Enabled by radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and constantly evolving digital ore-tracking technology, South African-based mining tech company Simera Trace is helping mining operations recover lost value, improve sample integrity and prevent ore misrouting with its blast resistant digital ore tracers.

The system provides end-to-end visibility of ore and material flow, offering a “practical solution” to some of the sector’s most persistent operational challenges, says Simera Trace CEO Nicolas Lategan.

While Lategan acknowledges that the mining sector is shifting towards automation, data analytics and operational intelligence, he points out that these technologies rely on one foundational element: a clear, traceable understanding of the orebody.

Digital ore tracking is not a new concept, he says, adding that it has been around for about 20 years.

“What sets Simera Trace’s system apart . . . is how deeply it integrates ore tracking across all mining functions while withstanding harsh operating conditions.”

The Grade Control Management System (GCMS) platform is purpose-built for mining and connects ore data, from planning and geology to logistics and plant operations.

“Unlike earlier approaches that focused only on certain areas, such as laboratory tracking or logistics, we’ve designed a full-system solution that operates reliably, even underground, where interference and rough handling are common,” says Lategan.

The process starts at the blast stage, where RFID-enabled ore trackers are placed directly into blast holes.

These ruggedised tags survive the blast and travel with the broken ore, carrying a unique digital identity that allows for the ore to be tracked through hauling, crushing, stockpiling, processing and transporting.

The same technology is used to tag sample bags, allowing for full traceability from blast hole to laboratory.

“This allows for real-time tracking, location mapping and end-to-end visibility, all the way back to the exact blast hole where a sample originated,” he explains.

Lategan says RFID tag readers installed throughout a mining operation can communicate with the tags, logging the movement and location of various assets and resources such as ore, materials, equipment and personnel. This data is used to monitor flows, detect losses and improve decision-making across a mine.



“Each tracer is linked to a sample certificate, and this traceability allows us to confirm the chain of custody for ore,” adds Lategan.

Beyond ore flow, he says RFID devices supports more accurate stockpile management by identifying the grade and retention time of stored ore, thereby helping with blending and feed planning.