Standard system supports collaboration

Leading edge geological modeling and mine design software now in use across all Rio Tinto Coal Australia sites is set to boost efficiency and increase collaboration.

Rollout of the Group standard software, Mincom's MineScape, is complete following projects to commission it at Mount Thorley Warkworth and Hunter Valley Operations.

The projects were managed under the Technical Systems Programme.

A standard MineScape system means engineering, surveying and geology processes will be more efficient and employees will be able to move more easily between operations.

"All sites now have a common tool and use a common language, allowing increased collaboration to identify improvement opportunities," Manager Resource Assessment Ken Preston said.

"Support has also been improved throughout Rio Tinto Coal Australia.

"The Technical Systems Programme team, together with site staff and Brisbane office specialists have done a great job in making the rollout in the Hunter Valley a success."

Follow up training in the software system, which includes dragline, drill and blast, open cut and underground modules, has also been underway for surveyors, geologists and mining engineers.

"Employees from different sites and occasionally different disciplines have been attending the same training sessions," said Paul Fazey, Senior Reconciliation Engineer and coordinator of the recent MineScape training for Rio Tinto Coal Australia.

"This helps to promote knowledge sharing and learning to ensure people get the most out of the tool.

"The training has been very well received and we plan to create more advanced, tailored courses in the near future."

For more information about the programme or software, please contact Organisational Change Manager, Terry Lodge on (07) 30291243.