Mining Solutions

GijimaAst's mining division is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, providing innovative, technology-based solutions to the mining, minerals and metals market. GijimaAst Mining focuses on applying the full extent of the ICT skills, technologies and infrastructure, together with focused manufacturing and mining engineering offerings, in order to meet client's technology requirements. This is done in the following three areas:

* Exploration, Mineral Resource Management, and Planning
* Mining Operations and Mineral Processing
* Sales, Distribution and Business Optimisation

This includes the full range of ICT services provided by the GijimaAst, as well as the following industry-specific systems:

* Mining Consulting Services
* Mining Operational Logistics
* Mining Technical Systems and Integration
* Occupational Safety and Health, Risk and Environmental Monitoring and Management.

The identification of key differentiators in a clients business facilitates the integration of the above into the commercial systems environment. Also included, is a full suite of maintenance and support services for all technical systems used throughout the mining value chain. Furthermore, GijimaAst has pioneered world-first technologies for the simulation and optimisation of mining business processes, and has introduced products that cover all aspects of the mining value chain.

GijimaAst is unique in the mining market due to its capability to provide a wide range of solutions, tailor-made for the industry. GijimaAst has the ability to identify, source, and deliver best practices integrated into mining solutions, both locally and internationally. The following section provides context to the way in which we think about our business and the way in which we position our abilities and resources to align with our clients.

Service Offerings

1. Graphic Mining Solutions International (GMSI)

GMSI is the main specialised delivery unit for the Group, and is a mining focused company run by mining people for the mining industry. They build and integrate technology and business solutions into the mining Value Chain, and add value to professional and technical mining services through the integration of information technologies with the business needs of the client.

GMSI focuses its solutions offering in the following areas

1.1 GMSI Logistics

The solutions offered in this division are: Plant Performance Management Systems (PPMS), Logistical Operation Management Information System (LOMIS), and Fleet Management System (FMS).

The focus is on the management and handling of production equipment and mined materials through primary processing plants. It also bridges the gap between the process level and the enterprise level, while providing for a cross-process Logistics Operational Management Information System. This provides for a single operational management environment with real-time and transaction-based links to both the process level systems (i.e. fleet management, SCADA, LIMS, etc.) and the corporate systems (SAP, JDE, etc.) Furthermore, the offering provides a production/fleet management system on the process level.

1.2 GMSI Mine Technical Systems and Integration (MTS&I)

This offering specialises in business analysis, programming, implementation, maintenance, and support of mine technical solutions. The aspiration of the division is to continually improve the reliability and the risk profile of mining resources and reserves by making use of appropriate IT solutions.

The unique blend of skills and experience in MTS&I enables GMSI to become the preferred outsource partner of mine technical solutions for the mining operation. The objective is to add value to the business process by facilitating pro-active management decision-making and professional mineral-asset management.

This offering includes software products that focus on the process of defining, depleting, and reconciling ore reserves, which in turn allows for planning, optimisation, and control of mining activities. The process of discovering, dimensioning, designing, developing, delivering, and dedicating is well validated and adapted to client environments.

1.3 GMSI SHERQ

GMSI provides a total solutions approach to the delivery of integrated Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) solutions to industry on both an Application Service Provider (ASP) basis, and a distributed environment. Its approach encompasses three strands: Business Processes, Organisational Culture, and Information Technology.

GMSI has developed two SHERQ systems (Palladium and IRMS) suitable for various market sectors. The software consists of various modules, fully integrated and customisable to suit the requirements of any client in any business sector. The risk and quality aspects are embedded in all the modules.

Environmental monitoring and management is delivered in partnership with other parties whose IP is integrated into the GMSI solutions.

1.4 AST Mining Consulting Services (MCS)

MCS specialises in the application of advanced computer technologies to achieve practical mining situations. MCS offers a total solution delivered by experienced engineers who embrace cutting-edge mining technologies. These technologies assist in expediting results and providing the tools necessary to make sound business judgments. In todays global mining village, technology, more than ever, is necessary to provide a competitive edge.

MCS also maintains associations with many other international consultancies. This allows for its skills base to be altered when necessary in order to suit clients specific requirements. MCS offers consulting services in Mining Engineering; Computing Services; and Surveying (engineering and mine surveying).

GMSI is known for its understanding of the mining business, and its integrity and commitment in delivering solutions that empower production decision-making. Our clients comprise the largest mining companies in South Africa, where solutions provided include: mine design and planning; daily production control; ore reserve management; occupational safety, health and risk management; and business optimisation.

Major clients of GMSI include Kumba Resources; Avmin; Anglo Platinum; AngloGold; Goldfields; Impala Platinum; Harmony; De Beers; Lonmin; Debswana; NOSA; Mosgas; BHP Billiton; Falconbridge Canada; AMC Australia; and CSIR.

2. Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI)

Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) operates exclusively in the mining and manufacturing industries, and tirelessly seeks collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships with all stakeholders. This unique approach allows MSI to provide clients with elegant, cost-effective, and future-proof solution. These solutions include:

2.1 Integrated Plant Systems (IPS)

Information flow, control, and management are key elements to the success of a plant. MSI has a proven track record in supporting the manufacturing process, from raw materials input through to distribution. Their solutions are based on the successful combination of technological and business innovation at every stage of the value chain. MSI has extensive experience and insight into systems integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Automation Systems. They can improve the dynamic and global optimisation of a business, with all the consequential benefits, by effectively bridging the gap between Automation Control Systems (which are generally viewed as part of the Engineering domain) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (which falls within the IT domain).

2.2 Consulting

MSI's Management Consulting services provide strategic counselling on applying and integrating real-time information processing with the rest of the client business. Consulting services offered include, inter alia, cost benefit analysis, economic feasibility studies, design and project reviews, business process design, etc.

2.3 Project Management

MSI has proven methodologies for executing IPS projects. They work closely with the client to clearly define the project scope, schedule, cost and execution details. A project team, with the appropriate skill set, is carefully selected for each project.

2.4 Planning and Conceptual Design

During this initial phase of a project, AST MSI offers management consulting and high-level project strategies. The client's unique problems and business opportunities are analysed, and recommendations are made.

2.5 Detailed Engineering

During this phase, MSI draws on its vast pool of system integration staff, which comprises over 200 electrical engineers, computer programmers, instrument technicians, and procurement specialists.

PLC & DCS Engineering From project conception to completion, MSI has the resources to handle automation projects of all sizes. They provide a combination of consulting engineering, project management, and construction services to provide clients with complete turnkey control system solutions. Amongst others, AST MSI is knowledgeable in the areas of machine controls, material handling systems, and deep mining processes.

SCADA Engineering SCADA projects typically involve multiple sub-systems such as instrumentation, bar coding, and applications software and interfaces. Integration of these sub-systems is critical to the success of a project, and will ensure the lowest total system life-cycle cost.

Manufacturing Execution Systems The MES domain is roughly defined as the area in the application hierarchy that resides between Process Control and the ERP layer. MSI provides the systems and integration layer of the manufacturing process, and provides the information flow to instruct people and machines on activities required.

Installation, Commissioning and Start-up MSI has field service technicians who specialise in system installations. They understand the objectives, the technologies, and the constraints of each project. When the equipment is in place, our engineering and construction teams work together to commission each device.

2.6 Support and Training

Following installation and commissioning of a new system, MSI will continue to aid clients through ongoing system maintenance and support. Technicians are available to work on-site as part of the client's maintenance team, keeping the system in peak operating condition. Engineers and programmers are also available to respond to questions, implement upgrades, and provide support.

3. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solutions

ERP Solutions division provides the skills and expertise to implement, support, and operate SAP. They supply the total spectrum of services, ranging from re-engineering and implementation through to operation and software support, providing the necessary skills and expertise to ensure that the client's business moves positively forward.

In the mining industry, the SAP enterprise system acts as the critical support system. Its integration of commercial, production, and support processes rapidly and reliably informs and enables enterprise-wide planning, execution, and reporting.

ERP Solutions offers an integrated solution that covers all aspects of the mining business, interfacing the external systems to the SAP R/3 solution. The most apparent benefit lies in the consolidation of legacy systems. SAP also allows the business to document business processes. SAP offers the consolidation of data in a single repository for reporting and management of Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

Major clients of ERP Solutions include Kumba Resources, Sasol Mining, Palabora Mining and Richards Bay Minerals.

4. Microsoft Professional Services

Microsoft Professional Services division is positioned as one of the leading Microsoft solutions implementers in South Africa, and has established a solid track record in its field. Being a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Microsoft Professional Services has passed the highest level of requirements set by Microsoft, and has demonstrated the most robust, efficient, and scalable technology implementations.

Microsoft professional Services offers end-to-end global services, with in-depth knowledge of Microsoft products and mission-critical system reliability, availability, and serviceability.

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