Training Manual
BLOCK MODELLING
VULCAN 4 – Block Model Training Manual Copyright 2002 Maptek Pty Limited All rights reserved. No part of this manual shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without written permission from Maptek Pty Ltd. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the publisher and author(s) assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Trademarks Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk. Conventions used in this manual The following conventions are used throughout this manual. Examples are written in bold italics. Important points or references are written in bold.
Tip! Hints, tips and warnings appear between horizontal lines.
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Contacting Maptek Corporate Web:
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Telephone: Australian: 6186211 0000 North America: 1303763 4919 South America: 562234 4608 ii
Europe: 44115947 2000
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Contents Table of Contents VULCAN 4 – Block Model Training Manual............................................................i Table of Contents...................................................................................................... .iv Table of Figures.................................................................................................... ....vii CHAPTER 1 - BLOCK CONSTRUCTION IN VULCAN..................................1 What is a Block Model?.......................................................................... .................2 Why do we use Block Models?......................................................... .......................2 Advantages of using block models............................................................................2 How do you create a block model in VULCAN?....................................... .............2 Block Construction............................................................................................. ......3 1.1 Create a Block Definition File (.bdf)...................................................................3
1.1.5.1 Inversion Examples:................................................................7 1.1.5.2 Projection Axes:......................................................................7 1.2 Create the Block Model.......................................................................................9 Workshop: Creating your first model......................................................... ............9 1. The model origin and orientation (Orientation Panel)........................................10 4. Creating the model:..............................................................................................11 CHAPTER 2 – VIEWING BLOCKS IN VULCAN..........................................13 VULCAN Block Viewing Methods............................................................ ............12 Reasons for Viewing Block Models....................................................................... .12 Getting Information about your Block Models.................................. ..................12 2.1 Getting a List of your Block Models.................................................................12 2.2 Opening Your Block Model...............................................................................13 2.3 Displaying the Block Model Header Information.............................................13 Block Viewing....................................................................................... ..................13 2.4 Generating Contours of the Block Model.........................................................13 CHAPTER 3 – BLOCK MANIPULATION.....................................................16 3.1 Editing a Block Model.......................................................................................16 3.2 Performing a Calculation on the Block Model..................................................16 iv
Contents 3.3 Mining the Block Model....................................................................................17 3.4 Using Scripts......................................................................................................17
3.4.3.1 Comparison operators:..........................................................18 3.4.3.2 Logical operators:.................................................................18 3.4.3.3 Assignment operators............................................................18 3.4.3.4 Mathematical operators.........................................................18 Workshop Exercise: Scripts........................................................................... ........20 1. Plan your calculation............................................................................................20 2. Document your work:..........................................................................................21 3. Document Temporary Variables...........................................................................21 3.5 Adding Block Model Variables..........................................................................21 3.6 Deleting Variables from a Block Model............................................................22 3.7 Renaming Variables in a Block Model..............................................................22 3.8 Translating a Block Model.................................................................................22 3.9 Rotating a Block Model.....................................................................................22 3.10 Indexing a Block Model...................................................................................23 3.11 Assigning Values to a Block Model.................................................................23 CHAPTER FOUR – BLOCK TRANSFER.....................................................25 4.1 Importing a Regular Block Model.....................................................................25 4.2 Importing a Sub-blocked Block Model.............................................................26 4.3 Importing Attributes into a Block Model..........................................................27 4.4 Exporting a Block Model...................................................................................29 4.5 Export Variables to a Map File..........................................................................30 4.6 Intersect a Drill Hole Database..........................................................................34 4.7 Block Model Addition........................................................................................35 Workshop - Block Manipulation, Add.............................................. ....................40 4.8 Regularising a block model...............................................................................40 4.9 Deleting Blocks from a block model.................................................................46 4.10 Extracting Blocks to a new Block Model........................................................48 CHAPTER 5 - INVERSE DISTANCE GRADE ESTIMATION.......................50 Grade Estimation in VULCAN............................................................................. .50 What is Grade Estimation?......................................................................................50 Why use Grade Estimation?.....................................................................................50 How do we use Grade Estimation in VULCAN?....................................................50 CHAPTER 6 – BLOCK RESERVES.............................................................51 Overview – Reserves submenu........................................................... ...................51 v
Contents 6.1 Simple Reserves.................................................................................................51 6.2 Block Reserves ..................................................................................................56 6.3. Advanced Reserves...........................................................................................64
6.3.3.1 Select Polygons as Regions..................................................70 6.3.3.2 Select triangulations as regions.............................................73 6.3.7.1 Open report specification file................................................77 6.3.7.2 Define General Report Details..............................................78 6.3.7.3 Define Column specs............................................................79 6.3.7.4 Define Table Details..............................................................82 6.3.7.5 Save the specification file.....................................................84 6.3.7.6 Reporting the reserves..........................................................85 Workshop - Block Reserves................................................................ ...................86
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Figures Table of Figures FIGURE 1-1: BLOCK MODEL SLICE............................................................1 FIGURE 1-2: REGULAR BLOCK MODEL.....................................................2 FIGURE 1-3: BLOCK MENU..........................................................................3 FIGURE 1-4: BLOCK MODEL UTILITY - ORIENTATION PANEL.................3 FIGURE 1-5: BLOCK MODEL UTILITY – SCHEMES PANEL.......................4 FIGURE 1-6: BLOCK MODEL UTILITY – VARIABLES PANEL....................5 FIGURE 1-7:BLOCK MODEL UTILITY – LIMITS PANEL..............................6 FIGURE 1-8: BLOCK MODEL UTILITY – BOUNDARIES PANEL................7 FIGURE 1-9: INVERSION WITH 3D (SOLID) TRIANGULATIONS................7 FIGURE 1-13: PROJECTION ALONG THE Y AXIS.......................................8 FIGURE 1-15: BLOCK MODEL UTILITY – EXCEPTIONS PANEL...............8 FIGURE 1-16: BLOCK MODEL ORIENTATION PANEL..............................10 FIGURE 1-17: ADD SCHEMA PANEL.........................................................10 FIGURE 1-18: ADD VARIABLE PANEL.......................................................11 FIGURE 1-19: BLOCK CREATE PANEL.....................................................11 FIGURE 2-1: MULTIPLE BLOCK MODEL SLICES.....................................13
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Contents FIGURE 2-3: REPORT WINDOW SHOWING BLOCK MODEL DETAILS. .15 FIGURE 2-4: BLOCK CONTOURS PANEL.................................................15 FIGURE 3-1: BLOCK EDIT PANEL..............................................................16 FIGURE 3-2: BLOCK CALCULATION PANEL............................................16 FIGURE 3-3: STOPE MINING PANEL.........................................................17 FIGURE 3-4: ADD BLOCK MODEL VARIABLE PANEL.............................21 FIGURE 3-5: BLOCK MODEL CHANGE VARIABLE NAME PANEL..........22 FIGURE 3-6: BLOCK MODEL TRANSLATION PANEL..............................22 FIGURE 3-7: BLOCK MODEL ROTATION PANEL......................................23 FIGURE 3-8: INDEX BLOCK MODEL PANEL.............................................23 FIGURE 3-9: ASSIGN BLOCK VALUES PANEL.........................................24 FIGURE 1-4: REGULAR IMPORT PANEL...................................................26 FIGURE 4-2: SUB-BLOCKED IMPORT PANEL..........................................27 FIGURE 4-3: IMPORT ATTRIBUTES INTO MODEL PANEL.......................28 FIGURE 4-4: BLOCK MODEL EXPORT PANEL.........................................29 FIGURE 4-5: THE MASK BLOCK MODEL PANEL.....................................31 FIGURE 4-6: LOAD SAMPLES DATABASE PANEL...................................33
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Contents FIGURE 4-7: INTERSECT DRILLING PANEL.............................................34 FIGURE 4-8: DB INTERSECTION RECORD PANEL..................................34 FIGURE 4-9: DB INTERSECTION FIELDS PANEL.....................................35 FIGURE 4-10: NEW DEFINITION PANEL....................................................36 FIGURE 4-11: BLOCK MODEL PARENT SCHEME PANEL.......................37 FIGURE 4-12: ADD VARIABLE PANEL.......................................................38 FIGURE 4-13: BLOCK MODEL ADD PANEL..............................................39 FIGURE 4-14: MODEL REBLOCKING PANEL...........................................40 FIGURE 4-15: REBLOCKING DIMENSIONS PANEL..................................41 FIGURE 4-16: RESULTING VARIABLES PANEL........................................41 FIGURE 4-17: COMMON BLOCKS..............................................................43 FIGURE 4-18 –REGULAR BLOCK (R), SUB-BLOCKS (S1, S2, S3 AND S4) AND COMMON BLOCKS (C1, C2, C3 AND C4)...................................45 FIGURE 4-19: BLOCK SELECTION PANEL...............................................46 FIGURE 4-20 BLOCK EXTRACTION PANEL..............................................49 FIGURE 6-1: RESERVES SUBMENU..........................................................51 FIGURE 6-2: RESERVES CALCULATION PANEL.....................................52 FIGURE 6-3: RESERVES CUT-OFFS PANEL.............................................52 ix
Contents FIGURE 6-4: BLOCK SELECTION PANEL.................................................53 FIGURE 6-6: RESERVES REPORT.............................................................54 FIGURE 6-7: POLYGON RESERVE PANEL................................................55 FIGURE 6-8: CONFIRM BOX.......................................................................55 FIGURE 6-9: DATA SOURCES ...................................................................56 FIGURE 6-10: GRADE NAMES PANEL.......................................................57 FIGURE 6-11: BREAKDOWN NAMES PANEL............................................57 FIGURE 6-12: GRADE CUT-OFFS PANEL..................................................57 FIGURE 6-13: SOLID MODEL LIST PANEL................................................58 FIGURE 6-14: SOLID MODEL LIST PANEL WITH TRIANGULATIONS.....58 FIGURE 6-15: PICK DATA SOURCE PANEL..............................................58 FIGURE 6-16: BLOCK MODEL PANEL.......................................................59 FIGURE 6-17: BLOCK MODEL GRADE VARIABLES PANEL...................59 FIGURE 6-18: BLOCK MODEL BREAKDOWN VARIABLES PANEL........60 FIGURE 6-19: SAVE REPORT FORMAT PANEL........................................60 FIGURE 6-20: COMPLETE REPORT PANEL..............................................61 FIGURE 6-21: RESERVE LISTING SHOWING A COMPLETE REPORT. . .61
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Contents FIGURE 6-22: RESERVE LISTING SHOWING AN ABOVE CUT-OFF REPORT........................................................................................................62 FIGURE 6-23: UNFORMATTED DUMP PANEL...........................................62 FIGURE 6-24: RESERVE LISTING SHOWING A DUMP REPORT.............63 FIGURE 6-25: OPEN RESERVES SPECIFICATION FILE PANEL.............65 FIGURE 6-26: BREAKDOWN FIELDS PANEL............................................65 FIGURE 6-27: A BLOCK INSIDE A RESERVE REGION THAT HAS BEEN 0.3 MINED (70% AVAILABLE).....................................................................67 FIGURE 6-28: A BLOCK 50% INSIDE A RESERVE REGION THAT HAS BEEN 0.3 MINED (70% AVAILABLE)..........................................................68 FIGURE 6-29: SECOND BREAKDOWN FIELDS PANEL...........................68 FIGURE 6-30: GRADE VARIABLES PANEL...............................................69 FIGURE 6-31: GRADE CUT-OFFS PANEL..................................................70 FIGURE 6-32: DEFINE REGIONS BY POLYGON PANEL..........................71 FIGURE 6-33: MULTIPLE SELECTION BOX..............................................72 FIGURE 6-34: CONFIRM BOX.....................................................................72 FIGURE 6-35: RENAME REGION PANEL...................................................73 FIGURE 6-36:SELECT TRIANGULATIONS PANEL...................................73 FIGURE 6-37: SET GROUP NAME PANEL.................................................73
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Contents FIGURE 6-38: RESERVE REGION REPORT PANEL.................................74 FIGURE 6-39: BLOCK SELECTION PANEL...............................................74 FIGURE 6-40: SAVE RESERVES SPECIFICATION FILE PANEL..............76 FIGURE 6-41: CALCULATE RESERVES PANEL.......................................77 FIGURE 6-42: OPEN REPORT SPECIFICATION FILE PANEL..................77 FIGURE 6-43: GLOBAL REPORT PARAMETERS PANEL........................78 FIGURE 6-44: REPORT COLUMNS PANEL...............................................79 FIGURE 6-45: REPORT TABLES PANEL...................................................83 FIGURE 6-46: SAVE REPORT SPECIFICATION FILE PANEL...................85 FIGURE 6-47: CREATE REPORT PANEL...................................................85
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Chapter 1 Block Construction
Chapter 1 - Block Construction in VULCAN Use conditions (exceptions) to remove blocks
Use large parent blocks to minimise the block model size. Use subblocking to increase accuracy along contacts Limit the maximum block size within regions
Define regions using Triangulations
Automatic block optimisation
Figure 11: Block Model Slice 1
What is a Block Model? •
•
A block model is a series of "blocks" or "cells" that collectively define a larger block. Each block defines an exact piece of 3D space. Each cell can be assigned a series of attributes, eg grade, geological code, metallurgical code or geotechnical code that represent the physical properties of the deposit. In this way a complete "model" of the deposit can be produced.
Why do we use Block Models? Advantages of using block models •
•
•
•
•
Figure 12: Regular Block Model
A block model is a very efficient data structure in which to store a large amount of information. Very flexible construction methods allow you to create a model that accurately represents the geological and mining conditions. Allows excellent visualisation of geological zones or grade trends within an orebody. The increased use of geostatistical methods to express grade distribution requires a block model structure to store the results of the estimation. Rapid calculations between the values within variables allow effective resource/reserve estimates to be undertaken.
How do you create a block model in VULCAN? Creating a block model in VULCAN typically consists of the following steps:
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1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Construct the model (Construction submenu). Verify the model by slicing contouring etc. (Viewing submenu). Perform calculations, add variables, etc. (Manipulation submenu). Interpolate grades into the model (Grade Estimation submenu). Report the Resource (Reserves submenu).
Block Construction The block construction process typically consists of two steps; 1.
2.
Create a block definition file (.bdf) (Block > Construction > New option). Create the block model (Block > Construction > Create Model option).
1.1 Create a Block Definition File (.bdf) The New Definition option allows you to create a new block definition file (.bdf). This file stores all the parameters required for the construction of a VULCAN block model. When the option is selected, the Block Model Utility is started.
Figure 14: Block Model Utility Orientation Panel Figure 13: Block Menu
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1.1.1 Origin and Orientation The origin is commonly either the minimum point of the model or the map grid origin (0, 0, 0). It can, however, be any value. Orientating the model to match the overall orientation of the deposit will generally result in better edge definition between geological zones, producing fewer blocks.
1.1.2 Block Model Offsets, Parent Block Size and sub-blocking The Schemes panel allows you to define the model extents, i.e. the start and end offsets that define the 3D aerial extent of the model, parent block size and extent, and block size of any sub block areas.
Orient the model by entering absolute and relative rotations about the three axes. Notes: •
•
•
•
All rotations are measured anticlockwise. If clockwise rotations are required, then use negative angles. Bearing, Plunge and Dip are not used with their geological definitions, but rather refer to rotations around the axes. For a rotated model it is easier to use the minimum coordinates of the model for the origin. For Block Addition the models must have the same orientation.
Figure 15: Block Model Utility – Schemes Panel The first row in the table must be the Parent Scheme. Notes: •
If the model origin is (0,0,0) then the start and end offsets are the co ordinates of the minimum and maximum points of the model. If the model origin is the minimum point of the model, then the start and end offsets are the distances relative to the origin in order to define the 3D extent of the model.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
The parent block size must be a divisor of the model extent. If the parent block size does not fit exactly within the model extent, you are notified and prompted to adjust the extent. Subsequent rows in the table are for any subblock areas. Specify the minimum block sizes in the “Block X, Y and Z” fields. If the subblocking is to take place in a sub region of the block model, then enter start and end offsets. Additional subblocking extents may be defined within the model if required. The subblocking extents must not exceed the model extents. Subblocking minimum sizes should be kept to a reasonable resolution to define the boundaries. The smaller the subblocking size the larger the model. This will affect computer performance and the time taken to create or modify the block model. Subblocking maximum sizes must not exceed the parent block size.
•
Subblocking sizes must be a divisor of the parent block size.
1.1.3 Variable Names and Default Values The Variables panel allows you to specify all variables to be created in the model. You must also specify the data type and a default value for each variable. The description is optional.
Figure 16: Block Model Utility – Variables Panel Notes: •
• •
Variable names should never start with a numeric value. Keep variable names as short as possible. Select the data type most appropriate to the requirements of the variable. As some data types use more memory than others, selecting an inappropriate data type could result in much larger 5
•
block models than necessary. Variables used for estimation must be either "float" or "double" data type.
•
1.1.4 Define the Limits of the Block Sizes by Variables
different limit values to define accurately the zones in the model. The maximum block size must lie between the smallest subblock size and the parent block size. Hence you must have defined subblocks. The maximum block size must be a divisor of the parent block size.
The Limits panel allows you to specify a maximum block size for blocks of predefined values. Values are assigned using the Boundaries panel.
•
For example, within a particular ore zone the block limits may be 5, 2.5, 2.5. Whereas in another ore zone the block limits may be 1,1,1.
The Boundaries panel allows you to apply attributes to blocks based on their position relative to triangulations. This option also allows sub blocking to be performed.
1.1.5 Boundaries
For example, a geological code may be applied if a block lies within a solid triangulation defining the geological region.
Figure 17:Block Model Utility – Limits Panel Notes: •
A block will have this limit applied if the variable value is equal to that specified in the panel. You may therefore use many
Priority levels are assigned to resolve areas of conflict between triangulations; the higher the value the higher the priority. The highest value allowable is 9999. Inversion and projection along an axis are used to determine the area of interest relative to a triangulation.
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Figure 110: Inversion with Figure 18: Block Model Utility – Boundaries Panel Notes: •
•
•
Wildcards may be used when listing triangulation names. Partial inversion is only used with surface triangulations. The higher priority value takes precedence over the lower.
2D (Surface) Triangulations 1.1.5.2 Projection Axes: The projection axis defines the direction for a surface and has no effect when working with solids. The projection axis option is used in situations where steeply dipping structures define regions.
1.1.5.1 Inversion Examples: Figure 111: Projection Axes
Figure 19: Inversion with 3D (Solid) Triangulations
If No inversion is selected the negative side of the triangulation is the area of interest. If Partial or Complete inversion is selected the positive side of the triangulation is the area of interest. For triangulations (ore bodies) that are steeply dipping, it may be necessary to project along the X or Y axes to 7
ensure the correct inversion is applied.
Figure 114: Projection along the Z axis Figure 112: Projection along the X axis
1.1.6 Exceptions The Exceptions panel allows you to specify conditions that will result in those blocks that match the condition being removed. For example, if the exception, topo eq "air", is used then all blocks where the variable "topo" has the value "air" will be removed from the model.
Figure 113: Projection along the Y axis For triangulations (ore bodies) that are near to horizontal i.e. lying in the XY plane, a projection along the Z axis may be more suitable. The area of interest is then below the triangulation if No inversion or above if Partial or Complete is selected.
Figure 115: Block Model Utility – Exceptions Panel Notes: •
Removing unnecessary blocks from the model will reduce the size of the model resulting in better computer performance. 8
•
Remember that if you simply use the topography triangulation to remove blocks, then you may be discarding some blocks that are required for accurate reserves, scheduling etc. To avoid this, make a copy of your topography triangulation, translate it to a height about twice the block height above the topography triangulation and then use this copy for the exception.
1.1.7 Saving the Block Definition File The Block Model Utility > File > Save As option allows you to save the block definition file. The maximum size of the definition file name is 20 alphanumeric characters. 1.2 Create the Block Model The Create Model option (either the Block > Construction > Create Model or the Block Model Utility > Model > Create Model) allows you to build the model. Once all the required parameters have been entered using the New Definition
option, simply specify the block definition file name (.bdf) and the name for the model. By default the definition file that is currently loaded is displayed in the panel and a block file name that matches the definition file name is suggested. The index model option should be selected to allow the generation of a block model index. A block model index will allow much faster access to the model for future processing. If the block model is large, then the creation of the index may take some time. The block model creation process is run in a shell window, thus allowing you to continue working within VULCAN.
Workshop: Creating your first model The aim of this workshop is to create a number of models that demonstrate the various options available. We will create a simple regular model and then introduce some simple viewing techniques so that you may verify the model. Work at your own pace. Use the manual if required or ask
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the MAPTEK staff for assistance.
0.000 Start Y Offset:
1. The model origin and orientation (Orientation Panel) Enter the origin coordinates and the Rotation angle: X origin coordinate: 77900.000 Y origin coordinate: 4300.000 Z origin coordinate: 300.000 Bearing: 62
0.000 Start Z offset: 0.000 Enter the End offset: End X Offset: 810.000 End Y Offset: 330.000 End Z Offset: 600.000 Enter the parent block size: Block X Size: 30.000 Block Y Size: 30.000 Block Z Size: 30.000
Figure 116: Block Model Orientation Panel This will create a model trending 62°, with horizontal plunge and dip. Figure 117: Add Schema 2. The model dimensions (Schemes Panel) Enter the start offset: Start X Offset:
Panel This will define a model 810 × 330 × 600 metres.
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Select File > Save As. Enter the block definition file name: File Name: first 3. Adding variables (Variables Panel)
4. Creating the model: Select Model > Create Model. Enter the model name: first Enter the definition file name: first
Enter: Variable name: geol Select the data type: name Enter the default value: air Enter the description: geological code
Figure 119: Block Create Panel Select OK to build the model. When the model has been created use the Block Viewing slice and blocks options to verify the model. Now that you have created your first model you may like to experiment with the other options available. Try the following examples. Either build on previous models by editing the .bdf or create new block definition files.
Figure 118: Add Variable
A regular model with origin at model minimum
Panel
A regular model rotated
This model will only have one variable called ‘geol’ with a value equal to ‘air’.
A regular model plunged
Select File > Save.
A regular model dipped A subblocked model using solid triangulations 11
A subblocked model using surface triangulations A subblocked model using both solid and surface triangulations A subblocked model using limits A subblocked model using exceptions Finally create a model, which we will use for grade estimation, using some or all of these options.
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Chapter 2: Block Viewing
Chapter 2 – Viewing Blocks in VULCAN
Figure 21: Multiple Block Model Slices
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VULCAN Block Viewing Methods VULCAN allows you to display the block model in a variety of ways. You may: • • • • • • •
Display the block model extents. Slice the model at any orientation. Slice the model dynamically. Display multiple slices. Load blocks as 3D boxes, rectangles or crosses. Contour the model. Interrogate the model directly.
Reasons for Viewing Block Models After a block model has been created it must be verified. Common types of checks performed include: • • •
Blocks have been created in the correct place. Blocks are of the correct size. Subblocking has performed as expected.
• •
Variable values have been assigned correctly. Check for "leaks".
After grade estimation the model is viewed again to verify the estimation process. The model may be viewed at any time to gain information.
Getting Information about your Block Models The Block menu contains options that allow you to •
• •
List the block models in your working directory (Block > Directory). Open a block model (Block > Open). Display the block model header information (Block > Header).
2.1 Getting a List of your Block Models The Directory option allows you to display a list of the block models in your working directory.
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Figure 22: Report Window showing block model directory listing 2.2 Opening Your Block Model The Open option allows you to open a block model. You can also use the Open button on the Standard toolbar or the Open Block Model button on the Open toolbar to Open Block models. The standard Windows Open Panel is displayed. Use the Look in field to navigate to the directory in which the block model is stored. From the Files of Type field select Vulcan Block Models. Note this is only necessary if you used the Open button on the Standard toolbar. Select the block model to open and select Open. Note: •
You can only have one block model open at a time.
2.3 Displaying the Block Model Header Information The Header option allows you to view general information about the model. The information includes: • • • • • • • • •
Model name Number of blocks Number of variables Model origin Model orientation Creation/Edit date Variable defaults Translation tables Model schemes
Block Viewing 2.4 Generating Contours of the Block Model The Contour option allows you to contour any variable in the model in any plane. One or more sections may be contoured at any time. Zonal contours may be created. Note:
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•
•
•
•
Contours are restricted to values in the plane being contoured. Use "continuous contours" to take care of blocks with default values. Displaying contours as underlays will assist in graphics performance. Contour intervals are controlled by those set out in the contour legend scheme. See Analyse > Legend Edit if you do not have a contour legend scheme.
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Figure 23: Report Window showing block model details
Figure 24: Block Contours panel
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Chapter 3: Block Manipulation
Chapter 3 – Block Manipulation The Manipulation submenu allows you to: • • • • • • • •
Edit variable values. Perform oneline calculations. ‘Mine’ the block model using triangulations. Perform multiline calculations using scripts. Add, delete and rename variables. Translate or rotate the block model. Index the block model for faster access. Assign values to a block model.
3.2 Performing a Calculation on the Block Model The Calculation option allows you to perform a oneline calculation on any block within the model. Simply select the variable on which to perform the calculation and enter the equation to perform. For example, you might want to determine the dollar value of each block. Consider: Variables: au = gold grade (grams per tonne) sg = density (tonnes/m3) volume = volume (m3)
3.1 Editing a Block Model
dollar = dollar value of block
The Edit option allows you to edit the value of a variable in any block within the model.
Calculation:
Simply click on the block you want to edit, select the variable name and enter the new value in the edit panel.
Figure 31: Block Edit panel
(tonnes × au) × gold value per tonne – (tonnes × mining cost per tonne) i.e. ((sg * volume) * au) * 34.00 (sg * volume) * 40.0
Figure 32: Block Calculation Panel
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Chapter 3: Block Manipulation only when restricting blocks using a bounding box, closed triangulation or bounding surfaces.
3.3 Mining the Block Model The Mine option allows you to mine out the block model against solid triangulations that represent the mined out zones of an ore body. This value can then be used in the advanced block reserve options. A variable is required to store the mined value. You have the choice of storing the percentage of the block remaining or the fraction of the block mined. You also have the option of selecting blocks using the full cell or proportional cell evaluation methods. Use full cell evaluation if you want to include those blocks whose centroid falls within the region. The entire block is selected. Use proportional cell evaluation if you want to include those blocks that are (either fully or partially) in the region. The selected blocks are scaled according to the proportion of the block's volume that lies within the region. Note: •
The proportional cell evaluation method applies
Figure 33: Stope Mining Panel 3.4 Using Scripts 3.4.1 Why use scripts in VULCAN? •
•
•
•
allows you to perform complicated calculations on the block model. scripting can be used to modify existing variables in the model by acting on one or more variables at a time. examples of using scripts include calculating dollar values for use in Whittle 3D, establishing percent of block mined and creating classification fields for reserve reporting. scripts can be stored as a record of the modifications to a block model and thus rerun or used as an audit trail.
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Chapter 3: Block Manipulation 3.4.2 Scripting Constructs
le
less than or equal to
Scripts follow the basic construct shown below.
lt
less than
ge
greater than or equal to
gt
greater than
if ( expression ) then statement elseif ( expression ) then statement
Character: eqs
equal to string
nes
not equal to string
elseif ... else statement
3.4.3.2 Logical operators:
endif Use "and", "or" for complex conditions.
Note: "If" statements may be nested, but remember that each "if" must have its own "endif". • Spaces and indents are optional, but help in legibility and debugging. • The "elseif" and "else" statements are optional. 3.4.3 Operators •
The operators below are just some that can be used with scripts. 3.4.3.1 Comparison operators:
Numeric: eq
equal to
ne
not equal to
For example, if ( au gt 0.5 and au le 2.5 ) then
3.4.3.3 Assignment operators =
to assign a value
3.4.3.4 Mathematical operators +
add
subtract
/
divide
*
multiply
abs
absolute
sqrt
square root
sin
sine
cos
cosine 18
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Note: •
See the Online Help > Envisage > Core Appendices > Appendix D and H for additional information on scripting syntax and operators.
* rec_205 = recovery expected in geo = 5 and weathering = 200 * rec_0 = recovery expected in non-ore zones * * Assign variable values rec_103 = 0.833
3.4.4 Example Script:
rec_105 = 0.85
The example below assigns different values for "recovery" based on the value of the "geo" and "weathering" variables.
rec_203 = 0.97
* demorecover.bcf * block model calculation script to define a recovery * factor based on "geo" and "weathering". * * This script assumes that the "recovery" variable has been added to the block model * * rec_103 = recovery expected in geo = 3 and weathering = 100 * rec_105 = recovery expected in geo = 5 and weathering = 100 * rec_203 = recovery expected in geo = 3 and weathering = 200
rec_205 = 0.92 rec_0 = 0.00 if ( geo eq 3.0 ) then if ( weathering eq 100.0 ) then recovery = rec_103 elseif ( weathering eq 200.0 ) then recovery = rec_203 else recovery = rec_0 endif elseif (geo eq 5.0 ) then if ( weathering eq 100.0 ) then recovery = rec_105 elseif ( weathering eq 200.0 ) then recovery = rec_205 else recovery = rec_0 endif else 19
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation recovery = rec_0
•
endif
Note: • •
•
•
Scripts are executed for each cell in turn. Any variable names may be used, but only those variables defined in the block model will save the results. i.e. Scripts allow the use of temporary variables to make the calculations easier to understand and implement. Comment lines may be used freely throughout the script. Simply begin the line with an asterisk. Scripts provide a good permanent record, or audit trail, of calculations performed on the block model.
Sequence of events: •
•
Geology supply block model with geology and grade variables. Add the required engineering and economic variables.
Execute scripts to calculate the values of economic and engineering variables to aid in mine planning.
Workshop Exercise: Scripts Use one of the block models constructed earlier to calculate a dollar field for reporting and evaluation purposes. 1. Plan your calculation a. What variables will you need? b. What logic will best suit the calculation and cell selection? c. You may have to add your variable(s) first. Note: •
Use units analysis to confirm that the value you are calculating is actually the quantity you want. i.e. Do you wish to calculate the total dollar value of each cell or the $/t value of the material?
20
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation b. Don’t forget to document different versions of scripts for reference.
2. Document your work: a. Include details such as your name, the date, the name of the script (so that if the script is printed out it can be identified), the purpose of the script and the model at which it was targeted. b. You may also include details of where this script fits into the mine planning data flow, and what variables were added to the "original" model to allow the script to run. Note: •
Make the calculation as complex as you wish, but be liberal with comments (for your and other people’s reference). Also build the complex calculation up from a simple one. Confirm that each new part runs before doing more.
3. Document Temporary Variables a. Define all constants to be used as temporary variables at the head of the script. This makes editing and rerunning scripts easier.
Note: •
If you will be doing a complex calculation on a large or huge block model, then it may pay to extract a small section on which to test the scripts before you edit the real model.
3.5 Adding Block Model Variables The Add Variable option allows you to add variables to the block model.
Figure 34: Add Block Model Variable panel You must: • • •
Enter a new variable name. Select the type of data to be stored in the variable. Enter a default value.
21
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation •
And enter an optional description for the variable.
• •
Enter an optional variable description. Enter an optional default value.
On completion of the Add Block Model Variable panel, it is redisplayed, so that additional variables may be defined. When all variables are defined, cancel out of the panel. The variables will be added to the model.
Figure 35: Block Model Change Variable Name Panel 3.8 Translating a Block Model
3.6 Deleting Variables from a Block Model
The Translate option allows you to move a block model.
The Delete Variable option allows you to delete variables from a block model.
Enter the X, Y and Z translation distances. The block model will then be moved (translated) the appropriate distance along each axis.
Simply select the variable to be deleted from the variable list and select OK. Note: •
All data associated with the deleted variable is also removed.
3.7 Renaming Variables in a Block Model The Change Name option allows you to rename any existing variable in the block model: •
•
Select the variable to be renamed from the variable list. Enter the new name.
Figure 36: Block Model Translation Panel 3.9 Rotating a Block Model The Rotate option allows you to rotate a block model about its origin. Simply enter the 22
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation rotation angles for the X, Y and Z axes. All rotation angles are anticlockwise. If clockwise rotation is required, then enter negative rotation angles. Figure 38: Index Block Model Panel Note: Figure 37: Block Model
•
Rotation Panel Note: •
The rotation axes are the same as defined in the block construction area. Therefore the Bearing, Plunge and Dip do not have their normal structural definitions.
3.10 Indexing a Block Model The Index option allows you to index a block model. Indexing a block model writes a spatial index of the block locations to the block model file, consequently allowing for faster access to the block model. If the structure of the block model changes in any way, the block model must be indexed again. Adding or deleting variables has no effect on the index of the block model.
•
The index procedure requires an amount of disk space equal to the amount that the model already occupies. This means that if the model is 4Mb in size and only 3Mb is free you won't be able to index the model. When indexing the model you can choose to use the fast method, which is CPU intensive and stops you working in Envisage, or the slower method, which allows you to continue working in Envisage.
3.11 Assigning Values to a Block Model The Assign Values option allows you to assign block variable values from an input model to an output model. The block variable values are assigned based on their common block overlap and the calculation method chosen. 23
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation The open block model (remember you can only have one block model open at a time) is the input model. You specify the output model on the Assign Block Values panel. You also specify the name of the block definition file (.bdf) that is to be created or edited in the assignment process.
•
Load only an existing assignment definition file if it was created with the same input and output block model so that variable details match.
Figure 39: Assign Block Values Panel Note: •
•
The input and output model must have the same orientation (i.e. bearing, plunge and dip) and their parent (primary) block extents must overlap. If the output model extent is beyond the input model extent, input blocks on the edge will be assigned incorrect values due to the difference in volume. All definition files are displayed in the definition file list, however, only those files created in a previous assign values procedure should be selected.
Figure 310: Assignment Variables Panel Name variable values in the output model are ignored, i.e. you cannot assign a value from the input model to a name variable in the output model. For this reason, the Assignment Methods are not displayed for output name variables. Use the Next button to step through each output variable's panel. The name, default value and data type of the output variable is displayed at the top of the panel. 24
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation For each output variable, specify the assignment calculation method: •
•
•
•
•
Use default value uses the default value of the output variable (shown in the top half of the panel). Majority variable allows you to enter or select an input variable for which the majority value will be calculated and placed in the output variable. Total variable allows you to enter or select an input variable for which the total will be found and placed in the output variable. Average variable allows you to enter or select an input variable for which the average will be found and placed in the output variable. Percentage variable allows you to enter an input variable and an ordinal value. The percentage of variable values equal to the ordinal value is calculated and placed in the output variable.
You can either use a density value or an input density variable. Once all output variables have been assigned, you are prompted whether to continue with the assignment process or to change the definition. If you select Change definition, you are returned to the first output variable's panel. If you select Continue, the external block assignment program is run in a shell window. Once this is finished, press Enter to remove the window. Note: •
• Select the Weight blocks using density option to weight output variables by density.
The block assignment program processes the output model in strips of XY blocks with the Z depth of the output model. Where these strips overlap the input model, the input model blocks are re blocked and the calculated volume and (possibly density weighted) values are assigned to the output model blocks. To run the block assignment program from outside Envisage, start a Hamilton C Shell, navigate 25
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation to your working directory and execute the block assignment program bassign from the VULCAN_EXE directory. Use your input and output block models and a previously created assignment definition file (the definition file must match the input and output models). For example:
$VULCAN_EXE/bas sign demoinput demooutput demoassign.bdf or, if VULCAN_EXE is not defined
$VULCAN_BIN/exe /bassign demoinput demooutput demoassign.bdf
Chapte r Four – Block Transf er The Transfer menu allows you to: •
•
•
•
•
Import regular and sub blocked models. Import attribut es from an ASCII file. Export the block model to an ASCII file. Mask a block model. Write block values
•
•
•
•
to a map file (drilling ). Add two block models. Regular ise a block model. Delete section s of a block model. Export a block model.
4.1 Importing a Regular Block Model The Regular option allows you to import an ASCII file that represents a regular block model. You must 25
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation set up a definition file to match the ASCII file. Within the ASCII file, the fields must be in a specific order with each line representin g a block. It must have an X, Y and Z centre, then the grade or model fields, in the same order as defined in the definition file. The block co ordinates must be in real world co ordinates. See the Online Help >
Envisage > Block
Figure 1 4: Regular
Model >
Import
Appendix A for more details on the ASCII file format and the correspond ing definition file. Enter the name of the block model to be created, the name of the definition file and the name of the ASCII file to be imported in the Regular Import panel.
Panel Note: •
•
Use an alphab etic charact er as the first charact er of the block model identifi er. The block model name may have a maxim um of 20 charact ers. The block model extensi on (.bmf) will be
•
added automa tically. The ASCII model file name should contain the full name (includi ng the file extensi on) of the ASCII file to be importe d.
4.2 Importing a Subblocked Block Model The Subblock option allows you to import an ASCII file that represents a sub 26
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation blocked block model. You must set up a definition file to match the ASCII file. Within the ASCII file, the fields must be in a specific order with each line representin g a block. It should have an X, Y and Z centre, X , Y and Z size, and then the grade or model fields in the same order as defined in the definition file. The block co ordinates must be in real world
co ordinates. See the Online Help > Envisage > Block Model > Appendix A for more details on the ASCII file format and the correspond ing definition file.
of the definition file and the name of the ASCII file to be imported on the Sub blocked Import panel. Note: •
Figure 4 2: Sub blocked Import Panel You specify the name of the block model to be created, the name
•
Use an alphab etic charact er as the first charact er of the block model identifi er. The block model name may have a maxim um of 20 charact ers.
•
The block model extensi on (.bmf) will be added automa tically. The ASCII model file name should contain the full name (includi ng the file extensi on) of the ASCII file to be importe d.
4.3 Importing Attributes into a Block Model The Attributes option 27
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation allows you to import an ASCII file containing block model details and grade estimation results, into a pre existing block model. The format of the ASCII file must be: X centre Y centre Z centre data1 data2 data3 …… where X, Y and Z centre, is a point in space. Whatever block encloses the point, gets data1, data2,
data3 inserted into the specified fields. If two data points exist for the same coordinate point, or two co ordinate points lie in the same block, then the last co ordinate read in the ASCII file will overwrite any previous ones. The data variables in the ASCII file do not have to be in the same sequence as the block model. Not
all the variables within the block model have to be in the ASCII file. However, all the data variables within the ASCII file must be imported, otherwise errors will occur when reading the file. Therefore, if the ASCII file has eight data variables and only three of them are to be imported, the file must be stripped of the excess columns.
Figure 4 3: Import Attributes into Model Panel The open block model name is displayed at the top of the panel Import Attributes into Model panel. Enter the ASCII file 28
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation name in the Insertion file name field. The full file name must be entered, including the file extension. If the file is not in your working directory, precede the file with the required path (paths may be relative or full). Up to 30 variables can be imported at a time. Centroids can be imported as real world co ordinates or as relative offsets.
Real world co ordinates are an actual location in space. Relative offsets are the distances in the X, Y and Z directions with respect to the origin of the block model. Note: •
This option does not require a definiti on file.
4.4 Exporting a Block Model The Export ASCII option
allows you to export a block model to an ASCII file. The name of the open block model is displayed at the top of the Block Model Export panel. Enter the destination file name in the Export file name field. Include a file extension if required. For example,
.asc . The maximum file name size is 20 alphanume ric characters.
The file will be placed in your working directory.
Figure 4 4: Block Model Export Panel To export the block identificati on numbers, select the Export block ids check box. Don’t tick this box if you want to import the model back into Envisage.
29
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation To export the physical volumes of the blocks, select the Export block volumes check box. Don’t tick this box if you want to import the model back into Envisage. To export all variables in the block model select the Export all variables radio button. Alternativel y you can choose to export a subset of the variables in the block
model. If this is the case, select the Export individual variables radio button. A maximum of 30 variables may be exported using this method. Centroids can be exported as real world or as relative offsets. 4.5 Export Variables to a Map File The Export Mask option allows you to export variables from the open block model,
correspond ing to the X, Y and Z locations of a specified map file (this may be an ISIS database or ASCII map file). This option creates a new map file that includes all fields from the "old" map file (the file being read) plus up to 6 new fields. The data that will be exported is specified in the .bmm parameter file. This parameter file can be used with the Hamilton C
Shell bmask command, e.g.
bmask .bmm This option is useful if you want to write the estimated grade values to a map file for validation purposes and bivariate analysis (see the Online Help Envisage > Analyse > Statistics 11 section). It is also useful to map the geological domains defined in the block model to a map file, so that domain 30
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation restrictions can be used in grade estimation.
Figure 4 5: The Mask Block Model panel The open block model name is displayed at the top of the Mask Block Model panel. Enter the name of the parameter
file to be created or modified in the Parameter Identifier field. The maximum size of the name is 10 alphanume ric characters. As the project code and extension are added automatica lly, you do not need to enter these values. To import from or export to an ISIS database, select the Use samples database option. Specify the design name and the
database identifier. To import from or export to an ASCII map file, enter MAP in the Design Name field. Up to 6 variables can be selected. You'll also need to specify an appropriat e default value. Note: •
The design names for the "old" and new databa se must not be the same (unless
•
using map files, in which case they will both be MAP). If exporti ng data to an ISIS databa se, the data may be groupe d in the resulta nt databa se file. ISIS databa ses may contain multipl e groups. ASCII map files may consist of one 31
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation
•
group only. To create a new group, enter a unique name in the Group field. The maxim um size of the group name is 12 alphan umeric charact ers. You may want to enter an optiona l 40 alphan umeric charact er descrip tion of the map or databa
•
se. The descrip tion appear s in the header of the new map file. If exporti ng to an existing ISIS databa se or map file, selectin g the Appen d to existin g group check box will allow you to append the specifie d group to the same group(s
•
) in the existing databa se or map file. If the Use Fortra n Format option is selecte d, specify the map file identifi er () in which the existing sample data is stored. Note: When using Fortran formats , data will be append
ed to the specifie d map file instead of a new map file being created . The FORTR AN format stateme nt identifi es the location of the X, Y, and Z co ordinat es. Envisag e expects a charact er variabl e indicati 32
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation ng the numbe r of column s to be skipped before the first locatio n is reached plus three real numbe rs. The three real numbe rs represe nt the X, Y and Z co ordinat es. For exampl e, 12X, 3F13.3 means that the co ordinat es are located starting
in the 13th column (first 12 column s are skipped ). The maxim um size of the format is 80 alphan umeric charact ers. The fields support ed in a FORTR AN format stateme nt are listed in the Online help, Envisag e > Core Append ixes. If the Use samples
database option is selected, a panel will be displayed allowing you to enter the group name and field informatio n required.
Figure 4 6: Load Samples Database Panel Enter the name of the group to be loaded from the source file. Wild cards (* multi character and % single
character) may be used if you can't remember a group's name. However, only one group will be loaded this is the first group in the file that matches the entered criteria. For example, A* loads the first group in the map file that starts with an A. Specify the names of the fields containing the X, Y and Z co ordinates. The sample data will then be exported 33
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation and a map file will be created or, if using a FORTRAN format, the data will be appended. The export occurs in a Shell window. This window also displays error messages. When the export is finished press [Enter] to remove the window. 4.6 Intersect a Drill Hole Database The Export Drilling option allows you to intersect
a drillhole database with variables of the open block model that correspond to the X, Y and Z locations of the database. This option is useful if you want to write the estimated grade values to a drillhole database for validation and analysis purposes analysis (see the Online Help Envisage > Analyse > Statistics 11 section). Note:
•
The drillhol e databa se fields will be overwri tten with the block model variabl es unless destina tion fields have been created in which the intersec tion results will be stored.
Drilling Panel The open block model is displayed at the top of the Intersect Drilling panel. Enter the design (datasheet) name (.) of the drill hole database and the optional database identifier.
Figure 4 8: DB Intersecti Figure 4 7:
on Record Panel
Intersect 34
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Enter the drill hole database table (record) to be intersected .
Figure 4 9: DB Intersecti on Fields Panel Select the From and To fields in the specified table (record). Up to 10 block model variables can be matched to drillhole fields. Note:
•
The block model variabl es and drillhol e databa se fields must be real numbe rs (4 bytes).
4.7 Block Model Addition The Addition Parameter s option allows you to create a block definition file to be used when combining two block models into a new model. The models to be
combined may: •
•
• •
•
Totally overlap each other. Partiall y overlap. Not overlap. Have differen t parent block sizes. Contai n differen t variabl es. T h e y m u s t b e o f t
h e s a m e o r i e n t a ti o n , i. e . b e a r i n g , p l u n g e a n d d 35
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation i p .
Some specific uses for this option include: •
•
Adding two adjacen t models so that a resourc e calcula tion may be perfor med on the total model. Extract ing a portion of a model for modific ation, i.e. adding in a variabl e or
•
updatin g the grade estimat ion, then adding it back into the original . Creatin g a new empty model that may contain a surface or solid which was not present in the old model. Then combin ing this model with the original to create a new model
that now include s the surface or solid zones.
•
Creating a New definition File
Figure 4 10: New Definition Panel Specify the two block models to add. Also enter the name of the new block model that will be created when this option is run. Hints:
•
It does not matter which model you select as the first or second one. Only the variabl es are stored in the definiti on file (.bdf) the names of the block models are not stored. The new block definiti on file name will be taken from the new block 36
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation model name. For exampl e, if you enter FINAL as the new block model name, your block definiti on file will be named F INAL.b df. Defining the Parent Scheme The two models may be combined into a new one, using: •
•
Either model scheme . A combin ed
•
scheme . A new scheme .
the origin point. Hints: •
•
Figure 4 11: Block Model Parent Scheme Panel Columns in the Block Model Parent Scheme panel are ordered X, Y and Z. The offsets are the offset distances relative to
•
A new block definiti on file is created for the new model. The new model extent is depend ent on the scheme entered on this panel. If your final model does not cover the expecte d area, check the scheme used.
•
The model 1 and model 2 parent scheme s must be multipl es of each other. The resulta nt model's parent scheme must encomp ass both other parent scheme s.
Adding New variables New variables may be added into the resulting block model 37
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation and/or existing variables in either model can be manipulate d for use in the new model.
Figure 4 12: Add Variable Panel If new variables are required in the final block model, which do not exist in either of the two original models, they may be added
using the Add
the new model:
Variable panel. See the Block Manipulati on – Add Variable section for details on adding variables.
•
If no new variables are required or all variables have been added, cancel this panel.
Mappin
Variabl e Domin
•
ance Variabl es from both models are used. Select which model variabl es will be used in areas of overlap. Averag e of Variabl
Determining which variables to include (Variable Constrainin g) There are a number of options regarding how existing variables are used in
e
•
es Uses the average of the two model variabl es in areas of overlap. Direct Variabl
•
g Allows the use of variabl e values from one model only. Use scripts – Allows variabl e values to be determi ned by a script.
The Variable Constraini ng panel will be displayed for each variable. You must choose whether or 38
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation not to include the variable in the final model. If a variable exists in both original models and is not selected for inclusion in the final model when displayed as a variable in the first model, it will appear again when displaying variables from the second model. If the variable is selected from the first model, it will not appear for the second model.
When using Variable Dominanc e a block addition script file is generated automatica lly. For example: IF (m1:mater ial NE “-9999999 999”) THEN m3:minera lisation = m1:materi al ELSE m3:minera lisation = “WASTE” ENDIF END Note: •
All block model scripts created by the
block additio n routine have the extensi on “.bcf”. Creating the new Block Model The Perform Addition option allows you to create a new block model by adding two existing models. The process uses the block model addition definition file and block model addition variable constrainin
g script files created in the Block > Transfer > Addition Parameters option. You must specify the two existing block models and the new block addition definition file name.
Figure 4 13: Block Model Add Panel Note: •
It does not matter which model you select as the 39
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation first or second one.
Worksh op Block Manipul ation, Add The aim of this workshop is to experiment with the Block Addition options to become familiar with the consequen ces of each. Try the following: •
•
Add two models that do not overlap . Add two overlap
•
•
ping models . Extract part of a model, modify it, and then add it back to the origina l. Add a waste model to an ore model.
4.8 Regularisin g a block model The Regularise Parameter s option allows you to create or edit a block definition file (.bdf).
This file is then used by the Perform Regularisa tion option to regularise a block model. Hints: •
Block definiti on files are also created by other block model options , e.g. the Block > Transfe r > Additio n Parame ters option and the Block > Constr uction > New Definiti
on option. If you use the Regular ise Parame ters option to edit these types of .bdf files, a warnin g messag e will be display ed informi ng you that the .bdf file is not a reblock definiti on file.
Figure 4 14: Model
40
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Reblockin g Panel The Parameter file to copy option allows you to copy and then modify an existing definition file. Enter the name of the new parameter file in the New parameter file field. The project code and extension are added automatica lly. The maximum size of the parameter file name is 20 alphanume ric characters and this
includes the project name and file extension (.bdf).
Figure 4 15: Reblockin g Dimension s Panel The Reblocking Dimension s panel requires you to set the regular model's origin, start and
end (minimum and maximum) X, Y and Z offsets for its extent, and its X, Y and Z regular block sizes. The regular model can sit completely inside, outside or partially inside the sub blocked model. The block sizes do not have to be aligned with the sub blocked model's sizes. The model’s dimension s are completely independe nt of the
sub blocked model being regularised . On completion of this panel, the Resulting Variables panel is displayed. This panel needs to be completed for each variable required in the new model.
Figure 4 16: 41
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Resulting Variables Panel Enter the name of the variable you want to create in the new model in the Variable Name field. The maximum size is 20 alphanume ric characters. The Default value is only required if using the default, total or average regularisa tion methods (see below). The following characters
may be used in combinatio n with the default value, but not on their own: [ ] ( ){ }% , + - * / & For each variable you must specify a data type and regularisa tion method. Available data types: •
Float A real number accurat e to 7 signific ant figures. It is generall y used for grades
•
and densitie s. Double A floating point numbe r accurat e to 14 signific ant figures. It is generall y used for sensitiv e grades. Use of this data type will result in large block model files that are slower to process .
•
•
Integer A fixed point number in the range [2 000 000 000 to +2 000 000 000]. Byte data A fixed point number in the range [0 to 255].
The regularisat ion methods (listed below) calculate variables using sub blocks, regular blocks and common blocks. Common 42
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation blocks are generated when a regular block intersects sub blocks. In the example, R indicates the regular block, S the sub blocks and C the common blocks. The number of subblocks
intersected by a regular block is denoted by NSB.
calculation may be defined as follows: majority = Weighted_Mode(weighted_var where
weighted_variables = [ variable × VOLUME •
Total variable This method calculates the total of the variable from the subblocks intersected by the regular block. The calculation may be defined as follows:
Figure 4
default_total, total = sum_total, sum_total,
17: Common Blocks
where,
Available regularisation methods:
NSB
sum_total =
∑ i =1
•
•
variable × VOLUME(comm VOLUME(sub_blo
and
Use default value This method uses the default value specified at the top of the panel. Majority variable This method calculates the ordinal value that occupies a majority of the regular block's volume. The input and output variable types should be byte or integer. Floating point variables will be truncated. The
sum_tonn sum_tonn sum_tonn
NSB
sum_tonnage =
∑ VOLUME(common_blo i =1
•
Average variable This method calculates the average of the variable from the subblocks intersected by the regular block. The calculation may be defined as follows:
43
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation matching the given ordinal value is denoted by NSB. sum_tonnage = 0 default_average, The calculation may be sum_units average = , sum_tonnage > 0 defined as follows: sum_tonnag e sum_units , sum_tonnag e < 0 _match sum_volume percentage = × 100 sum_tonnage regular_volume where. where, sum_units =
NSB
NSB
i =1
i =1
sum_volume _match = × VOLUME(common mon_block) ∑density ∑ variable × VOLUME(com
and NSB
sum_tonnage =
and
regular_volume = VOLUME(regular_block) mon_block) × density ∑ VOLUME(com i =1
Hint: •
•
If density weighting is not used, the density value defaults to 1. Otherwise, the specified density value or subblock density variable is used.
Percentage variable This method calculates the percentage of the regular block volume occupied by subblocks matching a specified ordinal value. The input variable type should be byte or integer, and the output variable type should be floating point. The number of sub blocks intersected by a regular block and also
The Weight
totals e.g. tonnages).
blocks using density option is applicable only if you are averaging or totalling a field's contents (i.e. density weighted averages e.g. grams/ton; density multiplied
Examples Regularisa tion Methods (2D only)
44
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Figure 4 18 –
Tables 41 and 4 2.
Majority Variable Refer to Figure 418, Table 41 and Table 42.
Table 41:
Majority for zone variable in regular block:
Regular Block (R), subblocks (S1, S2, S3 and S4) and common blocks (C1, C2, C3 and C4) When regular block R intersects subblocks S1, S2, S3, S4 it generates common blocks C1, C2, C3, C4. See Figure 4 18 and
Sub Blocks Sub block
Volume
weighted_variables = [(100 of A), (100 of A), (1 = [(300 of A), (100 of B)]
S1
400.0
hence, the majority = A
S2
400.0
S3
400.0
S4
400.0
Table 42: Common Blocks Common Block C1 C2
Total Variable Refer to Figure 418, Table 41 and Table 42. Total for gold variable in regular block:
100 100 100 sum_total = 3 × + 1 × + 2× + 400 400 400 = 0.75 + 0.25 + 0.5 + 1 = 2.5
C3
sum_volume = 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 400
C4
hence, the total = 2.5 Average Variable Refer to Figure 418, Table 41 and Table 42. Average for gold variable in regular block:
Default Variable No calculation performed.
45
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation
sum_units = (3 ×100) + (1 ×100) + (2 ×100)sum_common + (4 ×100) _volume = 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 1000 = 400 sum_tonnage = 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 VOLUME(regular_block) = 400 = 400 400 hence fillpc = × 100 1000 400 hence average = 400 = 100% = 2.5 NOTE: •
Density weighting is not used for this example.
Percentage Variable Refer to Figure 418, Table 41 and Table42.
4.9 Deleting Blocks from a block model The Delete
cells option allows you Percentage of regular block Figure 4 to delete volume filled by subblocks 19: Block blocks with a zone value of A: Selection from a Panel block sum_common_volume = (100 of A) + (100 of A) + (100 of A) model. Either all = 300 of A When this blocks or regular_volume = 400 option is specific 300 blocks can hence, percentage zone(A) = × 100 selected, 400 the block be = 75% selection selected. If panel is you select displayed specific Fill Percentage Variable allowing blocks, you (fillpc) Reblock option you to can specify Refer to Figure 418, Table 41 choose the one or and Table 42. blocks to more of the be deleted. Filled percentage for regular following block: 46
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation selection criteria: By variable To restrict blocks by a variable, specify the variable and a particular value. For example, all blocks where the Material variable equals Ore. By bounding triangulati on To select blocks within a particular solid triangulati on, e.g. a stope. If there is more than one triangulati on loaded, you'll be prompted
to select the required one. By bounding box To restrict the selected blocks to those contained within a cube. The cube is defined in Interactiv e or Co ordinate mode. The required mode is selected from the panel displayed upon completion of the current panel. If you select Interactiv e mode, you'll be prompted
to create the box by indicating the lower left corner and then dragging the "rubber" band rectangle to the upper right corner. If you select Co ordinate mode, enter the minimum and maximum co ordinates for the box. By section To restrict the blocks to a defined section plane. You can then enter its associated thickness. The section
plane can be selected by line, points, grid co ordinates or 3 points (the panel for this informatio n is displayed as soon as the current panel has been accepted). By condition To use a field constraint, for example, Fe gt 10.0 (iron value greater than 10.0). A list of available operators/f unctions is provided in the Online Help (in Appendix 47
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation D of the Core Appendices . By bounding surfaces To restrict the blocks by a bounding surface. A panel in which to specify the top and bottom surface triangulati ons is displayed once this panel is completed. Reverse matching To reverse the block selection, that is, to select the blocks that were not selected by the other
selection criteria. Cells can be evaluated using either full or proportion al cells.
proportion of a block or sub block that is intersected by the region. Hints: •
Use full cell evaluation (that is select the Use Block Centres option) to select those cells where the centroid falls within the region. Use proportion al cell evaluation (that is leave the Use Block Centres option unticked) to select the exact
•
The proport ional cell evaluati on method applies only when restricti ng blocks using a boundi ng box, closed triangu lation or boundi ng surface s. Make a copy of the block model
and use the copy for deletion if you don't want the original to be affected ! 4.10 Extracting Blocks to a new Block Model The Extract cell option allows you to extract specified blocks from a block model and save them to another block model file.
48
Chapter 3: Block Manipulation Figure 4
block IDs
20 Block
in
Extraction
destinatio
Panel
n model option to extract the block identificati on numbers as well.
Enter the block model identifier of the block model into which the extracted blocks will be saved in the Destinatio n model field. Hint: •
Use an alphab etic charact er as the first charact er of the block file identifi er.
Select the Record
The Block IDs variable option is only applicable if you are extracting block identificati on numbers. It allows you to store the block identificati on numbers into a nominated (existing) variable. On completion of this
panel, the Block Selection panel is displayed, so that any extraction can be restricted to blocks matching a particular condition. For example, where the geology matches a certain value or the grade within a particular range. Refer to 4.9 Deleting Blocks from a Block Model for informatio n on this panel.
Selection panel, the blocks are extracted and saved into the nominated block model file (.bmf). Hints: •
If you are selectin g blocks by section, the Plane definiti on panel will be display ed before any blocks are extract ed and saved.
Upon completion of the Block 49
Chapter 5: Grade Estimation
Chapter 5 - Inverse Distance Grade Estimation
•
Grade Estimation in VULCAN The Grade Estimation submenu allows you to: • • • •
Use multiple estimation techniques. Run single or multiple estimation passes. Match ellipsoid orientation to known structures. Display the ellipsoid onscreen.
What is Grade Estimation? •
•
Grade Estimation is the process of interpolating values from a database or file into the blocks of a block model. The technique covered in this course is the inverse distance method. This technique assigns weights to the samples that are inversely proportional to their distances from the points being estimated.
Why use Grade Estimation? •
The aim of block modelling is to model the deposit as accurately as possible. This not only applies to its
structural characteristics, but also to its grade distribution. Grade estimation techniques provide a better solution than classical ore reserve methods as they attempt to account for the spatial relationships between the samples.
How do we use Grade Estimation in VULCAN? Grade Estimation in VULCAN is accomplished by entering the parameters that control the estimation pass into an estimation parameter file (.bef). This file contains information such as: • • •
• • • • •
The type of estimation method. The estimation variable. Variables, which contain statistical information, to aid in analysis. The search ellipsoid orientation and size. Type of sample weightings. The sample database or file for use. Sample manipulation specifications. Block selection criteria.
50
Chapter 6: Block Reserves
Chapter 6 – Block Reserves There are four different reserving options; three of the options are grouped under the Reserves submenu and the fourth under the Advanced Reserves submenu.
Overview – Reserves submenu This section allows for titled reserve reports. Use the Setup option to define report titles, geologic breakdowns
This section contains options for generating quick and unsophisticated reports. Select triangulations or polygons that define the regions from which the reserves will be
Match report titles to data. Calculate reserves.
Figure 61: Reserves submenu
6.1 Simple Reserves 6.1.1 General The General option allows you to calculate quick and simple reserves on the open block model, using multiple block
Use this section to report the reserve between cutoffs, above cutoffs or in spreadsheet
selection criteria, grade cut offs and report breakdown by a zone variable.
Although up to 6 grade variables may be specified, 51
Chapter 6: Block Reserves General Reserves is really only useful for reporting tonnes and the grade of a single grade variable. You have little control over the format of the reserves report.
working directory. The file extension .brf (block model report file) is automatically added. The Spawn reserves calculations in window option is only applicable if the Save report to file option was selected. It allows you to run the reserves calculations in another window thus freeing the current window for further Envisage work.
Figure 62: Reserves Calculation Panel Up to 6 grade variables may be used in the calculation. Select the Use zone breakdown option to use a zone variable, e.g. the geology variable in the reserves calculation. The density can either be a variable within a density field in the block model or a constant (value). Select the Save report to file option to save the calculated reserves. Specify a file name. The maximum size is 20 alphanumeric characters. The file will be placed in your
Figure 63: Reserves Cut offs panel 52
Chapter 6: Block Reserves Select the Use cutoff grades option to use cutoff grades. Enter the number of cuts and
than one triangulation loaded, you'll be prompted to select the required one.
the cutoff values (up to 13). The reserves report will only include those cutoffs for which values have been supplied, e.g. if you specified 13 cuts, but supplied only values for the first 5, only the first 5 cuts will be reported.
By bounding box To restrict the selected blocks to those contained within a cube. The cube is defined in Interactive or Coordinate mode. The required mode is selected from the panel that is displayed upon completion of the current panel. If you select to use Interactive mode, you'll be prompted to create the box by indicating the lower left corner and then dragging the "rubber" band rectangle to the upper right corner.
Figure 64: Block Selection Panel Either all blocks or specific blocks can be selected. If you select specific blocks, you can specify one or more of the following selection criteria: By variable To restrict blocks by a variable, specify the variable and a particular value. For example, all blocks where the Material variable equals Ore. By bounding triangulation To evaluate reserves within a particular solid triangulation, e.g. a stope. If there is more
If you select to use Co ordinate mode, you enter the minimum and maximum co ordinates for the box. By section To restrict the blocks to a defined section plane. You can then enter its associated thickness. The section plane can be selected by line, points, grid co ordinates or 3 points (the panel for this information is displayed as soon as the current panel has been accepted). By condition To use a field constraint, for example, 53
Chapter 6: Block Reserves Fe gt 10.0 (iron value greater than 10.0). A list of available operators/functions is provided in the Online Help (in Appendix D of the Core Appendixes. By bounding surfaces To restrict the blocks by a bounding surface. A panel in which you specify the top and bottom surface triangulations is displayed once this panel is completed. Reverse matching To reverse the block selection, that is, to select the blocks that are not selected by the other selection criteria.
average of those portions and is the most precise method. Hints: •
The proportional cell evaluation method applies only when restricting blocks using a bounding box, closed triangulation or bounding surfaces.
The reserves are then calculated and displayed. If the Zone Breakdown option has been selected, then both grades and zones are included in the report.
Cells can be evaluated using either full or proportional cells. Use full cell evaluation (that is select the Use Block Centres option) if you want the average grade of those cells where the centroid falls within the region. Use proportional cell evaluation (that is leave the Use Block Centres option unticked) if you want to use the exact proportion of a block or subblock that is intersected by the region. This calculates the weighted
Figure 66: Reserves Report Note: • The total grade is a cumulative sum of the values in the grade variable. 6.1.2 Calculate Reserves based on POLYGONS The Polygon option allows you to calculate reserves in a similar manner to the General option, but based on a polygon.
54
Chapter 6: Block Reserves This option is designed to take a polygon, which represents a section of a mining block or bench, and define the bench by specifying the height, bearing, and dip adjustment and position of the polygon.
Select the Project onto plane option to project the bench string onto a plane. Once this panel is completed, you will be prompted to select the bench string, and the Section Plane panel is displayed. See the General option for an explanation of the fields on this panel. Select a bench string once the Polygon Reserves panel is accepted. A temporary solid triangulation, defined by the polygon, and a Confirm box (refer to Figure 68) are displayed.
Figure 67: Polygon Reserve Panel Enter the thickness of the bench or block in the Height field. The String Position defines the position of the string (polygon) within the bench or mining block. The position can be top, middle or base. Select the Use bearing and dip adjustment option to set the orientation of the bench strings (polygons) within the bench. Enter the bearing and the dip.
Figure 68: Confirm box Select Incorrect solid to exit the option. Select Correct solid, if you are satisfied with the triangulation. The Reserve Calculation panel is displayed. See the General option for an explanation of the fields on this panel.
55
Chapter 6: Block Reserves Once the Reserve Calculation panel has been completed, the Reserve Cutoff panel is displayed. This panel is also described in the General option. Upon completion of the Reserve Cutoff panel, the reserves are calculated and displayed. An example is given at the end of the General option's description. 6.2 Block Reserves The Block Reserves options (Block Reserves Setup, Save Parameters and Load Parameters) provide you with greater flexibility to control the formatting of the reserve report than the General or Polygon options. The Block Reserves options allow you to generate reserves for up to 5 different block models. 6.2.1 Setup the specification The Block Reserves Setup option allows you to create a specification file to store all the required parameters for the block reserves report. The report parameters consist of the titles to appear in the report plus cutoff values. The
titles are for the data sources, grades and breakdowns. Once the report parameters have been set up, use the Regions (Triangle or Polygon) and the Assign Data options to specify the regions in which to calculate the reserve report and the block models and variables to be used in the reserves calculation. The titles for the report are entered in the Data sources panel.
Figure 69: Data Sources For example, if you want to report on more than one model enter their names in title #1 and title #2. A maximum of 5 data source titles may be entered. This means you can calculate reserves for up to 5 block models simultaneously. The Grade titles, e.g. copper, gold etc, are entered in the Grade Names panel. A maximum of 10 grade titles may be entered. 56
Chapter 6: Block Reserves
Figure 612: Grade Cutoffs
Figure 610: Grade Names Panel The breakdown titles are entered in the Breakdown Names panel. Breakdowns are used to calculate reserves within each breakdown value. For example, you may want to break the report down by the "geology".
Panel A maximum of 9 numeric grade cutoff values may be specified. The values are used by the Above Cutoff option. Note: •
Only the first grade variable is used for the cutoffs. All others are calculated within the cut off grade range for the first grade variable.
The next step is to select the regions in which to calculate the reserve. Figure 611: Breakdown Names Panel The grade cutoff titles are entered in the Grade Cutoffs panel. For example; 0, 0.5, 1.0 .... 10.0
6.2.2 Select the data regions The Triangle Regions option allows you to select the solid triangulations to use for the reserve calculation. Alternatively you may use polygons (and the Polygon 57
Chapter 6: Block Reserves Regions option) to define the region for the reserve calculation. The regions will have the same name as the triangulations from which they were derived.
Figure 614: Solid Model List panel with triangulations
Figure 613: Solid Model List Panel Select the Add button to select triangulation(s). The common open dialog is displayed. The usual Windows selection methods apply to this panel, i.e. use [Ctrl] and the left mouse button to select multiple nonadjacent files and [Shift] and the left mouse button to select adjacent files. Once the triangulations are highlighted use the button to move the files to the selection area of the panel and then select Open. The triangulations will be added to the Solid Model List panel (see Figure 614).
Selected triangulations are displayed in the list with a green tick, deselected with a red cross (the deselected triangulations will be removed from the list once the OK button is selected. Double click on a triangulation to toggle its selection state. 6.2.3 Define the data source The Assign Data option allows you to match the data source titles to the block model(s) and block model variables that are to be used in the reserve calculation.
Figure 615: Pick Data Source Panel
58
Chapter 6: Block Reserves The Pick Data source panel will contain all of the data sources that you specified in the Block Reserves Setup option. Select the data source you want to assign to a block model. Note: • All data sources listed must be assigned a block model (this may be the same one).
Figure 616: Block Model Panel Enter the name of the block model in the Block model name field.
Use full cell evaluation to reserve those blocks where the centroid falls within the region. Use proportional cell evaluation to use reserve exact proportion of a block or subblock that is intersected by the region. Note: • The proportional cell evaluation method applies only when restricting blocks using a bounding box, closed triangulation or bounding surfaces. The Block Model grade variables panel is displayed. All grade variable titles that were specified in the Block Reserves Setup option are listed on this panel.
The Density can be a single value (Use supplied density option) or a variable (Use stored density option). Cells can be evaluated using either full or proportional cells.
Figure 617: Block Model Grade Variables Panel For each grade variable title, specify a grade variable. All
59
Chapter 6: Block Reserves variable titles listed must be assigned a grade variable. If Breakdown variables were specified in the Block Reserves Setup option, the Breakdown variables panel is displayed.
Note: •
As the regions are not saved in the spec file, each time you want to generate a new reserve using the spec file, you must define the region(s) of interest.
Figure 618: Block model breakdown variables Panel For each breakdown variable title, specify a breakdown variable. All variable titles listed must be assigned a breakdown variable. The Pick Data Source panel is then redisplayed if you have any unassigned data source titles. Once all data sources have been assigned to a block model and all other titles to block model variables, the parameters can be saved. 6.2.4 Save the reserve specification Select the Save Parameters option to store the reserve parameters in a specification file. The file will automatically be given the file extension of .bpf.
Figure 619: Save Report Format Panel 6.2.5 Calculate the reserves Select the Calculate option to generate the report. The calculations are carried out using the specifications detailed in the currently loaded reserves parameter file .bpf.
6.2.6 Display the report Select the Complete option to display the report. The report is displayed showing the tons/grades between cutoffs.
60
Chapter 6: Block Reserves Select the Ignore zero
Figure 620: Complete Report Panel
tonnages option to exclude zero tonnages. Select the Save report to file option to save the report to a file. The maximum size of the report name is 20 alphanumeric characters. No file extension is added.
Figure 621: Reserve Listing Showing a Complete Report Select the Above cutoff option to display the report by cutoff grade. You will be prompted with a panel similar to the Complete Report Panel (see Figure 617). Select the options required and a report will be displayed.
61
Chapter 6: Block Reserves
Figure 622: Reserve Listing Showing an Above Cutoff Report The Units column in the report is the product of the Tonnage column with the Average Grade column, that is, reports the mass of metal contained for each breakdown field. If, for example, Tonnage was expressed in Tonnes, and Grade was expressed in grams per Tonne, the units in this case would be grams. Select the Dump option to display the report without titles. This output is suitable for importing into a spreadsheet package.
Figure 623: Unformatted Dump Panel Select the Save report to file option to save the report to a file. The maximum size of the report name is 20 alphanumeric characters.
62
Chapter 6: Block Reserves
Figure 624: Reserve Listing Showing a Dump Report
63
Chapter 6: Block Reserves 6.3. Advanced Reserves The Advanced Reserves submenu provides you with total flexibility in formatting the titles and content of a block model reserves report. You can report on a range of breakdown fields, including being able to generate product codes by nominating specific conditions. 1. Use Open Parameters to create the reserves parameter file. 4. Use Block Selection to apply the selection criteria to the block model.
2. Use Variables to specify the block variables, cutoffs, density, product codes and partially mined 3. Use Polygons or Triangles to define the regions for the reserve.
5. Use Calculate to generate the reserves dump file.
64
6.3.1 Open the specification file Advanced block reserves are calculated according to the parameters set up in a reserves calculation specification file (.res). A specification file must be opened (Open Parameters option) before the parameters can be specified.
•
A Block model must be open before you can specify the variables. If no block model is open, you'll be prompted to open one before the panels associated with the variable specification are displayed. Similarly, you will be prompted for a calculation reserves file if there is none open.
Figure 625: Open Reserves Specification File Panel Specify the name of the Reserves specification file. The maximum size for new file names is 80 alphanumeric characters (the size includes the .res file extension, which is automatically added to the file name). 6.3.2 Specify the Variables (from the block model on which to report) The Variables option allows you to specify the variables to be used when calculating the reserves. Each variable will be saved to the reserves dump file (.dmp) as a column. Note:
Figure 626: Breakdown Fields Panel The Classification fields allow the specification of a breakdown variable. In this way the reserves can be broken down according to fields, such as GEOLOGY or ORE_TYPE. For example, GEOLOGY could be a field in the block model with the values: TQ1, TQ2, TQ3. Each of these different codes could form the
basis for a breakdown of the reserves, with grades reported for each of the three geological types. A breakdown variable may be of data type Name, Byte, Short or Integer, but not of type Float or Double (see the Online Help Envisage > Block > Transfer > Edit for an explanation on data types). If the breakdown variable is of data type Name it will be left justified in the dump file, otherwise it is right justified. Some block models have a number of variables, which define the fraction of each material type. For example, two variables FORE and FWST might contain the fraction (0.0 to 1.0) of ORE and WASTE in each block respectively. The reserves for material ORE are calculated based on the fraction of the volume (for each block) specified in the FORE field, and the reserves for material WASTE would be calculated using the fraction of the volume (for each block) specified in the FWST field. The Material type by fractions fields can therefore be used to classify reserves according to material type. Classifying reserves according to material type will also be affected
by the use of the mined out field. If a block has been mined out, then the volume is adjusted correspondingly before the fraction field value is applied to the volume (see also the description of the Mined Out Field). Blocks with unknown (missing) values for the fraction field, will contain "unknown material" in the material column of the dump file. The remaining options on this panel apply to fields in the block model that contain percentages or fractions related to the volume of each block. The options are typically used to process the results of the Mine option (Manipulation submenu) or the Execute option (Transfer submenu). In the Mined out (or fillpc) field enter the name of the field in the block model that contains the mined out or fillpc value. You can either select the percentage for each block (volume) available for mining or the fraction of each block (volume) that has already been mined. For example, if the mined out field for a block has a value of 70%, 70% of the block's volume
is used in determining reserves. If the mined out field for a block has a fraction value of 0.7, 0.3 of the block's volume is used in determining reserves. When a block is evaluated against a region (triangulation) the proportion of the block inside the region is determined. If the block has been partially mined, as indicated by a mined fraction or available percentage field, the treatment of the mined part has two cases: Case 1 Incremental Pits If a previous pit has been used to set a mined field, then the mined part of a block can reasonably be assumed to lie inside the new pit. Hence select the Mined portions assumed inside regions option. In this case the proportion inside region volume is determined and then the mined out volume of the block subtracted. This method can be used to obtain accurate incremental pit volumes without the need to reblock the model. See Figure 627 for an example.
Figure 627: A Block inside a reserve region that has been 0.3 mined (70% available). RV = VR - VM = (V × 0.5) - (V × 0.3) = V × 0.2 where, RV=reserve volume VR=volume in region VM=volume mined V =Total volume Case 2 Underground Stope with Development Triangulations of development may be used to set a mined field in a block model. In this case when evaluating a stope region the mined part of a block partly inside the region needs to be assumed equally distributed. Hence Do not select Mined portions assumed inside regions option. In this case the reserve volume is the product of the proportion in region volume
Figure 629: Second
and the percentage not mined. See Figure 628 for an example.
Breakdown fields panel Select the Generate product
Figure 628: A block 50% inside a reserve region that has been 0.3 mined (70% available) RV = VR * F = (V × 0.5) × (1 - 0.3) = V × 0.35 where, RV=reserve volume VR=volume in region F=fraction not mined V =Total volume
codes option to use product codes and apply conditions. If unselected, no product codes can be specified. Each block in the model can be classified according to product, based on whether it satisfies the condition for that product. Each product must have an associated condition and the first condition satisfied will determine the product for each block. Blocks that don't meet the conditions for any of the products specified will contain "unknown product" in the product column of the dump file. For example;
Product Code
Condition
Lg
cu lt 0.5 and au lt 1.0
mg
cu ge 0.5 and cu lt 2.0 and au ge 1.0 and au lt 3.5
hg
cu ge 2.0 and au ge 3.5
The next panel (Grade Variables) allows you to enter a density and
up to 15 grade variables for the reserve calculation.
Wt by Vol Weight by volume is used for grade variables containing values based on volumeweighted averages (e.g. grams of gold per cubic metre). Wt by Mass Weight by mass is used for grade variables that should be treated as a weighted average based on mass (e.g. grams per tonne of gold). Grade values are sent to the dump file according to type and appropriate entries are placed in the VARIABLE_TOTALS block.
Figure 630: Grade Variables panel The density variable allows the mass to be calculated from the volume values. The default density is used in the tonnage calculation for those blocks where the density field value is 0 (zero) or negative. Up to 15 grade variables can be specified for the calculation of reserves. Each variable can be specified as wt by mass, wt by
Select the Use Average box to use the average grade value of the selected blocks in the reserve calculation. Warning! Do not tick this box if any of the blocks do not have a specific grade assigned to them (i.e. they have a default grade instead) as the resulting reserves will be incorrect. Supply a Default for Missing value to replace the default creation value of the selected blocks during the reserve calculation.
vol or sum.
If no default is specified and the
Sum Sum is used for variables containing units (e.g. grams of gold) that should be cumulated rather than averaged.
Use Average box is unselected, the total volume and tonnage values for that grade variable may be different to the values for the breakdown. In that case the
total tonnage and total volume for the grade variable are also reported and the grade value is based only on the blocks with known values. Specify the number of decimal places to be included in the report. The final panel in the Variables series is the Grade Cutoffs panel.
Figure 631: Grade Cutoffs Panel Grade cutoff values may be specified by: • •
Range and increment. Specific values.
Select the Use grade cutoffs option to use a grade cutoff variable to breakdown the reserves. Specify the cutoff variable. New breakdowns are defined based on the specified grade cutoff values (see below).
The Below cutoff value is used in the "below cutoffs" column in the dump file if the value of the grade cutoff variable is less than the first (lowest) cutoff value. The Unknown cutoff value is used in the dump file for missing values in the grade cutoff variable if no default grade value has been specified. However, if the average grade is to be applied for the grade cutoff variable, then the average grade is calculated based on the matching breakdowns (i.e. across the cutoff values) and the values are incorporated into the breakdown with the appropriate cutoff value. Grade cutoff values may be specified as a range (first and last values), increment or explicitly by value.
6.3.3 Define Regions 6.3.3.1 Select Polygons as Regions The Polygons option allows you to specify polygons, which are converted to triangulations, to be used in the reserve calculation. Specify the height of the bench and the location of the polygon within the bench (i.e. top, middle or bottom) and the orientation of
the polygon within the bench, or project the polygon (forwards and/or backwards) to create the triangulation. Note: •
The polygon must be displayed on the screen.
conversion method. This option allows you to project the polygons onto a plane, which is defined after this panel is completed. Select the By projection option to convert the polygon to a triangulation using projection. Specify a back and forward projection distance. Select the Confirm each
Figure 632: Define Regions by Polygon Panel Select the Bench height option to convert the polygon to a triangulation using bench height. Specify the height of the bench and the location of the polygon relative to the bench (top, middle or base). The Use directional adjustment on sides option is only applicable to the bench height conversion method. It allows you to apply a directional adjustment, in the form of a bearing and gradient, to the sides of the bench (used for benches with nonvertical sides). The Project polygons onto plane option is also only applicable to the bench height
polygon option to view each triangulation before it is saved and added to the regions list. This is particularly useful when multiple polygons are being converted into triangulations. Region triangulation files are named according to the polygon object name and the number of regions that have been selected for determining reserves. Select the Allow duplicate object names option if you don't want duplicate object names to be detected. If unselected, you'll be prompted to rename any region found to have the same polygon object name as another region. Region triangulations created using this option are automatically included in the list of selected regions in the Triangles option. Note:
•
If you are converting by bench height and projecting the polygons onto a plane, the Section Plane panel will be displayed before the Multiple Selection box (which is used to select the method of selecting the polygons). Refer to Reserves > General for information on this panel.
Figure 633: Multiple Selection Box Select the method for selecting the polygons and select the polygons. If selecting by group, feature or layer, you'll be prompted to confirm that the correct objects have been selected. No prompt appears if selecting by object. The polygon is then converted to a triangulated region. You will be asked if the conversion created
the correct region.
Figure 634: Confirm box Select Correct region to accept the triangulation. If you were selecting by object, you will be prompted to select another object. Right click to return to the Multiple Selection box. If you were selecting by group, feature or layer, then you are returned to the Multiple Selection box when you accept the region. Right click to cancel when you have finished creating regions. Incorrect region returns you to the “Select object” prompt. That is, you’ve selected your method of selecting the strings and now you need to select the strings. Use the Save Parameters option to save the regions. Note: • If you selected not to have duplicate names (see Allow duplicate object names option), you'll be prompted to rename any duplicates found.
Figure 635: Rename Region Panel Enter the name of the region. The maximum size is 10 alphanumeric characters 6.3.3.2 Select triangulations as regions The Triangles option allows you to select the triangulations (solids) to use as regions in the reserve calculation.
Figure 637: Set Group Name Panel Enter the group code for the selected triangulation. Note: •
To edit the group code of existing regions, you will need to deselect them first and then reselect them.
Select the Select triangulation
Figure 636:Select Triangulations Panel Select the Select triangulations by picking off screen option to pick the triangulations off the screen. Triangulations that are already regions are automatically selected. To remove these regions, simply left click on the triangulation. To select a triangulation, left click on the triangulation (you will need to confirm the selection). To assign or alter the group code, left click again on the selected triangulation. The Set Group Name panel is then displayed.
by name option to access the standard open dialog. From this dialog, highlight the triangulations – the standard windows selection methods apply (i.e. [Ctrl] + Left mouse button to select nonadjacent files and [Shift] + Right mouse button to select adjacent files.) Once highlighted, use the button to move the files into the selection section of the panel. Select Open. The Reserve Region Report panel is displayed.
Figure 638: Reserve Region
Figure 639: Block Selection
Report Panel This panel lists the names of the selected triangulations. To specify the group, highlight the name(s) in the list, enter the group name in the Edit Group field and select Set Group. Select the Deselect all triangulations option to remove all triangulation regions from the parameters. Use the Save Parameters option to save the triangulations. 6.3.4 Specify Block Selection Conditions The Block Selection option allows you to specify block selection criteria for the reserve calculation.
Panel Either all blocks or specific blocks can be selected. If you select specific blocks, you can specify one or more of the following selection criteria: By variable To restrict blocks by a variable, specify the variable and a particular value. For example, all blocks where the Material variable equals Ore. By bounding triangulation To evaluate reserves within a particular solid triangulation, e.g. a stope. If there is more than one triangulation loaded, you'll be prompted to select the required one. Note: •
If regions are being used, the block selection triangulation will be ignored. Therefore we recommend that a triangulation only be used in block selection when not including regions.
By bounding box To restrict the selected blocks to those contained within a cube. The cube is defined in Interactive or Coordinate mode. The required mode is selected from the panel displayed upon completion of the current panel. If you select to use Interactive mode, you'll be prompted to create the box by indicating the lower left corner and then dragging the "rubber" band rectangle to the upper right corner. If you select to use Coordinate mode, enter the minimum and maximum coordinates for the box. By section To restrict the blocks to a defined section plane. You can then enter its associated thickness. The section plane can be selected by line, points, grid coordinates or 3 points (the panel for this information is displayed as soon as the current panel has been accepted). By condition To use a field constraint, for example, Fe gt 10.0 (iron value greater than 10.0). A list of available operators/ functions is provided in the
Online Help (in Appendix D of the Core Appendices). By bounding surfaces To restrict the blocks by a bounding surface. A panel in which you specify the top and bottom surface triangulations is displayed once this panel is completed. Reverse matching To reverse the block selection, that is, to select the blocks that are not selected by the other selection criteria. Cells can be evaluated using either full or proportional cells. Use full cell evaluation (that is select the Use Block Centres option) if you want the average grade of those cells where the centroid falls within the region. Use proportional cell evaluation (that is leave the Use Block Centres option unticked) if you want to use the exact proportion of a block or sub block that is intersected by the region. This calculates the weighted average of those portions and is the most precise method. Hints: •
The proportional cell evaluation method applies only when restricting blocks using a bounding box, closed
triangulation or bounding surfaces. 6.3.5 Save the Parameters The Save Parameters option allows you to save the open reserves specification file. This must be done before the Calculate option is used as the reserves calculations are based on the contents of the reserves specification file.
from the block creation default value, will be included when calculating the grade value. All blocks that satisfy the selection criteria are used for the tonnage calculation regardless of their default grade value.
Note: •
Figure 640: Save Reserves Specification File Panel Enter the name of the specification file (the open specification file name is displayed as the default). The maximum size is 80 alphanumeric characters (including the .res extension).
•
6.3.6 Calculate the Reserves The Calculate option allows you to calculate the block reserves for the open specification file. The results are stored in a dump file (.dmp). When calculating reserves, the block creation default value will be ignored when calculating the grade value. The estimation default value, if it is different
•
As the block creation default values are ignored when calculating reserve grades, blocks with these values are effectively treated as if they had the average grade of the blocks selected for that reserve breakdown zone. If there are many regions being used or the block model is large, then the calculation may take a while. It is recommended that you perform the calculation in another window so that further work in Envisage can proceed. However, the block model cannot be accessed until the reserves calculation is complete. Choose spawn reserves calculation in window to make the calculation run in a separate window.
6.3.7.1 Open report specification file
Figure 641: Calculate Reserves Panel Enter the name of the dump file. The default is the name of the open parameter file. The maximum size is 40 alpha numeric characters (this includes the .dmp file extension). Select the Spawn reserves calculations in window option to run the calculation process in another window, thus freeing the current window for further Envisage work. 6.3.7 Reporting the Reserves •
•
•
•
•
Use the Open Report option to create the reserves report parameter file. Use the Global option to store global settings, such as report titles and layout. Use the Column option to set up column formats and user defined variables. Use the Tables option to set up table formats and choose which columns to report in the table(s). Use the View Report option to report the reserves and select the tables to use.
The Open Report option allows you to open a report specification file (.tab). Note: • The block model does not need to be open to perform any report setup functions.
Figure 642: Open Report Specification File Panel Enter the name of the specification file. The maximum size is 80 alphanumeric characters. The size includes the .tab file extension.
Hint: • It is highly recommended that you are consistent with your filenames. It is best to give the same unique name to all four files, that is, the .res file, the .dmp file, the .tab file and finally the .rep file are all given the same file name. You will then be able to distinguish between them by their different file extensions.
Select the Read columns from .dmp file option to create the report based on the column information that exists in the header of the dump file (.dmp). Specify the name of the dump file. If reading columns from a dump file, the column name, width, type and totals calculation classification for each dump file column/variable are read in from the dump file header and each column is added to the end of the columns list. Columns present in the columns list with the same name as dump file columns are not replaced. 6.3.7.2 Define General Report Details The Global option allows you to set the general parameters that apply to all tables in a report. You may: • • • •
Enter page length Enter margin widths Enter page header Enter page footer
Figure 643: Global Report Parameters Panel Enter the maximum number of Lines per page. The default is 60 (standard for an A4 portrait page). A page break is automatically inserted when the maximum is reached. Enter the margins. The left margin is the number of spaces before the text starts (the default is 10). The top margin is the number of lines before the text starts (the default is 4). This number is in addition to the maximum number of lines per page.
Tick the Use box to separate rows and optionally columns. Enter the separating character in the Row and Column fields. Tick the Use Tab box to use tabs instead of a character to separate the columns. Up to 5 lines of page header information can be specified. The maximum size of each line is 80 alphanumeric characters. The page header appears at the top of each page. The header lines are included in the maximum number of report lines specified earlier. Note: • The page header may include the variables $page (current page number), $date (current date), $time (current time) and $blocksel (block selection information from dump file). These variables are substituted when the report is created. The variables may be in either upper or lower case. Up to 15 lines of page footer information can be specified. The maximum size of each line is 80 alphanumeric characters. The page footer appears at the end of the report. The footer lines are included in the maximum
number of report lines specified earlier. Note: • The same variables as mentioned above may be included in the page footer.
6.3.7.3 Define Column specs. The Columns option allows you to add, delete, or edit columns in the report column list. You may change: • • • •
The header Width Number of decimals Class
Note: •
Columns may also be derived, i.e. calculated, from values in other columns.
Figure 644: Report Columns panel The column name must be unique within the list of columns. The maximum size is 20 alphanumeric characters. Spaces are not allowed. The
maximum number of columns per specification file is 50. The heading appears at the top of the column. The maximum size is 20 alphanumeric characters. Spaces are allowed. The heading will be centred within the width specified below. It must not contain more characters than the column width. The width defines the number of characters that the column entries will take up in each row. If a character column value exceeds the width of the column, it will be truncated to fit. If a numeric column value exceeds the column width, the column will be expanded for that row to accommodate the value. This is to avoid undefined numeric values in reports. Numeric column values are right justified, character column values are left justified. The decimals value determines how numeric columns are displayed. If the value is negative, no decimal places are displayed and the column values are rounded. For example, a value of 1 rounds to the nearest 10, 2 to the nearest 100 etc. The rounding of numeric columns does not affect the original
column values used in calculations; only the displayed values are rounded. Tick the Derived column checkbox to derive the column from other columns. If unselected, the column must be from the dump file. The Calculate on output option is only applicable if you have selected the Derived column option. It allows you to calculate the derived column on output. Calculations are based on the actual dump file column values for each row, except for columns that are to be calculated on output. Columns that are calculated on output use the column values displayed for that row. For example, Column 1 and Column 2 have the following input values:
Column 1
Column 2
Value 1
10.0
Value 1
20.0
Value 3
30.0
Value 4
40.0
Column 3 and Column 4 are both derived from values in column 2:
Val 1 Val 2
Column 3 Derived
Yes
Derived on output
No
Expression 1
1.0/column2 condition 1: column2 gt 0.0
Expression 2
0.0
type
sum
Column 4 Derived
Yes
Derived on output
Yes
Expression 1
1.0/column2 condition 1: column2 gt 0.0
Expression 2
0.0
type
sum
And the table is ordered and reported by column 1: Table Order_by Report_by
Column 1 Column 1
Results in the following being reported: Col 1
Col 2
Col 3
Col 4
30.0
0.15000
0.0333300
70.0
0.05833
0.0142857
100.00
0.20833
0.0476157
Note: • The values in column 3 are different to column 4 because column 4 has been derived from the column 1 output values of 30.0 and 70.0, whereas column 3 was derived from the values 10.0, 20.0, 30.0 and 40.0 1 1 + = 0.15 10 20 1 1 + = 0.05833 30 40 The Expression/Conditio n options are only applicable for derived columns. An expression will only be used (in the calculation of the column) if a condition is associated with the expression and that condition is met. The first condition to be met determines the expression to use and an expression without a condition will always evaluate to TRUE.
To avoid undefined column values, it is very important that there is always an expression that can be used, especially in the case when none of the conditions are met (see example on the previous page). Take care also to avoid division by zero, numeric underflow and numeric overflow errors in expressions. Expressions for derived columns may include: • • • • • • • •
Arithmetic operators logical operators string operators numeric functions logical functions string functions column names* column internal function names**
See the Online Help, Envisage > Core Appendices > Appendix D for a description of the available operators/functions. * Never use operators in column names or give columns the same name as any of the functions. **Three types of column internal functions are available for use in deriving columns. This is done by prefixing the name of a numeric column with Sum_, Max_ or Min_. These are the cumulative sum, maximum and
minimum column internal functions respectively. The functions can be used to derive column values in the same way as column names. Specify the class for numeric columns. The class options are: Value, Average, Sum, Maximum, Minimum, and Weighted average. These options determine how the column values are to be calculated and displayed. Each variable column is generally treated as a sum, average, maximum, minimum or weighted average based on another column's value (e.g. grade based on tonnage). Specify that other column in the Weight By Column field. The Value option is used for columns that are not to be subtotalled, but rather have their actual values reported. For example, columns using the column internal functions Cumulative Sum, Maximum and Minimum. The Display final total option is only applicable if the Value option was selected. It allows you to display the final total.
6.3.7.4 Define Table Details. The Tables option allows you to add, delete, and edit tables used
in the report. For each table you may specify: • • • •
Columns to be reported Columns to order by Columns to report by Conditions to apply to columns.
Note: •
When you are finished defining the tables save the specification file.
Figure 645: Report Tables Panel The table name must be unique within the list of tables. The maximum size is 20 alpha numeric characters. Spaces are not allowed. Select the Descending to sort column values (rows) in descending order. If unticked, values will be sorted in ascending order. The Order by column allows you to specify the column(s) by which to order. If entering more than one, separate each column with a comma. The total number of
characters for the columns specified here must not exceed 80 characters. If no columns to order by are specified, the rows remain unsorted (i.e. in the same order as the dump file). If using a column to order by that is also a column to be subtotalled (see Report by option), that column must be the last entry. Note: • Columns based on column internal functions or columns calculated on output cannot be used, as sorting is performed before column subtotalling. Select the Only Display Totals option to only report total values. The Report by option allows you to specify a column for which subtotals will be reported. Every time the column value changes a subtotal row will be displayed in the table. If also ordering by this column, make sure that the column is the last one specified in the Order by field. Note: • As subtotalling is performed before reporting column values, columns calculated on output cannot be used.
Character columns will be excluded from the report if they are not used for ordering or subtotalling. Numeric columns are always included except if the Display final total option is unselected (see Report Columns panel in the Columns option). The condition fields allow you to select which rows to include in the table based on whether certain column conditions are met. For example, the following condition will select only the rows with a copper grade between 1.4 and 6.0: cu_ivd gt 1.4 and cu_ivd lt 6.0 Up to 5 conditions may be entered. To access the conditions panel, click on the icon at the right of the field. All conditions must be true before a row is included in the table. See the Online Help, Envisage > Core Appendices > Appendix D for a full list of available operators/functions.
Note: • Any column name can be used in the row selection conditions, but row selection is performed before the sorting and subtotalling of columns, so columns based on column internal functions
or columns calculated on output cannot be used. Either all columns can be used in the table or a subset (select columns). If the Select All columns option is selected, the columns appear in the table as in the columns list. To select a subset of the columns, untick the Select All columns option and enter the names (separated by a comma) of the columns you want to include in the Selected Columns field. Note: • If subsets are selected, the columns used to order and report by must be included in the subset. Selecting a column does not necessarily mean that it will be displayed in the table. See the description of the Report by option.
6.3.7.5 Save the specification file The Save Report option allows you to save the open report specifications file. This must be done before the View Report option is used as the report
creation is based on the contents of the report specification file.
save the report and view it in a text editor.
Figure 646: Save report Specification File Panel Enter the name of the report specification file. The default name is the name of the open report specification file (.tab). This can be overwritten with a new name if you don't want the "old" file to be affected. The maximum size is 80 alphanumeric characters. The size includes the .tab file extension. 6.3.7.6 Reporting the reserves The View Report option allows you to generate a report using the open report specification file. The resulting report is stored in a report file (.rep).
Figure 647: Create report Panel Enter the name of the dump file containing the required calculation results. Enter the name of the resulting report file. The default is report.rep. The maximum size is 40 alphanumeric characters (this includes the .rep file extension). Either all tables or selected tables can be included in the report. If you select All tables, the tables appear in the report in the same order as they do in the table list. If you select Select
The results may be posted to the screen if required.
tables, the tables appear in the order that they are selected. Use the dropdown lists to select the particular tables.
Note:
Select the Post report in
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The report is automatically sent to the Report Window, but will be limited to the width of that window so some columns may not be displayed. If this is the case,
graphics option to display the report in the Primary window. Once this panel is completed, you will be prompted to specify a layer for the report (if no layer is currently open) and the name of
the report to be loaded into that layer. A colour for the report text is also specified. You are then prompted to indicate the text origin, i.e. the left hand corner where the report text will start, and the text extent. The report is displayed in the Report Window or, if posting in graphics, displayed as a layer. In the latter case you can use the Text Edit options under Design for any text editing functions.
Workshop - Block Reserves The aim of this workshop is to use both of the block reserves submenus to gain an understanding as to what each offers. Try producing a few simple reports first and then progress to more complex reports.