A North Bay firm intends to go global with an innovative mining software that makes it easier for mine planners to design blast rounds.
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Stroma Engineering, a division of Stroma Consulting Inc., has developed an underground ring design explosives-loading and fragmentation software called iRing, an AutoCAD-based program that provides an intelligent tool for blasts to be planned quickly and efficiently.
"The first version of the product is completely finished now," says Wayne Penno, Stroma's project manager, business planning and development.
"Now it's getting close to the shrink-wrap stage," adds Mark Sherry, a principal consultant with Stroma.
The software automates what is normally a time-consuming, manual process. A mine planner can quickly and accurately plan blast patterns on-screen, simulate the loading of explosives into drill holes, and evaluate the size of the fragmentation.
The software, they say, represents an enormous time saver for miners, and maximizes ore recoveries. A process that previously consumed two hours
can be done in a matter of seconds, says Sherry.
A feature of the program is providing "what-if"' scenarios to optimize drilling and blasting, and ensure that all drill-hole layouts are spaced within certain design parameters.
Stroma software designer Chris Preston believes the program will standardize the way ring planning and explosives loading is done at all mines by providing a standard format to deliver best results.
The program also offers an extensive database, allowing the user to save and review historical data from each ring plan drawing.
"It allows a record to be kept for every blasting situation," says Preston. "It works for all mining methods."
Stroma officials say the iRing program can bring an almost immediate return on investment and for some larger mines with big tonnages, a one-month payback period.
Penno says his firm has demonstrated iRing at mining trade shows in Timmins and Chile, and a few Australian companies have expressed interest in acquiring it.
Stroma is also developing a re-sellers network, including striking a partnership deal last fall with Topex Inc., a North Bay international mining service company, recognizing them as a registered sales agent of iRing.
Topex's explosive consulting service is offering iRing to its worldwide client base in conjunction with its imaging products.
Though the inaugural version of iRing is mine-specific software, Penno believes there are some future adaptations for surface mining and road design in blasting outcrops.
