PRESS RELEASE: The partnership links the latest version of the Deswik.UGDB, drill-and-blast design software, with Minnovare's new Production Optimiser system.

The integration allows the export of ring design data, including images, from Deswik.UGDB in a format that can be easily uploaded directly to the Production Optimiser's software interface, Minnovare CORE, which features digital drill plans and plods.

The Deswik/Production Optimiser integration helps to ensure that "what is drilled is what was designed", while also facilitating greater data capture and visualisation, the company said. It also reduces the likelihood for re-work, as the integration ensures feedback on accuracy and compliance is instant to both the rig operator and the technical/engineering team utilising Deswik.UGDB.

A module of Deswik.CAD, Deswik.UGDB manages the specialised needs of drill-and-blast designs for underground mines.

The Production Optimiser is the result of a six-month study of drill data from three underground gold mines in Australia. The study led Minnovare to identify three key factors contributing to blasthole deviation: collar error, alignment error and in-hole deviation. It indicated that alignment and collar error account for the vast majority of blasthole deviation - as much as 80%. The Production Optimiser was then created to reduce blasthole deviation by combining advanced rig-alignment hardware with data capture and visualisation software.

The Minnovare announcement follows the integration of Imago geoscientific imaging software with the Deswik.GeoTools Mapping module. Deswik said these partnerships are part of its commitment to creating an open and integrated software platform that allows data to flow seamlessly across all core mining functions.