Driving Mining Productivity through Technology: Interview with: Fred Banfield, Chairman, Mintec, Inc., a solution provider company at the marcus evans Global Mining Summit 2012, on boosting productivity and efficiency in mining organizations.

1. Driving Mining Productivity
through Technology
dismissed as high tech in a low tech Any final words of advice?
i n d u s t ry . A c o m pr e h e ns i v e a n d
integrated mining management Train your staff in technology.
software solution, such as MineSight’s, Implement processes that maximize the
offers companies a significant use of repeatable technology and
competitive edge. minimize staff requirements. Mining
companies are already short staffed and
Why should they focus more on the situation will not improve. With
productivity? some regions of the world offering very
attractive salaries, staff mobility will
New technology drives productivity continue to be a problem. Repeatedly
improvements. Mining is highly cyclical. training staff through a revolving door is
If you jump on the gravy train when not easy if processes are ad hoc and
Interview with: Fred Banfield, times are good, but do not drive your locally built.
Chairman, Mintec, Inc. productivity up, you will be off the train
on the next downturn. Improving
productivity requires investment in new
More automation is the answer to technology. It is best to do that when
boosting efficiency and overcoming the the company is profitable. Managing this
labor shortage in the mining sector, when times are good is the key to
says Fred Banfield, Chairman, Mintec, surviving the next downturn.
Inc. “Product purchasing decisions need
to be more organized and centralized. What mine evaluation, design and New
technology
Corporations would not allow their operation issues do companies
accounting or HR departments to overlook, that you consider critical
implement ad hoc processes, yet it is a to success?
pattern that is repeated in the technical
side of mining,” Banfield adds. “Poorly We continually see at least four issues drives
productivity
integrated software and processes are when we visit mines. Firstly, inadequate
the result.” definition of workflows and repetitive
practices, making mines vulnerable to
From a solution provider company at
the upcoming marcus evans Global
data loss, inefficient practices and
constant firefighting. Secondly, many improvements
Mining Summit 2012 in Las Vegas, sites still use practices created by a
Nevada, December 6-7, Banfield knowledgeable engineer at the start of
discusses the role that new technologies the mine operation. Software is
can play in the mining sector. constantly improving, so users need to
stay on the curve of technology to
How could mining companies develop best practices.
become more efficient?
Thirdly, we see them relying on
Many mining processes are labor- standalone spreadsheets and accessing
intensive, with old habits dictating how databases to maintain mission critical
tasks and workflows are completed. The data, instead of centralized data stores
current labor shortage is forecast to which can save them time. And lastly,
worsen, which will further challenge staff trust results instead of thinking
mining companies. More automation is critically. They need to spend more time
the answer, and more mines are reviewing results and engineering,
recognizing the need for efficiency. instead of preparing results for analysis
Technical solutions are no longer (and not doing the analysis).

2. About the Global Mining Summit 2012
The Mining Network –
marcus evans Summits group This unique forum will take place at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, Las Vegas,
delivers peer-to-peer information Nevada, December 6-7, 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition
on strategic matters, professional or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought
trends and breakthrough leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event.
innovations.
www.miningsummitna.com
Contact
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About Mintec, Inc.
Mintec, Inc. is a software developer and service provider for the mining industry. Founded in 1970, Mintec has grown into a global
network of mining professionals providing technology, service, and support in the most complex mining operations in the world.
MineSight, the company’s comprehensive modeling and mine planning software platform, offers integrated solutions for
exploration, modeling, design, scheduling and production. Headquartered in Tucson, AZ, we deliver efficiency and reliability that
improves productivity at every stage of your mine’s life.
www.minesight.com
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss
strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to
individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings.
For more information, please visit: www.marcusevans.com
Upcoming Events
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To view the web version of this interview, please click here: www.miningsummitna.com/FredBanfield