
Using Visualization Tools for Building Public Trust in the Mining Industry

Tom Bucci
This article was written by Kleinfelder South Division Director of Business Development, Strategy & Growth Tom Bucci
Across the nation, mining companies are under pressure from investors and stakeholders to boost profits and expand production due to rising demand, aging sites, and global competition. To address these challenges, these companies are turning to specialists like Kleinfelder, who leverage advancements in automation, visualization, and data management to deliver insights and solutions that optimize operations, improve safety, and enhance profitability. By utilizing tools such as 3D visualization, mining firms are not only staying competitive but also improving communication and building trust with stakeholders and the public.
When a longstanding mining client planned to expand operations at a 35-year-old open-pit quarry, they anticipated many questions would be raised at the public town hall meeting. Recognizing Kleinfelder’s deep understanding of mining operations and our unique ability to leverage digital visualization technology, they turned to us for solutions.
With Kleinfelder’s expertise in the mining industry across exploration, development, planning, operations, and closure, we solutioned the problem by utilizing 3D visualization and animated simulations to create an engaging and realistic representation of the quarry.
Leveraging 2D/3D Visualizations for Effective Public Outreach
Effective communication and collaboration were crucial for the success of the public meeting. Kleinfelder’s 3D visualization tools enhanced communication among team members and stakeholders by providing a detailed visual representation of the project’s past, present, and future. This visualization tool reduced misunderstandings and fostered trust among the stakeholders, engineers, and abutting landowners.
Kleinfelder also created a 5-minute 2D/3D educational video showing existing facility conditions, proposed expansion plans, and impact mitigation efforts. This video educated stakeholders and the community on the inner workings of the quarry, how the materials are used in our everyday lives, and the benefits to the community.
“As engineers, scientists, and technologists, we excel in technical subjects, but explaining complex concepts to non-technical audiences can be challenging,” said Kleinfelder Senior 3D Design and Visualization Specialist Johnathan West, who prepared the 3D visualization and simulations to translate technical mining jargon into an understandable language, making it more accessible to non-technical stakeholders and the public.
Kleinfelder South Division Mining Market Engineering Lead Andrew Wilmer also attended the public meeting to assist our client in answering technical questions. “I had the opportunity to see first-hand the benefit of the 2D/3D informational video,” he said. “Having attended various public meetings, I was able to see the difference the video made in educating the public and creating positive public relations. The video truly enhanced the way technical information was shared to non-technical stakeholders.”
Fostering Trust, Understanding, and Engagement
Kleinfelder’s use of 2D/3D visualization significantly improved the outcome of the public meeting by:
- Building public trust and enhancing communication: By providing clear and detailed 3D visual representations of the quarry’s current operations, future expansion, and end land use plan, Kleinfelder helped our client demonstrate transparency and build trust with stakeholders, residents, and elected officials. This shared understanding of the proposed quarry expansion fostered a collaborative atmosphere, improved communication, and helped resolve conflicts more efficiently.
- Improving comprehension and engagement: Complex technical details can be challenging for the public to grasp. Kleinfelder’s 3D visualizations simplified the quarry details, making it easier for community members to understand the scope and impact of the project, leading to more meaningful feedback and a greater sense of involvement in the decision-making process.
- Responding to concerns: Kleinfelder’s visualizations helped address specific community concerns by showing how the quarry expansion would be managed, including measures to mitigate potential impacts. This proactive approach alleviated fears and demonstrated our client’s commitment to responsible practices.
Driving Innovation in the Mining Industry
Kleinfelder’s integration of 3D visualization in the mining industry is helping our clients become more competitive, transparent, and trusted in their communities. From enhancing project planning and safety to improving communication and resource management, the benefits are extensive. Our innovative use of 3D visualization tools has become increasingly vital for permitting and public approval of site expansions. As this technology continues to evolve, its impact on the mining industry will grow, driving efficiency and collaboration to new heights.