EXPLOSIVES AND DELIVERY
Hexagon Mining has introduced
Sigma, a comprehensive package
of statistical and geostatistical
programs to analyse and evaluate
drill hole, blasthole, and model
data. Part of the MineSight mine
planning suite, Sigma includes
time-saving workflow features for
resource geologists and other
mining professionals tasked with
building a block model. It's fully
integrated with MineSight Torque
and MineSight 3D to produce
sophisticated and customisable
reports, charts, and graphs.
“The block model is the
foundation of all planning tools,
and to build a sound block model
demands a high level of data
comprehension,” said Product
Manager, Alyson Cartwright.
“Sigma assists the user throughout the analysis
process, increasing reliability. Sigma also saves
time by quickly updating results with the latest
field information. It achieves the fine balance
between guiding users and allowing full user
controls.”
Among Sigma’s features is a statistical
application for univariate, bivariate, and spatial
analysis of geological data. It sports a modern
and intuitive user interface for batch creation,
viewing and editing of graphs. Global refresh
options allow for quick updates.
Last year, Datamine, since 2015 a wholly
owned subsidiary of Constellation Software,
acquired DataBlast, a leading drill and blast
solution for open pit mines. “We are excited to
acquire the DataBlast mining software business
which fits very well alongside our existing
solutions for open pit optimisation, mine design,
scheduling and ore control,” said Damian McKay,
CEO of Datamine. “DataBlast is the most
DataBlast can be used to create charge plans
based on site-specific charging standards that
can be configured and modified for each mine
site and blast type. It allows users to cater for
all scenarios from simple charge plans right
through to multi-deck through-seam blasting
comprehensive package on the market for
design, measurement, management and
reporting of all drill and blast activities.”
“DataBlast is known for its superior customer
service, complete blasting solution and ability to
handle all requirements from simple designs to
complex multi-seam blasts” said Peter Duniam,
Director of DataBlast. “We are looking forward to
working as part of the Datamine team to deliver
our technology and expertise to customers
around the world, and continuing to support
existing customers such as Rio Tinto, Glencore,
Ok Tedi and Boliden.”
DataBlast is a specialist drill and blast system
for use in surface mining operations, developed
over a five-year period by some of
the world’s most experienced drill
and blast experts. It drives
operational improvement through its
comprehensive design capability
combined with systematic
management control and reporting
functionality. It is a multi-user
system covering the entire drill and
blast process from design to in-field
operations. Users can electronically
transfer data, respond to changes in
real time, and generate
recon ciliation reports to help
identify trends and improve blasting
performance over time.
Maptek began selling Aegis in
2016 to complement existing
underground design tools. New
functionality in this easy-to-use
underground drill and blast design
and analysis product provides further value for
operations.
As already stated, Advanced Cost Modelling in
Aegis Analyzer allows users to prepare a detailed
model to estimate the total cost of a stope,
including fixed costs of preparation, drilling,
explosives and mucking. The flexibility of the
model allows costs to be determined based on
calculated quantities, such as number of holes,
metres of drilling or kilograms of explosives. Cost
models can then be applied to scenarios to
calculate the total cost. When combined with the
unique Aegis break prediction abilities, and
forthcoming fragmentation functionality,
Advanced Cost Modelling will allow blasting
engineers to compare different scenarios. For
example, what are the real cost savings of
switching to a cheaper explosives product?
Given that changing explosives might also
require a change in drill hole diameter, spacing,
priming, loading procedure or any number of
Do you need proximity detection systems
for your SURFACE operation?
www.booyco-electronics.co.za
AUGUST 2017 | International Mining 57