Mining at Matmaa
Open-pit mining demands precision, discipline, and continuous optimization—particularly within ore and waste haulage, where mining equipment accounts for over 50% of total operating costs. Even modest improvements in fleet allocation and dispatch coordination can increase production by up to 10%, making productivity management a critical driver of operational performance.
In response to this challenge, MATMAA Mining Group initiated the implementation of an intelligent mining infrastructure last year, marking a strategic shift toward digital and data-driven operations. Through the application of artificial intelligence technologies, MATMAA enhances equipment performance monitoring, improves workforce and contractor efficiency, and strengthens overall fleet utilization across the operation. Following one year of systematic data collection and digital integration, the foundations for smart mining have been firmly established.
Looking ahead, MATMAA anticipates that by the end of the current year, artificial intelligence will be actively embedded in the management of a wide range of operational activities at the Morvarid Iron Ore Mine in Zanjan. These capabilities will support more informed decision-making, improve productivity and cost control, and provide practical decision-support tools for operational teams—reinforcing MATMAA’s commitment to efficient, responsible, and sustainable mining.
Thousand Meters of Exploratory Drilling
Exploration; Revealing the Resource
Since 2005, exploration activities at the Morvarid Iron Ore Mine have been carried out on a continuous basis, generating high-quality geological datasets and detailed three-dimensional resource models. These efforts have delivered a clear picture of the deposit’s geological framework and economic potential, placing the Morvarid Mine among the leading iron ore operations nationwide.
Extraction: Where Science, Experience, and Technology Converge
Following the completion of comprehensive exploration programs, mining operations commenced with precision and discipline. The application of optimized mine designs, rigorous geotechnical analysis, and intelligent algorithms has enabled MATMAA to achieve production targets while minimizing waste stripping and reducing environmental impacts—reflecting a balanced approach to operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Surveying: Sky Masters Ground
Leveraging aerial photogrammetry with DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 UAVs, the Morvarid Iron Ore Mine generates high-resolution, geospatial data with sub-two-centimeter accuracy. By seamlessly integrating RTK/PPK GPS positioning with Leica total station measurements, this methodology provides a precise and reliable foundation for volumetric assessments, geometric validation, and continuous operational monitoring, enabling informed decision-making and optimized management of the mine’s terrain and resources.
Blasting; Engineering Controlled Energy
Through a dedicated blasting technical committee, the Morvarid Iron Ore Mine applies a disciplined and engineered approach to energy control, with a clear focus on safety and fragmentation quality. By conducting daily oversight of blast hole design, charging practices, timing sequences, and vibration monitoring, the committee defines the optimal configuration for each blast pattern—ensuring controlled energy release, consistent fragmentation, and reliable operational performance.
Artificial Intelligence – The Mine’s Digital Brain
At the Morvarid Iron Ore Mine, data is no longer raw. The GenAI system cleanses, analyzes, and transforms incomplete datasets into actionable managerial insights. Artificial intelligence is integrated across the mining cycle—from loading and haulage to predictive maintenance of equipment—empowering smarter decisions, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring reliability throughout the operation.
Rehabilitation & Social Responsibility
At MATMAA, mining is inseparable from land rehabilitation. In parallel with extraction, waste dump reclamation projects have been initiated, and to date, two dumps have been fully restored. The initiative reflects our commitment to returning the land to productive life and achieving a sustainable balance between development, the environment, and local communities.
Machine Optimization
Regular maintenance and servicing of mineral machines is not only a technical duty but a comprehensive strategy to reduce costs, ensure safety, enhance productivity, and move towards sustainable mining.
The positive impacts of optimization include operational cost savings, reduced environmental impacts, extended equipment lifespan, minimized unnecessary downtime, and improved production volume and quality.
