Maptek Demonstrates Resource Modelling Technology at PDAC

With the investment stream opening up, visitors to this year’s PDAC in Toronto, Canada, will be keen to explore resource estimation and project evaluation tools that can add value to mining projects. Maptek adds value to the entire mine cycle, from exploration through modelling, mine design, optimisation, production and rehabilitation.

Maptek capabilities for handling large datasets are developed to make targeting easier. Evaluating multiple prospects on the desktop helps ensure money is not wasted pursuing an uneconomic project. The data remain available and processes are fully auditable and can be revisited when conditions change.

Maptek’s latest Eureka 3 allows multi-source, historic datasets to be visualised spatially alongside survey, drillhole, geophysical and other exploration data. Multiple drill hole databases can be loaded simultaneously for viewing, correlation and modelling. Level of detail rendering allows users to easily zoom in to view areas of interest. Section and grid visualisation promotes intuitive analysis of a potential resource. Full interoperability with Vulcan allows analysis, modelling, design and optimisation to proceed in a seamless workflow.

Geological interpretation

Vulcan implicit modelling tools provide RBF and uncertainty modelling regimes for working with complex geological domains. Users can maximise the use of all historical, drilling and assay data to run different scenarios for efficiently assessing the potential grade and tonnage of a resource. Sub-blocking allows accurate modelling of geological contacts and boundaries and users can modify solids in freehand mode by pinching, smoothing and cutting to better represent geological interpretation.

Geostatistical tools based on GSLIB provide diverse functions for calculating and modelling variograms, including 3D variogram maps and interactive modelling. Conditional simulation allows uncertainties in grade estimation to be quantified and analysed, providing a picture of the robustness of the deposit. Knowing both the grade of a deposit and the likelihood that the grade estimate is correct allows for much better decision-making.

Data collection

At the mine planning stage, rapid pit design techniques allow evaluation of multiple parameters and scenarios to make the best decisions going forward. Underground stope optimisation and the integrated Gantt scheduler allow users to perform a quick desktop study of the deposit. 

Animation, simulation and interactive 3D PDFs allow timely sharing of data between planners and management/other stakeholders to aid strategic decision making.

Geotechnical considerations can make or break a mine. Detailed I-Site laser scan data and intuitive software provide an unbeatable combination for assessing geotechnical risk. Streamlined analysis reduces the gap between data collection and geotechnical deliverables.