Managing and mapping buried assets, such as communication and electrical lines, poses a unique challenge to companies worldwide. At CITIC Pacific Mining, they decided to use GIS technology to map all buried cables, lines and pipes at their Sino Iron project, the largest magnetite project under construction in Australia.
“GIS technology provides our surveyors with a secure and efficient way of operating, improving workflow and enabling users to make more informed decisions,” CITIC Pacific Mining senior GIS analyst Chris Brown said on Australian Mining.
In mining, having a precise location of underground infrastructure not only improves productivity, but it also increases safety. Before GIS technology, mines relied on paper-based maps. This often led to multiple versions of files and human errors. Now surveyors can view data, location, and access in high-resolution layers that include above ground infrastructure.
“This enables users to swiftly produce reports to accompany excavation permit applications, which details of the buried services and includes a map highlighting exact locations, ensuring we are always meeting legislative requirements,” Brown said. “The results of this is reduced pressure on our budget, resources, compliance with our license to operate and – above all – enhanced safety for personnel.”
GeoTel Communications can help companies like CITIC Pacific Mining locate buried assets. GeoTel’s fiber maps and broadband maps can be utilized to analyze existing infrastructure and locate buried fiber optic cables. We offer custom-made fiber maps based on client requests, as well as a variety of other telecom data products. Give us a call at (800) 277-2172 to learn more!
