Erdenet Mining Corp, located on the outskirts of Mongolia’s second-largest city, Erdenet, is undertaking a significant digital transformation to enhance its operations at one of the country’s largest porphyry-copper deposits. With an annual processing capacity of 32 million tons of ore, producing 130,000 tons of copper concentrate and over 10,000 tons of molybdenum concentrate, the company is focused on optimising its operations through innovative technology. The chief operations officer, Batmunkh, emphasises the necessity for innovation within the mining sector, stating that the company has established an Innovation Center aimed at modernising its practices to match global standards.
Historically reliant on paper-based data, Erdenet faced challenges in resource estimation and decision-making due to the cumbersome nature of managing vast amounts of information. The introduction of Seequent software in 2018 marked a turning point, enabling the exploration department to model geology using Leapfrog Geo and process geophysical data with Oasis montaj. This transition to digital has significantly improved efficiency, allowing for near real-time access to insights and models via Seequent Central, a cloud-based data management solution.
The digitisation of historical data has streamlined operations, reducing the time required for 3D design and resource estimation from months to mere hours. This advancement has fostered collaboration among the 32 departments within Erdenet, breaking down silos and ensuring that all teams can work together effectively. Senior geologist Amarzaya notes that the quality of work has improved, with manual errors reduced and tasks completed in a fraction of the time previously required.
As a government-run entity, Erdenet is committed to providing accurate information to stakeholders, including investors and regulatory authorities. The integration of advanced mining software has enhanced the company’s ability to deliver precise data, facilitating better decision-making processes. Looking ahead, Erdenet is not only focused on operational efficiency but is also preparing for future challenges, including mine closure and environmental remediation. The Innovation Center is exploring advanced solutions for tailings and dam modelling, ensuring that Erdenet is well-equipped for sustainable mining practices in the years to come. With a projected operational lifespan of another 60 years, the future of Erdenet Mining Corp appears promising, driven by its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
