RPMGlobal introduces scheduling, design tool for underground potash ops

[caption id="attachment_1003742870" align="aligncenter" width="600"] New scheduling tool Credit: RPMGlobal[/caption] RPMGlobal has released its newest integrated mine planning and scheduling product, specifically tailored for the underground potash industry. Underground Potash Solutions (UGPS) builds on XPAC Solutions’ 40-year history and delivers an integrated mine planning and scheduling package. Working closely with potash miners, RPMGlobal developed UGPS to address the unique challenges of underground potash operations through a single integrated mine planning and scheduling package that can be used for design, reserving and scheduling across all planning horizons - from strategic to short term. Although the majority of world's potash is used as a nutrient to improve the fertility of soils, the potassium product is also a component of feed supplements used to grow livestock and enhance milk production. Underground mining is the most common form of potash mining, accounting for over 80% of global potash production. “We are proud to have worked collaboratively with our development partners on UGPS to ensure it meets the everyday practical needs of engineers working in underground potash operations,” Richard Mathews, RPMGlobal’s CEO, said in a release. “We are confident UGPS can drive a pivotal step-change in mine design and scheduling at potash operations.” The release of UGPS includes the parametric scheduling benefits pioneered by the company to automate the repetitive and time-consuming tasks that can often take a mine planner days or weeks to perform. The parametric design techniques within UGPS enable a planner to rapidly generate and analyse multiple scenarios. Changes to any aspect of the design or geology are automatically applied to the final schedule with minimal intervention. While existing alternatives in the market consist of poorly integrated modules, Mathews said UGPS provides a single product that incorporates all aspects of the scheduling process in one. “Scheduling changes are often triggered by changes to the mine layout, and in such instances, users are forced to make numerous manual adjustments across several independent tools to correctly model and understand the impacts. Unlike other 2D design tools on the market, UGPS undertakes detailed modelling of the potash deposit in 3D, creating a complete mathematical model of the mine. Moreover, users are able to import existing designs, create new designs or use a combination of both.” UGPS also introduces enhancements to the scheduling process that have been configured specifically for potash operations. While users generate detailed schedules for each item of equipment, automated mining rules ensure logical mine development sequences are always followed, allowing the engineer to focus on alternative equipment deployment strategies. “The release of UGPS is strategically placed to help mine planners unlock new levels of capability, and as a fully integrated mine planning and design tool, the advanced scheduling methodology and 3D capability contained within UGPS provide a level of sophistication that is unmatched in the market today,” Mathews concluded. For more information, visit www.RPMGlobal.com.