The re-platforming step follows a successful three-month test period, which has seen Nordgold integrate strategic mine planning, pit design, load and haul simulation and survey modules. It is also considering using Deswik's drill hole optimiser module.

"At Nordgold we pride ourselves on knowledge sharing and collaboration across the business, despite the differences between our individual operations. The Deswik platform is a perfect fit as it caters for both underground and open pit mines, which was crucial for our diversified business", said Louw Smith, Nordgold's chief operating officer.

During the test period, the Deswik software was adopted by its head office, the Gross and Tabornoe open-pit mines in Eastern Siberia, the Suzdal underground mine in Kazakhstan, and the Lefa mine in Guinea.

Nordgold plans to roll out the software platform to further mines in a three-year staged approach, the Bissa and Bouly mines in Burkina Faso targeted for 2021, with all remaining operations following shortly thereafter.

"We have been particularly encouraged by the software's ability to circumvent our legacy systems' constraints, while still supporting older data formats for backwards compatibility," added Smith.

"As the implementation phase has proven, Deswik's software allows for optimisation of resources to generate guidance reserve shapes, pit design, scheduling of designs, and optimising schedules. Moreover, schedules can be used to generate equipment simulation to investigate the effectiveness of the mining fleet and assist in optimising both operating and capital expense allocation."

Nordgold operates a portfolio of 10 mines in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Russia and Kazakhstan, and has a number of development and exploration projects underway in West Africa, Eurasia and the Americas.