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Case Study | Using Data Science in MiningSaving & managing water resources effectively through data science

The Water Information Management System (WIMS) Application

Summary

Company: Anglo AmericanIndustry: MiningContact: Marnus BesterJob role: Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Kumba Iron OreChallenge: To monitor water extraction levels in real-timeSolution: WIMS ApplicationResult: A user-friendly water information system with extensive reporting functionalities

In order to manage water e�ectively, monitoring all aspects of water data in real-time is the only answer.

There is no other data management software package available that o�ers a complete solution to our needs. Only WIMS!

The role water plays at Kumba

In mining, water is a crucial resource, and it is becoming increasingly important to manage it effectively.The Anglo American strategy is to limit the use of potable, or fresh water for quality industrial use and to use water in an environmentally responsible manner.

At Kumba, our strategy is aligned in the fact that although we need to use water in the mine, we also distribute some of the mine water to surrounding communities in the Northern Cape, other mines and even farms in the Eastern Kalahari areas.

We use recycled water – like storm water – for dust suppression on roads and farming processes as there are no harmful elements added to the water in the iron mining process.

When it comes to mining safety, dewatering is very important because without water the entire mining business process will be dysfunctional effecting the business from both a financial and environmental perspective.

To enable us to use reclaimed and recycled water, it is critical to know and understand the bigger picture of the water we use: • How much do we extract?• Where does it go?• Where is it used?

The challenge

In order to manage water effectively, monitoring all aspects of water data in real-time is the only answer.

We therefore needed a database where all water-related data could be stored in order to monitor the entire process from extraction through to real-time water levels.

The challenge was to create a practical, user-friendly product that would bring all of these elements together.

Often, in cases like these, the mine would have an idea of what they want and need, but would not necessarily know what it means on the software development side or what the programming requirement would entail.

Enter ITE

Integrity Engineering (ITE) understands process-thinking. With an engineering background and extensive software development skills, Franszo Faul and his team had the right knowledge and expertise to collaborate with our team of specialist Geotech engineers and hydrogeologists on this project.

The solution

With ITE’s guidance we developed the WIMS (Water Information Management System) application. WIMS is more than a database, it is an information system with extensive reporting functionalities that also adds value on a strategic management level.

When looking at the WIMS app it may look very simple – it is easy to use and with a few clicks you are able to obtain the results you are after.

However, after working with ITE, we now have a much clearer understanding of the effort and complexity that went into building this application. Franszo and his team have the unique ability to apply their skills and expertise, and make the result so simple and user-friendly to use.

An on-going partnership

The partnership between Anglo American and ITE is a continuous process of collaboration and consultation where we share our vision and the ITE team informs, discusses their ideas and suggestionsand shares the steps followed and progress made. This enables us to give constant feedback and ensures a product that fits perfectly.

Why would we recommend ITE?

Their name Integrity Engineering says it all: Franszo and his team show integrity in the way they conduct business and the methodologies they follow align perfectly with the way we work. The way they work is well suited to develop these customised systems to ensure the end result is what the business really needs.

ITE has the ability to bring the different spesialised needs in the business together and develop the right software. We considered different solutions, but there were no software packages available that offered a complete solution to our needs.

What is WIMS?

The next generation in affordable, cloud-based groundwater information management systems designed to consolidate and securely store data, improve data management and accelerate hydrogeo project workflow!

About ITE

Integrity Engineering (ITE) is a software engineering company that uses data science to turn data complexities into expert insights that add value, save money and protect valuable resources.

We do this by engineering a unique software solution that distills data scientifically and amplifies the right data in the right sequence.

The end result? The ability to make insightful, resourceful decisions that will benefit your company’s future.

ffaul@iteonline.co.za

www.iteonline.co.za