Data Exchange for Mine Software

This sub-committee is made up of representatives from software vendors and mining companies working together to develop the Open Mining Format (OMF), an open-source file specification for 3D data interoperability. The first version of OMF, launched in 2017, supports basic structures including points, lines, surfaces, meshes and volumes. The second version is extending that support to block models. 

OMF 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.

OMF on GitHub

GMG GitHub link

OMF – ReadTheDocs

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

ABB, AgileGeoScience, Agnico Eagle, Alcoa, Alford Mining Systems, Ambuja Cements, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, ArcelorMittal, Austmine, Barrick Gold, BHP, Canadian Natural Resources, Captrics, Carlson Software, CheckMark Consulting, Colorado School of Mines, Dassault Systemes, Data Mine Software, Desert Falcon Consulting, Deswik, EIPTET (training program), Epiroc, Flanders Electric, Flow Partners, Freeport-McMoRan, Geomodelr, Geosoft, Global IO, Global Mining Design, Goldcorp, Hexagon Mining, IBM, IGS (International Geoscience Services), Imago, Innovative Systems, JVA, Kinross Gold, Kynes, Lockheed Martin, Maclean Engineering, Maptek, MasterControl, Metallica Consulting, Micromine, Mine Vision Systems, Minera Yanacocha, MineRP, MineSense Tech, Minetec, MP Consulting, MST Global, Newmont, Objectivity, ORICA, OSIsoft, Peabody Energy, Prairie Machine & Parts, RockMass Technologies, Rockwell Automation, RPM Global, Scania, Schneider Electric, Seequent, Sibanye-Stillwater, Siemens, SMART Systems Group, SSR Mining, Symbiotic Innovations, Teck, TrackVia, University of Queensland, Vale, Vertex Blast, Vuma 3d, Wipro Consulting