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Translating tech, simply

Soft Skills for Engineers

There are many definitions of engineering – some serious: Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been. Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes. It involves problem-solving, creativity,

Sensors, Signals & Strange Attractors

Given that we are all familiar with sensors and signals, what then is an “attractor”? An attractor, in the context of dynamical systems, is a set of states or behaviours that a system tends to evolve towards, regardless of its initial conditions. It's essentially a "stable state"

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies have the potential to significantly enhance training, safety, and operational efficiency in the mining industry. Not only that, but some really exciting developments are happening in these spaces. But to start, what are the differences between these technologies? Very simplistically:

Edge Computing

Edge computing is a distributed information technology architecture in which client data are processed at the periphery (edge) of the network, as close to the originating source as possible. To start with a modern-day cliché – data is the lifeblood of modern business. While this

MEMS Accelerometers

The MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) accelerometer has been around now for at least 50 years. They have both electronic circuits and mechanical devices on a silicon chip. They are composed of small moving mechanical elements that generally range from 0.001 to 0.1 mm in size. Because

3D Printing

3D printing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a digital 3D model – for example, using computer-aided design (CAD) models. It is typically done in a process in which material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control. Sometimes the term “additive manufacturing”

Mining in East Timor

As of 2025 the only mining in East Timor is for oil and gas. But this is changing – the potential is significant, and in 2023 the first exploration licences were awarded. But why should we be interested in these events? East Timor (or Timor-Leste

The Construction Industry and its Challenges

Not a day goes by without a litany of complaints or frustrations with construction projects: Ever increasing delays in project completion Ever increasing cost overruns Another housing construction firm goes under Housing shortages Failure to even start big infrastructure projects While we can’t ignore the

Induced Earthquakes and Seismicity

Can human activity cause earthquakes? Many people are confident that human activity cannot induce earthquakes – but what does science say about this question? But before going down this road, let’s look at what an earthquake is and what does cause them. An earthquake is

Quarrying in Antarctica

If you ever wanted to convince someone of the fundamental importance of quarrying, look to Antarctica. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (also known as the Madrid Protocol), signed in 1991, banned mining in the Antarctic region indefinitely. The only exception to

Mobile Calibrations

The need to annually recalibrate vibration monitors is now well established. But does everyone know about the mobile calibration service? This is the service in which we recalibrate your monitor(s) in your location – avoiding the need to return the monitors to the factory. The

Sustainable Mining

Last month’s blog addressed sustainability generally – this one will look more closely at sustainability in the mining industry. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: If we accept the UN definition of sustainable development (i.e. meets the needs of the present without