Novamera
Unlocking Narrow Veins using Surgical Mining

Dustin Angelo and Allan Cramm encountered a daunting challenge during their pursuit to extract gold —a sharply angled, narrow deposit vein making excavation extremely difficult. Recognizing that many in the mining sector struggle with the same problem, the duo developed a unique solution, dubbed surgical mining—which precisely extracts valuable minerals or resources while minimizing disturbance to surrounding areas.

This breakthrough paved the way for their Canadian startup, Novamera.

“We develop advanced drilling and sensing technologies to target and recover minerals with unparalleled precision, ultimately minimizing environmental damage and resource wastage,” says Angelo, co-founder, president, and CEO of Novamera.

Revolutionizing Mining with Data-Driven Solutions

Surgical mining is challenging conventional mining methods, primarily in markets characterized by veins one to three meters wide with vertical or sub-vertical orientations. At the heart of this lie data-driven hardware and software solutions that empower mining companies to transform their drills into precision mining devices, ensuring strategic extraction of minerals and efficient management of waste materials.

Novamera’s central technology solution is the Guidance Tool, a compact 41-millimeter diameter sensor that can be placed on any rig model for improved guidance during mining operations. Its distinctive design, combined with the proprietary data capture and interpretation algorithms, enhances mining decisions with instant information and enables proficient extraction.

The Guidance Tool acquires sensor readings every three meters to identify interfaces between mineralized zones, generating a detailed, high-resolution map of the ore body. Additionally, by analyzing lithology, geometry, and continuity, the solution helps clients better understand the deposit and devise best-suited mining strategies.

Innovative Mining and Material Transportation

Beyond the Guidance Tool, Novamera provides specialized machines for mining and transporting materials to the surface.

Streamlining reclamation and reducing the reliance on extensive processing facilities, its equipment concurrently refills excavated holes with processed ore and a binding agent.

At the same time, it uses large, external drills (with two-meter diameters) and reverse circulation airlift assist to bring cuttings to the surface.

During extraction, Novamera has developed a Smart Drilling System to ensure accurate positioning and guide the drill along a predetermined trajectory set by the guidance tool. This approach maximizes efficiency while minimizing cross-cutting drill holes and environmental impact. Meanwhile, the company’s Surgical Mining planning software integrates with existing hole sequencing tools to support mining strategies. It also provides production analytics software for assessing the entire process, improving safety, and making data-driven decisions.

Transforming Mining Practices with Sustainable Resource Extraction

In an era where companies are exploring recycling, repurposing, and enhancing mill yields to generate greater value, Surgical Mining represents an innovative approach that complements traditional practices. Proven to extract additional minerals, Novamera enhances the productivity of mining projects, enabling clients to gain value from deposits previously deemed uneconomical.

Leveraging an eco-system of strategic partnerships, Novamera guides clients with necessary introductions and opts for a collaborative methodology to ensure the successful delivery of solutions. Above all, it helps clients make the most of their mineral deposits and increase overall yield.

One notable case study showcasing the impact of Novamera’s guidance tool is an engagement with three mining companies. In this instance, the firm conducted a Guidance Tool demonstration at Anaconda Mining’s site in Newfoundland. The demonstration done from the surface underscored the Guidance Tool’s accuracy and operational efficiency in delineating an orebody in high resolution. The results were then compared to conventional cross-cutting holes and overlaid over a client infill model to illustrate the difference over traditional methods.

Novamera’s collaborative effort and commitment to out-of-the-box thinking foster the seamless integration of fresh ideas. This has led the company to become one of the driving forces behind positive change and innovation within the mining industry.

Driven by its blend of leading-edge technology and focus on sustainability, Novamera is poised to continue pushing the boundaries and help clients extract more value from sites while reducing resource consumption.