The block model is the foundation of almost all the design and planning decisions made during the mining process. Its creation and maintenance is one of the critical steps in the mining value chain so getting it right, first time is essential.
Resource estimation relies on the development of a detailed resource model using data from various sources including data management solutions such as Geobank. There are many factors that influence the process of resource estimation including ore boundaries, geological circumstances, ore grades and site-specific requirements of the mining company conducting the estimation.
Geologists and mine engineers rely on modern technology to optimise the resource estimation process.
Micromine 3D modelling and mine design solution includes a dedicated Resource Estimation module, which is used for detailed resource analysis and reporting. It provides a comprehensive range of modelling-related functions with many of its block modelling tools also used for mine planning and reserve estimation.
A Block model within a user defined 3D extents.
A key feature of the Resource Estimation module is the highly optimised Vizex block model display, which includes a small memory footprint for increased performance.
The Resource Estimation module provides significant benefits to Micromine users during the resource estimation process.
It includes intuitive tools such as form sets or saved dialog box entries which simplify the process of setting up a resource estimation and provide a documentation trail allowing a quick and easy way to re-run a resource estimate.
Micromine’s integrated block model tools make it easy to convert between sub-blocked and regular models, facilitating data sharing between other applications that do not support sub-blocking. Users are able to combine different models for the same project, for example an ore body model with a waste model.
Advanced validation tools ensure there are no errors within the block model. The module also supports rotating block axes to any 3D orientation, which produces the best fit for the geology without requiring too many blocks.
A 3D rotated block model displayed with drillhole solid traces.
Micromine version 2018 was released in April 2018 with a host of new features which included major enhancements to the Resource Estimation module.
Micromine 2018 Resource Estimation new features and enhancements:
- Form sets also provide a documentation trail (essential for standards-compliant reporting) and a quick and easy way to re-run a resource estimate
- Advanced resource geologists and engineers benefit from the Python programming language, providing total flexibility to customise and automate the resource estimation process
- Support for both regular and sub-blocked models
- Block model tools that make it easy to convert between sub-blocked and regular models. This is essential for sharing data with other applications that do not support sub-blocking
- Support for rotating block axes to any 3D orientation. Combined with sub-blocking this produces the best fit for the geology without requiring too many blocks
- New tool to visually adjust the extents of a block model. Automatically aligns extents to Restriction wireframe, or extents of a nominated wireframe or DATA file.
- Structural trend may now be incorporated in omni variograms and kriging, allowing block model interpolation to go around corners. Exploits the structural trend model from the Implicit Modelling module.
- Orders of magnitude performance improvement of block model nearest-neighbour assignments.
- Added an option to remove volumes smaller than a user defined value for block model grade shells.
- Rearranged fields in Create a Block Model Report to better suit industry requirements.
- Block Model Report: Reporting cutoffs are no longer compulsory.
- Single seam SBM can now be created using roof or floor elevation grids.
These new features enhancements provide the user added confidence when executing mine planning and reserve estimation activities.
Click here to find out more about Micromine 2018 solution.
