Mining Work Breakdown Structure with 3D Spatial Detail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining operations face inefficiencies due to disconnected planning and costing systems, lacking integration between mining technical and financial domains, which impedes effective life of mine planning and cost control, particularly in multi-facet operations like mining, where mineral asset valuation and capital allocation are hindered by disparate technical and commercial interpretations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method for planning and controlling multi-facet business activities, such as mining operations, that creates a work breakdown structure with three-dimensional detail, assimilates measurable parameters, and generates inventory transactions, enabling real-time integration with ERP systems for resource and cost management, using toolsets like mine design and spatial data visualization, and libraries for mining method-specific rules and accounting practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mining operations use traditional disconnected planning and costing systems, then each system can function independently with its own expertise, but integration between mining technical and financial domains is lost, leading to inefficient resource allocation and cost control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously disconnected mining technical systems and financial ERP systems into a single integrated platform. The system combines geological data, mining operations data, and financial cost data into one unified database structure, enabling simultaneous access and consistent interpretation across both technical and commercial disciplines, thereby improving valuation accuracy while managing complexity through unified architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of standardized data structures and classification systems that bridge mining technical disciplines and financial accounting. This intermediary framework translates technical mining parameters into financial cost categories, enabling accurate resource allocation and cost control without requiring direct complex integration between all technical and financial systems
2Productivity
If mining operations use annual reporting cycles, then data collection and assessment can be thorough, but decision-making on capital allocation is delayed and impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection and processing operations that replace traditional annual reporting cycles. The integrated system continuously assimilates mining operational data and financial cost data in real-time, enabling ongoing assessment of mineral assets and immediate decision-making on capital allocation, thereby eliminating time losses associated with periodic reporting while maintaining thorough data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data standardization, classification, and integration during the continuous data collection process rather than waiting for annual reporting. By pre-processing and organizing data continuously as it is generated, the system eliminates the time-consuming post-collection assessment phase, enabling immediate decision-making while maintaining thorough data quality through ongoing validation
3Adaptability or versatility
If mining operations use disparate proprietary systems for each technical discipline, then each discipline can maintain its expertise, but integration and amalgamation of data from multiple disciplines is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated system into distinct functional modules that correspond to different mining technical disciplines (geology, mining engineering, processing, etc.). Each module maintains its specialized data structures and expertise while connecting to the unified platform through standardized interfaces, allowing each discipline to operate independently with full flexibility while contributing to and accessing integrated data from all disciplines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data framework that serves multiple mining technical disciplines simultaneously. The unified database structure and classification system are designed to accommodate diverse technical data types from different disciplines while maintaining consistent formatting and relationships, enabling the system to function as both a specialized disciplinary tool and an integrated multi-disciplinary platform
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for planning and controlling multi-facet business activities over extended time periods, such as mining technical activities, during life of mine from concept and pre-feasibility assessment to closure in a mining operation for a mineral deposit, and enterprise support processes, such as costs, concurrently with such activities, in a direct substantially real-time manner. The system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, selected from at least one toolset, with mining technical activity, spatial and accounting rules, and at least one library, with company, mining technical and accounting codes and practices; a non-transitory computer accessible creator, for creating a work breakdown structure for a specific mining work place location and specific mining technical activities, represented at least partially in spatial geometries at a level of three-dimensional detail with preselected granularity in accordance with the planning and timeframe of the operation; a non-transitory computer accessible codifier, for codifying in accordance with the work breakdown structure a corresponding cost code structure of substantially equivalent granularity: a non-transitory computer accessible assimilator, for assimilating pre-selected, measurable parameters of the mining activities; a non-transitory computer accessible generator, for generating inventory transactions, reflecting the change in state and status of the mineral deposit; and a non-transitory computer accessible comparator, for comparing, In an ERP system to enable at least semi-continuous mine planning and operation, the use of resources and the costs of such use, during such activities at pre-selected detail and granularity. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer-implemented instructions, a master business schedule and a work break down structure with corresponding cost code structure is also provided.