Certainly, one of my favorite features of Surpac is the ability to script and automate tasks using TCL. Using the record macro function allows for an easy way to loop and repeat a series of existing functions within Surpac, and can unlock a lot of potential for creative Surpac users.
Updating / changing survey coordinates from local to UTM systems creates a common issue in many mines requiring the change of the co-ordinate system within the existing deposit block model. GEOVIA Surpac has the ability to shift the block model for new co-ordinates, as it is, with all its attributes, using a few simple steps as detailed below.
When working with block models, whether you’re a geologist or mining engineer often circumstances arise where the block size needs to be changed, for example to better represent the selective mining unit (SMU). Within GEOVIA Surpac software this can be done using a variety of methods, such as the Simple reblocking function or the Block Model Converter (BMC). Many users are not familiar with how these functions work or how to use them. In this post we will look at the Simple reblocking function and in detail how grades change between block sizes for managing dilution.
On some occasions, we have a significantly large block model size but we are only interested in a portion of the entire block extents, or a few among the many attributes. Although we can constrain the model graphically, it does not really reduce the file size of the block model. Reducing the size could significantly speed up any processing done to the block model.
When geologists create a block model, one of the most important decisions is the block size.
Geologists across the mining industry often face challenges when dealing with datasets that are severely positively skewed. In these situations many decisions need to be made, for instance to top cut or not to top cut? And if applied, what value should be used?
How to generate DTM Gradient Data, how to locate drillholes and how to create structural planes from surfaces, solids or selected points.
The modelling of structural geology is often an over-looked, misunderstood and underutilised facet of the mining process, where deeper knowledge of structural trends can provide vital insights into design considerations, safety, ore genesis and structural controls on mineralisation. With the release of the GEOVIA Surpac 6.9 Structural Suite, geologists now have the capability to visualise, interpret and plot these trends.
Here are some quick and simple GEOVIA Surpac Plotting Tips & Tricks that incorporate some commonly raised questions and queries and which we think are important to others as well. Let’s get started!
Mine Surveyors need to produce updated Emergency plans every 3 months and provide these plans to the Mines Department. This may require resizing existing plans which can be time consuming.
The Emergency Plans typically have a text file containing all symbols and text that the Surveyor overlays onto an updated string and stope outline file. For this particular example, the original text file plot with the associated symbols and text was used with A3 emergency plans. This text plot now needs to be used for the A0 Mines Department plans. To save time in reproducing all the plans with the text, we recommend setting up plotting macros.