De-risking the Mining Lifecycle with Data-Driven Solutions

Discover how maxgeo’s integrated data solutions help mining companies drive smarter decision-making across the entire mining lifecycle.

In the mining industry, uncertainty is inevitable—making it essential to de-risk every stage of the mining lifecycle to optimize operations. From exploration to production, having accurate, reliable, and well-structured data ensures data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

At maxgeo, our integrated data solutions provide a single source of truth, helping mining companies streamline processes, reduce errors, and unlock the full value of their data. Reliable data means smarter mining decisions.

Stage 1 Exploration: Building a Strong Foundation with Reliable Data

The exploration phase is where mining projects take shape, as geologists conduct surveys, mapping, and sampling to identify potential mineral deposits. Advanced techniques such as geophysics, geochemistry, and drilling play a crucial role in confirming resource potential.

Key exploration studies supported by maxgeo solutions

• Desktop Studies: Geological maps, historical data, and satellite images can be reviewed efficiently using DataShed5’s Map View.
• Geological Surveys: Field studies assessing rock formations can be captured in LogChief Lite. This data can then be analysed in DataShed5.
• Geochemical Sampling: Assay data from rock, soil, or water samples can be validated by using QAQC reports generated in DataShed5. The platform also facilitates assay batch approval processes, providing a fully auditable and transparent system.

• Geophysical Surveys: Magnetic, seismic, and gravity surveys that locate potential ore bodies can be be visualised through DataShed5’s Map View.

• Drilling Programs: Geological core logging and Sampling that are used to identify and estimate mineral deposits are collected using LogChief Lite, while DataShed5 automations generate drill plod and assay management reports.

The most common Exploration Challenges are:

• High costs with no guaranteed success.
• Environmental and community concerns.
• Regulatory approvals for exploration activities.

At maxgeo, we help de-risk this high-risk, low-value stage of the mining lifecycle by ensuring data integrity. Our solutions validate exploration data to make it accurate, auditable, traceable, and transparent, giving investors’ confidence in the reliability of your data that they are investing in.

Stage 2 Feasibility & Planning: Supporting Critical Investment Decisions

Before a mining project can move forward, economic, technical, and environmental studies must determine its feasibility. This stage involves detailed mine design, financial modelling, and environmental impact assessments, all of which play a crucial role in assessing risks, costs, and long-term sustainability. Accurate and reliable data is essential to making informed decisions that ensure both economic viability and regulatory compliance.

There are different stages to the feasibility study process and maxgeo can provide actionable insight into each stage.

Key feasibility studies supported by maxgeo solutions

• Scoping Study: Initial economic assessment based on early exploration data.
• Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS): More detailed cost estimates, mining methods, and processing options.
• Feasibility Study (FS): Final decision-making stage with engineering designs and detailed cost analysis.

Geotechnical data plays a critical role during feasibility studies, as it informs mine and engineering design. maxgeo offers a comprehensive geotechnical solution that enables your engineering team to calculate Rock Mass Ratings from logged geotechnical data through DataShed5, supporting accurate and efficient design processes. All the data that is used for each of these studies is validated and audited in DataShed5 ensuring its integrity.

Other major considerations during this at this stage are:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Community and stakeholder engagement.
• Securing financing for development.

maxgeo helps de-risk this high-value stage of the mining lifecycle by ensuring your database data is audited and validated through our in-depth health checks and QAQC reporting. Our comprehensive Power BI reports provide full visibility for all stakeholders, enabling data driven decision-making.

Stage 3 Development and Construction

Once the feasibility of a mining project is confirmed, it transitions into the development phase, where the groundwork for the operation is laid. During this phase, permits and licenses are obtained to ensure legal compliance, while critical infrastructure such as roads, processing plants, and mining equipment are set up to support future operations.

Additionally, a skilled workforce is recruited and trained to operate equipment, manage systems, and oversee daily operational activities.

This stage sets the foundation for a smooth transition into the production phase, and having reliable data and project management tools ensures that each aspect of development runs efficiently and within budget.

Key development activities during this phase:

• Managing necessary mining permits and approvals can be done in our tenement management software LeaseControl

 

• Constructing access roads, power supply, and water management systems.
• Developing mine pits (open-pit) or underground tunnels.
• Setting up processing plants and waste management facilities.
• Hiring and training employees.

Main challenges during Development:

• High capital investment and construction risks.
• Delays due to regulatory hurdles or community opposition.
• Ensuring environmental safeguards are in place.

By implementing maxgeo solutions at the construction stage to manage geological, geotechnical and production data will future proof and streamline your operation. This ensures that all stakeholders have access to reliable data, enabling informed and actionable decision-making.

Stage 4 Production: Optimizing Operational Efficiency

The production phase focuses on extracting, processing, and selling minerals. Ore is mined using surface or underground methods (depending on the deposit’s location and characteristics), then refined into market-ready products. Ongoing environmental management ensures compliance and minimizes impact.

Reliable data management is crucial here, enabling efficient operations, compliance tracking, and decision-making throughout the production process.

Key activities during this stage

 

• Mining : Many mining operations are undergoing digital transformation, and maxgeo’s production solution enables real-time, digital reporting—eliminating manual data entry and Excel-based calculations.

By automating data collection across the production workflow and integrating multiple sources into a single, reliable system, reconciliation becomes faster and more accurate. This allows decision-makers to act on real-time insights.

With maxgeo’s production solution, you can seamlessly track ore movement, reconcile key metrics like Reserve vs. Resource and Planned vs. Actual, and manage location balances with ease. Daily production reporting is simplified—generated at the push of a button with DataShed5.

• Ore Processing: Ore processing involves a series of steps taken to extract valuable minerals from mined ore. The general process includes:

• Crushing and Grinding: The ore is broken down into smaller particles to increase the surface area for further processing.

• Concentration through flotation, gravity separation, or magnetic separation to concentrate the valuable minerals.

• Extraction: The concentrated ore undergoes chemical or physical processes like smelting, leaching, or electrolysis to extract the metal or mineral.

• Refining: The extracted metal is purified to remove impurities and produce the final product.

Throughout these processes, samples are collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis at key stages to ensure that the processing is being conducted accurately and in accordance with the established plan. The results of these analyses are then integrated into the metal accounting process. maxgeo’s DataShed5 solution effectively manages all sample and assay analyses, as well as QAQC, through comprehensive reports and quality assurance controls. The solution can also integrate to your metal accounting solution.

• Waste Management: Waste Management and Environmental Monitoring samples and analysis can also be processed through DataShed5.

There are various Production Challenges

• Commodity price fluctuations affecting profitability
• Safety risks for workers (rock falls, gas exposure, machinery accidents). DataShed5 can capture some of this information decreasing the risk and the challenges
• Environmental and social responsibility issues.

The maxgeo production solution brings transparency to your production phase, giving stakeholders access to accurate, on-demand data. It also helps track key safety statistics, supporting a safer and more efficient work environment. With automated calculations, QAQC reporting, seamless software integrations, and resource, reserve, and grade control reconciliations, maxgeo ensures reliable production tracking. Features like planned vs. actual reporting and Power BI dashboards provide actionable insights, helping you de-risk operations and maximize value.

Stage 5 Closure & Rehabilitation: Ensuring Accountability and Compliance

The final stage of the mining lifecycle—closure and rehabilitation—begins when mining operations cease, requiring safe decommissioning of infrastructure and land restoration. This process includes removing facilities, reforesting, and reshaping the land to support sustainable post-mining use. Continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent long-term environmental impacts and ensure compliance.

With robust data management and reporting, companies can uphold their ESG commitments, demonstrating transparency and accountability in responsible mine closure.

Key activities during this stage

• Dismantling Infrastructure: Removing buildings, equipment, and processing plants.
• Land Rehabilitation: Restoring vegetation, reshaping landforms, and soil stabilization. DataShed5’s Rehabilitation tables provide essential tracking and management tools to streamline and document these efforts.
• Water Treatment: Monitoring and treating contaminated water sources. maxgeo’s DataShed5 sample and assay management solution will provide all the tools to ensure that your water treatment plan is adhered to.
• Post-Closure Monitoring: Regular environmental assessments to ensure no long-term damage.

Challenges:

• High costs associated with rehabilitation.
• Long-term environmental risks such as acid mine drainage.
• Community expectations for land use after mining.

By leveraging LeaseControl and Datshed5, mining companies can de-risk the closure stage, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a clear, auditable record of their rehabilitation efforts, supporting a smooth transition to post-mining land use.

Driving a Sustainable Future with Data-Driven Mining

As the mining industry advances, data-driven solutions are essential for reducing risk, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance across the entire mining lifecycle. From exploration to closure, accurate and auditable data empowers companies to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and maximize value.

At maxgeo, we provide integrated data management solutions that help mining companies navigate challenges, meet regulatory requirements, and improve transparency. By leveraging DataShed5, LogChief Lite, LeaseControl, and maxgeo MDS automations and integrations, mining operations can mitigate risks, streamline processes, and build investor confidence—ensuring a more efficient and sustainable future for mining.