Articles by Northern Miner Staff

RockMass Technologies is streamlining and digitizing data collection in mining operations. Their technology enables improved decision making for ground control and geotechnical engineers in mines by providing accurate and real-time geotechnical data. Their flagship product automatically identifies and collects joint set measurements within seconds using their handheld LiDAR device. The Mapper allows engineers to improve the safety and efficiencies of underground and open pit mines.

More Information: www.rockmasstech.com/

As society emerges from fossil energy to a more efficient and sustainable source, GéoMégA believes that the future of clean energy resides in the lanthanide called neodymium. Neodymium is vital for the production of high-performance permanent-magnet motors, used in a wide variety of electrical devices. Such applications are already in increasing demand with the growth of sustainable-energy initiatives including hybrid and electric vehicles and direct-drive wind turbines.

Furthermore, to develop such neodymium deposits, GéoMégA believes it makes much more investment sense to have internal rare earth processing technology and in that way avoiding sending off your concentrate to companies in China for poor returns and no global supply advantage.

GéoMégA and its private subsidiary Innord are mineral exploration and mining processing technology companies which are focusing on the development of rare earth elements deposits in Quebec. The focus is delivering an environmentally sustainable process starting from the hydrometallurgical process to make a concentrate and all the way to separated high purity oxides. The companies have developed a low acid and low power metallurgical process for bastnaesite ore and a proprietary technology for rare earth purification that has been already demonstrated on industrial residues. GéoMégA is committed to meeting Canadian mining industry standards and distinguishing itself with its innovative engineering, stakeholder’s engagement and its dedication to local transformation benefits.

More Information: www.ressourcesgeomega.ca/

Solar Ship Inc. is a world leader in smart remote logistics. They design, build and sell electric airships, aerostats and hangars. These are fabric structures powered by renewable energy to create a logistics bridge between remote areas and the global economy. Their original mission was peace and disaster relief and they have expanded into mining, military and space industries.

More Information: www.solarship.com/

Sprung Structures

High Performance Fabric Structures available immediately from inventory and constructed in a fraction of the time compared to conventional construction

Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. Located in Aldersyde, Alberta is a member of the Sprung Group of Companies, in business since 1887, which has achieved international recognition by providing over 12,000 shelter solutions for thousands of different applications in one hundred countries throughout the world.

A Sprung structure is the ideal solution for structures in remote mining locations, built under rigid construction timelines with minimal foundation requirements. Sprung’s modular design and, ability to be crane-lifted, accommodate virtually any mining application. The relocatable design makes Sprung an ideal solution for the ever-changing needs at mine sites. Sprung structures adapt to changing priorities, easily expanding, reconfiguring, and dismantling for any mining need that may arise. The optional fiberglass insulation package provides a building solution that can be erected quickly for on-site offices, core sampling structures as well as safety meeting and dining facilities. Sprung structures shed snow by design and are engineered to withstand extreme wind loads. Our rust-free aluminum substructure is guaranteed for 50 years. Many mining companies prefer to lease Sprung structures for applications ranging from one month to five years.

Sprung has an unmatched worldwide reputation in the mining industry.

• On-Site Warehousing and Equipment Storage
• Vehicle Maintenance Facilities
• Safety Meeting Rooms
• Training Facilities
• On-Site Dining
• Dormitory Housing
• Recreational Facilities
• Aircraft Hangars
• Bulk Storage
• Milling Operations
• Remote Ore Processing Facilities
• Winter Hoarding
• Winch and Hoist Housing
• Environmental Remediation
• Pond Enclosures
• Core Sampling Facilities

More Information: www.sprung.com

For more than 150 years, Sandvik has remained committed to developing the most advanced engineering solutions. From the first steel products to today’s automation, we’ve always strived to develop world-leading solutions that add value to your business.

Our strength is in our customer relationships. We spend a lot of time with you in mines and quarries around the world, so we understand your never-ending push to increase productivity and cut costs.

Whether in an up market or a down cycle, we’ll continue developing technologies, such as automation and electrification, that meet the ever-growing needs of the mining industry in terms of safety, energy efficiency, alternative energy, and stricter environmental challenges.

Sandvik’s automation expertise is the result of years of continuous research, development and close collaboration with our customers. Today we offer the most advanced industry solutions to optimise the performance of your fleet and mining operation.

The system is future-proof and upgradeable from teleremote to single equipment automation to a full-fleet automation package with multiple equipment capability as your needs change and evolve. This genuine, industry-unique solution allows you to start your automation journey the way it best fits your needs – growing with your needs, as you can freely combine automated loaders and trucks to your system.

From autonomous and connected equipment to data analysis and process optimization, we’re launching new digital solutions to help you improve safety and reduce environmental impact, while optimizing efficiency and profitability.

More Information: www.rocktechnology.sandvik

IMP Automation is much more than a lab automation company. We challenge conventional sample processing techniques to engineer and deliver ground-breaking and innovative automated sampling, sample preparation, analysis and tracking solutions. Our new ControlTrack software is an example of how we are meeting the potential of the “Internet of Things” (IoT). This program enables on-site, real-time equipment maintenance through the use of VR headsets, live connectivity with experts worldwide, and a pre-populated database of components. Further, ControlTrack enables the centralized management and optimization of all of a company’s laboratories from one location if desired.

IMP continues the use of cutting-edge technology, the best equipment available in the world, and customer collaboration to deliver delivers products and systems that improve health and safety for laboratory personnel, improve precision and accuracy of results, and improve laboratory efficiency. IMP has a portfolio of patents and operations in South Africa, Australia, Canada, U.S., Mongolia, Chile and Brazil, with over 200 employees globally. From small to large operations, we can offer wet and dry sampling components; conventional, IR and microwave drying; a range of crushers, splitters and dividers; automated pulverizing units; particle size measurement solutions; automated fire assay and base metal fusion system; inline or online analysis; and delivery of mobile or modular lab facilities. From manual to fully automated solutions, talk with IMP first for what’s next.

Contact:
Brad McBain
General Manager – North America
Email: brad.mcbain@impautomation.ca

4361 Harvester Road – Unit 12, Burlington, Ontario Canada L7L 5M4
Canada Phone: 1-905-829-2800 Fax: 1-905-829-5211

More Information: www.impautomation.com

As the global energy grid moves to higher penetration levels of renewable energy, there will be an exponential increase in demand for low-cost, long-duration energy storage. This is the market targeted by e-Zn, the first company in the world to “metalize” electricity. The company’s zinc-based energy storage system can be up to 80 per cent less expensive than comparable lithium-ion systems for long-duration applications. Importantly, its energy storage system can cycle without degradation in capacity. It is also fire resistant, made of fully recyclable materials, does not rely on precious metals, and has fast response time. e-Zn is currently targeting the off-grid market, with a focus on the mining sector.

More Information: http://e-zn.com

Peytec is a Smart Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and make hyper-accurate “Indoor GPS” and sensing systems with applications in inventory tracking, asset management, and real-time quality control. Peytec mainly serves the industrial space such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Peytec’s featured product is the Smart Inventory Management System (SIMS). The SIMS is a hyper-accurate “Indoor GPS” and sensing system that tracks the exact location of asset/inventory/people in indoor environments in real-time in addition to sensing critical data with its unique modular sensing design. The modular sensing capability means many types of sensors can be attached to Peytec’s “Super Tag” by simply plugging them to the Super Tag connectors. Super Tag supports many types of sensors such as temperature, moisture, light intensity, relative humidity, pressure. Peytec’s Super Tags can support other types of sensors too. Peytec’s SIMS solution is map based and asset/inventory locations are displayed on a map in real-time. It is also a web-based battery efficient, mobile, and wireless solution that monitors inventory, asset, and quality in real-time 24/7. It sends alerts such as text messages and emails as well. It can also be customized to track safety and security. This system has a compact antenna design which makes Peytec’s Super Tags small and reliable. These tags are perfect for real-time and remote muck tracking/tracing from the point-of-origin all the way to the surface.

More Information: http://www.peytec.com

Canvass Analytics is a leader in automating intelligent industrial operations through its AI-powered predictive analytics platform. Canvass provides an enterprise grade platform for industrial customers to implement and scale automated industrial operations in a matter of days, using its pre-built predictive models pipeline.

Today, Fortune 500 companies are using the platform to automate complex production processes, generate new revenue streams and create new markets by producing higher grade products. Canvass Analytics’ customers include leading automotive, aerospace, energy, and food and agriculture companies globally.

Canvass Analytics for Metals & Mining

Canvass Analytics is enabling metals and mining companies to leverage predictive analytics to reduce O&M costs and improve production. Energy consumption and production is optimized while overall product quality is improved. For example, a Fortune 5000 metal and steel manufacturing customer is able to improve the process of producing integrated iron and steel. With Canvass Analytics’ AI-powered analytics platform, the manufacturer is able to predict the quality of production, reduce associated waste, improve cost of production and meet evolving sustainability needs of the business.

More Information: https://www.canvass.io

Peak Power is an Energy Storage Services provider that has developed industry leading software to optimize the operation and maximize savings from these systems. We offer a “no-cost” option for our customers using a shared-savings approach to ensure we have aligned interests. We also offer targeted Global Adjustment notification services to minimize downtime in responding to peak events. Over the 2017-2018 Global Adjustment season, Peak accurately forecasted all five system peaks within a 1-hr window and was the first company in Ontario to discharge a battery during these peak moments. We currently have four systems in operation including 3 in ON and 1 in NY. Peak is backed by the family office of David Thomson, Chairman of Thomson-Reuters, and is working with Google’s Sidewalk Labs to develop the world’s largest Transactive Energy project here in Ontario.

More Information: https://www.peakpowerenergy.com

Breaker Technology (BTI) is the rockbreaking expert in the mining and quarrying industries. For nearly 60 years, BTI has been helping companies power their productivity and break into profitability.

BTI is known worldwide for their exceptional Rockbreaker Systems. They offer twelve different model series with over 300 boom-to-breaker combinations for breaking oversize at primary crushers, grizzlies, draw points, and stopes. All rockbreaker systems are custom fitted to the mine or quarry application for maximum endurance.

Manufacturing and distributing a wide-range of underground mining vehicles has always been one of the core products in BTI’s product line. Their latest design, the ScaleBOSS 3D/3DE scaler, is a cutting-edge machine for a new generation of underground mining. BTI’s Mine Runner, a purpose-built utility vehicle, recently received an overhaul to increase its payload capacity from 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, and a new extended wheel base model was added to the lineup.

Situated along the Southern Georgian Bay in Thornbury, Ontario, BTI has been innovating custom sales and dealer network engineering solutions since 1958. Its highly qualified sales and dealer network supplies and services mining and aggregate equipment worldwide. BTI offers a depth of engineering experience, a dedicated and professional service and support network and a commitment to superior customer service, remaining a trusted brand in today’s aggregate and mining industries.

More Information: https://www.rockbreaker.com

Hydrostor is a leader in Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES), a low-cost, long duration bulk energy storage solution that is synchronous, emission-free and flexible to locate. A-CAES is uniquely suited to help mining operations lower operating costs and reliably transition to emissions-free electricity. Paired with solar, the integration of A-CAES can cut demand charges for on-grid mines or reduce fuel costs for off-grid mines. In addition, the ability to convert legacy infrastructure (shafts, drifts, etc.) into an A-CAES asset can generate new power market revenues, deferring costly rehabilitation liabilities in the process. Learn more at hydrostor.ca

More Information: https://www.hydrostor.ca

About GE Transportation

GE Transportation helps move the world and improve the world, as a global technology leader and supplier of equipment, services and digital solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. GE Transportation’s innovations help customers deliver goods and services with greater speed and savings using advanced digital solutions, manufacturing techniques and connected machines. The company employs approximately 9,000 employees worldwide.

More Information: http://www.getransportation.com/

The Cementation Group continues to evolve and encompass a larger scope of the project life cycle. Recognized globally as a design-build contractor for underground work we have expanded our capabilities with the addition of Cementation AG (above ground) and Merit Consultants International (construction management) with the goal of improving project delivery in all phases of your project.

Cementation continues to innovate and implement ways to improve safety and increase efficiencies while reducing capital costs and project schedule. Developing safe methods for working in high temperature environments or hoisting systems such as Borehole Hoisting and Injection Hoisting for transporting ore to surface are just a few examples of our ongoing commitment to innovation.

• 100 years of experience in shaft sinking and mine development
• Industry recognized safety leader
• Global footprint delivering projects in over 30 countries
• Multi-disciplined engineering group supporting design-build and EPC capabilities
• Deepest shafts in Canada (Glencore Kidd Mine D) and in the USA (Hecla Lucky Friday)
• Industry leader globally in large diameter raise boring

More Information: http://cementation.com/

Being a world-class gold producer means collaborating with our partners to achieve our vision of Together, Creating Sustainable Value. We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate – to be safer, more productive and responsible in the way we conduct our operations. We believe that our business should create economic and social benefits, and that the places where we mine should be better off because of our presence in those communities.

Our values are simple.

Be Safe. Make sure every one of our people goes home safe at the end of every shift, and that our mines are Safe Enough for our Families.

Be Productive. Deliver consistent, reliable financial and operational performance by ensuring our asset portfolio is world-class, sustainably developed, and operating to the highest standards of excellence.

Be Responsible. Do the right thing and honour our commitments. Be respectful and ethical, and invest in the well-being of our people, our communities and our planet.

More Information: https://www.goldcorp.com

Major Drilling Group International Inc. is one of the world’s largest drilling services companies primarily serving the mining industry. Established in 1980, Major Drilling has over 1,000 years of combined experience within its management team alone.

Major Drilling maintains field operations and offices in Canada, the United States, Mexico, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Major Drilling provides a complete suite of drilling services including surface and underground coring, directional, reverse circulation, sonic, geotechnical, environmental, water-well, coal-bed methane, shallow gas, underground percussive/longhole drilling, surface drill and blast, and a variety of mine services.

Over the years, the Company has positioned itself as one of the largest specialized drilling operators in the world by leveraging its main competitive advantages: skilled personnel, specialized equipment, robust safety systems, long-standing relationships with the world’s largest mining companies and access to capital. This positioning is strengthened by the Company’s senior management having experienced several economic and mining industry cycles.

Our corporate strategy remains to:

• be the world leader in specialized drilling;
• diversify our services within the drilling field;
• maintain a strong balance sheet;
• be the best in class in safety and human resources; and
• modernize our fleet with innovation and expand our footprint in strategic areas.

Major Drilling’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MDI.

More Information: http://www.majordrilling.com/

Established in 1996 in Sudbury, Ontario; Hard-Line is a leading supplier of automation, tele-operation, and remote-control technology to the mining industry. Hard- Line develops its products from the ground up, utilizing years of experience in mining, electronics, electrical design, and mechanical design. Hard-Line has new and innovative products that save lives while increasing efficiency.

No matter what type, make, or model of machinery, Hard-Line can configure it to operate remotely. Hard-Line’s strength lies in the ability to customize products and services to each client’s needs.

Hard-Line is a global company with branch offices in Chile, Peru, and the U.S.A., along with a worldwide distribution network.

More Information: http://www.hard-line.com

PwC provides mining companies with assurance, tax, consulting and deals services. For more than 100 years, we’ve used our knowledge and experience to develop tailored solutions for our clients, helping them build public trust and deliver the value they’re looking for. We work with 5800 partners and staff across Canada and belong to a trusted network of advisors worldwide.

More Information: https://www.pwc.com/ca/en.html