#Canada #Newfoundland #Oracle Cloud #Atlas Salt #GAS Project

Atlas Salt Enhances Project Teams and Data Management with Oracle Cloud

Atlas Salt, Inc. has made a significant move in the mining sector by adopting Oracle's advanced project and financial management solutions. This strategic decision aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in the development of the Great Atlantic Salt (GAS) deposit, the first new salt mine in North America in nearly 30 years. Expected to produce up to 2.5 million tons of rock salt annually, the GAS project represents a vital addition to Canada's mining landscape.

With tools such as Oracle Aconex, Oracle Primavera Cloud, and Oracle NetSuite, Atlas Salt is poised to optimize its operational workflows, reduce project timelines, and manage costs effectively. For example, the integration of critical equipment lead times directly into project plans allows the company to proactively address potential delays, particularly in sourcing vital mining machinery and transformers. This level of foresight is expected to save millions and could shorten the project timeline by several months, according to the feasibility study released in May 2024.

Andrew Smith, Mine Project Manager, recognizes the importance of Oracle's solutions in transforming team collaboration and communication. "The technology has provided us with a reliable backbone, creating a single source of truth for our data—including drawings, approvals, and documents. This enables quick incorporation of feedback from contractors, allowing us to stay agile and manage scheduling risks effectively," he stated. Smith emphasized that the collaborative tools from Oracle are expected to yield substantial time and cost savings, ensuring that the GAS Project is delivered successfully as Canada's next operational salt mine.

Strengthening Collaboration and Financial Efficiency

The shift to Oracle Aconex during the execution phase of the GAS project enhances collaboration and information management while also maintaining budgetary control. Oracle Primavera Cloud plays a crucial role in connecting teams through centralized planning and scheduling, thereby maximizing resource usage and minimizing project-related risks.

Simultaneously, Atlas Salt will implement NetSuite's enterprise resource planning system. This addition aims to bolster visibility across all business operations, refine corporate budgeting processes, and streamline procurement activities. The comprehensive integrated system essentially ensures that Atlas Salt can operate more efficiently while fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders, including local communities and regulatory entities.

Furthermore, real-time tracking and improved financial forecasting are instrumental in enhancing cash flow management. This financial discipline is essential for attracting potential investments and securing new funding opportunities from lenders. Mark Webster, Oracle's senior vice president, emphasizes the importance of integrating budgets, schedules, and workflows within a unified system. This integration enables Atlas Salt to navigate complex project dynamics and adjust plans as needed in real-time, enhancing their ability to maintain project momentum.

Looking Ahead

Atlas Salt, Inc. is committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices as it works towards fulfilling its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The implementation of Oracle's technology not only positions them favorably in the competitive landscape of the North American salt industry but also lays the groundwork for innovative practices and operational excellence in the years to come.

As Atlas Salt continues its journey, the collaboration with Oracle promises to deliver robust financial models and operational transparency that will be attractive to prospective investors, setting the stage for a successful launch of the GAS project. In a sector that demands high efficiency and accountability, Atlas Salt's proactive approach could redefine standards in mining operations and offer valuable insights for future developments.