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.
The modelling of structural geology is often an over-looked, misunderstood and under-utilized 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 mineralization.
With the release of the GEOVIA Surpac 6.9 Structural Suite, geologists now have the capability to visualise, interpret and plot these trends. The key benefits and use cases of this toolset are outlined in the GEOVIA post, entitled ‘Extending Geology Modeling for Structural Geologists with the Surpac Structural Suite’.
For roles such as an Underground Geologist, Underground Planning Engineer or an Underground Surveyor, it is necessary to be able to view planned underground workings with existing drill holes and to view planned drill holes with existing workings.
This capability helps ensure the safety of both underground miners and workers on the surface who are operating within the area of influence from the dangers associated around drillholes in the areas of influence.
To view workings subject to exiting and planned drillholes:
Many users of GEOVIA Surpac struggle with how to effectively select specific drillholes when completing database tasks such as display, compositing or data extraction. To view or process a select number of holes requires some setup in the collar table and knowledge of Surpac’s Drillhole Constraint functionality. This is often an overlooked and forgotten area of the Surpac toolset, but yet can provide value by streamlining workflows. This GEOVIA blog post will now discuss the setup and methodology to utilise this capability.