Minnovare and Northern Star Resources form new ‘Technology Collaboration’

According to Minnovare, the collaboration follows the implementation of Minnovare’s drill and blast ‘Production Optimiser’ technology at Northern Star’s operations in Western Australia.

Over the last two months, the technology has been installed on selected long hole rigs at the company’s underground operations – improving rig accuracy and setup with an immediate benefit to operations. Since implementation, drilled meters have increased by 17% and blast-hole deviation at the collar reduced by 75%.  Flow-on benefits have included an increase in average recovery due to reduced bridging and a reduction in average dilution – reducing overall cost of production.

General Manager of Northern Star Mining Services, Rob Parsons, said: “In a very short period of time we have seen tangible benefits from the Production Optimiser system. The system has been well received by all operators, and Minnovare have worked with us to ensure a successful implementation.” 

Minnovare Managing Director Callum McCracken commented: “We’re delighted to be entering into this Technology Collaboration.  Northern Star were an early adopter of our production drilling technology and we’re pleased to see the immediate effect it’s having, with efficiency gains right across their operations.”

“Northern Star has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration with new technology forerunners.  Being an early adopter of new technology is central to their core strategy for the future – remaining a leader amongst their peers and being able to attract the best and brightest the industry has to offer.”  

McCracken added: “We feel Minnovare and Northern Star’s values align very well. From our point of view, we feel that when miners and technology innovators work closely together, that’s the most efficient way to make the biggest impact, in the shortest time-frame. Certainly, in the case of the Production Optimiser, once Northern Star were convinced of the benefits of the system they wasted no time in implementing it across their operations. It was impressive to see them ‘think big and act fast’.”

Northern Star Resources’ Principal – Innovation and Technology, Jeff Brown, commented: “Northern Star has a collaborative approach to innovation. We are always looking to work with parties that provide solutions to problems and to implement opportunities that drive a better overall business outcome. Minnovare is a fitting example of a provider that has worked through all aspects of their solution to ensure it integrates and delivers immediate value. Their approach and ability to rapidly act upon improvements has not only seen a very successful deployment but has laid the foundation for further collaboration.”

“The collaboration lays a platform not just for further implementations. Northern Star will be actively involved in the development of a series of new Minnovare products that will deliver additional efficiencies to our underground mining operations. Collaborating with solution providers like Minnovare and the technology they specialise in represents the future of the industry so we’re very pleased to be working with them.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/14082018/minnovare-and-northern-star-resources-form-new-technology-collaboration/