Objective
Create an open-source file interchange format that will allow transfer of geometric objects and other attributed data without adhering to restricted or proprietary file formats or compromising the original data content.
Description
This sub-committee is made up of representatives from software vendors and mining companies. They are working together to produce an open-source standard for data file format that encompasses a set of guidelines and steps and encourages evolution and adoption across a wide range of vendors and operators.
As a first step, they have created the Open Mining Format (OMF) file specification to develop software for easily transferred 3D data. Work is currently being done to develop OMF V2.0.
This open-source data model and file specification offers:
- The ability to easily share data between software packages.
- The capacity for companies to seamlessly share data internally or externally.
- A more streamlined and efficient approach that eliminates manual or convoluted transfer processes.
To achieve the broad industry engagement, which is key for this initiative’s success, GMG has initiated a global outreach program among mining organizations and worked to develop partnerships with other industry associations.
Business Case
Modern mine planning and exploration routines often require geometric and topological data to be shared between different software programs. There is, however, currently a lack of interoperability between sophisticated mining geology and engineering software programs.
Often, vendors restrict direct access to proprietary Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to protect their intellectual property. Generic file export formats are also becoming less able to accommodate increasingly large and complex data files. As a result, users limit themselves to vendor-specific software suites or operate lengthy and inefficient import and export processes.
This standard will enable significant efficiency gains. Building momentum in the industry and promoting the initiative will result in continual development and evolution. Ultimately, it will bring immense value to the industry by eliminating time wasted on unnecessary data management and by preventing costly mistakes.
Participating Companies
AcQuire Technology Solutions, AgileGeoScience, Alford Mining Systems, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, ArcelorMittal, Austmine, AVEVA, Barrick Gold, BHP, Canadian Natural Resources, CheckMark Consulting, CIM, Dassault Systemes, Data Mine Software, Deswik, Epiroc, Flanders Electric, Flow Partners, Freeport-McMoRan, Geomodelr, Geosoft, Global IO, Global Mining Design, Goldcorp, Hexagon Mining, IBM, IGS (International Geoscience Services), Imago, JVA, Kinross Gold, Lockheed Martin, Maptek, MasterControl, Mine Vision Systems, Minera Yanacocha, MineRP, Mining Information Systems, Newmont, Objectivity, ORICA, OSIsoft, PBE Group, Peabody Energy, Prairie Machine & Parts, Rio Tinto, Runge Pincock Minarco (RPM), Seequent, Sibanye-Stillwater, Siemens, SSR Mining, Symbiotic Innovations, Teck, TrackVia, Trimble, University of Queensland, Vale, Vertex Blast, Vuma 3d, Wipro Consulting