Chile Mining Report 2021 -  This publication provides extensive coverage of the current state of Chile's mining industry, including its main producers and operating mines, exploration companies and their projects, as well as examining the different suppliers along the value chain, from engineering to mining equipment and services.

 

WHAT IS GEOCOM'S ROLE IN THE CHILEAN MINING INDUSTRY?

GEOCOM has been the leading geospatial equipment and software company in Chile for the last 35 years, representing and distributing world-renowned brands such as Trimble from the United States, Riegl from Austria, Geoslam from the United Kingdom, SenseFly from Switzerland, DJI from China and others. Our goal is to deliver the best and most innovative technology available on the market. In 1990, we introduced GPS technology to mining, installing reference stations in the field. A decade later we began working with laser scanners, creating point clouds for ultra-precise measurements.
We work with large and small companies, as our drone offering is transversal for the entire industry.

 

HOW HAVE TRENDS IN DEMAND FOR GEOSPATIAL EQUIPMENT IN THE MINING INDUSTRY EVOLVED?

Today's industry demands automated equipment, remotely controlled to minimize the physical presence of workers on site and thus optimize operations. Today, mining companies seek to operate from control rooms in Santiago. We have worked with some of them to support the navigation and remote operation of drills.

Due to the pandemic, we have adapted our business model to reduce our physical presence on site. Today we can offer training to our clients online, which, in addition to being safe at this time, is more efficient in terms of time and cost. I think this model will remain after the pandemic ends.

 

CAN YOU EXPLAIN IN MORE DETAIL THE NASAP TECHNOLOGY THAT GEOCOM OFFERS AND HOW IT IMPROVES EFFICIENCY?

Many mines in Chile are located in the Andes mountains, at high altitudes, where snow and wind impact operations. HUSKY was our first development for mining, which allows snowplows to navigate safely in adverse conditions. With this knowledge, we developed other products such as NASAP, which uses HP-GNSS technology along with other sensors and communicators. This technology is used in drilling rigs to accurately navigate and guide each cavity, obtaining critical information for drilling and blasting.

 

HOW DID GEOCOM EVOLVE INTO A SOLUTIONS PROVIDER INSTEAD OF A SERVICE PROVIDER?

We make sure to establish robust communication channels with our clients. We are fully dedicated to providing the best possible advice for them. GEOCOM has 84 employees, 30 of whom are engineers. Our support and sales team is made up of specialized engineers who can guide clients to find the best solution for their company. The after-sales process is crucial in our operation.

 

 

HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED ANY MARKET GAPS FOR WHICH YOU ARE CONDUCTING R&D AT THIS TIME?

GEOCOM has a dedicated Innovation and Development (R&D) department which develops solutions with the latest technology. We are focused on providing technology that processes measurements in the shortest possible time, which is essential for the mining sector. Mining companies require solutions that save time in processing and analysis, which normally takes around one or two days, so we work to achieve this in real time (instantly).

Another area of innovation in which we are working is augmented reality (AR) for mining. This technology could change the industry completely, as it can be applied in multiple activities, such as drilling, critical inspection, mining site operation, maintenance, machinery repair, as well as real-time operator assistance. This will allow us to support and assist the client remotely, with real and immediate visual guidance to solve any operational problem. The use of AR will be disruptive and will revolutionize the industry to improve safety standards in future mining.

 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SEE GEOCOM IN THE MARKET FOR ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY?

Our team travels the world in search of the best technology for the market. We have witnessed rapid and sustained business growth over the past 35 years. Our strategy will continue to focus on driving technology and ensuring high-level support for our clients, leveraging the unique skills of our team, which has experience working on mining sites and knows their needs firsthand.