Cowal made the decision in 2019 to implement Reconcilor and together with the team at Snowden have streamlined their data capture, data quality control, analysis and reporting from the Resource model to the Cowal processing plant. They now have visibility of all surface material movements, up to date stockpile balances, model depletions and the ability to compare and see trends in any of the data points along the mine value chain from a temporal, spatial or physical point of view. All of that without any manual data entry, the removal of excess spreadsheets and confidence that the data they are using has passed through a rigorous data health engine.

Reconcilor offers an operation the transparency it needs to track metal movement from start to finish and to mine with confidence. Metal loss linked to poor mine reconciliation is an industry wide problem in the resources sector. This process is meant to identify differences between estimates, plans and actual mine production. Only once they are properly quantified and understood can steps can be taken improve metal balance. Unfortunately, some mine sites lack the skills, manpower or even confidence to undertake this analysis. Reconcilor empowers its users to take the next step by automatically consolidating and validating the data as well as offering spreadsheet free analysis. Regular data imports allow early detection of data issues well before end of month. This allows users to make informed decisions and leaves more time for implementing improvements.

The Plan

After identifying the need for a digital solution to their manual processes and recognising Snowden’s Reconcilor as a well-established solution for this – Cowal reviewed their options and engaged with the Snowden team to implement Reconcilor across the operation.

Alex Moffitt, Senior Mine Geologist at Cowal shared their deal maker; “Reconcilor is the only reporting and reconciliation database system built with Mine Geology at its core – incorporating haulage, model, and processing information.”

He shares that the ‘Implementation and support team are very knowledgeable and engaging. Implementation through on-site data source mapping and form building allowed a solid working relationship to develop between site and Reconcilor implementation/support teams, aiding the development of future modifications and enhancements. Good balance of Operational Mine Geology and Software/Database/Technical in implementation and support team made it (seem) easy to come up with solutions to site-specific problems/intricacies.’

The Reconcilor implementation was performed within 8 weeks with Reconcilor being used in a production environment after a successful test phase.

The Trigger

A long mine life, stockpile management, and reporting through excel and manual data entry quality were all triggers to look for a more sustainable solution. Management and Geologists at Cowal had prior experience with Reconcilor, knowing the value it held for other operations. Their experience and insights into the benefits of the tool was a key driver in the pathway Cowal took in digital transformation using Reconcilor.