Most of the major software suppliers have released advances in their products, which focus specifically on optimisation, according to MEC Mining director Daniel Chippendale.

“MEC has been busy learning, mastering, integrating and applying these latest technologies to achieve world class outcomes for our clients,” he said.

“The level of optimisation we are now able to achieve is nothing short of amazing compared to when MEC started in 2005.”

MEC had launched a range of training courses that were specifically tailored to professional development and software training for mining professionals, Chippendale said.

“From our range of courses we have found most of the interest in truck and shovel, coal quality, XPAC and drill and blast.

“The positive feedback we have received from the attendees has been a rewarding experience and it feels great to be able to give back to an industry that has offered us so much.”

While 2013 started in a cloud of uncertainty and economic gloom, looking back it had been a fairly stable year for MEC, Chippendale said.

“Over the past few months Australia has seen record coal export volumes and the major miners have reduced their operating costs back to sustainable levels,” he said.

“Whilst mining industry conditions will remain tough, over the next 12 months I believe we will see some positive financial results and this, combined with a steady increase in the metallurgical coal price, will bring some confidence back into the Australian coal market.”