Data Management

3D Modelling
Mine Design
Analyse coal data with
speed and accuracy
Create 3D seam models
Measure resources
Design the optimal mine
Tools specifically designed
for data management and
3D modelling of coal data

Geobank and Micromine together provides a dynamic and integrated software solution for coal
data management and coal data processing with 3D seam modelling, resource categorisation,
resource reporting, pit optimisation, pit design and scheduling.

Introduction – an easy two-step approach

MICROMINE’s two-step approach provides analytical data, survey information or In coking coal deposits, Geobank’s
powerful tools to collect, assemble, prepare downhole geophysics, is correct before standardisation tools interpolate missing
and correlate all the data associated with it is written to the production database. data, compile a standard wash matrix, and
a project before modelling the deposit and Any mismatches or errors are highlighted provide features to display and export coal
designing the mine. and reported to the geologist. This unique washability tables, as required.
feature speeds up the data correlation
Geobank’s data management solution Manage your MICROMINE Investment
process and ensures errors are identified
provides a flexible and efficient environment
before modelling commences, saving time Geobank and Micromine are adaptable,
for capturing, validating, storing and
and money. modular solutions. As your operation
managing data from diverse sources.
Once the geologist is confident the data grows and your requirements change,
Micromine’s powerful modelling our products grow with you enabling you
is accurate, Micromine generates a logical
environment quickly creates 3D seam to manage your investment.
workflow to map the stratigraphy, identify
block models for either simple or complex
the pinchouts, model faults and generate
deposits.
a 3D model that can be viewed and checked
This intuitive approach saves vast amounts for accuracy. Depending on the style of
of time. A continuous automated checking the deposit, a block model can then be
process ensures that data such as core logs, generated.

The MICROMINE process

Exploration 3D Modelling
Micromine is used in typical coal exploration Micromine’s intuitive methodology
processes such as regional mapping, combines traditional gridding and 3D
satellite imagery display, interpretation of block modelling. The resulting Seam
base maps, defining structures and basin Block Model uses a variable block
features, geophysics modelling and display, thickness to efficiently describe the
and drill hole planning. seam structure of the entire area.

Data Management Coal quality can be written to the Seam

Block Model using various interpolation
Coal data is captured, validated and stored algorithms. Other attributes, such as
in a centralised database using Geobank’s resource classification and strip ratios,
data management tool. Depth adjustment can also be added. This means that the
and seam correlation routines are used modelled information is contained in a
to generate points of observation, ready single file that becomes the basis for
for modelling. all reporting.

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 Resource Reporting Mine Design
Resource classification is easily applied to Micromine’s open cut and underground
the model by assigning zones of influence mine design tools reference the generated
based on established points of observation grids, wireframes, block models or
and drilling spacing. Simple tools facilitate optimised pit shells to create the optimum
seam coding and generate resource reports.
Easy to use macros can automate the
modelling process so that a project can
mine design.

Scheduling
Why
be rerun from beginning to resource
report stage at the push of a button.
This provides an audit trail and makes it
Micromine’s fully integrated scheduling
module plans and schedules optimal
material extraction. The scheduling workflow
MICROMINE?
simple to incorporate changes such as comprises five simple steps, is easy to use
additional information or corrections. and eliminates the requirement to import
and export files with third party applications.
Pit Optimisation
The resulting categorised block model is With over 12,000 clients in more than 90 countries, MICROMINE is a leading provider of intuitive
then used in the pit optimisation process software solutions to the mining and exploration industry. From capturing, managing, visualising
where various economical parameters are
applied to generate the optimal pit shell. and understanding data to controlling and reporting on mine production, MICROMINE has a
solution for every stage of the mining process.

Productivity benefits Geobank services MICROMINE understands the software and consultancy needs of exploration and mining operations around the world. Located in 19 of the
world’s major mineral producing countries, our team is close to your operation. This means MICROMINE can provide you with local support
MICROMINE delivers productivity and Geological Data Management and services in your language and time zone.
efficiency benefits including: Services MICROMINE’s intuitive solutions are delivered by a team of specialists who understand the software and how it can be integrated into your
Accuracy Geobank’s geological data management operation for maximum results.
specialists provide services that span
To perform effective interpretation of the
the complete data management
deposit, you will have all the tools you
spectrum, from the development of a
need to honour both the seam hierarchy
data management strategy through to
definition and recognised fault zones.
implementation, change management
Speed and maintenance. Data management
consists of the following services:
Save time spent modelling coal projects.
The robust and sophisticated nature of • Implementation Services – Geobank’s
MICROMINE’s coal tools gives you results professionally qualified team will ensure
quickly and accurately. the implementation of your data meets
your geological requirements, complies
User-Friendly Features with your data management strategy
Straightforward, clearly defined functions and best practice IT governance.
make MICROMINE easy to understand Our team provides custom database
and use. designs, database administration
services, data management services,
Excellent Integration of Significant data migration, system integration and
Functions project management.
MICROMINE’s coal tools combine a variety • Post Implementation Maintenance
of important functions into one solution. Services – A variety of post
From modelling and design to interfacing implementation maintenance and
seamlessly with corporate borehole data management services are available.
storage systems and ODBC databases, you These provide assurance that key data
can depend on a single package which is assets are safe, secure and available
dynamic and reliable. as required. Maintenance packages Fast and accurate
are customised based upon client
limitations, complexities and needs. Easy to use
Saves time and money

2 3
 MICROMINE Support
features and benefits in your language,
Feature
Geological Data Management
Benefit Outcome your time zone
Comprehensive Data SQL server database with proven data model that manages all data Improved confidence in the data. Robust and secure storage with facility to
Management utilising a associated with multiple projects. A relational data model allows cross handle all types of coal quality information. Provides concise, correct reports
Relational Data Model referencing of all project information, facilitating automated checking of based on clean, valid data.
core data, analytical information, surveyed collar positions, downhole
survey data, and tenement boundaries.
MICROMINE goes the extra mile to provide local language support when you need it.
Coal Quality Compositing, standardisation and calculation of wash tables. Easily create wash curves for coking coal data. Complex data results are
Management securely stored. With offices around the globe and support in multiple languages we can cover almost
Fence Diagrams
(seam correlation)
Create 2D fence diagrams by selecting holes from a plan view. Ideal for visualising, validating and correcting seam correlations. Quickly
generates accurate displays. any jurisdiction.
Graphical Reports Detailed visual representation of geotechnical, hydrological, geological and View data as graphic logs complete with core photos. Historical data is
geophysical data. preserved.
Geological Exploration
Plotting Plot anything you can see on the screen with two simple keystrokes. Exceptional speed, saves time.
Import and Display
Geophysical Data
Import LAS files and compare graphically against borehole logs. Saves time and improves interpretation.
MICROMINE solutions
Depth Adjustment Tool Corrects stratigraphic interpretations or seam correlations. Adjusts seam logs onto geophysical logs quickly and accurately. Saves time
and improves data quality. Geobank Mobile Micromine From risk management and asset tracking
Coordinate Multiple coordinate systems can be used simultaneously and transformed Multiple datasets can be viewed simultaneously saving time. to grade optimisation and stockpile
Transformations to a single grid. MICROMINE’S Geobank Mobile solution Micromine is a world leading geological
management, Pitram’s real-time viewing
Multiple Data Layers View third party GIS, image, grid, Google Earth, and CAD files together with Graphical, easy to use, 3D interface allows virtually any information to captures and manipulates exploration and exploration and mine design solution.
environment helps you visualise your
drill holes, surfaces, solids, block models and point data. be imported so informed decisions can be made by seeing all relevant mining geological field data. Compatible Developed for all stages of the mineral
information in the same window. Feature can be turned on/off easily. operations so that you have a complete
Increases understanding of information and saves time.
with most portable or hand-held devices, extraction process, Micromine takes
production overview. Pitram’s reporting,
Geobank Mobile ensures field data is valid you from target generation through to
Interactively view Open multiple windows or toggle different viewpoints within the Quickly and easily switch between clipped sections and unconstrained 3D analysis and integration platform is also
Standard or Oblique same window. views to view all data in a section at any angle using simple ‘click’ and ‘drag’. and reliable, enabling informed decisions. exploration, geological modelling, resource
vital to ensuring that the data obtained
Sections Enter data directly into Geobank Mobile, modelling, pit optimisation, mine design,
from disparate sources is presented in
Modelling saving time, reducing errors and increasing reserve estimation, production scheduling
an organised and integrated fashion.
Define and Display Identify all seams and splits and visually confirm the seam hierarchy. Diagrammatic validation of the seam stratigraphy can be generated quickly productivity. Inexpensive and easy to use, and grade control.
Flowing from intuitive and flexible planning
Stratigraphy and easily. Geobank Mobile is a recognised industry
Pitram functionality, through to short interval
Automatic Insertion of Thickness calculations based on neighbouring holes. Control over how to establish the thickness of undefined layers. standard field data collection solution.
Interburden and Zero control and open pit and underground
Thickness Layers Pitram complements Micromine’s
Geobank optimisation, Pitram drives a continual
exploration and mining solutions, a real-
Extrapolate Above Collar When reference seam is not intersected, use surrounding holes to Model eroded seams and holes of insufficient depth. improvement process.
and Below End of Hole estimate its position. Geobank is a flexible, reliable and secure time mine production control system that
3D Seam Correlation 3D validation of stratigraphy. Identifies all seams and generates all parent/child seam relationships. data management solution that captures, records and manages mine site operations.
Fault Zones Modelled Digitise fault boundaries. Polygonal definitions allow multiple zones to be modelled simultaneously. validates, stores and manages data from Pitram’s powerful planning functionality
Independently diverse sources. Geobank seamlessly provides users with a snapshot of their
Seam Block Models A block model with consistent X and Y dimensions but variable Z (thickness). No sub-blocks required. A single block defines the vertical extent of each layer. integrates with Micromine to enable mining mine. With access to maintenance plans,
Intersect Seam Block Use a DTM to update Seam Block Model. Trim to topography or split at base of weathering. and exploration companies to maintain crew schedules and mining plans, users
Model with Surface the quality, integrity and usability of their have the tools needed within a single
Strip Ratios Calculate (cumulative) volume or tonnage strip ratio for every coal block. Strip ratio can be reported or contoured. essential data. environment to make informed decisions.
Convert Seam Block Output surfaces (roof and/or floor) and solids (seams). Conveniently display a smoothed representation of the Seam Block Model.
Model to Wireframe
Model Coal Quality Coal quality attributes become additional fields in the Seam Block Model. Leverage the standard block model display (colour coding) and reporting
Attributes facilities.
Simple Resource Define polygonal zone boundaries and then assign these to the Seam Group by resource classification in report.
Classification Block Model. MICROMINE support services
Reporting Basic tonnes and volume, seam by seam, or include classification, coal Easy to generate with grouping facility.
quality and strip ratios.
Annual Licence
Consolidation – Seam Block Model file contains all data relevant to all seams and partings Convenience and transparency. No black box.
everything in one place associated with volume, tonnage, density, quality, thicknesses and other Your MICROMINE Annual Licence provides you with ongoing technical support and advice.
relevant information which can be viewed as a table or a 3D object.
It gives you access to a suite of tools that allow you to realise the full potential of your
Thickness, elevation, strip ratio or coal quality. Generate isopach and other standard maps.
Contour any Feature
software investment. These include free software upgrades and patches, as well as new
Pit Optimisation Determines the most profitable open pit taking into account discounting Maintains the job in one application, eliminates the import/export step. version complimentary training, discounted training and a quarterly support services
and production constraints. No need for waste model.
bulletin. Your Annual Licence qualifies you to participate in the ongoing development of
Mining
Geobank and Micromine by participating in beta programs and client focus groups.
Mine Design Powerful and intuitive tools for open pit mine design enabling development 3D visualisation environment that simultaneously displays, queries, and
and production. interactively edits multiple layers. MICROMINE Training
Scheduling Fully integrated with the Micromine 3D environment. Provides sequencing Schedules the extraction of material to meet production and economic
of the mining blocks, allocation of resources and time components and targets. Calculates volumes over user-defined time periods. Provides an MICROMINE offers a full suite of training modules ensuring you derive the maximum value
generates iGantt chart and real-time reports. Provides integrated visual ordered sequence of events. Provides both time and visual reporting. from your software. Structured to grow with your MICROMINE investment, MICROMINE
and animated 3D views of the schedule using Vizex, the Micromine
3D environment. training builds on your product knowledge and expertise.

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 Seam Stratigraphy Modelling
workflow workflow

Extract seam
Generate Interpolate
information to
seam file seams Define and Identify
a new file Import, validation
apply seam domain
data preparation
Stratigraphic stratigraphy boundaries
hierarchy

Define seam Seam YES Breakdown seam

stratigraphy splitting? codes into plies

Generate NO
stratigraphy Choose YES
Generate elevation
gridding Kriging? (and thickness)
Insert zero method variograms
thickness and
interburden
intervals

Insert
interburden

Digitise Generate Generate ply

Tenement YES Clip to tenement
mining lease reference seam and parting
constraints? boundary
boundaries elevation grid thickness grids

NO Interactive
tools

Digitise
YES
Faulting? fault zone Convert grids to Trim blocks to
boundaries Insert overburden
seam block model topography or base
into SBM
(SBM) of weathering

NO

Identify
Extract
reference
unique
seam
Model attributes like Calculate resource
Calculate
coal quality, yield or classification and
strip ratio
confidence into SBM apply to SBM

Extrapolate and
Reference seam Extrapolate
YES extract reference
above collar or seam and calculate
reference
below EOH? 3D coordinates
seam

NO
Convert seams
Query SBM Contour any
into surfaces
(reporting) attributes
Extract reference Extract and/or solids
seam and calculate reference
3D coordinates seam

6 7
 Creating a Seam Block 3. Model Reference Seam (RS) Elevation

Model (SBM)
1. Prepare

Generate Seam File – Extract Seam information to a new file.

Stratigraphic Hierarchy – Define the Parent to Child relationship for all seam splits.
Prepare
Generate Stratigraphy – Generate a binary version of the stratigraphic hierarchy, and validate by displaying stratigraphy Semi variogram and grid elevation
in a diagrammatic format.

4. Generate Seam Block Model

Interpolate Seams – Use stratigraphic information to split parent seams into their child components. The pro-rata
thickness of the splits can be based on a pre-defined ratio, or on information from neighbouring holes.
Insert Interburden – Missing intervals between seams are defined as interburden and named according to user defined
rules. Zero thickness intervals are also inserted.
Process Identify Reference Seam – The elevation for this seam will be modelled, so this is normally the seam intersected by the
most holes. The Extract Unique function is used to identify this seam.
Extract Reference Seam (RS) – Coordinates are calculated for all intersections in the seam file. At the same time Stratigraphic hierarchy diagram displays
the intersections for the reference seam are written to a separate file as a convenience for the elevation modelling. parent to child relationships
The reference seam can (if required) be modelled for holes where there is no intersection due to insufficient depth
or weathering.

Display shows vertical columns of contiguous blocks, honouring

Calculate Semi Variogram – Kriging is the recommended way to model elevation. So the first requirement is to 2. Process – Interpolate Seams and Insert the stratigraphic sequence to generate a SBM
Model generate a semi variogram. Because there is confidence in the ‘Z’ values of the intersections, the nugget value will be Interburden
Reference close to zero.
Seam (RS) Grid Elevation – Define an appropriate East and North cell size for the gridding process. This will later define the East
Elevation 5. Enhance Seam Block Model
and North block size of the Seam Block Model. Create a gridded surface representing elevation (roof, floor or mid) of
the reference seam. Clip this surface to the mining lease boundary (or any other restriction).

Grid Thickness for all Layers – All seam and interburden thicknesses are modelled, using the same cell size as
Model
the reference seam elevation. If kriging is used as the interpolation method, then firstly generate a semi variogram
Thickness
for thickness.
Trace shows raw logged data on the right;
the hierarchy diagram and the same data shown
on the left after running Interpolate Seams Displays show modified SBM content and addition of fields to the SBM
Convert Grids to a Seam Block Model (SBM) – By combining the elevation and thickness grids for the reference seam,
each cell becomes a 3D block. Although all blocks have the same ‘X’ and ‘Y’ dimension, the ‘Z’ dimension will vary
Generate to match the modelled thickness. So the top and bottom of each block equates to the roof and floor of the seam.
SBM Starting with the interburden immediately above (and below) the reference seam, the thickness grids are used to 6. Report on Seam Block Model
generate new blocks. Each cell in the original grid has become a vertical column of contiguous blocks, honouring the
stratigraphic sequence. The resulting file is called a Seam Block Model.

Modify Existing Content of Seam Block Model (SBM) – Recode blocks where interburden or coal is less than
a defined thickness – Trim blocks to any surface (topography) – Split blocks at any surface (base of weathering)
Enhance – Insert overburden blocks.
SBM
Add Fields to Seam Block Model (SBM) – Model any attribute (density, coal quality) – Calculate strip ratios Example of a seam block model report
Trace shows raw logged data on the right and
– Apply classification to coal blocks (Measured, Indicated and Inferred).
the same data on the left after running Insert
Interburden

Report on Seam Block Model (SBM) – Standard Tonnes, Volume and Area on a seam by seam basis – Group by
Report
classification – Report on any quality attributes – Strip ratio – Apply filters.

8 9
 Core module (cont.)

• Powerful snapping tools including Key benefits include: • New plots can be created faster
snapping to points, lines, coordinate • All of the tools needed for visualisation, than ever
grids, and intersections. You can also interpretation, presentation and • Comes with a selection of templates

Geomodelling snap when you’re not editing, for

example measuring length or area,
or drawing interactive sections
communication, including Vizex, Section
Control files, flythrough, coordinate grid
overlays, lighting, and backgrounds
shipped with Micromine eliminating
the need to predefine or customise
layout templates saving valuable time

modules • Many editing and manipulation tools

including curves, gradients, bearing/
distance, splitting, between-point,
• Displays any supported data. Imports
and exports all currently supported
and resources
• Ability to quickly produce customised
plots using the many frame templates
file formats including third-party
draping, smoothing, simplification, mining, CAD, GIS, and image processing also shipped with Micromine
replication and more applications • Ability to interactively pan and zoom
• Intuitive and interactive tools for • Provides string editing tools for essential within a 2D plot
creating 3D fly-through animations
Micromine Core is always included in every installation. This essential component allows and recording them to common
geological interpretation tasks • Ability to rotate, pan and zoom within
• Supports the creation of basic ‘quick a 3D plot
you to import, validate, process, display and interpret a wide variety of surface, drillhole and media file formats
grids’ to model geochemical data • Simplify customisation with templates
subsurface data. • Provides drillhole functionality for and snippets
essential exploration data collection • Simplify layout editing with drag-and-
and interpretation drop
• Provides statistical functionality for • Accelerate mass output with macro
basic exploration data analysis including automation
statistical decomposition
Core module
The Core module allows you to import, validate, process, display and interpret a wide variety of data.

Key features include: • User-defined title blocks VIZEX provides:

• Fast and flexible data import, export, • Automatic generation of plan views • A multiple-document, multiple-window
entry, editing, processing and validation for cross-sections interface allowing you to display any Exploration module
• Basic gridding and contouring functions • The ability to add legends, north arrows combination of graphical or tabular
windows, which can be docked, tabbed, The Exploration module extends the basic capabilities of Vizex to include the analytical and modelling tools, and required
• Coordinate transformations between and other visual elements to your plots
or tiled statistics and geostatistics functionality needed in a more advanced exploration project such resource estimation.
all common coordinate systems in • Coordinate grid overlays, including
use around the world, including local multiple coordinate systems • Seamless 2D/3D transitions with
one-click view orientation changes, Key features include: Key benefits include:
plane grids • Enhanced coordinate grid labelling
for oblique cross-sections immediate access to user-defined views • Advanced Vizex display objects such as • Ability to visualise, interpret and
• External database links using ODBC
in any orientation, and numerous 2D and contours, 3D Drillhole seam correlation, model advanced project data
• On-the-fly data filtering • Support for multiple frames (including pie charts, and drillhole structures
3D coordinate grid display options • Vizex displays such as contours, pie
• Automation and repetition of any any combination of multiple plots,
images, tabular data, coordinate grids • Geolinked windows, allowing you to • Advanced statistical tools including charts and 3D seam correlation
Micromine process using Macros and semi-variograms, variogram surfaces,
and graticules) on a single plot keep all views synchronised as you • Easily manage drillhole information
Form Sets (saved dialog boxes) analytical quality control, and single or
browse your 3D data with advanced drillhole options
• Multiple windows, including floating • The ability to append multiple plots, multiple linear regression
which can be combined to produce • Flexible view management tools • Ability to combine, simplify, or
and docked overviews. Clipped section • Advanced drillhole items: Data entry,
output beyond the already powerful including user-defined Section Control redistribute drillhole data using
limits can optionally be highlighted as reporting, calculations, compositing,
abilities of Vizex Files, section browsing tools, and zoom- downhole, grade, interval, geology
‘corridors’ in other views merge, and log
to-selection capabilities (and other) compositing methods
• Streamlined and intuitive spatial • Simple creation and management
of user-defined plot templates • Comprehensive per-object configuration • Advanced Stats items: Scattergrams, • Analyse advanced exploration
editing with the Active Layer. Simply quality control, semi-variogram options,
that can easily be shared across tools including labelling, symbolisation, data with advanced statistics and
click a feature in any editable layer to trend surface, QQ plots, and paired
an organisation draw style, visibility, dynamic data geostatistics Semi-variogram model
start modifying it samples
pop-up, snapping, and selection • Use grid tools to perform advanced
• Simple grade-tonnage calculations • Auto-loads new plots into layouts,
or plots direct from a Saved View • Enhanced gridding and contouring surface modelling
using polygonal outlines (all common methods including kriging)
(no plot files) • Build digital terrain models with
• Native support of many third-party • Digital terrain modelling and
• Uses interactive drag-and-drop editing DTM tools
CAD, GIS, image processing and mining calculations, including contouring,
application formats • Provides powerful macro automation • Use DTM tools to label points as
volume, and thickness falling above or below a DTM,
• Ability to export 3D views to CAD or Supported data is viewed using Vizex • Statistical and geostatistical calculations and use a DTM to generate new Z
Virtual Reality file formats, and tables (Visual Explorer), a true 3D visualisation • Drillhole calculations including numerous (elevation) values
to Excel format environment unique to MICROMINE compositing options • Calculate cut-and-fill volumes, or
• The Plot Editor, an enhanced that allows multiple data layers to be
• Drillhole log displays with interactive the volume between two DTMs 3D Seam Correlation
environment for configuring simultaneously displayed, queried, and
grade intersection calculations
presentation-quality output interactively edited.
• Create polygons representing the
different resource classification
C Strip Ratio categories

10 11
 Seams as Wireframes Seam Modelling

Wireframing module Stratigraphic Modelling module

The Wireframing module provides the tools for building, managing, and analysing 3D solids and 3D surfaces used for advanced The Stratigraphic Modelling module is required for detailed resource analysis and reporting. It provides a comprehensive
exploration, resource estimation and mining. It uses powerful and intuitive tools for visually constructing any 3D shape. range of seam modelling related functions.

Key features include: • Sophisticated interactive and automated Key benefits include: Key features include:
• The Wireframe toolbar wireframe Boolean operations • Powerful and intuitive tools for visually • Define, and display, stratigraphic hierarchy
• An entire Wireframe menu including: • Generation of solids from strings constructing 3D shapes (wireframing) • Interpolate seams, according to their parent child
– Editor, Centre Line to Solid, Surface • Generation of solids from two surfaces • Constructing 3D shapes from other data: relationship. Neighbouring holes can be used to model
or Solid from Profile, Build Polygonal • Numerous display options including centre-line strings, profile shapes, or thickness ratios
Solids draping, transparency, smoothing, edge polygonal strings (for example, proposed • Insert interburden, with comprehensive naming rules
– Surface to Solid, Bedding Plane from highlighting, and per-attribute colouring underground mine designs) • Extract all information for chosen reference seam and
Points, Grade Shells • Data flagging using wireframe surfaces or • Constructing wireframes from other create elevation model using kriging methods
– Boolean, Intersection Strings, Slice solids. Block models can be sub-blocked wireframes, including converting surfaces • Generate thickness models for all material layers
by Planes, Cut, Separate or factored. 3D point attributes can be to solids, intersecting two wireframes
– Pierce Points, Assign, Generate • Generate Seam Block Models, using a variable Z block size,
reverse-assigned back to wireframes (Boolean), or slicing one wireframe with
Outlines to accurately and efficiently define the resource
• Back-calculation of drillhole pierce points a series of planes (slice by plane)
– Grade Tonnage Report, Volumes, • Model simple faults in a single pass Trim SBM to Topography
• Creation of outlines or contours from • Interacting wireframes with other data
Attribute Assign such as block models, 3D points, or • Calculate strip ratios
– Utilities, Clean, Simplify, Save as wireframes
drillholes, including labelling points as • Trim blocks to any horizon
Single Wireframe • Wireframe grade-tonnage reports
falling inside or outside a 3D solid, or • Convert any layers into smoothed surfaces or solids
• Interactive wireframe construction and using point, drillhole, or block model
identifying the depth at which a drillhole • Add modelled attribute fields to the Seam Block Model.
editing of simple or complex shapes, with source data
intersects a wireframe Typically, but not restricted to, coal quality
on-the-fly validation • Wireframe utilities including
• Assigning values from 3D points back • Tabular and visual reporting
• One-click construction of 3D solids with simplification, separation, polygonal
into a wireframe, for example to name
automatic detection and modelling of cutting, slicing, coordinate
wireframes representing mining blocks Key benefits include:
bifurcations (“trouser legs”) transformation (between any supported
or scheduling periods • A simple, logical seam modelling workflow
coordinate systems), and clipping
• Interactive wireframe triangle editing, • Wireframe reporting including volumes • All modelled information contained in a single file that can
with snapping and grade/tonnages be used to generate reports or be visualised in 3D

Stratigraphic Hierarchy

12 13
 Surveying module
The Surveying module is designed specifically to import and process survey data, providing calculation facilities for points,
Micromine strings, surfaces and volumes collected from mine surveys, mining open pit and underground operations. It provides generic
tools for survey calculations and supports communications with survey instruments.

Mining, Surveying and Surveying key features include: Surveying key benefits include:

Pit Optimisation modules

• The Survey menu including: • Generic tools for survey calculations
– Import Observations, Detail • Communication with survey instruments
Coordinate Calculations, Level
Reduction Surveying is used for:
– Set Out Calculations, Field Reductions, • Mine surveying
Resection, Mean Observations • Mining
– Traverse, Manual Calculations
• Open pit and underground operations
Micromine has comprehensive optimisation and design tools for both open cut and underground • Tools to import data from any data
recorder text format
mining. Being able to design your operation in an integrated system with your geology and
• An option to reduce raw survey
modelling data eliminates data transfer issues and time. observations Manage your survey data in Micromine
• An option to perform level reduction and
resection calculations
• Traverse calculation tools

Mining module
Vizex – Micromine Micromine’s Mining module provides the necessary design tools for open pit or
uses Vizex (Visual surface and underground mining.
Explorer), a true Pit Optimisation module
3D visualisation Mining key features include:
environment that The Pit Optimisation module is used to determine the most profitable open pit, given a mineral resource and a set of
• Advanced Vizex display objects: Pit
allows you to Design, Underground Design, and economic and metallurgical parameters. It is also used to analyse stockpiles and costs over time.
simultaneously Blasthole Design
display, query, and • The Grade Control, Blast Design, Pit Pit Optimisation key features include: Pit Optimisation key benefits include:
interactively edit Design, and Mine Design toolbars • The menu option Mining | Opencut | • Maintains the job in one application
multiple data layers. • The Mining menu including: Pit Optimisation and eliminates the import/export
– Underground stope, and panel, design • Enhanced pit optimisation including step needed with most competing pit
– Open pit, stockpile, and blasthole variable slope angles, dilution, recovery, optimisation applications
design rehabilitation costs and analysis • From data to model is up to four times
– Pit optimisation import/export • Calculation of theoretical cut-off grades faster than competing applications
• Sophisticated functions for drive, rise, • Calculation of periodic capital expenses • Data preparation and resulting pit shell
shaft, decline and incline design Seam Block Modelling and Pit Design • Support for multiple slope regions and display benefits from other graphical
• Blast pattern design including calculation multiple processing methods, with and analytical Micromine tools
Nested pit shells and coal block model in
of volumes, production of collar/ multiple grades (elements) per rock type. • Widely regarded as being very logical 2D slice
Mining key benefits include: and easy to use
analytical files, and blast displacement It also provides cut-off and cash flow
Using Micromine’s powerful and intuitive ore selection methods. Many input • More versatile than competing
of ore blocks
tools for open pit and underground mine parameters can be defined as functions applications through its support of
• Import and export functions to exchange design, the Mining module enables:
data with the Whittle Proteus and instead of constants sub-blocked models and DTM surfaces
• Development (pits, roads, tunnels, shafts) • Support for minimum pit base or pit • Input parameters for mining costs
MineMax pit optimisation programmes
• Production (blastholes, stopes) shell dimensions to guarantee sufficient and element prices can be set up
• Blast charge calculation options and
enhanced blast design tools working space at the bottom of the as functions instead of constants,
Mining is used for:
• Open pit design tools for cartographic optimal pit and exclude undersized pits adding flexibility and versatility to the
• Open pit mining operations optimisation process
slope lines • Support for ore body models without
• Underground mining operations waste blocks, as well as full model type,
factored or sub-celled models
Pit Optimisation is used for:
• Open pit mining
• Enhanced block model reporting
• Mining consulting

14 15
 Micromine
Scheduling module

Many mining operations use a manual scheduling process combining generic spreadsheet and
project management applications. Although these tools are capable of getting the job done, Screen 1 illustrates the Scheduling data visualised in both Vizex and the Screen 2 shows a complex schedule in terms of dependencies (visible
Gantt chart concurrently to show both temporal and spatial views in the Gantt behind the dialog box) and the level of fine control over
they have shortcomings such as lack of integration; managing complex formulae, importing events shown in the calendar for a resource with regular maintenance
and exporting files, version control and data integrity risks. days and modified working hours

The Micromine Scheduling module provides a smart, integrated solution to assist short term planning of resources to tasks Micromine Scheduling workflow
over a given period of time that enables the optimum mineral extraction process to meet corporate objectives.
In keeping with Micromine’s renowned simplicity and ease of use, the Scheduling workflow is composed of 5 simple steps as illustrated below.
Scheduling utilises the powerful mine Micromine Scheduling overcomes Scheduling key benefits are:
planning and design tools to generate the problems associated with manual • Schedules the extraction of material to
mining blocks as wireframes. These define scheduling methods such as generic Step 1 – Prepare Step 3 – Import and Sequence
meet production and economic targets
the tonnes and quality represented as a spreadsheets combined with project Create Mining Blocks as Wireframes – The “pre-schedule” stage.
• Automatically works out what material Import and Sequence Mining Blocks as Tasks – Import the
three dimensional view of the material management applications including: Use tools such as Wireframe Extrusion, Wireframe Centreline to mining block wireframes as Tasks, either interactively (using
will be extracted to cost effectively
to be removed forming the basis of the Solid, Wireframe Boolean, and Wireframe Cut to create Mining Vizex) or via the Scheduler | Tasks | Add Multiple Function.
• Maintaining complex formulae and meet targets
subsequent production sequencing. Block wireframes. Strings, digitised in Vizex, are a convenient way to define
equations associated with spreadsheets • Calculates volumes and qualities over
The information can be displayed against sequences. Task Attributes can be mapped to Wireframe
• Avoiding the often error-prone step of user-defined time periods Assign Values like Grade and SG to the Wireframes – Attributes.
predetermined attributes and constraints to importing mining blocks and associated • Allocates resources The “reserving” stage. Use functions like Wireframe | Grade
provide both a visual and temporal schedule attributes from third-party applications Tonnage Report Estimate or Wireframe | Attribute Assign Finalise Sequencing – Use the Scheduling | Interactive |
• Calculates the time it will take to mine
that defines how each mining block will be into the spreadsheet or Grade Control. Optionally define the sequence using Resequence tools, or the Gantt View, to perform any additional
extracted and over what period of time. • Provides an ordered sequence of events Wireframe | Assign. sequencing. Use task groups to logically group tasks (for example
• Provides integrated visual and animated
• Provides both time (temporal) and visual into pits, or levels, or drives, or panels).
Scheduling key features include: 3D views of the schedule Create New Schedule – Select Scheduler | Schedule | New.
reporting
• Overcomes the limitations of the Gantt This creates a Microsoft Access or SQL Server database and a Assign Resources to Tasks – All Tasks (mining blocks) can be
• Fully integrated within Micromine – • Is fully integrated making manual
chart facilities in applications such as subfolder for files used to support the scheduling process. given a default Rate. For greater flexibility, Resources with
no requirement for manual processes scheduling obsolete
Microsoft Project®. Whereas these Variable Rates can be assigned Tasks.
such as managing complex Excel Step 2 – Configure
facilities do enable diagrammatic
spreadsheets and importing and Step 4 – Validate
exporting files to third party applications
representation of the Schedule, they are
unable to handle mining attributes such
Who will use Scheduling? Configure Calendar – The default calendar is a 24/7 operation.
• Creation of block models to map Use the Scheduler | Calendar function to modify the default Validate Sequencing – Use the tools in Vizex and the Gantt
as tonnes, grades and equipment Micromine Scheduling will be used by calendar or add a new calendar. Multiple calendars are View to validate the schedule. Use colour coding to check
the resource resources adequately Mining Engineers and short term planners supported. Resource Allocations or Sequencing. Play an ‘animation’ to
• Provides sequencing, allocation of who need to plan and schedule material visualise the process.
resources and time components extraction from either underground or Define Resources – In terms of mining blocks, Resources
• Provides a 3D visualisation using Vizex open pit environments to meet operational represent the equipment used to extract material. Each Apply Task Dependencies and/or Lag – Use the facilities in the
(Micromine’s 3D environment) objectives. Resource has defined Work Rate. Rate ‘units’ are always time Gantt View to assign Dependencies, or Lag, between tasks.
based – for example Tonnes per Hour. Alternatively, Tasks can be
• Provides temporal and dependency Step 5 – Report
assigned a Default Work Rate. Exceptions, due to factors such as
information in a Gantt chart window
commissioning, maintenance or training, can be defined.
• Offers various reporting options including Report on the Schedule – Report on Tasks, Resources and
visual and temporal Define Attributes – Attributes associated with a Task can be Attributes for given time periods. Export results into Excel for
tracked, recorded and reported on. Typical attributes for a graphing and further analysis. In Vizex use the time based slider
Mining Block are Volume, SG, Tonnes and Grade. One of these to visualise the mine at any future date.
attributes is called the Task Quantity. The Rate of the Resource(s)
assigned to a Task, together with the Task Quantity, determine
how long a Task will take to complete.

Define Task Types – Task Types are a way of grouping Tasks with
the same Attributes. Once tasks have been imported (see below)
they can also be grouped in the Gantt View.

16 17
MICROMINE’s products are technology industry-standard compliant
Geobank and Micromine are compliant with the latest Windows™ standards providing a familiar industry-standard working environment;
you are always working with the latest user interface standards. Its flexible and non-prescriptive workflow means that users can utilise
the software how they want to, not how they are told to. The software’s graphical environment uses methodologies that are intuitive.
Simple and easy to use, MICROMINE’s coal modelling features saves time and increases efficiencies.

For more information on Geobank or Micromine, please contact us at mm@micromine.com or visit micromine.com

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