RPMGlobal (RPM) continued to expand its software suite with the acquisition of three other mine plan optimization products in partnership with Canadian research partner MIRARCO.

The three-year collaborative research partnership with MIRARCO (Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation, and Applied Research Corporation) saw RPM take control of the Advanced Valuation (AVM), GeoSequencing (GSM) and Ventilation Constraint (VCM) modules.

The three additions to RPM’s Design and Planning product suites will strengthen its Planning Optimization Tool (SOT) and complement its Attain and Surface SOT products acquired in mid-2020.

RPM CEO and Managing Director Richard Mathews said it was a strong partnership that led to the growth of RPM’s portfolio.

“We are very proud that MIRARCO continues to trust RPM to further develop and commercialize these important optimization programs,” said Mathews.

AVM optimizes mining plans based on a balance between product prices and ore grades over the life of the mine, thereby maximizing the net present value (NPV) of an operation.

GSM produces mining plans based on ideal site sequencing constraints and optimizes the NPV according to geotechnical factors.

VCM optimizes the NPV based on ventilation constraints by automatically generating airflow constraints on the equipment for each ventilation quarter in an underground mine.

Mathews explained how new technologies will benefit RPM and its customers.

“This acquisition is strategically important for two reasons. First, it further supports our commitment to deliver true innovation to the industry through continued investment and collaboration with leading minds within key research and development institutes such as MIRARCO, ”said Mathews.

“Second, it continues our commitment to own and invest more in the development of innovative strategic mine optimization solutions, particularly for our underground mining customers. “

MIRARCO is a non-profit research arm of Laurentian University, the mining university of Canada, which was formed in 1998.

MIRARCO Interim President and CEO Nadia Mykytczuk said RPM is well equipped to take this technology to the world.

“RPM’s global reach and its drive to provide innovative technological solutions for the mining industry make it an ideal industrial partner for MIRARCO,” she said.

“We look forward to strengthening our already strong partnership and collaboration with RPM over the next three years and beyond. “