Today’s post comes from Claver Gnamien, one of our Mining Knowledge Consultants.

The release of GEOVIA Surpac™ 6.7 earlier this year features design improvements for grade estimation by enhancing search ellipses and weighting length of composites. Significant increases in the processing speed of the block model enable geologists and engineers to see faster results of larger models with greater coverage or finer resolution. With multi-threading, Surpac 6.7 uses all of the available CPU cores to significantly increase the speed of high resolution modeling, analyzing much larger models in a fraction of the time. Its optimized performance allows the use of much larger models with very high sampling density, which has historically been difficult to collect and analyze in a single model.

Here is a tip to search ellipsoid based on grade range when working in Surpac 6.7

In a composite file, there may be high grade values disseminated in the domain. This method provides a way of handling the high grade values in the estimation.

The use of a single search distance is tending to bias the estimation and the high grade value will impact on any grade calculated at the maximum search distance set up. The result of this is the smearing of the high grade along the deposit. To avoid this kind of issues, it is recommended to restrict the influence area of the high grade.

The block model inverse distance and ordinary kriging estimation methods allows Surpac users to define a number of anisotropic search distances for specified grade ranges. Surpac users can restrict the samples selected in a manner that is sensitive to the magnitude of the sample grade. This can help better estimate deposits with multiple populations of mineralization existing within a single estimation domain. Samples found within the maximum (default) search radius are considered for estimation, but the samples are included or excluded according to the anisotropic distances calculated using the values you have selected for each grade range.

This method is particularly useful for coarse grain deposits.

Looking for more Surpac Tips & Tricks? Check out these past posts on How to model a fault in Surpac and Understanding Surpac’s approach to validation of solid model.

Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks. 

read more

Today’s post comes from Anant Khangaonker, Mining Knowledge Consultant.

The Advanced Blast Firing Sequence Design functionality in GEOVIA Surpac™ 6.7.1 allows users to graphically tie, untie and edit blast holes in a given blast pattern so that the blast holes can be fired as per a desired sequence. This feature enables increased flexibility and customizability when designing a firing sequence, which means users can combine different, multi-directional blast patterns and watch these patterns come to life via the animation slider. Additionally, users can edit inter-hole delays to adjust the amount of explosives being fired at a given time to minimize vibrations. The feature also makes it easy to examine the firing angle using the animation slider, and prepare a firing plan for Autoplot.

Here are some important features of the Advanced Firing Sequence Designer Panel, in particular how to tie/untie blast holes and customize your firing sequence. 

1.Click on the Firing Sequence tab and select Advanced firing sequence designer.

2. To tie holes: In the Advanced Firing Sequence Designer panel, select the menu Tie holes. 

You will be prompted to select a start hole and end hole along the direction of propagation of shock wave. The start hole is set as the initiation hole. All the holes whose perpendicular offset from the line (that connects the start & end holes) is less than a given tolerance (by default it is 0.01) are considered to be tied on the firing row with a nominated inter-hole delay detonator between each hole. The data structure stores the relationship as parent-child. A parent hole can have multiple children holes, but a child hole cannot have multiple parent holes. And, the initiation hole is the super parent of all the holes. 

3. To untie holes: In the Advanced Firing Sequence Designer panel, select the menu Untie holes.

You will be prompted to select the start hole and the hole to be untied. The two holes will be untied from each other if they are connected together. This process would leave those holes in a dangling state previously connected to the hole that we just untied. As we don't want any hole in the sequence to be in a dangling state, all holes must have their super parent as the initiation hole. This process will also untie all the holes that are in a dangling state in order to keep the sequence in a valid state. Untie all holes will untie all the tied holes and reset the initiation hole. 

4. Validate firing sequence: This checks if the initiation point is defined and if the sequence has/doesn’t have any dangling holes. It also lists the holes that are not currently tied. 

5. Display firing sequence: This allows us to display the detonation time (in milliseconds) below each hole and the inter hole delay (in milliseconds) below the line connecting the two holes. It also draws an arrow between holes (if there is a delay between the two holes) along the direction of propagation of shockwave.  

6. Firing sequence generation template: There are three templates (Diagonal pattern, V-shaped pattern and Centre-lift pattern) available as a tick box to generate a firing sequence. The customized firing sequence is available in addition to these templates.

• Diagonal pattern: Click and drag the diagonal line and a diagonal firing pattern is generated automatically as per the regular/zigzag option that we have selected.
• V-shaped pattern: Define the apex base line and diagonal lines to generate the V-firing pattern automatically.
• Center-lift pattern: Define the center line and a center-lift firing pattern will be generated automatically. 

Watch this videoand learn how to use the Advanced Firing Sequence panel in the Surpac 6.7.1 Drill & Blast Module. 

To learn more about the Advanced Blast Firing Sequence or Surpac 6.7.1, contact GEOVIA.Surpac.Support@3ds.com or GEOVIA.Surpac@3ds.com

Looking for more Surpac Tips & Tricks? Check out these past posts on How to model a fault in Surpac and Understanding Surpac’s approach to validation of solid model.

Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks. 

read more

2015 has been an eventful year. as we look forward to all that will come your way in 2016, here are the Top 10 GEOVIA blog posts from 2015:

1.   Celebrating 30 Years of Mining Innovation

2.   Six Steps to Operational Stability

3.   What Mining can Learn from other Industries

4.   5 Questions with the New CEO

5.   Introducing GEOVIA Editions

6.   10 Reasons to Throw Away Your File Server

7.   What is Mining Operational Stability and Why is it so Important to Acheiving Mining Execution Excellence?

8.   Dr. Tony Inducted into International Mining Technology Hall of Fame

9.   Tales from the Road - 3DEXPERIENCE FORUM in Singapore

10. Tactical Implementation of a Strategic Plan

Did you have a favorite blog post that wasn't on the list? Share your favorite post in the comments below!

read more

Today’s Tip comes from Ivan Alvarez, one our Technical Customer Support Specialists.

For GEOVIA MineSched™ users, when setting up a scenario, it’s important that all the parameters are correct. Part of this configuration consists of selecting the location(s) where the material will be mined. There are many different options available to set up the Locations in MineSched.

To begin the process, select the Locations option in the "Setup Schedule" Tab. Click the “+” button to insert constraints.

There are nine 9 different types of constraints in which to configure the locations and combine them for more accuracy in selection.

Surpac Constraint File
You can use a Surpac constraint file (.con) previously created in Surpac. This file will include the blocks that belongs to the location.

Surface
Another option to setup a Location is the Surface option. After selecting, you can decide if the constraint will apply above or below (not above) the surface.
Types of files supported: Surpac files (*.dtm); GEMS Project Files (*.gpr); Minex Files (*.tr5); AutoCAD Files (*.dwg, *.dxf); Datamine Files (*_tr.dm, *_tr.asc, *_tr.dat, *_tr.ddf); Micromine Files (*.dat); Vulcan Files (*.00t)

Solids
If you decide to use a Solid constraint to define your location, you should click the Inside box to use the blocks inside the solid, or unclick the Inside box to use the blocks outside the solid.
Types of files supported: Surpac files (*.dtm); GEMS Project Files (*.gpr); Minex Files (*.tr5); AutoCAD Files (*.dwg, *.dxf); Datamine Files (*_tr.dm, *_tr.asc, *_tr.dat, *_tr.ddf); Micromine Files (*.dat); Vulcan Files (*.00t)

Polygon
If you use the polygon option, you need to be sure that the lines are closed. You should click the Inside box to use the blocks inside the polygon, or unclick the Inside box to use the blocks outside the polygon. In “Extend direction” option, enter the direction in which the polygon extents are extended until they intersect the extents of the model.
Types of files supported: Surpac files (*.str); GEMS Project Files (*.gpr); Minex Files (*.gm3); ArcInfo Files (*.shp); AutoCAD Files (*.dwg, *.dxf); Datamine Files (*_pt.dm, *_pt.asc, *_pt.dat, *_pt.ddf); MapInfo Files (*.mif, *.tab); Micromine Files (*.dat, *.mm, *.str, *.out); Vulcan Files (*.dgd)

Block 
You can select an attribute in the block model and use it to constrain the blocks that will be used for the Location. After select the attribute, select the operator and enter a value. All blocks that meet the requeriment will be included in the Location.

X Plane, Y Plane, Z Plane
You can select the portion of the model above or not above the plane selected. The other portion of the model is excluded from the Location.

Plane
If you know the Scalar Equation of the Plane, you can enter the coefficients A, B, C or D and use that plane as restriction to define wich blocks will be used in the location.

For more MineSched Tips & Tricks, check out Ivan's earlier post on Updating a .MDL Block Model

read more

Today’s post comes from Kim Ferguson-Thomas, one our Technical Customer Support Specialists.

In GEOVIA Surpac™, a Cavity Monitor System (CMS) picks up the 3D shape of a stope to help calculate the volume, tonnage and grade of that stope. The design stope can then be compared to the actual stope as a means to measure and monitor performance using Surpac’s Mesh Tools> Deviation Analysis. For Mining Engineers, this function is particularly useful as validated CMS data can be used in stope performance reports.

Here are the steps to quickly and easily import an externally-validated CMS pickup in SurpAc:

1. To begin validating your CMS pickup, open up the .dxf file in the graphics window and save it in a binary fomat.

2. Verify that the CMS solid object is a valid solid using Solids > Validation > Validate object/trisolation.

Note: A valid solid has no errors, such as intersecting triangles, holes, and invalid edges. Once the solid is valid, many other advanced Surpac solids functions can be performed on your CMS. You can correct any errors as part of the validation process, and set the CMS to be a solid or a void. The autocorrect can be a timesaver – tick the box “attempt to auto correct problems”.  

3. Inspect the results in the Graphic viewport by orbiting and zooming the display to inspect the results in detail.  

Note: If you have previously processed other CMS stopes in Surpac, it is helpful to provide them with unique object and trisolation numbers and identify them by underground level, or stope number.

4. Renumber the main object to a new number.

5. Save the CMS as a Surpac DTM using File > Save > String/DTM.

In the form that is displayed, enter your preferred file name, then choose Output Format Type=Surpac DTM Files, and the File format buttons choose binary.  Click the <Apply> button to validate and save your CMS.

Note: You should always save the DTM as a binary format file. By choosing binary format you ensure that the full coordinate precision of your stope is retained.

Looking for more Surpac Tips & Tricks? Check out these past posts on Using the Advanced Blast Firing Sequence and How to model a fault in Surpac. 

Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks. 

read more

Today's post comes from Mark Bese, Natural Resources Senior Industry Marketing Manager.

If you are a resource geologist, you may have experienced, and have probably heard about mining datasets becoming larger. You may find that the software you have trusted for years has been unable to keep pace with this growth, leaving you waiting for hours or more for resource estimations to be completed.

There is a solution to this, and its software that has been optimized to deal with the exponential growth in the size of datasets. With faster software, estimations can be completed in minutes, freeing geologists to work on other tasks. For those people downstream and dependent on the geologists work, they will be able to update production schedules much faster, making the operation that much more efficient.

To learn more, watch this video on Fast Resource Modeling.

read more

Today’s post comes from Pablo Gancedo, one of our Mining Knowledge Consultants.

One of the new features found in GEOVIA Whittle™ 4.6 is the ability to import multi-percent models using a simple, user-friendly workflow. Multi-percent models are files storing information properties (e.g. grades) for multiple material types (e.g. air, waste, ore) in each of the blocks.

Follow these 10 steps to Import Multi-Percent Models in Whittle:

1.  Multi-percent models can be imported into Whittle using the Import Block Model function. The command can be accessed either through the right-click menu; the Node Menu at the top of the window; or the Add toolbar button. Note:In Whittle 4.6, a file browser window will appear instead of the traditional Whittle model import wizard window. Supported files include both GEOVIA and third party files. For many users, this feature will simplify their model import workflows as .mod/.par files would not be required to be created in the GMP for import purposes.

2.  Once the model file is selected, clicking on Select will launch a new, 7-step block model import wizard. A window showing the block model details will be displayed. These include information on its framework, the block size and its rotation. The user needs to select the model type, which for multi percent models is Partial Percentage, as shown in Figure 3. Click Next to proceed.

3.  Define the partial attribute setup by specifying whether the partial attributes represent a block volume fraction (0 to 1 values) or a block volume percentage (0 to 100 values). Note: GEOVIA Surpac™ models typically follow the volume fraction convention.

4.  Define the naming and prefixing conventions for the density, partial and element attributes. Note: There is flexibility to define the options that suit best existing conventions used in block models and select relevant options.

5. Click “Generate Partial Attributes” to prompt Whittle to search in the model for density, partial percentage and grade attributes that follow the defined conventions. Note: Any identified rock types and elements will be then listed at the right hand side of the window.

6.  Add or remove Rock codes and elements from the corresponding list b using the relevant + and - buttons. If required, change names of both rock types and elements. Once the rock types and elements have been identified, click on Next to proceed to the Partial Attributes.

7.  Click Next to proceed to the Select Block Model Attributes step. All model attributes existing in the model are listed and the attributes chosen in the previous window appear selected and mapped to their corresponding type. Adding other attributes to the selection is done by checking the corresponding Import checkbox and selecting the correct attribute mapping. Click on Next to proceed to Select Grade Attributes.  

8.  In the Select Grade Attributes, define both the units and number of decimals that are to be employed for elements. Once the units are defined, click Next to proceed to Define the Formats.

9.  Define the rock mass and currency formatting. Click Next to start the model reading process. Note: The currency unit can now be manually typed instead of selected from a pre-defined list of symbols.

10. Once the model reading process is completed, review the summary of the element amounts and their grade values. Click Finish to close the import wizard. Note: the corresponding model node will appear in the Navigation Tree.

It’s important to note that Whittle 4.6 defines the currency, rock and element formats during the import process, which eliminates the need to rerun a model (as needed in previous versions of Whittle). This can be checked in the “Formats” tab of the corresponding Block Model node.

Looking for more Whittle Tips & Tricks?  Here are some tips on using the Block Model Import Wizard.  

Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks.

read more

It’s Tip Tuesday! Today’s post comes from Hayley Manning, one of our Technical Customer Support Consultants.

GEOVIA GEMS™ users can interpolate your block-model data to create a boundary-like triangulation around blocks that have a specific value. In addition, GEMS can draw smoothed colour gradients to show the interior, in 3D or 2D slices through the isoshell. The isoshell's colours reflect different ranges of numeric block-model data.

To draw and display an isoshell, follow these steps:

1.  On the Block menu, point to Isoshell, and then click Create.

2.  Under Get data from, accept or modify the block-model attribute to use.

3.  Under Isoshell, enter a value at which to draw the isoshell triangulation. GEMS triangulates an isoshell around all block data that exceeds this value.

4.  Under Sections, set up how to draw any cross sections or long sections through the isoshell triangulation. Select a colour profile that has different colours for the range of values in the block model. To draw only a portion of the ranges in the colour profile (without modifying the colour profile), select ‘Cap all profile ranges at’, and then enter the value.

5.  Select a resolution at which to draw the colour gradients in isoshell slices. Higher settings may take longer to calculate and draw. 

6.  Select a plane that passes through the isoshell. In 3D View GEMS displays both faces of the slice (Figure 2). In 2D View GEMS will display the ‘toward’ face of the slice (not at the current plane itself) if that face is within the isoshell, or otherwise the away face, in 2D (Figure 3).

To save an isoshell as a solid, follow these steps:

1.  If you have no isoshell, draw the isoshell.

2.  On the Block menu, point to Isoshell, and then click Create Solid.

3.  Enter the solid properties and click OK to save.

• After you save the solid, you can clear the isoshell. On the Block menu, point to Isoshell, and then click Clear.
• GEMS automatically saves the current slice as an image (named Section2D) in the workspace.

Looking for more GEMS Tips & Tricks? Check out Hayley's earlier post on Displaying Bock-Triangular Intersections with Greater Precision.  

Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks.

read more

This is Part Two in a three-part series from Mark Bese, Natural Resources Senior Industry Marketing Manager. Read Part One here.

Mining datasets are growing faster than ever as mines become larger and deeper around the world. For resource geologists, and those dependent upon them downstream, the software used to model geology has now kept up with this growth. It can now take hours for, or even days in some cases, for the software to run calculations, if it can at all, on large data.

What is the cost of this? First, the mining efficiency is impacted as geological models cannot be updated quickly enough to be reflected in mine schedules. This impacts what is processed and thrown out as waste. Is high grade ending up in the trash and low grade being put through the mill?

Second, the resource geologist is trapped waiting for the calculations to complete, leaving their computer tied up when they could be doing other things.

There is faster software available now that can assist with it.

Watch this webinar to learn How To Fast Track Resource Estimation Processes

Like what you read? Subscribe to our blog and all future posts will be delivered directly to your inbox - just enter your email in the box on the right side of the page and click "Subscribe"

read more

Today’s post comes from Alissa Warne, one of our User Advocacy Marketing Specialists.

Earlier this week, we held our first #AskGEOVIA twitter chat to explore innovation in drill and blast mining technology. The interactive Q&A session, featuring our Mining Knowledge Consultant, Anant Khangaonker, focused on the power of mining software to unlock the potential of drilling and blasting operations.

While the use of explosives in mining dates back to the 15^th century, technology has made it possible for modern approaches to drill and blast. Despite challenging industry conditions, drill and blast is a tried and tested approach that can determine the overall success of mining operations.

Throughout the chat, we discussed current uses of drill and blast and how simulation technology can generate efficiencies in the drill and blast process, reduce energy wastage and lower costs – all while aiming to maximize productivity and profitability. To read the full Twitter Chat, follow us @3dsGEOVIA

After the Twitter Chat, we sat down with Anant to continue the conversation on drill and blast technology.  

How does drill and blast improve productivity and flexibility while achieving operational objectives? 

Drilling and blasting prepares the pit face for excavation through fragmentation, reducing the time taken to excavate. A good blast will produce a good lumps-fines ration with less vibration, but the downturn means that miners need to become more efficient. Consequently, the drill and blast department today has to do more with less, whilst still contributing to profitability of the mine.

How can innovative mining technology help miners streamline costs?

Innovative technology reduces the level of uncertainty typically associated with drill and blast, by setting out the blasting parameters. Software helps engineers get more out of their blast holes by providing the data they need, to a precise degree of detail, whether it’s the amount of explosives required, hole placement or how deep to drill the hole.

What role does simulation play in blasthole design?

Simulating blastholes can determine the quantity of explosives needed and where they need to be placed. It can flag potential disasters such as incorrect hole depths/placement, rock that is too hard or soft, or inefficient blast patterns. Without this intelligence it becomes more challenging to plan blast designs and ensure technical success. There is also more room for error without software to guide drill and blast activities. As a mining engineer, I don’t underestimate how important this is to making critical decisions, particularly when it comes to mine safety.

Simulation is also important as it provides engineers with the firing angle to minimize dilution of ore. Good blasting techniques can also minimize unnecessary costs involved in secondary blasting.

How is blasthole simulation possible in the latest version of GEOVIA Surpac™?

Surpac 6.7.1’s new Drill and Blast Module lets users graphically tie, untie and edit holes to be fired in a desired sequence. It enables a more flexible and customixed firing sequence where users can edit the delay to adjust the amount of explosives fired at a given time.

How customizable are blast holes in Surpac 6.7.1?

Holes are customized in the Advanced Firing Sequence Panel according to mine site requirements and the sequence can be animated. Users can combine different, multi-directional blast patterns and watch these patterns come to life via the animation slider. Additionally, users can edit inter-hole delays to adjust the amount of explosives being fired at a given time to minimize vibrations.

Read our blog post on the Advanced Blast Firing Sequence.

How can shot firers benefit from this customization?

Before blasting, firers can customize and simulate firing sequence and track consumables to optimize the blast. The drill and blast process is one area where considerable benefits can be gained with efficient use of technology, for example in terms of design accuracy, improved safety and time utilization.

What are the common pitfalls of the drill and blast process? How can technology mitigate these pitfalls?

The first pitfall is energy wastage. Miners should adopt strategies to avoid over blasting and ore loss. We should consider the performance of explosives in terms of powder factor and enhance blasting techniques. Another pitfall is fragmentation that's not optimized, which can impact shovel digging efficiency.

How can Surpac help calculate the powder factor needed for blasting?

Surpac can generate a series of reports showing the volume of rock and amount of explosives used. The design and planning of blast masters also factor into drill and blast performance, as intelligent blast master design incorporates safety considerations, rock type/strength to optimize resources.

Surpac has a new feature that allows you to generate new firing plan layer and enable Autoplot to generate firing plans.

For more information, check out our video on the Advanced Firing Sequence Panel in the Drill and Blast module. To participate in our next Twitter Chat, follow us on Twitter @3dsGEOVIA.

read more

It’s Tip Tuesday! Today’s post comes from Natcha Roongrote, one of our Technical Customer Support Consultants.

New advancements in technology often mean that computers become obsolete and need replacing or upgrading. Often for IT administrators, their role is to migrate server data from old machines to new ones to ensure business continuity in the form of backups.  Usually, this migration is performed as a once-off when new equipment is purchased. Additionally, it is recommended that backups and restores be performed at least once a month.

Before migrating the data, it is important to check the following:

• Ensure the data has NOT been modified since the date of the last backup file (it is recommended that you back up the server right before you migrate the data)
• The most recent created backup file is used to migrate the server data to a different computer

Here are the steps to follow to migrate your server data in GEOVIA Hub™ Client to another computer.

1.  Notify all Hub Client users that they cannot access the Hub server while it is being migrated to a different computer.

2.  Choose Admin > Maintenance > Backup/Restore , which will make the Backup/Restore form appear.

3.  If the Server Backup Location box is empty, click the Browse button  and browse to the backup folder location. Note: If the Server Backup Location box has a folder location, you can skip this step.

4.  Select a backup file from the Available Backups list.

5. Click Restore. 

6.  Select Migrate the data to a different server using the backup file selected, and click OK.  A confirmation message appears.

7.  Review the confirmation message, and click Yes to confirm that you want to migrate the server data to a different computer.  Depending on the amount of data being migrated, the data migration may take several hours.Note: The migrated data contains the date and time of the selected backup file.

8.  After the Hub server is migrated, shut down the previous server and notify all Hub Client users of the update.

Looking for more Hub Tips? Check out Natcha’s recent post on Default Location - A Useful Tool in Hub. Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks

read more

It’s Tip Tuesday! Today’s post comes from Ranajit Das, one of our Senior Mining Consultants.

GEOVIA Minex™ has a default color palette, which enables users to choose from one of 256 colors. Users can activate the current color map through the menu Graphics > Color Map.
Sometimes Minex users are required to choose a color number and use every nth color. For example, start at color number 3 and choose every 16th color from the palette. The color numbers would then be selected accordingly from the current palette.

In addition to the default color palette, Minex provides several color palettes, which can be selected through the menu Graphics > Import Color Map. These palettes are stored in the folder C:\Users\Public\GEOVIA\GEOVIA Minex\<version>\shared\etc\palettes

Minex users can also create their own palette should they prefer a different option. To do so, open a palette file from the folder in a text editor.

In the above image, there are 256 lines in this color palette file which is a RBG type palette where the first column represents the color number.  The decimal numbers in the three columns are the Red Blue and Green values divided by 255. The RBG values for a color can be obtained from Minex for any color.

Using the Minex Select Color window, create colors and check the RBG form there. Note:  If a Minex uses know the html color code, enter it directly in the Color Code field. Click here for a list of color code examples.

 It’s important to note that when using macros in most places, color is used as an index. For instance, in a recorder macro for a grid display, part of which is shown below, has an index -16515125:

MinexTask "GRID_DISPLAY" { }
MinexDialogAction "GridDisplay""ok" {
all = true
cancel = true
clipGridCheckBox = true
colorChooser = -16515125

The line colorChooser indicates the color. This color is index is created as below from the RBG values of a color, using the following relation:

Color Index = -16777216 + ((R*255)*65536 + (G*255)*256 + (B*255)). Note: R, G and B are decimal values between 0.0 and 1.0. To convert to decimal, divide by 255.

Looking for Minex Tips & Tricks? Read Ranajit’s earlier post on How to Combine Smaller Sub-Pits into a Single Main Pit. 

Be sure to check back next Tuesday for more Product Tips & Tricks. 

read more

It's Tip Tuesday! Today’s post comes from Kim Ferguson-Thomas, one of our Technical Customer Support Consultants.

Geology databases are usually huge. Typically, engineers and surveyors are only interested in the drillholes containing intercepts within the mine reserve and will generally use the drillhole database in underground development design. In this context, they will interrogate the database if they plan to develop close to or through an orebody; or to monitor the development in relation to geological structures or faults; or to minimize the likelihood of water inundation from a hole that has intercepted the groundwater table or a perched aquifer.

Knowing the location of a drillhole is very important from both a design and safety perspective. By extracting the database as a string file, users can look at the drillholes they are interested in. Additionally, surveyors may also want to use the drillholes in an external package.

Here are the 10 steps to extract your drillhole database as a string file in GEOVIA Surpac™.

1. Open up the drillhole database in Surpac and display the holes.

2. Display a grid so you can work out the location of the center of the database.

3. Select Database > Extract> Sections for plotting.

Note: This is a function that extracts the database as strings.

4. Fill in the form 'Extract sections for plotting' and click 'Apply'.

Ensure Y1 and Y2 are the same number as section range. The section range, Y1 and Y2 need to be the same as we are extracting a cross section through the database with a large window either side.  Y1 and Y2 represent a straight line through the center of the ore body, and section range represents the northing that the section will be cut on.

Note: Make sure the widths on each side allow for the entire database to be extracted.X1 and X2 are the minimum and maximum Easting.

5. Open up the string file and display a grid. You will see that the RL is displayed as a Northing.

6. Use graphics layer maths and transpose the string file by selecting ‘Perform maths on all points of the current layer’.

7. Enter the following in the Graphics string maths window:

Field ‘y’ and expression ‘z’
Field ‘z’ and expression ‘y’
Select 'Apply'

8. Click on Zoom to data extents 

9. The Northing is now correct (left image). Display the drilloles and check the strings are on top of the drillholes. 

Note: String 1 is the Hole trace for holes entirely within extraction limits. String 5 is the top, bottom and down hole survey depths with survey data stored in the D fields (right image).

10. Select File> Save > string/Dtm and pass the string file to mining engineers or surveyors.

Note: Remember to tell the end users the difference between string 1 and 5, as they need string 1 for the trace, but string 5 for the hole_id.

If you would like to automate this process as a macro, contact GEOVIA.AU.sales@3ds.com for more information.

Looking for more Surpac Tips & Tricks? Check out Kim’s earlier post on Validating a CMS Pickup in Surpac .Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks. 

read more

Today’s post comes from our CEO, Raoul Jacquand.

It’s clear that the mining industry is still fragile reflected by the trending on commodity prices and the drastic actions that some (larger) mining companies have taken early in 2016. However, my travels to both Mining Indaba and PDAC earlier this year, where I caught up with many in the mining industry, gives me more reason to remain positive as we continue to respond to the current downturn.

The need for a “new norm,” whereby the growth and success of mining companies is not solely dependent on trading prices of minerals & metals, is gradually being acknowledged throughout the industry. Mining organizations no longer need to be constrained by external market conditions - they can improve their operations, motivating financial returns, through their own actions and decisions.

Change is possible, especially in tough market conditions. 

We’ve heard it before, but to become a more adaptable and sustainable business, the mining industry must become more robust, rapidly adaptable to both the economy and commodity demand to better exploit opportunities in the industry. Mining needs to reclaim lost productivity and ensure safe operations.

One of the best ways the mining industry can overcome these challenges is to look to the successes found in other industries and learn from them. With the right technology, mining companies can improve productivity, control costs, and seize opportunities to better manage risk in unpredictable markets.

By adopting GEOVIA applications and Dassault Systèmes’ technologies for Natural Resources, Mining organizations can help reach operational stability as the first step on a virtuous journey to excellence and agility. Our goal is to bring the best practices from global manufacturing, aviation and automotive sectors to mining to create a culture of digital, lean and agile business.

For more insights from Raoul Jacquand, read our earlier post: 5 Questions with the New CEO

read more

Today’s post comes from Shaun MacRrae, one of our Senior Business Analysts.

On the road to Operational Stability, one of the key considerations is the management of production mining activities, both planned and actual. To successfully achieve effective mine production management, you must ensure you fill these seven requirements:  

 1. Intuitive and rich reporting, drill down and navigation

The Mining Industry needs clear and easy-to-use production reporting that is not just automatic, but is also interactive and adhoc/on-demand. While it’s common for Operations to have a standard Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Production Reports that can be generated with the click of a button, it is also important for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to browse the information with different levels of detail and from different viewpoints. Providing modern-day dedicated/pre-calculated analytics can afford these experts to fully understand and explain the information they may be seeing on a chart or display - and when there are issues with the information, drill down to the tooling required to correct and adjust discrepancies.

2. Fast deployment allowing quick benefit realization

Defining a plan for Mine Production Management can often be perceived as daunting. Production Mining is a very dynamic process when compared with manufacturing processes, for example, which are generally much more controlled and predictable. It’s important to develop an iterative approach to Mine Production process improvement that may involve first centralizing and automating your Daily, Weekly, Monthly reports, then beginning to address the important feedback cycle between planned and actual, finally developing a reconciliation approach that allows you to manage data discrepancies across the entire mining value chain (from Mine -> Mill).

3. Complete integration capability with all systems, including ERP

Automation of data integration is an important enabler in any Mine Production Management solution. The connected mine (even underground nowadays) is increasingly fitted with sensors/devices for most/all of the key mining processes (fleet, conveying, processing, etc.). Typically this data is very raw in nature and may be difficult with which to work for reporting and aggregating, etc. The longer it takes SMEs to manually integrate and aggregate the information, the less value the information is likely to have before it can be used. Looking at historical data has value but why not take a look at the current situation while there is still an opportunity to influence outcomes?  Not to mention, there is a high likelihood for error in manual processes. Automation of data integration is also becoming increasingly pivotal in bridging the gap between OT (the plethora of raw data systems in Operations) and IT (corporate systems, including ERP).

4.  Single point of access to all operational data

One of the key challenges in Mining is system overload: too many software silos – typically with no single point of entry or view of operational data. Regardless of the systems and datasets involved in production processes, the user experience for reporting, data analysis, and reconciliation needs to be standard and consistent across all departments in order to achieve stability.

5. Self-reliant operation of a solution and easy configuration

Further speaking to the point that Mine Production processes are dynamic, providing solutions to execute these processes must also by dynamic and flexible. Control Room and Technical Services SMEs need to feel like they are in charge and not hindered by rigid controls or workflows. Arriving at the perfect recipe of decision-making intelligence and agile execution is important.

6. Capture of deviation from plan issues and decision support

Historically, execution of mining activities and planning of mining activities have been largely disconnected. Mine planners would produce a schedule, and pass it over to Operations. Operations would run with the provided schedule, but typically deviate from the plan with little or late reporting back to the Scheduling Department. However, Operations are increasingly acknowledging a need to better connect these processes to better understand the discrepancies between scheduled and actual much more quickly and effectively.

Typically activities planned and actual are managed separately as distinct processes/workflows. Actual Mining activities are just a series of instances or executions of planned activities. From an information perspective, they contain the same attributes: locations (possibly source and destination), equipment units, employees/operators, material code/type, volumes/tonnes, grades, hours, etc. While the types of activities that make up the end-to-end process may include variable attributes, the planned and actual activity attributes for any activity should be a very close match. Even if we are collecting more information about the actual execution of the activity than what could be planned/or predicted, there should be a close correlation between what was planned and what actually happened (in format).

read more

Today’s post comes from Noviardi Siregar, one of our Mining Knowledge Consultants.

Coal seam splitting is a common occurrence that can often be challenging for geological resource modeling and extraction. The result of interruptions in the coal forming process, coal seam splitting occurs when a coal seam traced laterally splits into a minimum of two individual coal seams separated by a thickness of non-coal strata.

These splits can be influenced by variables such as water table levels, seam thickness, growth faulting and other environmental factors, all of which affect the type of deposit available. Consequently, geologists need to consider carefully the type of deposit they are analyzing in order to select the most suitable modeling method.

Only by better understanding the nature of the deposit will geologists be able to model their deposits accurately and efficiently with the least amount of resource wastage. GEOVIA Minex™ has two types of modeling methods to help achieve this: Ply Splitting and Father/Son. Here are some tips to better understand each method and address your coal seam splitting. 

Method 1 - Ply Splitting

Ply Splitting is used to set up and split seams into component piles based on percentages for each ply. For example, in the image, below, splitting down the dotted red line allows A in Hole 1 to join with A1 and A2 in Hole 2.

Instead of using the default setting thickness percentage to define the splitting or merging relationships, a percent grid can be used to provide more detailed information and reduce spotting of the coal deposit.

Another benefit of ply splitting is the ability to separate quality values in compound seams. For example if Hole A1 has high concentrations of sulphur while A2 has a low concentration of sulphur, this method can define where this concentration lies from the parent seam.

What types of deposit are suited to for Ply Splitting

• Splits persisting over hundreds of thousands of meters
• Splits with minimal variation in thickness
• Most overbank deposits
• Most crevasse-splay deposits

It should be noted that ply splitting encodes the seams as separate piles rather than a whole unit, which can affect the identification/definition of seams in the field. Some resource loss can also occur if estimated thickness in compound seam is less than defined minimum thickness, which requires more detailed resources reporting steps taken in Minex (using SQL) to reduce resource loss.

Method 2 - Father/Son Splitting

The Father/Son method can be used when ply splitting is not suitable. This feature in Minex brings flexibility and customizability to the geological modelling process, as it provides the user with full control over every step in the model.

Father/Son is used to add seams or piles to boreholes where a unit is part of the seam group as another unit, but is an extra piece of coal above or below another interval. In the image, below, the solid blue line represents the split.

The benefits of this method include the ability to trace the “son” seam (A1) into the “father” seam (A), which distinguishes between the main seam and sub-seam to maintain seam thickness statistic in between both.

Additionally, this solves the problem of lack of comprehensive data, where complex sequences have been simplified based on geophysical logging.

What types of deposit are suited to this method?

• Deposits where open hole or chip drilling have been used
• Deposits where only bulk seam information is provided
• Local seams that occur from stream deposits

Which method to use?

Both Ply Splitting and the Father/Son Splitting methods demonstrate the importance of assessing coal deposits at the start rather than selecting a preset method or using a “one size fits all” approach. While both methods can always be combined, it is essential to customize the type of method based on the mine and the deposit to ensure the most accurate results.

Want to learn more? Check out some of the other geology features in Minex.

Click here for more Minex Tips & Tricks. 

read more

Today’s post comes from Janice Martin, our Senior Technical Customer Support Manager.

As part of Dassault Systèmes, GEOVIA applications may now be ordered through the DSx Client Care & Order System.

Here are the steps to order a download of a GEOVIA software release.

1. Sign In to DSx Client Care & Order. If you do not have a login account, contact your site administrator or call your local Dassault Systèmes Support Office.

2. Once DSx Client Care & Order is open, Select Main Menu > New Media Download & Order

3. Select the Product Level to Order. If requesting a DVD shipment, select the Requested Arrival Date.

4. Once the software is selected from the list, click the Find Media button. 

5. Select your preferred delivery method and click the green disk icon to start the download. DSX Client Care & Order' default delivery mode is via Download. Should you need a DVD, select Delivery via Physical Shipment. Note: With large installs you will see more than one download:select all from the list to receive the entire software. 

5. Login to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform using the same User ID and Password as DSx Client Care & Order to access the software download. 

6. Save the file to your hard drive.

Should you have any questions about your GEOVIA software download, or would like assistance, please contact your local Dassault Systèmes office.

read more

Today’s post comes from long time GEOVIA user, Carlo Matilac, Senior VP Operations at Platinum Group Metals Corporation. 

The Filipino mining industry has faced a number of challenges that prevents miners from developing mineral deposits to their full potential. One of them is a lack of technology adoption which means mining companies are unable to extract deposits in a timely manner and provide the required results in the shortest possible time.

I have seen the positive impact of technology on mining performance in my previous roles and in my current position as Senior Vice President of Operations at Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC).

I am a long time user of GEOVIA Surpac™, GEOVIA MineSched™ and GEOVIA Whittle™, starting from when I worked with BHP Billiton at QNI Philippines. We had a Nickel Laterite project in Surigao, Mindanao which is still in operation today and using Surpac we were able to produce a strategic plan for pit design as well as assimilate our short and long term mining plans.  

As both a Technical Specialist Asia-Pacific and as a consultant with QNI, I had the chance to travel throughout Asia to work on projects in New Caledonia, Indonesia and throughout Philippines. One in particular belonged to the Harita Group in Indonesia, where my team and I were able to get this mine online within the year which was extremely impressive. We were also able to meet strategic planning requirements in New Caledonia for our executive committee, and since then I’ve introduced Surpac to many clients in the mine planning stage.

Surpac’s ease of use, user friendly interface and highly capable performance in every aspect of mining operations are some of the reasons why I continue to use the software.

I introduced GEOVIA applications to the team when I joined PGMC for strategic and mine planning purposes as well as to determine project feasibility. We have really seen the benefits of using GEOVIA applications. PGMC’s success is in the numbers – We more than doubled the mine production and shipments from a mere 2 million tonnes a year to 5-6 million tonnes in 2014. We have more than 20 operating blocks in the plan, which is a nightmare for any mine planning engineer!

MineSched has also enabled us to cut time taken in preparing mine plans and to reduce manpower whilst still surpassing production. To put this into perspective, instead of a team of four to five draftsmen and mining engineers working for a month to prepare a plan, we now only take one hour to prepare the same plan using one engineer.

We will continue to use it on other projects in Philippines such as the Palawan project. Our executive committee strongly believes in the capability of Surpac and other GEOVIA packages and so we would like to continue strengthening the partnership with Dassault Systèmes and Paramina Earth Technologies, especially in the area of technical support and software usage for practical mining applications.

With the advancements in mining software, I really hope that the mineral industry will outpace our current achievements in the near future.

Watch the interview below with Carlo Matilac to learn more:

read more

GEOVIA is focused on meeting the needs of our users - today, we sit down with Pieter Neethling, Roger Staley and Matt Blattman, newly appointed Center of Excellence leaders in Asia, EMEAR and the Americas, to discuss all the new and exciting support tools for our users. 

“As the largest supplier of mining software, we have a unique perspective on the industry. We cover the spectrum from exploration through development and operation and closure with our products and services. While technology has, and will continue to, change the face of mining, there is no substitute for experience.”
"Our customers will immediately benefit from the CoE through the delivery of resources such as subject expertise, strategic partnerships and powerful software. As an example, the power of Isight (from the Dassault Systèmes brand SIMULIA) in the hands of an experienced user can rapidly analyze more scenarios than were ever possible before. The CoE helps our customers identify where these resources should be deployed and the scale of improvements that may be gained.”

Matt Blattman
Center of Excellence Leader, The Americas, Dassault Systèmes

The global mining sector continues to face tough times, with low commodity prices impacting profit margins and cash flow amid a backdrop of sluggish economic growth. To top this off, worldwide mining operations are as much as 28% less productive today than ten years ago, according to McKinsey research.

It is within this context that Dassault Systèmes has identified the need to create three GEOVIA Centers of Excellence (CoE).

Located to support three regions – Asia Pacific (including Australia), the Americas and EMEAR (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia), these hubs are aimed at effectively deploying specialized technical resources to provide mining customers with the support and tools needed to get the most out of their GEOVIA software investment.

Andrew Pyne, Vice President of Mining, views our CoEs as critical to promote collaboration and best practices to drive value creation for our customers.

“Our three Centers of Excellence host a unified and credible team of technical mining experts ready to transfer their knowledge and experiences to our customers in order to best leverage their software investment, see maximum value from their resources, and deliver on promises made to stakeholders.”

Pieter Neethling, CoE leader in Asia Pacific, believes these Centers elevate our current GEOVIA Services and Support teams to a new level by centralizing the team of experts in order to ensure the best and most experienced resources are identified for the project at hand, and enables collaboration amongst the team members to define worldwide best practices.

“A tough economic climate and falling commodity prices may have become the order of the day, but we need to look ahead. By doing this we will be able to fully unlock the value of our talented mining professionals worldwide and help our customers uncover further gains in productivity.

Our CoEs are aimed at better enabling our users to get the maximum value out of their software. By using our proven business process modeling methodology in all of our onsite assessments, we can better understand mining challenges and identify any gaps to improve performance and reduce risk,” says Pieter.

Speaking to Roger Staley, CoE leader in EMEAR, he also views the three pillars of excellence as critical in standardizing and centralizing mining knowledge within the company.

“We are leveraging the technical expertise and career experiences of our CoE subject matter experts to deliver business improvement for our customers – and support, of course. In particular we aim to conduct health checks and support mining studies that deliver cost-effective plans for mining expansions.”

Matt Blattman, CoE leader of the Americas, agrees and notes that the CoE provides a single point of access for our customers to find solutions, best practices and assistance they need to improve their operations.

“As the largest supplier of mining software, we have a unique perspective on the industry.  We cover the spectrum from exploration through development and operation and closure with our products and services. While technology has, and will continue to, change the face of mining, there is no substitute for experience.”

“Our customers will immediately benefit from the CoE through the delivery of resources such as subject expertise, strategic partnerships and powerful software.  As an example, the power of Isight (from the Dassault Systèmes brand SIMULIA) in the hands of an experienced user can rapidly analyze more scenarios than were ever possible before.  The CoE helps our customers identify where these resources should be deployed and the scale of improvements that may be gained.”

Dassault Systèmes Centers of Excellence will provide:

- Health checks to ensure you are maximizing your investment in GEOVIA technology
- Support mining studies that deliver cost effective plans for your green and brownfield expansions
- Collaboration and implementation of Strategic Mining Planning and Economic Modeling tools to enable your executives to make better strategic and operational decisions
- The introduction of our world-class Mine Planning Framework to model and implement your desired state at any point across your mining value chain
- Assistance to establish data workflows to merge real-time data from disparate sources to improve visibility across your business

More information on the Services provided by our new Centers of Excellence in Asia Pacific, EMEAR and the Americas can be found here or by contacting GEOVIA.Services@3ds.com.

read more

Today’s post comes from Ajay Reddy, one of our Senior Industry Process Consultants (Mining).

Geologists working on resource model generation may find the Seam Washout Grid function in GEOVIA Minex™ helpful. Often, coal seams will be washed out, either by rivers or streams, or burnt out by fires, affecting the continuity of the deposit. This also affects the tonnages and volumes reported.

By using the Seam Washout Grid function, users can generate more accurate results by identifying the areas where one or more seams are washed out or burnt.

Minex generates a grid with value of 1 or value of 0 to identify these areas, where value of 0 indicates washout zone. These areas are determined by the presence or an absence of seam picks in boreholes with a defined valid distance in the input dialog.

To compute washout grids follow the steps below:

1. Create the seam washout grid by selecting Seam Model in the main menu. Select Compute Seam Washout Grid to open up the below dialog box.

2. You can select TOPS or any other grid which has desired extents as the reference grid

3. As a prerequisite, you will need to model the seam floor grids for all the seams you require washout grids for.

4. Under ‘Select Seams’, select seams to be processed.

5. Under Input Parameters, enter a valid distance from boreholes. This refers to the radius of the washout circle around each washout borehole. All mesh points within this circle are assigned a value of 0.

6. Under Input Parameters, enter a valid maximum distance from borehole. Note that for each valid seam pick, a box (for which the length and height are located at maximum distance from the borehole) will be placed over the grid. Normally these boxes overlap. A value of 1 is assigned to all mesh points inside this box.

7. Select the Borehole Seam Data. If you have a split borehole database, you should use both ‘Inp’ and ‘Est’.

8. Under Output Parameters – DD Name, define the grid suffix (e.g. MK) and select a DD name where the output grids need to be saved.

9. Click OK to generate washout grids.

The image below shows the initial model prior to executing the Seam Washout Grid function. Note the interpreted seams are indicated in pink.

The following diagram and steps explain how the washout grid is generated.

For those  boreholes that do not contain any input seam pick  data – estimated (E) or Interpolated (I) – and are between collar and total depth, the mask grid values are set to 0 (washout). This is indicated by the red line in the above diagram.

Minex will also check the barren holes in each seam floor grid to determine if they intersect the borehole between the collar and total depth elevations. If it intersects, the mask grid values around are set to 0 value. This value estimates where the seam would have been located prior to washout or burnout.

For all other cases, the mask grid values are set to 1 (indicating existence of seam grid). This is indicated by the green line in the above diagram.

The image below illustrates the final model. Note the washed or burnt out areas identified in the model.

As this process generates grids for each seam, it is easily validated and modified to suit the geologist’s interpretation and may subsequently be used to set the seam thickness grids to represent the burnt zone or washout zone.

Want to learn more? Check out some of the other geology features in Minex.

Click here for more Minex Tips & Tricks. 

read more