In a groundbreaking development, Australia-based GeoMoby has announced the successful integration of its Real-Time Location and Communication System (RTLCS) with Ventsim 3D underground mining ventilation design software and Ventsim CONTROL. This integration, which includes successful testing of the ventilation integration completed this month, is set to revolutionize the way underground mines operate, particularly in terms of ventilation management and cost efficiency.
The collaboration between GeoMoby and Ventsim is not just a technological feat; it’s a game-changer for the mining industry. Ventsim’s software enables Ventilation on Demand (VoD), a system that optimizes airflow, heating, and cooling in underground mines. When combined with GeoMoby’s RTLCS, mines can achieve unprecedented levels of operational efficiency. GeoMoby’s technology provides real-time monitoring of assets and people, allowing mines to ventilate only the areas where activity is occurring, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Chris Baudia, CEO and founder of GeoMoby, emphasizes the financial implications of this integration. “It costs underground mine operators many millions of dollars each year to adequately power and operate ventilation systems and, together, our highly accurate technology is able to cut those costs substantially,” Baudia states. “Working with Ventsim, GeoMoby could shave millions from operational costs for individual underground mines. Our technology has now been fully integrated with one of the world’s best VoD systems and, for mines already using Ventsim, their operational costs are about to get a whole lot cheaper.”
The implications of this integration are vast. For starters, it challenges the traditional approach to mine ventilation, which often involves continuous, blanket ventilation regardless of activity levels. By leveraging GeoMoby’s real-time location data, mines can now adopt a more dynamic and responsive ventilation strategy. This not only saves costs but also enhances safety by ensuring that ventilation is directed where it is most needed.
Mathieu Paul, GeoMoby Director, highlights the practical benefits. “The costs of providing your mine workforce with adequate ventilation can be drastically reduced if you only ventilate the areas of mines in which people are working and moving. GeoMoby allows you to see your teams and work activity in real time, therefore you can automatically turn off, or reduce, ventilation in areas of the mine which are not active.” This level of precision is particularly crucial in large, multi-level mines where inefficient ventilation can lead to significant energy wastage.
The integration also underscores the growing trend of digital transformation in the mining sector. As mines become more technologically advanced, the ability to integrate different systems seamlessly becomes a competitive advantage. GeoMoby’s all-in-one visibility platform, combined with Ventsim’s advanced ventilation control, sets a new standard for mine management.
Looking ahead, GeoMoby has ambitious plans to expand its footprint. Baudia reveals, “Our aim now is to establish an even bigger footprint in Australia in 2025, as well as further installations and trials around the world, hopefully incorporating the Ventsim option.” The company is particularly focused on large underground mines in regions like South Africa, South America, New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia, and the US. This global expansion will not only drive GeoMoby’s growth but also push the boundaries of what is possible in mine safety and efficiency.
The successful integration of GeoMoby’s RTLCS with Ventsim’s software is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a catalyst for change in the mining industry. It challenges traditional practices, promotes cost efficiency, and enhances safety. As more mines adopt this integrated approach, we can expect to see a significant shift in how underground operations are managed, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in mining.