Abstract
Working in the Mining and Exploration industry means working with data. Data is constantly being generated, manipulated, evaluated, and interpreted to create models upon which multi-million-dollar decisions are based. It also often means working in remote locations where it can be hard to attract and retain top talent. Limitations with software and data connectivity meant workers would have to be onsite to connect to databases and work on models. In addition, sharing data with corporate offices was done via lengthy email updates and physically moving hard drives between locations. Remote connections to computers and servers made working offsite a bit easier, but recent events have shown how important it is to be able to work remotely.
Innovations in cloud-based software for data collection, storage and management and their interconnectivity to existing industry-leading 3D modelling software allow for new workflows where workers onsite can collaborate with workers in other locations such as home or corporate offices with ease. These softwares also save time; with direct connections to the modelling software, rehandling of the data is minimized, and time spent working with the data is maximized.
The collection of geological data points and imagery is done with cloud-based softwares that any relevant stakeholder can access at any time. Live updates of the data can be tracked and shared with everyone. Drillhole logging and point data collection are highly customizable, allowing data managers to collect the relevant desired information. Built-in validations and QA/QC allowsallow for correcting mistakes as they happen and frees up data managers to focus on other tasks. Direct connections to the 3D modelling software enables modellers to use the data almost instantly creating up to date models with drilling and point information that are further enhanced by the ability to link to and/or display the core photos directly within the software. Mistakes in logs can be caught without having to make a trip out to the core farm to confirm, and no time is spent searching for core photos on servers.
To facilitate collaboration, the project is hosted on a cloud server so that different teams and stakeholders are able to access the project and raw data, view the subsurface model in 3D, and track the changes made to the project as they happen. Cloud hosting also introduces multiple modeler workflows to simplify the sharing of data and projects between colleagues. The ability for 3D visualization and commenting on each revision allows for interactive collaboration to occur while still being tied directly to the project, so the important discussions are easily available to everyone and key decisions around future work can be made with confidence. New data can be added with ease to further refine the model, allowing for an iterative update process to support the project well into the future.