Digital technology can help at every stage of the mining process, from exploration, extraction, transportation to processing of the minerals and shipment. Maptek Afrika provides timely, local technical support for the business-critical technical challenges that operations face in the mining industry. The leading provider of innovative software recently donated an I-Site 8800 scanner to Mining engineering students at Wits University. They specialize in providing innovative, high-quality solutions for the business-critical technical challenges facing the mining industry.
The equipment scans a large number of cloud points very quickly, providing detailed data that can be analyzed with three-dimensional modelling and analysis software. Moreover, the scanner will give students valuable insight into how this technology can assist in functions like survey, geology, geotechnical and mining and can be applied in open pits and underground environments. The value of the laser scanner, including all its supporting hardware and software, is in excess of R6 million.
Nick Venter from Maptek Afrika said, “we have maintained a long and healthy relationship with Wits, recognizing the importance of strong partnerships between academia, the mining sector and its technology suppliers”. Wits School of Mining Engineering is the only mining school on the African continent to feature in the top 50 schools worldwide. Its programme includes: researching deep level mining techniques; developing new methods to ensure the safety, the wellbeing of miners and researching new technologies in mechanized mining systems. Head of the Wits School of Mining Engineering, Professor Cuthbert Musingwini said “The School of Mining Engineering deeply appreciates the Maptek laser scanner donation to the Wits Mining Institute because it will be beneficial for both teaching and research in geospatial techniques.
