Simulation business process

AV Group manufactures radio markers which are used to simulate blast-induced rock movement. This enables better control of ore extraction. The process is simulated using software and includes three stages.   

• Data input: deposit topography, blast pattern, information about gold
• Calculating the position of bulk ore and gold content after blasting
• Drafting documents for ore excavation and conducting cost estimates

The process effectively manages drilling and blasting operations with the help of a decision support system based on computer simulation of rock movement. The accuracy of these  simulations directly impacts the profit of AV Group.

Problem

The customer aims to become the market leader in the mining industry. To achieve this ambitious goal, they decided to create a special IT product for simulating drilling and blasting operations. AV Group required high quality pre-project analytics and assistance in drafting a proficient terms of reference for developing their own solution. The time constraint was challenging, as they planned to announce a request for proposal within three months to select bids from qualified contractors to complete their project.

Solution

Rubius specialists designed a terms of reference to develop a software that simulates blast-induced rock movement. Our analysts with professional background in mining gathered information about rock behavior under blasting and interviewed the specialists who manufacture radio markers. They also determined the algorithm of landfills building within the excavation direction and assessed risks related to blasting.

terms of reference content 

We developed the terms of reference in accordance with the requirements of both state and internal company standards. It includes a description of the main stages of software development, the timeline, customer acceptance testing, and requirements for technical documentation and execution. 

The software functionality includes: 

• Simulating rock movement induced by drilling and blasting operations
• Building landfills for further rock and soil excavation and moving 
• Analyzing excavation direction in terms of cost efficiency 
• Selecting optimal extraction parameters
• Storing simulation data

Results 

Based on the conducted analysis Rubius specialists provided a terms of reference for software development. This software helps determine economically viable excavation directions and enhance the efficiency of drilling and blasting operations management. It took Rubius team 1.5 months to complete work which allowed AV Group to post a request for proposal within short terms and with minimum expenses.