What does it take to achieve true efficiency across a mining operation? For Sandfire MATSA, the answer lies in an integrated approach to planning and operations. In this interview, Nick Woodbyrne (NW), Business Development Manager for Europe at Deswik, speaks with Martín Jiménez Moya (MJM), Head of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation in Mining Operations, and Danilo De Oliveira Correa Crego (DC), Head of Short-Term Mine Planning & Operations Control at Sandfire MATSA.
They share how Sandfire MATSA uses Deswik’s suite of solutions to make planning and operations work together, streamlining processes, keeping data organized, and connecting design, scheduling, and execution across its underground mines in Spain.
NW: Sandfire MATSA is the first European mining company to deploy a full suite of Deswik solutions across its value chain, from long-term, life-of-mine optimization through to shift level day-to-day planning. When did this journey begin?
MJM: About 10 years ago. We started by implementing Deswik CAD software (part of the Deswik Spatial package) for 3D modeling and geospatial analysis at our Aguas Teñidas and Magdalena mines. This was quickly followed by Deswik Sched (part of Deswik Planning) so that we could dynamically link mine design and scheduling, and the partnership has grown from there.
Which of Sandfire MATSA’s operations and business functions use Deswik solutions today?
DC: Pretty much all of them. We use Deswik Spatial software for mine design, Planning for Gantt chart scheduling, and APEX for underground mine optimization. Then we use Deswik OPS for operations planning and data capture, and our operators use the Deswik Operator App on their personal mobile devices to get the technical information they require during shifts. More recently, we’ve been using Deswik MDM for data management and governance across our mine planning, control, and operational functions.
What benefits has this integrated end-to-end approach to data and insights delivered for Sandfire MATSA?
DC: Since implementing Deswik Spatial, Planning, and Deswik MDM, we’ve been able to create a common template for mine planning across our operations, and the benefits are clear.
Our data is very well organized, and we can deliver all the information that different business units need when they need it. For example, we can supply each operation with the information needed when rescheduling plans. We can also provide our finance team with the data they need to run their financial models.
Having a template that is complete and reflects activities and targets across different business functions is really helpful for us.
MJM: The fact that these solutions are seamlessly integrated also helps us to close the loop between planning and operations and ensure more consistent production.
Which elements of the partnership have you found the most valuable?
DC: We have a very close relationship with Deswik’s personnel. That's a key part of our success with these solutions. If we ever have an issue or question, we can access help very easily through a call or WhatsApp chat. That means that our operations can keep moving and we don't have to wait for an answer or shut down any work.
MJM: I agree. Deswik’s solutions are great but so are its people. The consultants have helped us create a strong, step-by-step process to implement new software and they are always there when we need support.
Does Sandfire MATSA have any plans to expand the scope of its Deswik implementations?
DC: You guys are going to have to keep launching solutions, because I think we have everything now! Seriously though, at the moment, we’re focusing on getting the maximum value from the solutions that we have. For example, we’ve been discussing how to automate some of the processes that we have in Deswik MDM to increase our efficiencies.
MJM: In the future, we’re looking to expand our use of the Deswik Operator App. This is a key product for us, and we’re providing feedback to Deswik to improve and develop it further. In turn, this will allow us to create safer, more productive operations.
A big thank you to Sandfire MATSA for sharing their experience and being part of this conversation. It’s always great to hear how our customers are using Deswik solutions to make their operations more efficient and connected. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting their journey toward even greater optimization.
Sandfire MATSA
Sandfire MATSA's operations, located in the province of Huelva, Spain and comprising three underground mines in the municipalities of Almonaster la Real and Calañas, consist of mineral exploration and extraction and processing at a 4.7 Mt/p modern processing plant that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As part of the international Sandfire Group, Sandfire MATSA operates responsibly and safely to extract and produce mineral concentrates, specifically copper, zinc, and lead.
Copper is a cornerstone of the global economy and a metal that is essential for international economic growth. It is becoming increasingly important for its contribution to the decarbonization of the world.