Enterprise geospatial applications enable safe and efficient mining operations

KELOWNA, Esri Canada User Conference – June 6, 2017 – Esri Canada today presented Teck Highland Valley Copper (Teck HVC) with an Award of Excellence for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to make its mining operations safer and more efficient. The company has developed several GIS apps, including an enterprise web map that provides staff across the organization with a common operating view of Teck HVC’s extensive copper and molybdenum mining operations, as well as apps that support dam inspections and water quality data collection.

“Mining operations are complex: decision-makers need quick access to comprehensive, up-to-date business information to make effective decisions,” said Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “Teck HVC recognizes the value of GIS in enabling this. Their progressive development and use of GIS apps will help them gain further efficiencies and allow them to benefit from powerful capabilities such as real-time data integration and analytics.”

Previously, Teck HVC’s individual business units managed multiple copies of data in disparate formats. These datasets were not easily shared across the organization or integrated with other departmental business data, resulting in inefficiencies. To address this challenge, Teck HVC implemented the ArcGIS platform including ArcGIS Server and Portal for ArcGIS in 2014.

When Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS was released the following year, Teck HVC leveraged this innovative tool to build and configure powerful Web GIS apps, starting with the Teck HVC Web Map. The app brings together disparate datasets, including aerial imagery, environmental monitoring, safety, survey/cadastre, mine permits, topography, pipelines, utilities, roads and buildings, into a dynamic digital map that provides staff, managers and consultants with a common view of critical business information.

“The Teck HVC Web Map has helped us increase efficiency and reduce costs,” said Chris Long, GIS Facilitator, Teck HVC. “By delivering timely access to key business information in an easy-to-use format, the web map significantly enhances operational awareness across departments and allows staff to leverage data from other business units for more informed and coordinated decision-making.”

Teck HVC has also developed focused apps to enhance specific processes such as dam inspections and water quality data collection. Staff and consultants leverage Survey123 for ArcGIS to collect field data. When the surveys are submitted via ArcGIS Online or Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS GeoEvent Server detects the new records and automatically formats them into CSV and Excel files to be uploaded by staff to Teck HVC’s enterprise database. Critical thresholds trigger automated emails and reports to be delivered to targeted stakeholders for immediate review.

“Automating field data collection through ArcGIS apps has helped us eliminate redundant data entry and inaccuracies from our previous paper-based processes,” noted Chris. “The apps also enable quick and convenient data transfer from our consultants to Teck HVC and automate critical reporting within an entirely digital workflow.”

About Teck Highland Valley Copper
Highland Valley Copper (HVC) Operations is located approximately 17 kilometres west of Logan Lake and about 50 kilometres southwest of Kamloops in British Columbia. Teck Resources Ltd has a 100% interest in HVC. HVC produces both copper and molybdenum concentrates through autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding and flotation. Once processed, the metal concentrates are exported overseas, where the majority is sold under long-term sales contracts to smelters. Reserves and resources at HVC are projected to support mining at current planned production rates until 2026. More information can be found at http://www.teck.com/.

About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from Esri, Schneider Electric, Cityworks–Azteca Systems, Inc. and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Esri Canada joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies in 2012 and became a Gold Standard winner in 2015. The company has also been named to the Branham300 and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

###

For media inquiries, please contact:
Esri Canada: Email Contact
Teck HVC: Peter Martell
Superintendent, Environment & Community Affairs,
+1.250.523.3518
Email Contact