Imagine a world where dusty paper records and outdated methods no longer bog down mining operations. This is now a reality for Managem Group.
By Fiona Jeffreys
Managem Group, an international mining company with African roots, has embarked on a groundbreaking digital transformation journey, starting with Seequent’s Leapfrog Geo.
Over the past three years, their ambitious project has consolidated the company’s vast historical data, including hundreds of boxes of archived papers, to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and to enable the adoption of future technologies like AI and machine learning.
Abdelmalek Ouadjou, pictured here (3rd from left) with the geologists team from Managem Group. (Image: Managem)
A key figure in the project, Abdelmalek Ouadjou said, “Digitising Managem’s mine data has allowed our team to develop detailed 3D geological models and identify areas with high exploration potential, including areas with minerals crucial for the energy transition.”
Abdelmalek Ouadjou is the Director of Exploration at Managem Group in Morocco. He has dedicated over 25 years to the company, starting with his PhD research, which ignited a passion that has kept him dedicated to the organisation ever since.
“Being able to clearly see our old mines in 3D the team could not believe their eyes! People have a picture of a project in their minds, but that can look so different for each geologist,” said Abdelmalek.
A 3D geological model created in Leapfrog Geo showing one of Managem’s copper deposits.
Eliminate paper, streamline mining projects
Before the Managem team started this project they knew they needed to find software that would best meet their 3D modelling analysis needs.
Seequent’s powerful 3D geological modelling software, Leapfrog Geo, provides the team with a clear picture of geological structures – crucial for making informed decisions about exploration and mining operations.
“Eliminating the need for physical maps and documents and allowing our geologists to access and analyse data directly from their screens, ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data handling,” said Abdelmalek.
“The incredible interactivity of Leapfrog Geo allows everyone to access and view the same data, enabling us to quickly pinpoint the mineralisation and understand where to place our efforts for exploration,” he said.
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Engaging teams with digital innovation
“One of the key challenges we faced was engaging teams with the new software. It’s not always easy to change established workflows and convince team members to adopt new technologies for improved efficiency and data management,” said Abdelmalek.
Abdelmalek had attended a Leapfrog Geo training session and was impressed by the software’s advanced 3D visualisation capabilities and its efficiency in managing large datasets. He introduced the innovative subsurface technology to his team to better understand the underground and as a viable solution for the future.
The company organised training programs for their geologists to understand and effectively use the new software. The team now enjoys benefits like more flexibility to work from home, easier access to information, and less reliance on others to find papers.
“Leapfrog Geo has eliminated paper in our underground mining projects, which often require managing extensive maps and complex overlays. This process can be mentally and physically demanding, but this technology ensures everything is well-organised and streamlined,” said Abdelmalek.
3 years
Managem Mining embarked on an ambitious three-year project to digitise their data.
$500k
The three-year project was implemented at a cost of $500,000
3D modelling
Resulted in more efficient drilling operations and reduced costs.
Enabling the adoption of future technologies
As they undergo digital transformation Managem is already seeing benefits to their operational efficiency.
“The use of advanced software like Leapfrog Geo has enabled us to leverage historical data for future exploration, engage our team with new technologies, and make more informed decisions about our mining operations,” said Abdelmalek.
Previously hindered by non-digitised data, they can now look to embrace future technologies such as harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to analyse data and pave the way for optimised exploration through geological pattern identification.