Modeling a mineral deposit takes a lot of time and work. Teams are brought together to solve complex geologic and engineering problems, reworking many versions as they progress. After models have been created the work still needs to be audited. This work is very important for the creation of a useful and accurate model, the base of many consequential, high-cost decisions.
Modeling work becomes quite repetitive, complex, and difficult to audit quickly unless you take steps to mediate these three issues. Luckily, the organizational and automation capacity of macros are a perfect match for these difficulties. Macros function by following step-by-step instructions in Micromine to eliminate task repetition, bundle complex workflows into single steps, and lay out all steps in a readable format for a future auditor to follow the exact workflow. The advantages of Macros are too great to ignore, even for the infrequent modeler.
There are many times in the modeling process where repetitive tasks can creep into the workflow unnoticed. For example, during a drilling campaign new logging data and drill hole surveys will be coming in daily, rendering sections out of date. A geologist may not have the time, or want, to update sections daily. However, thinking about interpretations of the deposit and keeping track of how additional data changes those interpretations is very important. Utilizing a macro, a Micromine user can update the drill data, generate a new timestamp, and then send the updated section to the plotter. A multi-step process that involves thought and training on the workflow turns into simply running the desired macro. There is no need to spend the time making sure everything looks right because it was setup correctly the first time.
Modeling methods can become complex as many different functions are combined to create the desired result, even with an intuitive modern modeling software like Micromine. When conducting a resource estimation there are many steps along the way that are important to get right. As multiple rounds of interpolation are run on a data set it is easy to make a mistake. However, you should not allow yourself the opportunity for simple mistakes to creep into complex workflows. The built-in automation capabilities that a macro provides can simplify complex processes once the appropriate workflow is settled. If you need to make a small adjustment and rerun a whole batch of interpolations, no problem. You already have the interpolations saved as a macro. Just make the change to that step and let the macro keep all other parts together, unchanged, and ready to work for you.
The ability to effectively audit processes, or simply understanding how someone else was working, is extremely important. A list of what happened at each step, how that step was conducted, and notes about each step are needed to successfully replicate a workflow. A macro is a list of both the steps that were taken and the nuances of each step. Anyone with access to the macro used can see exactly how the person before was using Micromine. When a workflow becomes extensive, many macros can be used. These macros can be run in sequence to accomplish a task.
Automating tasks is not new to the mining industry, but it pays to be conscious of how we can take advantage of it in our everyday activities. Adding macros to your Micromine project is a great way to avoid repetitive tasks, simplify complex tasks, and improve the ability to audit your project. Taking advantage of Macros is just one way to make mining easier.
