Mining
2 minutes

Mining Sensor Deployment and Routing Optimization Tool

OSI developed a GIS-based logistics solution for mining projects to optimize transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies, reducing cost and time. The tool replaced spreadsheets with production-ready code for smarter, data-driven decisio
Written by
Vijay Hanagandi
Published on
May 15, 2025

Summary

The OSI (Optimal Solutions, Inc.) team has developed a novel approach to optimize the logistics and transportation costs of personnel, equipment, and supplies of a mining exploration project that optimizes the total cost and time by considering GIS locations and different fleet options. Our team delivered production-ready code that mining companies can use to optimize costs rather than relying on spreadsheets.  

Business description & background

Mining companies conduct exploration for several reasons. Exploration aims to discover new mineral deposits that can be economically viable to extract. As existing mines deplete, exploration helps replace resources to maintain production levels. Moreover, it serves as a growth strategy for companies, allowing them to expand their portfolio and revenue streams through new discoveries. Detailed exploration data enhances mine planning and operational efficiency. Meeting market demand for minerals used in various industries is another crucial objective. Successful exploration can provide a competitive advantage and long-term investment returns. It also unlocks economic potential, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and stimulating local economies. Additionally, exploration drives technological advancements and allows companies to diversify their mineral portfolios, reducing reliance on a single commodity.

The challenge

The probability of an exploration study becoming a mine is relatively low and varies depending on several factors. While exploration studies identify potential mineral deposits, turning them into mines is challenging. Factors such as geological complexity, market conditions, regulatory hurdles, funding, technical challenges, and social acceptance all influence the project's success. Estimates suggest that only a small percentage (less than 1%) of exploration projects become ore-producing mines. To improve the probability of success, mining companies conduct thorough feasibility studies, assess risks, and practice responsible environmental and social engagement. Continuous evaluation of market conditions and commodity trends helps make informed decisions about mine development. 

The remoteness and accessibility of the exploration site play a significant role in cost determination. Projects located in remote areas or challenging terrains require more logistical support and can result in higher transportation costs for personnel, equipment, and supplies.

The Solution

Our team has developed a proprietary algorithm that takes the potential locations for these sensors as input data and then calculates the most “accessible” routes for these sensors using various modes of transports, it can provide:

  1. A trade-off between total cost and time to deploy all the sensors.
  2. Decisions about where and how many hubs should be opened to allow for timely response and deployment.
  3. Individual paths of deploying these sensors to various locations and the optimal mode of transport to be used.
  1. Decisions about where and how many hubs should be opened to allow for timely response and deployment.
  2. Individual paths of deploying these sensors to various locations and the optimal mode of transport to be used.

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Mining Sensor Deployment and Routing Optimization Tool

Vijay Hanagandi
May 15, 2025
2 minutes

Summary

The OSI (Optimal Solutions, Inc.) team has developed a novel approach to optimize the logistics and transportation costs of personnel, equipment, and supplies of a mining exploration project that optimizes the total cost and time by considering GIS locations and different fleet options. Our team delivered production-ready code that mining companies can use to optimize costs rather than relying on spreadsheets.  

Business description & background

Mining companies conduct exploration for several reasons. Exploration aims to discover new mineral deposits that can be economically viable to extract. As existing mines deplete, exploration helps replace resources to maintain production levels. Moreover, it serves as a growth strategy for companies, allowing them to expand their portfolio and revenue streams through new discoveries. Detailed exploration data enhances mine planning and operational efficiency. Meeting market demand for minerals used in various industries is another crucial objective. Successful exploration can provide a competitive advantage and long-term investment returns. It also unlocks economic potential, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and stimulating local economies. Additionally, exploration drives technological advancements and allows companies to diversify their mineral portfolios, reducing reliance on a single commodity.

The challenge

The probability of an exploration study becoming a mine is relatively low and varies depending on several factors. While exploration studies identify potential mineral deposits, turning them into mines is challenging. Factors such as geological complexity, market conditions, regulatory hurdles, funding, technical challenges, and social acceptance all influence the project's success. Estimates suggest that only a small percentage (less than 1%) of exploration projects become ore-producing mines. To improve the probability of success, mining companies conduct thorough feasibility studies, assess risks, and practice responsible environmental and social engagement. Continuous evaluation of market conditions and commodity trends helps make informed decisions about mine development. 

The remoteness and accessibility of the exploration site play a significant role in cost determination. Projects located in remote areas or challenging terrains require more logistical support and can result in higher transportation costs for personnel, equipment, and supplies.

The Solution

Our team has developed a proprietary algorithm that takes the potential locations for these sensors as input data and then calculates the most “accessible” routes for these sensors using various modes of transports, it can provide:

  1. A trade-off between total cost and time to deploy all the sensors.
  2. Decisions about where and how many hubs should be opened to allow for timely response and deployment.
  3. Individual paths of deploying these sensors to various locations and the optimal mode of transport to be used.
  1. Decisions about where and how many hubs should be opened to allow for timely response and deployment.
  2. Individual paths of deploying these sensors to various locations and the optimal mode of transport to be used.

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Mining
Vijay Hanagandi
May 15, 2025
2 minutes