News IMDEX, maxgeo collaboration solves Norton data problems

The implementation of IMDEXHUB-IQ™ to help manage data flow at Norton Gold Fields in Kalgoorlie has delivered twin benefits of time saving and seamless data integration.

The collaborative project involved IMDEX and maxgeo supplying rapid integration of downhole survey data to enable real-time analysis and improved business decisions for the gold miner.

Norton Gold Fields senior mine geologist John Walsh said the integration of IMDEXHUB-IQ™ and DataShed had saved the geology team three hours a week.

“The solution to our previous drillhole survey data flow has been a big change for the better because once I’ve approved the surveys in IMDEXHUB-IQ™, the API synchronises them to DataShed automatically. No more downloading, reformatting and uploading files,” he said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to another site.”

Previously the Norton geology team required its drilling contractor to download electronic multishot data onto a USB thumb drive. Back in the office, the team had to convert these files into CSV format, adjust the layout and manually import the data into DataShed. This data would also need to be reviewed and corrected to filter out magnetically susceptible readings and drill hole ID errors.

The whole process had to be repeated every few days, resulting in the team spending an average of three hours a week moving downhole survey data around.

Norton was able to automate this task by leveraging the capabilities of IMDEXHUB-IQ™, which includes secure access to validated data and seamless transmission from sub-surface instrumentation, analytical instruments and mobile form data inputs.

To do this, the gold miner replaced the DEMS tool for a REFLEX True North Seeking GYRO SPRINT-IQ tool that could store information in the IMDEXHUB-IQ™.

Maxgeo then created an API (Application Programming Interface) solution for IMDEXHUB-IQ™ so that it automatically synchronised approved downhole surveys into DataShed.

Norton’s survey data is now appearing more rapidly and consistently, delivering more accurate data for staff to access and use.

Read more on the case study here.