Trimble is a well known brand globally, especially in the construction sector as well as agriculture, geospatial and transportation. But it also has a firm foothold in mining, and is actively growing in the industry with some of its key sensors and technologies. IM Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with Louden Grieser, its Product Manager – Monitoring and Mining, for some insights into current strengths and future plans.
Q Can you summarise in what ways Trimble technology is currently being used in the mining sector?
Trimble technology is actively used to optimise resource extraction, enhance productivity, and reduce risk, across mining operations. It achieves this by creating a connected data ecosystem that delivers real-time insights for informed decision-making both in the field and in the office. Key applications include providing site-wide GNSS/GPS positioning, where Trimble deploys reliable base station infrastructure to provide the mining industry with robust, site-wide GNSS coordinates and corrections. Our high-performance GNSS receivers, strategically placed across the mine site, serve as crucial reference points, continuously broadcasting precise correction data. This ensures that all GNSS-enabled equipment, from drill rigs and excavators to survey rovers and autonomous haul trucks, receives the centimetre-level accuracy needed for optimal performance. Then we offer connected workflows utilising tools like the Trimble Groundworks guidance for open-pit drill and blast optimisation, Trimble Business Center Mining Edition for slope and mine design conformance reporting, and SX12 with Trimble Access Mines streamlining underground productivity. Trimble also offers a powerful approach to risk management in mining with its comprehensive monitoring solutions, featuring Trimble 4D Control (T4D) software seamlessly integrated with automated total station monitoring. This robust combination provides mining operations with continuous, real-time insights into the stability of critical infrastructure such as slopes and tailings dams. Automated total stations precisely track minute movements, while T4D software processes this data, analyses trends, and delivers actionable alerts, allowing mines to detect potential failures early, mitigate risks, and ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.
Louden Grieser, Trimble Product Manager – Monitoring and Mining
Q Is mining going to be a greater focus for the company moving forward? Why have you as a company chosen to increase your exposure to the mining sector?
Trimble has strategically chosen to increase its exposure in the mining sector because we see a profound opportunity to drive digital transformation across the entire mining lifecycle. The industry is rapidly embracing advanced technology to meet critical demands for enhanced productivity, uncompromising safety, and greater sustainability. Our core strengths in precise positioning, geospatial solutions, and data analytics directly address these needs, enabling mines to optimise operations from exploration to remediation. By providing integrated hardware, software, and services, Trimble empowers mining companies to achieve more efficient workflows, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and make data-driven decisions in an increasingly complex global environment. Trimble is strategically increasing its exposure to the mining industry because we recognise the sector’s critical need for advanced, integrated solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Our expertise in positioning technologies, data analytics, and workflow optimisation is perfectly aligned to meet these evolving challenges, helping our mining customers extract more value while minimising their footprint. We’re delivering comprehensive ecosystems that empower intelligent, connected mines for the future.
Q Why have you as a company chosen to increase your exposure to the mining sector?
Mining faces complex issues like rising costs, safety demands, and environmental pressures. Our integrated hardware and software solutions directly address these, optimising key workflows from drill and blast to real-time risk management. Also, our expertise in precise positioning, geospatial solutions, and data analytics is highly valuable in mining. We’re extending these capabilities with high-accuracy GNSS, laser scanning, and advanced data processing to provide a complete operational picture. In addition, the mining industry is rapidly moving towards automation and data-driven operations. Our ‘Connect & Scale’ strategy supports this by providing tools for digital twins, automated data capture, and streamlined workflows, leading to better decision-making and reduced downtime. Finally, we contribute to safer environments through real-time monitoring of ground movement and accurate positioning. Our technology also helps mines optimise resource extraction and support responsible remediation, fostering more sustainable practices. Ultimately, Trimble aims to be a crucial partner, helping mining companies achieve greater efficiency, improve safety, and meet their sustainability goals through intelligent, integrated technology.
Q Specifically in relation to slope stability monitoring, which Trimble instruments and technologies are relevant to this application and why?
For slope stability monitoring, Trimble utilises a range of precise instruments and powerful software. Advanced robotic and automatic total stations are crucial for precise measurement and continuous monitoring of even the slightest ground movements. Their automated capabilities allow for ongoing data collection with minimal human intervention. Trimble 4D Control™ (T4D) is a central software solution for monitoring applications. It seamlessly integrates real-time data from various geotechnical, geodetic, and environmental sensors. T4D provides continuous monitoring of deformation in critical areas like pit walls, tailings dams, and slopes. It’s essential because it enables real-time analysis, clear visualisation of movements, and comprehensive alarming to alert operators to potential issues. High-precision GNSS receivers, such as the Trimble R750 MON, are used in conjunction with Trimble 4D Control for continuous, high-accuracy monitoring of slope movements, particularly for slow-moving movement where the subtle changes need to be detected.
Q Trimble is already very strong across the construction and quarrying sector – are there synergies with mining in any particular areas?
Yes, there are significant synergies. Trimble provides workflows that are highly transferable across these industries. High-accuracy GPS/GNSS technology, total stations, and laser scanners are fundamental tools for site mapping, design layout, and as-built verification in construction, quarrying, and mining. Precise positioning is critical for excavation, grading, and material movement in all three. Machine control and guidance technologies that automate and optimise the operation of heavy machinery for excavation and earthmoving are highly applicable across all three sectors. This includes systems for precise grading, drilling, and efficient material handling, leading to improved productivity and reduced errors. The principles, instruments, and software used for slope stability monitoring in mining are directly transferable to construction projects (eg monitoring large excavations, retaining walls, or infrastructure near unstable ground) and quarrying operations, where face stability and ground movement are also concerns. These shared technological foundations and workflows allow Trimble to leverage its extensive expertise and established solutions across these interconnected sectors, benefiting from common research, development, and deployment strategies.