MINING SOFTWARE n uCAD is a specialised CAD tool with both manual and automatic level editors for underground mine layout design. n Optunimizer, an Open-pit to Underground transition optimiser, is the only transition optimisation tool available in the market. n OptimCut is a dynamic cut-off grade and production rate schedule optimiser with an integrated workflow and easy-to-use graphical user interface( much easier to use than other optimal scheduling tools which are Excel spreadsheet based). n iScheduler is an integrated activity and resource based 3D mine production scheduler for surface and underground mine scheduling. It features a fully interactive 3D activity and dependency editor, activity and resource Gantt Charts, a PERT chart and a Network Diagram, as well as a Resource Leveling algorithm. GeoMine has good compatibility with most other file formats from 3rd party GMPs.“ In addition, our products are easy to use and cost effective. Our licenses are very flexible. All the modules within GeoMine can be licensed independently. We provide web-based and on-site training based on our customers’ needs.”
Case study: Maptek Evolution scheduling
A high-grade gold deposit in Western Australia is now relying on Maptek Evolution cloud-based technology to solve scheduling challenges. The Enterprise deposit is located 68 km northwest of Kalgoorlie within the Ora Banda district on the eastern limb of the Kurrawang Syncline. Historically mined by open cut methods to 100 m, Enterprise is a large high-grade deposit and an important component of the Norton Gold Fields production plans in the next five years.
The technical services department wanted an optimal scheduling solution for the open pit operations that would allow them to work directly with Multiple Indicator Kriging( MIK) block models and non-MIK block models in the same multi-mine schedule scenario. This would reduce the amount of data manipulation required and mitigate mine planning risks. Moreover, the cost associated with waste material was an important factor. In addition, the encapsulation required to isolate the acid reactive material had to be considered. Norton Gold Fields, part of Zijin Mining Group, has acquired Maptek Evolution software to help address these challenges.
At a strategic level, alternative scenarios generated in Evolution will be evaluated from a cutoff grade optimisation point of view, with particular emphasis on the haulage component. The productivity rate for each hydraulic excavator model is associated within the block model for each material type. This provides full flexibility for the mine planning team to evaluate multiple alternatives in a short time using cloud-based technology.
Waste dump encapsulation is one aspect that requires special attention from an environmental viewpoint. Encapsulation needs to be controlled during the scheduling process. Information is imported into Evolution to allow simulation of different mine schedule scenarios, ensuring that this important variable cannot be ignored and is managed efficiently.
The graphical interface provides the visual link for communicating the mining implications of different scenarios with various stakeholders, improving understanding and subsequent actions. Every piece of data is populated back into the block model, allowing information to be managed and shared across different departments for incorporation in the short-term mine planning process.
“ Evolution has given the mine planning team at Norton Gold Fields all of the tools and options required to evaluate and add value to the Enterprise project.”
Case study: Enhancing narrow vein interpretation
The Klondex Mines Ltd underground gold-silver mine uses Maptek Vulcan to optimise various stages of their operation. The Fire Creek mine, located in north-central Nevada, is a high grade epithermal vein deposit. Underground