Practical aspects of technology transfer and systems integration in the area of micro-based computer applications at Noranda Minerals (Abstract)

The paper discusses how systems dealing with various areas of a mining enterprise should be designed and implemented. Designing a well integrated system and transferring that system to the operators in the field, require a high-level of cooperation between operators, the Research personnel and Information Services staff. An important pre-requisite for a successful implementation is user-readiness, both in the area of computer literacy and up-to-date knowledge of various types of numerical analysis. One major obstacle in the process of developing and marketing a new system, is previous bad experience with micro technology. Quite often a system which allows more flexibility and much more advanced capabilities is questioned because of an existing system which is not performing as- expected. The “art” of defining system requirements and the need to establish realistic expectations will be discussed. A case study of site implementations involving micro-based mine surveying, geological mapping and orebody modelling will be used to illustrate the concepts of technology transfer, and integrating these into the mine production environment.