Advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing - Mine2-4D

7/29/2019 Advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing - Mine2-4D

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Demonstration Guidelines Advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing - Mine2-4D

Advanced Open Pit Design

and Sequencing -

Mine2-4D

Demonstration Guidelines

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................1

2 Selling Points................................................................................................................................23 Demonstration Topics...................................................................................................................4

4 Demonstration Procedures............................................................................................................5

4.1 Getting Started (Back)...........................................................................................................6

4.2 Project Setup (Back)..............................................................................................................9

4.3 The Open Pit Design Processes (Back)...............................................................................26

4.3.1 Optimized Block Model Strings Generation................................................................27

4.3.2 Open Pit Design............................................................................................................31

4.3.3 Open Pit Design Strings Preparation............................................................................52

4.3.4 Design Definitions........................................................................................................59

4.4 Data Validation Tools (Back)..............................................................................................78

4.4.1 Design Data Validation.................................................................................................79

4.4.2 Block Model Data Validation.......................................................................................86

4.5 The Planning Process (Back)...............................................................................................90

4.5.1 Planning Preparation.....................................................................................................91

4.5.2 Solids Creation..............................................................................................................98

4.5.3 Evaluation of Solids....................................................................................................106

4.5.4 Sequencing..................................................................................................................111

4.6 Reporting, Object Coloring and 3D Animation (Back).....................................................151

4.6.1 Reporting....................................................................................................................151

4.6.2 Object Coloring...........................................................................................................159

4.6.3 3D Animation.............................................................................................................161

5 Additional Topics.....................................................................................................................169

5.1 Creation of a New Project and User List (Back)...............................................................169

5.2 Definition of Legends........................................................................................................172

5.3 Definition of Cross Sections (Back)..................................................................................176

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1 Introduction

This document is aimed at assisting you in giving an effective demonstration of the software

solution Mine2-4D, used in the process of advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing. It is

recommended that you acquaint yourself with the items listed below, which form part of the

installed software, demonstration set or additional documentation located on DaDS:

Software

o Mine2-4D version 11.0.1424.0

o Earthworks Production Scheduler 1.0.1417.1

o Help and Tutorials

DemonstrationSet

o Demonstration Guidelines this document (DaDS)

o Case Study (DaDS)

o Data Set (DaDS)

PowerPointPresentations

o Value Proposition (DaDS)

o Sales Presentation (DaDS)

o Technical Presentation (DaDS)

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2 Selling Points

The following list contains some of the major selling points of Mine2-4D as a software

solution for the process of advanced Open Pit Design:

A modern Windows interface containing:

o Graphic (CAD like) environment for 3D interactive design work

o Specialist module for open pit design

o 3D Visualizer

o Output window

Advanced Data Validation tools

Design strings

Block Models

A wide range of tools for automating the following processes:

o Management of parameters

o Data validation

o Open pit design

o Design preparation

o Dependency creation and Sequencing

o Creation of design solids

o Block model Evaluation

o Integration with Earthworks Production Scheduler

o Animations

The ability to use Plugins and Scripts for custom specialist tasks

Data Import and Export for a wide range of data formats and 3D data types

Accessible table formats for all application data

Web Update Service for direct software updating

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Detailed Help and Tutorial Documentation

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3 Demonstration Topics

This demonstration will show you the power and flexibility of the suite of tools, found

within Mine2-4D, which can be used in the process of advanced Open Pit Design and

Sequencing. The demonstration will make use of the ultimate pit block model generated and

exported in the Open Pit Optimization and Scheduling process (created in NPV Scheduler)

for the shallow, hydrothermal Cu-Au deposit. The demonstration will use an existing Project

to show the procedures, graphical and non-graphical tools that are used in the setup of a

project, the construction of an open pit design, the preparation of the design outlines for

planning, the creation and evaluation of the planning solids, the generation of a planning

sequence and the tool available for validation of design and planning data. The completed

example shows a pit design, planning outlines, solids and sequence for the Year 1pit.

It is suggested that you follow the topics below, in the order shown, in order to give an

effective presentation of the various tools (follow the hyperlink, Ctrl + Click, to move to the

Demonstration Procedure for the specific topic). The approximate demonstration time is

shown in brackets.

Getting Started (2 min)

Project Setup (20 min)

The Open Pit Design Process (90 min)

Data Validation Tools (10 min)

The Planning Process (90 min)

Reporting, Object Coloring and 3D Animation (20 min)

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4 Demonstration Procedures

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Please note that all files (*.txt,*.dm) that have a name starting

with a vb (e.g. vb_pitbase.dm) are standard demonstration files

and should NOT be overwritten during the demonstration

process. The demonstration guidelines make use of these standard

files, although you may wish to use files that are created during

the demonstration process.


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4.1 Getting Started (Back)

Overview:

Starting a new open pit design and sequencing exercise may involve either the creation of a

new project or the use of an existing Mine2-4D project. This may include the importing of

external data (e.g. CAD drawings, block models) and the adding of existing Mine2-4D and

Datamine format data files to the project. Please see 5.1 Creation of a New Project and

User List for details on how to create a new project and user list.

Demonstration Procedure:

This demonstration will use the existing Viking Bounty project which is contained within

the project document VikingBounty.m2d. The procedure is as follows:

Working with an Existing Project:

First Time:

1. Start Mine2-4D and select the existing project:

Mine2-4D | Projects dialog | New/Existing tab | Open an Existing Project dialog

box | select Open existing project radio button | clickOKbutton | browse and select

the existing project C:\Database\Integrated Demo\M24D

Projects\VikingBounty_OpenPit \VikingBounty.m2d | clickOpen button

2. Log onto Mine2-4D:

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Mine2-4D Logon dialog | select Username Engineer1 | define Password Engineer1

| tickRemember Password box | clickOKbuttonto continue | in Tip of the Day

dialog clickClose button to complete the logon process

Thereafter:

1. Start Mine2-4D and select the existing project:

Mine2-4D | Projects dialog | Recent tab | select the project Name VikingBounty

(C:\Database\Integrated Demo\M24D Projects\VikingBounty_OpenPit

\VikingBounty.m2d) from the list | clickOKbutton

2. Log onto Mine2-4D:

Mine2-4D Logon dialog | select Username Engineer1 | define Password Engineer1

| tickRemember Password box | clickOKbuttonto continue | in Tip of the Day

dialog clickClose button to complete the logon process

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It is recommended that this project be used for the remainder of

the demonstration as reference is made to parameters and files in

this existing project.


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Window Layout

1. An effective way of laying out the various Mine2-4D windows is shown below:

2. Turn on the Output Window:

Menubar | Window | Output Window

3. Vertically Tile and Maximize the size of the Design window:

Menubar | Window | Tile Vertically

Design Window | select the Maximize Window button in top right corner

Set the Snap Mode to Points

4. Run the Visualizer window external to the Mine2-4D parent window:

Menubar | Tools | Options | Display tab | tickRun visualizer externally | OK

(The Visualizer window will run externally on the next startup)

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4.2 Project Setup (Back)

Overview:

Setting up a project includes the definition of default filenames, parameters and settings that

are specific to the project and that are to be used to guide the different design and planning

processes used within Mine2-4D. Part of the project set up is done at the start of or during

the project work (s), while some of the set up is done only after certain processes have been

completed (a) e.g. the design string types need to be created in the Design process before they

can be defined in the General Setup dialog.

This part of the demonstration will review the existing project setup and add or modify

settings where required. The following setup categories are available:

General s,a

Conventions

o Attributes s

o Properties s

o Naming s

Geology

o Interrogation s,a

o Default Values s

o External Data *

Derived Activities *

Scheduler *

( * = not included in this demonstration)

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Project Setup General

Overview:

The General settings are used to define the Design Strings and Options that are to be used

in the project. The design strings to be used in the project are represented by one or more of

the following standard design string types i.e. Fixed Cross Sectional, Outlines or Complex

Solids (see Notes below for more details). The Options tick-boxes control (switch on/off)

the use of the options listed below:

Create Naming Convention

Create Additional Attributes

Interrogate Geological Model

Create Derived Activities

Create Defined Activities

These options need to be set up using the corresponding vertical menu options availableunder the Project Setup dialog (these are covered in the sections below).


This project will make use of all three design string types as well as the options Naming

Convention, Additional Attributes and Interrogate Geological Model. This can be

demonstrated by reviewing the settings in these options.

The procedure for Defining or Reviewing settings is as follows:

1. Open the General Setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Project Setup | General

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2. Review the General project parameters as shown in the tables below (please note that the

design strings will be viewed at a later stage in the demonstration and should preferably

not be shown during the review of the General settings)

Project Design Strings dialog box

Option Setting

Fixed Cross Sectional vb_m4d_pdsgn_fxs

Outlines vb_m4d_pdsgn_out

Complex Solids vb_m4d_pdsgn_cxs

Project Options dialog box:

Option Setting

Create Naming Convention

Create Additional Attributes

Interrogate Geological Model

Create Derived Activities

Create Defined Activities

Project dialog box:

Option Setting

Measurement System Metric

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Notes:

The design string types defined in the Design Strings dialog box can be used to

represent the different Open Pit design elements as follows:

o Trim Blasts:

Fixed Cross Sectionals (FXS)

Defined/Created by applying a fixed cross section perimeter to a design

string (survey line)

o Blasts:

Outlines (OUT)

Created by projecting perimeters a set distance perpendicularly

o Ramps and Temporary Ramps:

Complex Solids (CXS)

Created by pairs of non co-planar perimeters

In a new project, the design files would normally need to be created before being defined

in the General settings dialog

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Project Setup Conventions - Attributes

Overview:

Attributes are descriptors (alpha or numeric) that are added (manually or automatically see

below) to design elements and activities to provide the following:

Extra filtering capabilities for design elements, schedule and reporting

Ability to spatially filter and locate different individual (or groups) design elements

Input into the naming convention for each activity (mining or derived)

Examples of user defined Attributes:

BENCH - bench identifier in the Open Pit environment

Attributes are defined and grouped into the following categories:

Visual Manual

o Added manually by the user to design elements or activity points

o Visual attributes consist ofLinestyle, Color and Symbol (fields LSTYLE,

COLOURand SYMBOL respectively)

Non-Visual Manual

o Added manually by the user to design elements or activity points

o Non-visual attributes are descriptors that can be viewed only by interrogating

or annotating a design element or activity point

Automatic

o Added (imported) automatically from existing 3D Solids or 2D Grids

(perimeters in XY, XZ or YZ planes) files

Scheduler Entered

Model Identifier

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This project will make use of the following Attribute types:

Visual Manual - standard attributes: colors, line styles and symbols (defined

during the pit design process and NOT listed here in the

Attributes dialog)

Automatic - user attribute BENCH (numeric - the top of bench

elevation is used as the bench identifier) will be

placed on design elements and activities using perimeters (XZ

plane) stored in the file vb_m4d_grid_xz_bench

This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Attribute settings for the project. The procedure

for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:

1. Open the Attributes setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Attributes

2. Review the existing Attributes as shown in the table below

3. Additional Attributes can be added (if required):

Attributes dialog | Right-click| Add

Define new entry

Use the dropdown list to define Name only afterObject File has been defined

Attributes dialog boxName Alpha Size Application Method Object File Export Type

BENCH Automatic 2D Grid XZ Plane vb_m4d_grid_xz_bench Code Field

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Notes:

Attributes should be applied so that they increase the level of understanding of the

design and add to the quality of information gained from the schedule and reports

The addition of Attributes should be kept to a useful minimum

Excessive use of Attributes can be time consuming (i.e. Mine2-4D processing time is

increased)

Only Attributes defined in the Attributes dialog will be transferred from design

elements to activities undefined Attributes are automatically removed during

processing

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Project Setup Conventions - Properties

Overview:

Properties are descriptors (alpha or numeric) that are added to activities to provide the

following:

Base properties for scheduling and reporting (these 11 properties are: Metres, Area,

Insitu Tonnes, Insitu Volume, Density, Tonnage Factor, Grade Factor, Mined

Tonnes, Mined Volume, Void Volume, Depleted Volume)

User defined properties for scheduling and reporting

Examples of user defined Properties:

ZONE - rock type/ore type indicators

AU, CU - grade fields

NPVSEQ - NPV Scheduler sequence number

Properties can be defined by the following methods: Extracted (during the Interrogate Geological Model process) from a block model

and placed on design elements (and then automatically onto activities during

processing)

Calculated

Edited directly onto design elements

Imported from an external source (e.g. Excel spreadsheet)

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This project will extract the following properties from the block model vb_m4d_npvmod1:

Density - field DENSITY in block model

ZONE - rock type code (numeric)

NPVSEQ - NPV Scheduler block sequence number

AU - Gold grade (unit: grams per tonne)

CU - Copper grade (unit: Percent)

This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Properties settings for the project. The procedure

for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:

1. Open the Properties setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Properties

2. Note that the first ten properties listed in the Properties dialog are standard properties

3. Review the existing additional properties (bold text entries as shown in the table below)

4. Additional Properties can be added (if required):

Properties dialog | Right-click| Add

Define new entry

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Properties dialog boxName Units Weight On Inverse Cost Actuals Revenue Evaluated

Metres m None 0 Area m2 None 0

Insitu Tonnes iT None 0

Insitu Volume im3 None 0

Density Tm3 None 0

Tonnage Factor Tfact None 0

Grade Factor Gfact None 0

Mine Tonnes miT None 0

Mined Volume mim3 None 0

Void Volume vm3 None 0

ZONE ZInsitu

Volume 0

NPVSEQ SInsitu

Volume 0

AU gt Density 0

CU Percent Density 0

Depleted Volume Dm3 None 0

Additional automatic Properties

Properties dialog box

Option SettingInclude Depletion fields

Notes:

Base Properties cannot be deleted or modified

Reserved Datamine and Mine2-4D field names e.g. SEQUENCE, M4DNUM, M4DSID,

M4DDESC, M4DSEQ, SEGMENT cannot be used for Property (or Attribute) names

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Project Setup Conventions - Naming

Overview:

The addition of a Naming Convention to activities provides the following abilities:

Enhanced design element filtering

Filtering and location of individual activities

Enhanced data sorting and filtering

Application in data manipulation

Enhanced levels of reporting

Distinguishing similar types of development from different areas in the scheduler

A Naming Convention is defined by using the following method:

Concatenation of existing design element Attributes and additional user defined

delimiters


This project will use a combination of Mine2-4D attributes, user Attributes (BENCH) and

delimiters, to define a Naming Convention for the activities which is 15 character long and

has the format B***_*_******** .

This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Naming Convention settings for the project. The

procedure for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:

1. Open the Naming setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Naming

2. Review the existing Naming Convention construction as shown in the table below

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3. Additional Naming items can be added (if required):

Attributes dialog | Right-click| Add

Define new entries

Change the order of the entries using the Up/Down arrows on the right

Naming dialog boxField Naming Convention

Name Text From To From ToDELIMITER B 1 1

BENCH 1 3 2 4

DELIMITER _ 5 5M4DDESC 1 1 6 6

DELIMITER _ 7 7

SEGMENT 3 10 8 15

Notes:

The Naming Convention string has a limit of 20 characters in total length

Attributes (Mine2-4D and user defined) should generally be separated by delimiters

Each Delimiters entry is limited to 1 character (Text column) in length

A concatenated sequence of 1 character Delimiters can be defined to create a multiple

character Delimiter set e.g. _B as used in the demonstration example above

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Project Setup Geology - Interrogation

Overview:

The Interrogation process is typically set up as a sequence of block model interrogations

(evaluations) and depletions. The setup dialog provides a means of defining this sequence

using a set of rules. The following points are important in order to set up a correct

Interrogation/Depletion sequence:

The block model that is output from a particular Action may be altered by that Action

(e.g. Depletion) and becomes input to the next instance of the use of that block model

The sequence of entries is relevant to producing correct results when design elements

deplete/interrogate the block model(s) e.g. prevention of repeat evaluation of already

mined-out blocks

Subcelling (relative to the block model parent cell size) determines the accuracy of

Interrogation/Depletion results

The Interrogation process is controlled by the following Filter Types:

Design Type - evaluation by different design type elements

Attributes - evaluation by attributes defined under Attributes

Description - evaluation by descriptions defined in Design Definition

Filter - evaluation by filters defined for the current project


This project will use the Filter Type option DESIGN TYPE to sequentially

Interrogate/Deplete the block model vb_m4d_npvmod1 in the following order:

1. Ramps and Temporary Ramps (CXS)

2. Blasts (OUT)

3. Trim Blasts (FXS)

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This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Interrogation settings for the project. The

procedure for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:

1. Open the Geology - Interrogation setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Geology | Interrogation

2. Review the existing Interrogation and Depletion activities (as shown in the table below)

3. Additional Interrogation/Depletion activities can be added (if required):

Interrogation/Depletion dialog | Right-click| Add

Define a new entry

If prompted to report depleted volumes, select Yes

Interrogation/Depletion dialog box

Order Action Model Filter Type Filter Value Subcelling1 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Complex Solids -

2 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Complex Solids 10

3 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Outlines -

4 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Outlines 10

5 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Fixed Cross Sectionals -

6 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Fixed Cross Sectionals 10

Interrogation/Depletion dialog box

Option SettingLegend to use during interrogation

Perform Dilution Calculations

Overwrite Original Model with Depleted Model

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Notes:

Legends can be used during the interrogation process e.g. a Grade Category legend could

be used to provide block model evaluations according to different grade categories (see

5.2 Definition of Legends for details)

When checked (recommended option), the Perform Dilution Calculations option treats

the block model void volume as waste material with no grade

The system has the ability to utilize multiple block models, rotated and un-rotated

Advanced depletion techniques can be used to properly report mined tonnages and fill

mining(e.g. backfilling to create a temporary access ramp or dump)

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Project Setup Geology Default Values

Overview:

The Default Values dialog is used to define default values for the following:

Density

Density Units

Evaluation Properties (e.g. ZONE, AU, CU)


This project will use a default density of 0.000001iT/m3 and a value of 0 for the other

Properties (Important: See Notes below). This default density value is used if no DENSITY

field exists in the block model and when design elements are evaluated against the block

model in void volume areas. When present in the block model, the density value in the

DENSITY field is used in evaluations.

This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Default Values settings for the project. The

procedure for defining or reviewing Defaults is as follows:

1. Define the Density and Evaluation Property Defaults:

o Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Geology | Default Values

o Define/Review the values as shown in the tables below

Density and Evaluation Property Defaults dialog

No Name Density ZONE NPVSEQ Au Cu0 0.000001 0 0 0 0

Density and Evaluation Property Defaults dialog

Option SettingModel Density Unit iT/m3

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Notes:

The Density value needs to be 0 (in this case it is set to 0.00001 as the dialog

doesnt accept a 0 value) so the design is evaluated correctly. Some of the design outlines

and the derived solids (only Blasts and Temporary Ramps are affected) that are created in

the Open Pit Design and Planning Processes extend above the surface of the block model.

These portions of the volumes should be assigned a zero Tonnage; this is achieved by

using the zero Density value in the entry

Project Setup Geology External Data

Overview:

The External Data dialog is used to define connections to external data sources that provide

Interrogation information about design elements. This information is then used in the

evaluation tables instead of values obtained from the Mine2-4D Interrogation.


This option will not be used. A block model will be Interrogated to obtain Evaluation results.

1. Complete this portion of the demonstration by closing the Project Setup dialog

In the Project Setup dialog | select Cancel button

In the Exit Project Setup without saving message dialog | select Yes button

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4.3 The Open Pit Design Processes (Back)

Overview:

The design of an open pit (interim and final pits) and its various components (Ramps, Faces

and Berms) is generally guided by the limits of an existing pit shell. This pit shell may have

been derived from a pit optimization and scheduling exercise using a pit optimization

program e.g. NPV Scheduler. The output from this optimization process can either be a

wireframe surface or a block model (more commonly used).

The open pit design processes within Mine2-4D facilitate the creation of the open pit design

strings (ramps, crests and toes) and then the alteration of this data to fit within the general

Mine2-4D framework.

The overall procedure for generating an open pit design and preparing it for the Mine2-4D

Planning Process is as follows:

1. Generate optimized block model (limit) strings

2. Design practical pit

3. Convert design strings to fixed cross sectionals, outlines and complex solids

4. Connect the design to the Mine2-4D design definitions

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4.3.1 Optimized Block Model Strings Generation

Overview:

The Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard is designed to step the user through the

process of converting the imported optimized block model into a set of outline strings. These

outline strings can then be used in conjunction with the block model coloring (using

Legends, see 5.2 Definition of Legends for details) to guide the pit design process.


This project will use the block model field TOTAL_TB (NPV Scheduler period number that

indicates in what latest period a block/cell is scheduled to be mined) to group together blocks

falling within Year 1 to indicate the limits for the pit design process.

The procedure for importing the optimized block model and generating the outline strings

and Legend(s) is as follows:

1. Start the Model Preparation process

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Model Preparation

2. Use the filename and parameters as shown in the table below

Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog 1Option Setting

Block Model File vb_m4d_npvmod1

Source NPV Scheduler

3. Review the Block Model Statistics (dialog 2) information as shown below and then

select Next to move to the next dialog

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4. In the Generate Color Legends dialog (dialog 3) as shown below

tickLegend for the TOTAL_TB field

tickPerimeters for the TOTAL_TB field

tickthe Manually Edit Legends option and then select Next

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5. In the Generate Block Model Slice Strings dialog (dialog 4), set the slicing parameters

as shown in the table below and then select Next to move to the next dialog

Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog 4

Option SettingStart Elevation -50

Bench Height 20

No. Benches 16

Bench Range 320

Trace Method Join Cell Corners

6. In the final Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog (dialog 5) select the

Finishbutton to move to the Legend Definition dialog

7. In the Legend Definition dialog, modify the parameters for the OpenPit_TOTAL_TB

legend to include only two entries

Delete the rows 3 5 (last three rows) using Left-click+ Drag | Right-click | Delete

Current | Yes to delete selected multiple rows

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Define the parameters for the two entries as shown below

8. In the Legend Definition dialog, select the Save button to save the newly created legend

9. In the Legend Definition dialog, select Exit button to execute the model preparation

process

10. The Model Preparation process will then complete automatically and Mine2-4D will

return to the Open Pit tab on completion

Notes:

The model preparation (model slicing) process generates mid bench (mid model

block [parent cell] elevation) pseudo-strings (pseudo-perimeters) that are used for

visually guiding the design process. These pseudo-strings cannot be selected or edited

in the Design window

These pseudo-strings are not saved and need to be regenerated for each session of

Mine2-4D if they are to be used (optional) by the user in the design process

The import process overwrites the existing edited legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB each

time that the Model Preparation process is run

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4.3.2 Open Pit Design

Overview:

The Open Pit Design tab options provide the following functionality:

Definition of different sets ofProjection Setup parameters

Definition of different sets ofRoad Setup parameters

Automated generation of Ramp, Berm and Face design strings

The Projection Setup parameters can be defined in one of three ways:

Fixed - Face angle and Berm width constant for the pit

Variable - Face angle and Berm width varies by azimuth and elevation

Model - Berm width constant, Face angle values from model field SLOPE

Demonstration Procedures:

The pit design tools and procedures can be demonstrated by generating the design for the

bottom three benches of the Year 1 Pit (as a backup, if required, the design strings for

these benches are saved in the file vb_m4d_pdsign_b80-120) . The design will use the

Bottom Up method, starting at a Toe elevation of 60m. The open pit design process will be

guided by coloring the block model using the Legend OpenPit_NPVSEQ (and not by using

the pseudo-strings generated in the previous step). The existing set ofFixed Projection and

Road parameters saved under the name Pit1, will be used to define the default parameters.

An existing pit design for the total Year 1 Pit vb_m4d_pdsign_Year1 will be used to

complete the demonstration and also for the follow-on Open Pit Design Process steps.

The Bottom Up construction method includes the following general steps:

Load and color the pit shell block model

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Digitize or load the pit design base string (closed perimeter) for the bottom bench

Construct a Road Segment (i.e. Ramp to next bench)

Edit the base string to accommodate the road entrance (if required)

Construct a Road Contour at the top elevation of the road segment

Construct a Berm (with/without Tapering)

Edit the Berm string (move out to the pit shell limit; create switchback entrance space)

Repeat above steps where required

The procedures for reviewing the Projection Setup and Road Setup parameters and creating

the pit design are as follows:

Define Projection Setup parameters

1. Start the Projection Setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group |

Projection Setup button

2. Review the parameters as shown in the table below

Projection Parameters dialog

Option SettingSave Pit1

Fixed

Face Angle 85

Berm Width 20

Berm Color 3Bench Color 4

Taper Berms Inside

Inside Taper Distance 100

Taper Berms Outside

Outside Start Distance 100

Percentage of Road Width to Taper 100

3. A New set of Projection Parameters (if required) can be defined as follows

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Select button New and define anew name

Select one of the options from the buttons Fixed, Variable orModel

Define the relevant parameters

Select the OKbutton to save the parameters

Define Road Setup parameters

1. Start the Road Setup dialog

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group | Road

Setup button


Road Parameters dialog

Option SettingSave Pit1

Fixed

Gradient 10 %

Width 20Road Color 5

3. A New set of Road Parameters (if required) can be defined as follows

Select button New and define anew name

Define the relevant parameters

Select the OKbutton to save changes

Define Interactive Expansion settings

1. Open the Interactive Pit Expansion dialog

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group | Pit

Expansion button | Settings tab

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(Note that the block model defined in the previous step has been loaded, set to the

minimum mid bench (block model) elevation (-50m) and colored according to the

Legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB)


Interactive Expansion Parameters dialog

Option SettingExpansion Method Bottom Up

Design Type Pit

Initial Elevation 60

Auto Check Crossovers

Auto Condition Bench and Berm strings

Legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB

Perimeter Filter

Fill Perimeters

3. Set the Design window Snap Mode to Points (if not already set - the default is normally

Snap to Grid)

Design window | Right-click | Snap to Points

Notes:

Any block model or string data loaded before the Define Interactive Expansionsettings step, will be cleared from the Design window when this option is run

The bench numbering convention uses the top of bench (crest) elevation to name the

bench e.g. Bench 120 has a crest elevation of 120m

Do not select the Apply >>> button the pseudo strings are not used in this

demonstration to guide the open pit design process

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Create Bench 80 - Pit Base, Ramp and Crest strings

Step 1a Load Pit Base String

1. Load the previously created pit base string (perimeter) into the Design window

Design window | Right-click | Load | Strings

select vb_m4d_pdsign_base from the File Browser list

In the Filter Strings dialog | select OKbutton

2. Set the Design window Current Elevation to 60m In the Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab

Set Current Elevation to 60 using Arrows or Reset to Initial button

3. Zoom into the area of the pit base string Orange (3) and move the pit so that it is just

right of centre in the Design window

Zoom In button | Define zoom window

Pan Graphics button | Move the view slightly to the right

4. Lay out the Mine2-4D windows to obtain a good view of both the Interactive Pit

Expansion dialog and the Design window as shown below

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5. The diagram below shows the results of this step

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Step 1b Create Bench 80 Ramp

1. Select the base string in the Design window

Design window | Left-clickon base string

2. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 1. (see diagram Step1a. above), going to the west

and outside of the base string (Note the messages in the Design window instruction

dialog- bottom right)

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Create Road group | Create button

Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to point)(see diagram Step1a. above)

Select Ramp Direction at Point 2. (see diagram Step1a. above)

Redraw the display using the toolbar button

1. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the green Ramp string

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Step 1b.

Step 1c Create Bench 80 Crest

1. Create the Crest string using Project Bench and the Contour Method

The Toe (base) string should still be selected (highlighted yellow)

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Project Bench group | Project button


2. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the yellow Crest string

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Step 1c.

Create Bench 100 - Toe, Ramp and Crest strings

Step 2a Create Bench 100 Toe

1. The Bench 80 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step

2. Create the initial Bench 100 Toe string using Expand Berm (no Fillet option)

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | Expand button


Step 2b Edit Bench 100 Toe

3. Edit the Toe string points to incorporate the green Year 1 model blocks as shown below

Move Point 1. out to the corner of the red block (approx X=5790 Y=5000) (This step

is important in that it prevents the Bench 100 Ramp string from going around this

corner of the pit in an easterly direction)

Insert a new point at Point 2.

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Demonstration Guidelines Advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing - Mine2-4Dabc

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Step 2b.

Step 2c Create Bench 100 Ramp

4. The Bench 100 Toe string should still be selected

5. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 3. (see diagram Step2b. above)


Select Start point of Ramp at Point 3. (snap to top inside corner of the previous

Ramp)(see diagram Step2b. above)

Select Ramp Direction at approximately Point 4. (see diagram Step2b. above)



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Step 2c.

Step 2d Create Bench 100 Crest






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Step 2d.

Create Bench 120 - Toe, Ramp and Crest strings

Step 3a Create Bench 120 Toe

1. The Bench 100 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step

2. Create the initial Bench 120 Toe string using Expand Berm (no Fillet option)



3. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the orange Toe string

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Step 3a.

Step 3b Create Bench 120 Ramp

4. The Bench 120 Toe string should still be selected

5. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 1. (see diagram Step3a. above)


Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to top inside corner of the previous

Ramp)(see diagram Step3a. above)

Select Ramp Direction at approximately Point 2. (see diagram Step2b. above)



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Step 3b.

Step 3c Edit Bench 120 Toe

7. Set the Design window Current Elevation to 100m

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab

Set Current Elevation to 100 using Arrows

8. Edit the Toe string points to create a flat area for the Ramp switchback as shown below

Move Point 1. to the outside bottom corner of the Bench 120 Ramp

Move point Point 2. northwards

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Step 3c.

Step 3d Create Bench 120 Crest





View results in 3D: Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects


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Step 3d.

Create Bench 140 using Additional Automation and Conditioning tools

The Berm-Ramp-Face creation cycle can be automated (if applicable) and additional string

conditioning (i.e. rounding of corners) can be applied to the design strings by ticking the

appropriate options in the Settings and Design tab. This can be demonstrated by selecting the

required conditioning and automate options and then creating one extra bench (Bench 140)

with an anti-clockwise ramp.

1. Set the conditioning options:

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Settings tab | TickAuto Condition Bench and Berm

strings after creation

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | TickAuto Fillet

box

2. The Current Elevation should still be at 120 (Important - Reset if required using the

menu arrows)

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3. The Bench 120 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step (Reselect if

required)

4. Create the initial Bench 140 Toe string using Expand Berm



5. Generate a single anti-clockwise Ramp-Bench-Berm string set, in one step, by using

Auto Generate

Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Auto Generate button (on right side of

dialog)

Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to the previous Berm)(see diagram Step4.

below)

In the Auto Expand dialog | No. Expansions 1

In the Auto Expand dialog | Road Direction group | select Anti-Clockwise

In the Auto Expand dialog | OKbutton

Please note:

The Design window instruction dialog (bottom right) may prompt for a base

string if not already selected

The Design window instruction dialog (bottom right) may prompt for a start point

(Point 1.) and direction for the Ramp (Point 2.) (see diagram Step4. below)

The creation of the Ramp-Bench-Berm set may take a few seconds

6. View the results in the Visualizer

Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects

7. Noting the following (shown in diagram Step 4. below):

The rounded Toe (Berm) and Crest (Bench) strings for Bench 140m

The rounded Toe string for Bench 160m

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Step 4.

8. Remove these design strings when finished with this step

Design window | Right-click | Erase | All Strings | Yes

View the Completed Example

The pit design process can require the use of a combination of conditioning options and

Expansion Methods (Bottom Up, Top Down) and the use of various design string colors to

represent the different pit design elements. The use of different colors, linestyles and symbols

on the design strings provides flexibility in later steps during the Open Pit Design Process.

This is illustrated in the completed pit design for the Year 1 interim pit for the Viking Bounty

project.

1. Load the completed pit design strings for Year 1 into the Design window (see diagram

below) and view the design strings in the Visualizer without the block model slice visible

Design window | Right-click | Load | Strings | Yes

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select vb_m4d_pdsign_year1 from the File Browser list

In the Filter Strings dialog select OK


Visualizer window | Model Planes | Make Hidden

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Completed Example - Pit Design Year1

2. Note the following characteristics:

Lower Benches (Benches 80, 100, 120)

o Designed using the Top-Down method

o String colors:

Ramps are green (5)

Crests are yellow (4)

Toes are orange (3)

Upper benches (Benches 140, 160, 180, 200)

o Designed using the Bottom-Up method

o String colors:

Temporary Ramps are cyan (5)

Crests are blue (7)

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Toes are magenta (8)

3. View the design strings against the block model cells and note their positions relative to

the blocks falling within Year1 (green) and the remaining blocks within the Ultimate Pit

(red). The grey blocks fall outside the Ultimate Pit limits (see diagram below the view

is looking down and to the north-east).

Design window | Right-click | Settings | Visualizer tab | tickModel Cells | OK


Visualizer window | Model Planes | Make Hidden

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Notes:

The design strings would generally be validated at this stage before moving onto the next

step

The crest and toe strings from the upper benches have been colored differently to those

from the lower benches so as to distinguish between different design type requirements

for the next Open Pit Design Strings Preparation step

Creating separate Ore and Waste outlines on each Bench would provide extra flexibility

when defining design string types and their mining attributes

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4.3.3 Open Pit Design Strings Preparation

Overview:

The next step in the Open Pit Design Process requires that the design strings be converted

into standard perimeters or Pit Design String Types that can be recognized by the Mine2-4D

Planning processes. These fall into one of the following three categories, as outlined under

Project Setup:

Fixed Cross Sectionals (FXS)

Outlines (OUT)

Complex Solids (CXS)

The generation of the Outlines is aided by the use of a plan-view grid which allows the large

areas, defined by the Crest/Toe strings, to be subdivided into smaller areas approximating the

size of the required mining unit to be used in Sequencing and Scheduling. The Design

Strings are converted into the corresponding Pit Design String Types as follows:

Ramps and Temporary Ramps > Complex Solids

Crests of the upper benches > Outlines (Blasts)

Crests of the lower benches > Outline and Fixed Cross Sectionals (Blasts

and Trim Blasts respectively)

The Open Pit Preparation menu provides the following options:

Grid Generation

Preparation (i.e. creation of OUT, FXS, CXS string types)

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Grid Generation

The Grid Generation menu allows the user to create (and save to file) 2D grids (a set of

closed rectangular perimeters) by defining (dialog or interactively in the Design window) a

Base Point, grid Size, grid Extents and the number of grids in each of the X and Y directions.

This can be demonstrated by creating a grid (each grid block represents 48,000m3) and

saving it to file. The procedure for creating a grid and saving it to file is as follows:

1. Open the Generate Grid dialog

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit tab | Preparation group | Generate Gridbutton

2. Define the grid parameters as shown in the table below and then select OKbutton to

generate and load the grid strings into the Design window

Generate Grid dialog box

Option SettingBase Azimuth 90

X Y

Base Point 5660 4700

Size 60 40Number 11 14

Extents 660 autocalc 560 autocalcX Attribute

Y Attribute

Output Grid Name GridLoad Grid on Completion

Close form on Completion

3. Note that the grid extends just beyond the X and Y extents of the Design Strings

4. Save the grid to a temporary file

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Design Strings Preparation

The Pit Preparation dialog provides the ability to set up rules which are used to guide the

creation of the FXS, OUT and CXS design string types from the design strings. This

process also creates an initial set ofdesign definitions. The generation of the OUT strings is

facilitated by use of the relevant grid files. The Pit Preparation rules make use of the design

string colors to define a unique rule for generating each design string type. The following

Pit Preparation Rule options are available (Please see the Help document for graphical

examples of each rule):

Grid Cutting and Trim

Grid Cutting

Outline

Outline and Trim

Road Wedge

Temporary Road Wedge

Generate Road CL

It is important to note that each different design string element (e.g. Ramp, TempRamp,

Blast1, Blast2, Trim) requires a unique color (not color-linestyle-symbol combination as used

elsewhere) so that a unique rule can be set up for each of the different design string elements.

The Year 1 pit contains differently colored Crest/Toe strings for the upper benches than in

the lower benches as the lower benches require the creation of Blasts and Trim Blasts (using

Grid Cutting and Trim option) , while the upper benches only require the creation of Blasts

(using Grid Cutting option). Ramps and Temporary Ramps are also treated differently in that

Ramps comprise only an upper wedge (to be mined out) while Temporary Ramps comprise

an upper and a lower wedge (both are to be mined out).

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This can be demonstrated by reviewing the existing set of Pit Preparation rules and design

strings reviewed in section 4.3.2 Open Pit Design (these design strings should still be

displayed in the Design window). Only the rules will be reviewed it is strongly suggested

that the Pit Preparation process is NOT run (i.e. do not select the Pit Preparation dialog OK

button after reviewing the rules) as the existing Design Definitions and FXS, OUT and CXS

strings would be replaced (see Notes below).

The procedure for Reviewing / Defining rules is as follows:

1. Open the Pit Preparation dialog

Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Preparationbutton

2. Review the existing rules (as shown in the table below)

Access the Settings dialog by selecting (Double-click) the relevant rows Setting cell

in the Pit Preparation dialog

3. Additional Rules can be added (if required):

Pit Preparation dialog | Right-click| Add

Define new entry and Settings details

Access the Settings dialog by selecting (Double-click) the relevant rows Setting cell

in the Pit Preparation dialog

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Pit Preparation dialogOption Setting

Design on Screen Specified File vb_m4d_pdsig_year1Rule No. Color Rule Setting Value1 7 Grid Cutting Design Type Pit

Height 20

Grid File vb_m4d_grid_out

Outline Description Blast1

Outline Position Top

2 4 Grid Cutting and Trim Design Type Pit

Height 20

Grid File vb_m4d_grid_out

Trim Width 10

FXS Shape Trim_10mFXS Description Trim

Outline Description Blast2

FXS Segment Length 100

Outline Position Top

3 6 Temporary Road Wedge Design Type Pit

CXS Description TRamp

4 5 Road Wedge Design Type Pit

CXS Description Ramp

Option SettingFXS Output vb_m4d_pdsign_fxs

OUT Output vb_m4d_pdsign_out

CXS Output vb_m4d_pdsign_cxs

Road CL Design_RoadCL

4. Close the Pit Preparation dialog

Select the Cancel button at the bottom of the Pit Preparation dialog

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Regenerating the FXS, OUT and CXS strings (Not for Demonstration)

1. After defining the required Pit Preparation rules, start the Pit Preparation processing

Pit Preparation dialog | OKbutton

(Selecting the OKbutton also Saves any changes made to the Rules)

Select Yes in the WARNING This process will automatically delete all of

your current Design Definitions. This project already has message dialog

2. (If the Open Pit Preparation is run for the first time or run after the design strings have

been altered: This processing may take anything between 10s of seconds to a few minutes

depending on the speed of the computer. Each of the four Rules is processed in sequence

and is highlighted in the Pit Preparation dialog as it is being processed. The Grid Cutting

processing is displayed in the Design window while the processing of the other Rules is

not visible to the user)

3. Select No in the Would you like to open the design definitions dialog message

dialog

Notes:

Why not rerun the Pit Preparation process?

o FXS, OUT and CXS have been edited, rerunning will replace these strings

with unedited strings

o The FXS string types (representing the Trim Blasts on Benches 80 -120)

would initially have had a color yellow (4) after being created by the Pit

Preparation process; their color has been changed to red (2) for visualization

purposes (i.e. both strings and Design Definitions have been edited)

o In creating the demonstration, certain Outlines have been combined in order

to remove excessively small outlines examples can be seen on the south

western edge of the Bench 140 outlines

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The selection of the Outline Position (i.e. Top, Centre or Bottom) can have an effect

on the volume (and tonnage) calculations for outlines along the outside of the pit

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4.3.4 Design Definitions

Overview:

The next step in the Open Pit Design Process is the creation ofdesign definitions and then

their application to the corresponding design string types (i.e. FXS, OUT and CXS strings).

The main function of the Design Definitions menu is to provide a fast and robust means of

ensuring that the design string types are formatted with Visual and Non-Visual Attributes in

a consistent and organized manner.

Mine2-4D automates a great deal of the mine design process by using string attributes to

define different open pit excavation types (Blasts, Ramps, Temporary Ramps, Trims). The

different FXS, OUT and CXS strings are differentiated by using unique combinations of

color, linestyle and symbol, to which are added design attributes. This unique list of color-

linestyle-symbol string types and their associated design attributes (and other properties)

make up the design definitions. These definitions then give the user the ability to

automatically apply design attributes to the new or modified string a potentially large time-saving facility.

The design definitions are managed by separation into three tabs i.e. FXS, OUT and CXS.

On entering the design definitions, Mine2-4D will list all the unique combinations of color,

linestyle and symbol found in the three design string types files. The general procedure for

working with design definitions is as follows:

Create design definitions (first time)

Edit design definitions (Add, Edit settings, Delete)

Edit design string types (Edit Attributes, Erase)

Connect design definitions and design string types

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The Design Definitions | Connect tab provides the following options:

Design Definitions - access to the Design Definitions dialog

Generate Design Definitions - generation of visual attributes for design string

types using its non-visual attributes as a legend

Modify Definition Descriptions - renaming of FXS, OUT and CXS Descriptions

The Design Definitions dialog offers the following abilities:

Add and Edit definitions

Edit the Attributes of design string types

Filter design string types based on selected item within the Design Definitions list

The Connect

A X-Sectional Tool to facilitate the generation of cross sections (see 5.3 X-Sectional

Tool for details).


This can be demonstrated by Reviewing the existing Design Definitions and FXS, OUT and

CXS strings; showing examples of the Filtering, Editing and Connecting functionality.

Suggested window layout

The layout shown in the diagram below will allow both the Design Definitions dialog and the

Design window to be viewed at the same time. Note that the Design Definitions window has

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been reduced in size by dragging the right edge towards the left (it stops at a fixed minimum

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Creation and Viewing of Design Definitions

The procedure for reviewing the design definitions is as follows:

1. Open the Design Definitions dialog and view the design string types at the same time

Vertical Menu | Design | Design Definitions | Connect tab | Connect to Definitions

group | Design Definitionsbutton

In the Clear Design Window dialog | tickView Design strings while editing Design

Definition box | select Yes button

2. Lay out the Design Definitions dialog and Design window as shown in above diagram

3. The design definitions are initially displayed for the FXS string types; their

corresponding red (2) strings are shown in the Design window

4. In the Design Definitions dialog FXS tab, each entry has a unique set of Linking

Attributes (Color, Linestyle, Symbol) shown on the left and its associated design

Properties and Scheduling, Segment and Advanced settings shown to the right (use

bottom scrollbar to view settings hidden on the far right)

5. A perspective view of the strings in the Design window gives a good idea of how the

different design string types are represented

In the View Control Toolbar | select the View Orientation button

In the View Orientation dialog (top left corner of the Design window) | set Azi = 30 |

set Dip = -75 | select OKto set the new view

Use the Previous View button to toggle between Plan and Perspective views

6. The Design Definitions and their corresponding sets of strings for the OUT and CXS

design string types can be viewed by selecting the relevant tabs in the Design Definitions

dialog (the corresponding strings are automatically loaded when the tab is selected)

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7. Review the settings for each of the FXS, OUT and CXS design string types as shown in

the tables below, with the focus on the Properties settings

Design Definitions dialog - Fixed Cross Sectionals

inking Attributes Settings Value

COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No.

2 _____ 1001 202 1

PropertiesDescription Trim

Type Normal

Orientation Vertical

X Sectional Shape Trim_10m

Width 10

Height 20

Density

Scheduling

Constraint ASAP

Rate 1,250,000iT/mo

Segment

Distance 100

Advanced

Increments

Dumping

Exclude

Table Notes:

The horizontal rows in the Design Definitions dialog are represented in the tables by

a combination of horizontal rows for each Linking Attributes set and unique

Properties (OUT and CXS strings only) and a corresponding column of settings and

their values some sets may have identical attributes (these are listed in the column)

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The Properties Orientation value Vertical ensures that the cross section is

orientated vertically relative to the guiding string

The Properties X Sectional Shape is using the custom cross section Trim_10m

The Scheduling Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)

o Derived from the Total Rock mining rate target defined in NPV Scheduler

(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)

o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo

The Segment Distance value of 100m controls the length for each Trim

Each set ofTrims is represented by a single red (2) control string; Crest elevation of

each Bench, outer limit hence the 5m offset in the Trim_10m cross section

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Design Definitions dialog - Outlines

Linking Attributes Settings Value

COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No.Description

4 _____ 1001 203 1 Blast2

7_____ 1001

202 2 Blast1

PropertiesHeight 20

Position Top

Density

SegmentDistance 0

Schedule

Constraint ASAP

Rate 1,250,000iT/mo

Advanced

Options

Exclude

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Table Notes:

The Properties Height value 20 indicates that the Blast / Bench Height is 20m

The Properties Position value Top indicates that the Outlines represent the blast

crest position (other options include Centre and Bottom)

The Segment Distance value is 0 and indicates that each Outline is treated as one

entity and is not subdivided into smaller subunits or Segments

The Scheduling Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)


(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo

Grayed-out settings have not been listed here and are indicated by the symbol

Each Blast is represented by a single closed string at the 20m Bench Crest elevation

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Design definitions dialog - Complex Solids

Linking Attributes Settings Value

COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No. Descrip. Type

5 ___ 1001 210 1 Ramp

Open Pit

Ramp

5 ___ 1001 211 2

5 ___ 1001 212 3

6 ___ 1001 202 4

OpenPit

Temp

Ramp

6 ___ 1001 203 5

6 ___ 1001 204 6

6 ___ 1001 205 7

6 ___ 1001 206 8

6 ___ 1001 207 9

6 ___ 1001 208 10

6 ___ 1001 209 11

PropertiesDensity

Constraint ASAP

Rate 1,250,000iT/mo

Strings /

Segment0

String

Attribute

Exclude

Table Notes:

The Properties Height value 20 indicates that the Blast / Bench Height is 20m

The Properties Position value Top indicates that the Outlines represent the blast

crest position (other options include Centre and Bottom)

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The Properties (Scheduling) Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)


(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)

o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo

The Segment Distance value is 0 and indicates that each Outline is treated as one

entity and is not subdivided into smaller subunits or Segments

Grayed-out settings have not been listed here and are indicated by the symbol

Each Ramp is represented by a pair of strings forming the top and bottom surface of

a wedge (the lower portion is not mined, the largest vertical dimension in each wedge

is 20m)

Each Temporary Ramp is represented by a two pairs of strings forming the top and

bottom surface of a complimentary set of wedges (both the upper and lower wedges

are mined, the largest vertical dimension in each wedge is 20m)

Notes:

The process of creating the design definitions list is repeated each time that the

Design Definitions dialog is opened (i.e. the FXS, OUT and CXS strings are

interrogated for any changes; modified or new strings are added to this list)

The FXS string types (representing the Trim Blasts on Benches 80 -120) would

initially have had a color yellow (4) after being created by the Pit Preparation process

in the last step; their color has been changed to red (2) for visualization purposes

In creating the demonstration, certain Outlines have been combined in order to

remove excessively small outlines examples can be seen on the south western edge

of the Bench 140 outlines

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Design Definitions and Filters

You can view any strings with a unique definition, on their own in the Design window, by

using Filters. The Filterbuttons and checkboxes are located in the Design group in the

lower portion of the Design Definitions dialog as highlighted in the diagram below.

This functionality can be demonstrated by filtering different CXS strings.

The procedure for using Filters is as follows:

1. To view strings of a particular definition

In the Design Definitions dialog | select the CXS tab

Set the view in the Design window to the perspective view by using the Previous

View or View Orientation toolbar buttons (see procedure in previous section)

Select the relevant entry in the CXS Design Definitions table by selecting the No. cell

Select the Apply Button

Select the Remove All Filters button to remove the filter and view all strings

Multiple definitions can be selected using Left-click+Drag and then filtered

2. Strings can also be filtered using the automatic Zoom and Change options

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Checkthat the Auto Zoombox is ticked

Tick the Auto Change box

Sequentially select entries in the CXS Design Definitions table

(This combination of options is useful when the user needs to perform visual checks

on a long list of strings. Unticking the Auto Zoom option allows the user to view the

string(s) in its relative fixed position)

When finished filtering, untick the Auto Change box and select the Remove Filters

button

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Editing Design Definitions

1. Additional definitions can be added (if required):

Design Definitions dialog | relevant tab | Right-click| Add Record orInsert

Record

Define new entry and Settings details

2. Definitions can be Deleted

In the Design Definitions table | Right-clickon relevant entry | Delete Current

3. Definitions can be Edited by selecting the required entry and editing the relevant settings

In the FXS tab | change the color for the Trims from red (2) to magenta (8)

4. The Addition, Editing or Deletion of definitions requires that the definitions be Saved in

order that these changes are stored for future use

In the Design Definitions dialog

Select the Save button (bottom right group of buttons) | in the Do you wish to save

changes to design strings message dialog | select No button

5. The Addition, Editing (Linking Attributes or Properties) or Deletion of definitions

requires that the definitions be Connected to the strings

In the Design window | Select only the relevant strings (Ctrl+Left-click) in this

case all 3 In the Design Definitions table | select the relevant entry i.e. No. 1 by selecting the

No. cell

In the Design Definitions dialog | Design group | select Apply Current button

In the Design window | Right-click| Deselect All Strings | Redrawbutton

(The FXS strings have now been colored magenta (8))

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Select the Connect button (bottom right group of buttons) | in the Do you wish to

save changes to design strings before continuing message dialog | select Yes

button

In the Connect to Design summary dialog | leave the FXS Connect box ticked | select

OKbutton (see diagram below note that Mine2-4D has detected that both the

Design (strings) and the Design Definitions have changed )

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Notes:

If you make any changes to the color, linestyle and symbol of the FXS, OUT or CXS

strings, these must be reflected in the Design Definitions

After Editing design definitions:

o the Apply Current button action updates the strings Selected in the Design

window with only Linking Attributes (i.e. Visual attributes)

o the Connect button action updates the strings with the non-visual attributes

e.g. Description

In the Design Definitions dialog, the editing of the Rate values (contains number and

units) can be facilitated by using the Build Rate dialog. This can be accessed by:

o Select the relevant entry under the Rate column | Right-click| Build Rate

In the Design Definitions dialog, the editing of multiple entries for a single column to

the same value (e.g. set Rate for all entries equal to 32,000), can be facilitated by

using the Bulk Field Change tool. The procedure is as follows:

o Select multiple entries using Left-click + drag | Right-click| Bulk Field

Change | in Bulk Field Changes dialog modify the relevant settings | selectOKbutton

Documents

Advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing - Mine2-4D