Mineral Resources Improves Mine Shutdown Efficiency with MapTrack

The Challenge: Managing Tools in High-Pressure Shutdown Environments

Mining shutdowns place intense demands on coordination. Every minute counts, and tools must be available, serviced, and compliant at all times.

1. High Volume of Tools Moving Fast

   During shutdowns, equipment is constantly checked in, checked out, serviced, and reassigned.

   Problems

   • No easy way to track tool locations

   • Tools frequently misplaced during shift changes

   • Difficulty managing high asset turnover

   Summary: Movement outpaced manual tracking systems.

   
   

2. Tool Servicing Was Slow and Hard to Track

   Hand tools, power tools, lifting gear, and specialist equipment all require inspections or servicing.

   Challenges

   • Inconsistent servicing records

   • No automated reminders

   • Delayed repairs due to poor visibility

   Summary: Servicing workflows were reactive rather than planned.

   
   

3. Lack of Real-Time Visibility Across Shutdown Zones

   Teams operated in multiple areas with little shared visibility.

   Issues

   • Supervisors unable to see tool status quickly

   • Increased downtime waiting for equipment

   • Inefficiencies during shift handovers

   Summary: Real-time asset intelligence was missing.

   
   

4. Manual Systems Could Not Scale

   Spreadsheets and paper forms couldn’t keep up with shutdown speed.

   Consequences

   • Data errors

   • Missing records

   • Reduced operational confidence

   Summary: A scalable digital system was necessary.

The Solution: Streamlined, Reliable Asset Tracking with MapTrack

MinRes adopted MapTrack to eliminate downtime, simplify servicing, and centralise asset control during shutdowns.

1. QR-Based Tracking for Instant Tool Identification

   Tools were tagged and digitised, enabling teams to scan and track movements instantly.

   Benefits

   • Fast tool location

   • Reduced loss and misplacement

   • Accurate asset documentation

   Summary: QR tracking created operational clarity.

   
   

2. Streamlined Servicing Workflows

   MapTrack made servicing and inspection management simple and reliable.

   Improvements

   • Automated service reminders

   • Easy submission of condition reports

   • Clear history for each tool

   Summary: The servicing process became predictable and consistent.

   
   

3. Real-Time Shutdown Visibility

   Supervisors could now see tool availability, conditions, and service status from any location.

   Results

   • Faster decision-making

   • Improved zone coordination

   • Stronger compliance support

   Summary: Visibility accelerated workflow efficiency.

   
   

4. Reliable System for High-Demand Environments

   MinRes needed a tool tracking system that would always work, even under pressure.

   Gains

   • Reduced admin workload

   • Fewer tool shortages

   • A trustworthy, easy-to-use platform

   Summary: MapTrack delivered reliability during critical shutdown windows.

Practical Outcomes for Mineral Resources

After implementing MapTrack, Mineral Resources saw strong measurable results across shutdown operations.

Key Results

• Significant reduction in time spent locating tools

• Faster servicing and inspection turnaround

• Improved planning across shutdown shifts

• Clear visibility of tool availability and condition

• Stronger compliance and audit readiness

• A simple, effective tracking system trusted by crews

Customer Quote:
“Simple to use & effective system.”
— Louise Vincent, Shutdown Administration

How MapTrack Supports Mining Shutdown Operations

MapTrack is designed for high-pressure industrial environments where precision and responsiveness are essential.

Fast QR & Barcode Scanning

Ideal for rapid tool turnover during shutdowns.

Automated Servicing & Inspection Tracking

Ensures tools are always service-ready and safe.

Real-Time Visibility Across Zones

Supervisors can see where tools are and what condition they’re in.

Condition Reporting with Photos

Supports fast repair decisions and clear documentation.

Assignments to Teams or Shutdown Areas

Improves coordination between crews and reduces tool loss.

Mobile-First Design

Perfect for large mining sites and remote shutdown areas.

Summary: MapTrack gives mining teams the reliability needed to run efficient, safe, and well-coordinated shutdown operations.

FAQ

1. What challenge did Mineral Resources solve with MapTrack?

   They streamlined tool tracking and servicing during complex shutdown operations.

   
   

2. How does MapTrack help reduce downtime?

3. By improving visibility, speeding up servicing, and ensuring tools are always ready.

   
   

4. Can MapTrack handle high-volume shutdown environments?

   Yes—it’s built for fast-moving, high-pressure industrial workflows.

   
   

5. Does MapTrack support compliance for mining tools?

   Yes—service timelines, inspections, and histories are all digitally recorded.

   
   

6. How does MapTrack improve servicing workflows?

   Automated reminders and photo-based condition reports reduce delays.

   
   

7. Is MapTrack easy for crews to use?

   Very—MinRes praised the system for being simple, fast, and effective.

   
   

Conclusion & Actionable Takeaways

By adopting MapTrack, Mineral Resources achieved:

1. Reliable, fast asset tracking during shutdowns

2. Streamlined servicing and inspection workflows

3. Real-time visibility across equipment and zones

4. Reduced downtime and search time

5. Stronger compliance and safer operations

6. A simple, effective system crews trust

MapTrack equips mining companies with the tools needed to run shutdowns more efficiently, safely, and confidently.