applications as part of their business. For example, they use the REFLEX GYRO SPRINT-IQ downhole survey tool, and this data is collected externally in IMDEXHUB-IQ™
The renowned gold producer has found that rapid integration of survey data enables real-time analysis and improved business decisions.
The Client
Norton Gold Fields is one of Australia’s largest domestic gold producers, with recent annual production of up to 200,000 ounces. The company has a mining and processing complex in Western Australia’s world-class Kalgoorlie gold region, including a highly prospective tenement package of more than 1,000km² surrounding the 3.8Mtpa Paddington Mill.
The Challenge
In order to move their downhole survey data into DataShed where they could use it, the geology team at Norton Gold Fields were asking their drilling contractor to download the electronic multishot data from the survey pad onto a USB thumb drive.
In the office, they had to convert the survey pad output files (MLH files) into CSV files in a separate ‘app’ called REFLEX SPROCESS. On the USB there were MLH files belonging to recent drill holes provided by the drill contractor that were not named by Hole ID, which made understanding which surveys had been processed and which had not more difficult to track and required backups to be saved.
After conversion, the import layout in the CSV would need to be adjusted by copying and pasting data into columns before each approved file could be manually imported into DataShed. During this workflow, the data would need to be reviewed; filtering out magnetically susceptible readings and correct any of the drillers’ hole id data entry errors.
Repeating this process every few days meant that the geology team was spending on average three hours each week moving downhole survey data around.
The Solution
First, Norton replaced the DEMS tool for a REFLEX True North Seeking GYRO SPRINT-IQ tool that would store the information in the IMDEXHUB-IQ™.
Then maxgeo implemented a solution for DataShed to interface with the IMDEXHUB-IQ™ API (Application Programming Interface) that automatically synchronises approved downhole surveys into DataShed. The solution uses a combination of API, J-son files and Node-red workflows to move the data into the DataShed database, polling at 15-minute intervals.
Drillers can now upload surveys on a daily basis to the Hub, which sends an email to the geologist that a survey is ready for review and approval. Once the geologist checks the Hub and clicks on the approve button for that survey, the surveys are auto-synced to DataShed in 15 minutes.
Drillers also select the active Hole IDs, which are uploaded on the IMDEXHUB-IQ™ by the geologist, from the drop-down list which prevents any manual data entry errors and so allows for faster upload to the database.
Norton’s survey data is now appearing more rapidly and consistently in DataShed, so the integration has resulted in more accurate data, available more quickly for Norton staff to access and use.
The Outcome
John Walsh, Senior Mine Geologist at Norton Gold Fields, has saved about three hours per week since the DataShed and IMDEXHUB-IQ™ integration two months ago.
“The solution to our previous drillhole survey data flow has been a big change for the better because once I’ve approved the surveys in IMDEXHUB-IQ™, the API synchronises them to DataShed automatically. No more downloading, reformatting and uploading files.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to another site.”
With maxgeo providing all the database administration for Norton’s operations, it’s important to John that support from the company is top-notch.
“Maxgeo’s service is excellent. Whenever we have database work that needs to be done, such as updates or edits, we can count on it being delivered on the day, or else the next day”, John said.
maxgeo’s Data Management Consultant, Lerelle Bom, keeps in regular contact with clients such as Norton Gold Fields to ensure we are supporting them in their business goals.
“We love to help our clients solve their data management problems. The automatic integration of Norton’s downhole data into DataShed is an example of that. It’s great to see resource companies using the latest technology to make their work easier and lower their risk”, Lerelle said.
If you would like to know more about how maxgeo software can integrate with other mining applications, contact us by phone or at [email protected]
John Walsh, Senior Mine Geologist
photos provided by Norton Gold Fields
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