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Mine2-4D

Mine2-4D Projects

An Introduction to creating projects in Mine2-4D MUG-M24-0006

Datamine Software Limited 2 St Cuthbert Street, Wells Somerset, United Kingdom BA5 2AW Tel: +44 1749 679299 Fax: +44 1749 670290

Grant King

Contents

1 1

1 1 2

2

3

4

5

Introduction to Mine2-4D

Purpose of this document Prerequisites More information

Background Information 3

The User and Design Manager 4

Introduction and Background to task 4 Before you start 4 Exercise 1 – Create a new User List 5 Exercise 2 - User Administration 8 Exercise 3 – Create a new File Add List 9 Exercise 4 – Create a new Attribute List 10 Add a New Attribute 10 Add Values for an Attribute 10 Exercise 5 – Starting a new project in Design Manager 11 Exercise 6 – Check in / Check Out 13 Exercise 7 – Project History 13 Show History 13

Project Setup 15

Introduction and background to task 15 Project Setup 15

Sub-Projects 15 Project Setup dialogs 16

Project Details 16 Design Strings 16

Exercise 1 – Mine2-4D Startup 17 Exercise 2 – Project Setup 17

Design Strings 18 Options 19 Measurement system 19

Exercise 3 – Geology Interrogation 20 Legend to use in Interrogation 21

Exercise 4 – General Options 21 Exercise 5 – Property Conventions 22

Design and Validation 23

Introduction and background to task 23 Design Tab 24 Tools Tab 25 Data Validation 25

Attributes 27 Invalid Point Strings 27 Cross Over Strings 27 Duplicate Strings 27 Duplicate Checking Precision 28 Resolve Points 28 Endlink Checking 29 Complex Solid Checking 29 Data Deletion 29

Exercise 1 – Edit Design Directions 31 Exercise 2 – Data Validation 33

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6 Design Definitions 35

Introduction and background to task 35 Filters and Attributes Buttons 35

Applying Filters 36 Editing Attributes 36 Saving Changes to Attributes 37 Cross Section Tool 37 Segment Length 38 Exercise 1 – Design Definitions 38

Cross Sectional Shape 39 Segment Length 41

7 Preparation 42

Introduction and background to task 42 Design Menu 42 Preparation Menu 43 Exercise 1 – Define Attributes 43 Exercise 2 – Apply Design Attributes 44 Exercise 3 - Wall & Point Generation 47

8 Solids and Evaluation 49

Introduction and background to task 49 Preparation 49 Solids and Evaluation 49 Sequencing and Scheduling 49 Reporting 50 Exercise 1 – Creating Solids 50 Exercise 2 – Evaluating Solids 51

9 Sequencing 55

Introduction and background to task 55 Automatic Dependency Creation 55 Position 56 Search Origin 56 Predecessor/Successor 56 Position Overrider 56

Position Scenario 57 Link (Delay / Type) 57 Type Examples 58

Limiting the Search 58 Search (Method / Radius / Origin) 58

Exercise 1: Automatic Sequence Generation 60 Sequencing Troubleshooting 62

Exercise 2 – Scheduling 64

10 An Introduction to EPS 66

Introduction and background to task 66 The EPS Interface 66 Resources 67 Project Settings 67 Exercise 1 – Viewing your data 68 Exercise 2 – Summarising the Project Data 68 Exercise 3 - Setting up the Crosstab 69 Exercise 4 – Creating Filters and Sorting 70 Exercise 5 – Levelling Resources 71

11 Reporting 73

Introduction and background to task 73 Evaluation 73 Properties 73 Schedule 73 Exercise 1 – Set Schedule Colouring Definitions 74 Exercise 2 - Create 3D Animations 76

Create from Schedule 77 Exercise 3 – Check in / Check Out 78

12 Present – Plotting Manually 79

Introduction and background to task 79 What is Earthworks Present? 79

Document Wizard 79 Exercise 1 – Data Import (Strings) 80 Exercise 2 – Data Import (Wireframes) 82 Exercise 3 – Finishing the Import 83 Exercise 4 – Setting the Paper Size and Grid Settings 84 Exercise 5 – Setting Scales and Clipping 85 Exercise 6 – Zooming and Panning 86 Exercise 7 – Formatting the Wireframes Display 88 Exercise 8 – Adding a title box 88

13 Present –Plotting Automatically 90

Introduction and background to task 90 Exercise 1 – Creating a Present template 90

14 Mine2-4D – 660 Level 92

Introduction and background to task 92 Exercise 1 – Starting a new project 92 Exercise 2 – Project Setup 93 Exercise 3 - Interrogation 94 Exercise 4 – Model Splitting Tool 94 Exercise 5 – Default Values and External Data 95

External Data 96 Exercise 6 – Attribute Convention 96 Exercise 7 – Properties 97 Exercise 8 – Naming Conventions 99 Exercise 9 – Scheduler, General Options 100 Exercise 10 – Design 101 Exercise 11 – Preparation 103 Exercise 12 – Solids and Evaluation 104 Exercise 13 – Automatic Sequencing 105 Exercise 14 - Derived Activities 107 Exercise 15 - Reporting 133 Exercise 16 - Colour According to Legend 133

15 Mine2-4D – 680 and 700 Levels 136

Introduction and background to task 136 Exercise 1 – Create a New Project for the 680 Level 136 Exercise 2 – Using the Project Cascader 136 Exercise 3 – Complete 680 and 700 Levels 139

Appendix A: Calculation of Base Properties 140

Appendix B: Standard Mine2-4D Tables 143

Appendix C: Segment Numbering 144

M24D Manual 2 Mine2-4D Projects 1

1 INTRODUCTION TO MINE2-4D

Purpose of this document

The purpose of this document is to help familiarise new users with the Mine2-4D Vertical Menu for integrated mine design and scheduling. Before beginning, it is also necessary to introduce the basic principles of the Mine2-4D User Manager and Design Manager.

Prerequisites

To use this tutorial you will need the following components installed on your computer:

Mine24D version 11.0.1409.0 or later

EPS Scheduler version 1.0.1433 or later

To display the installed Mine2-4D version, choose Help | About Mine2-4D. Information about the installed product is displayed together with its version number.


More information

There are many sources of online help - designed to suit the way you work:

Mine2-4D Help Contents

Choose the Contents command from the Help menu to display the contents page for Datamine help.

Context Help

Choose the Help button on any command dialog to display help on use of the displayed dialog.

Tool Tips

Pass the pointer over the toolbar buttons to display tool tips and one line help on the status bar.

AutoHelp

Check this option on any command dialog to display the AutoHelp window.

Online User Guide

Comprehensive User Guides and Process Descriptions are provided on the Datamine Website at www.datamine.co.uk and the Mine2-4D website, www.mine24d.com

Telephone Support

The Datamine support desk is available during normal office hours from your local Datamine office.

MSN Messenger

Support is also available from MSN messenger. For more details, please contact your local Datamine office.

http://www.datamine.co.uk

http://www.mine24d.com


2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Mine2-4D is an Earthworks software product that uses a unique methodology to allow the integrated design and scheduling of both underground and open pit mines.

Mine2-4D consists of the following main components:

The Vertical menu provides access to the Mine2-4D integrated design and scheduling processes. In this document, we will cover the use of the Design menu as it relates to the training dataset.

The Design menu provides access to the standard Design Window and batch (data-processing) commands. For more information in the use of this menu, please refer to the Mine2-Design Tool training manuals (Manuals 1A and 1B).

Vertical Mine2-4D Menu

Design Window

Design Adjustable


3 THE USER AND DESIGN MANAGER

Introduction and Background to task

This training manual has been designed to introduce the concepts of sub-projects and long term planning. It does this through the use of several Mine2-4D projects centered on an open stoping operation.

The data for this training should be installed on your machine under the C:\Database\Training\Mine2-4D Directory.

The 660, 680 and 700 levels represent the various levels of the mine, while the Future_Infrastructure directory contains the capital development necessary to access and support mining operations from these three levels. The Common Data and Geology directories contain files that are common to all projects and will be referenced using the File Inclusion List.

Before you start

Before creating a Mine2-4D Project, the Mine2-4D User Manager and Design Manager must first be correctly installed and configured. If you are a new Mine2-4D user at an established site, these aspects of the software will have already been taken care of by the System Administrator. However, it is still important to understand how the User Manager and Design Manager systems work.

What is the User Manager?

The Mine2-4D User Manager works in conjunction with the Mine2-4D Design Manager to control the use of design files and ensure data integrity.

The User Manager is designed to allow administrators to set privileges and options for various Mine2-4D users. The program creates and administers a “UserList”. This list is accessed when users logon to Mine2-4D.

The Administrator has full control over the passwords and options in this user list. For the most part there should only ever be one UserList (M4DuserList.m1d) for a site. This should be stored on a central server and a path to this location mapped from the workstations.


What is the Design Manager?

The Design Manager controls the individual Mine2-4D projects and manages the data across the network. Before being able to commence work on a project, the project must be “checked out” from the server to a working directory. Should the local disk be selected as the working directory, this can dramatically speed up processing. The Mine2-4D Design Manager works in conjunction with the Mine2-4D User Manager to control the use of design files and ensure data integrity.

Once a user profile has been setup in the User Manager, the Design Manager controls access to project files from a central file server.

The Design Manager ensures that two users cannot work on the same project file at the same time. This is to prevent loss of data when users copy worked projects back to the central file server. The Design Manager also ensures that a single user cannot check out two projects at the same time - this would lead to data being overwritten within the local working directory.

Userlists and your Working Directory

The Design Manager requires a user-list and working directory to be set so that a user can access and create project files

Data Management and Checking Procedures

Within the Design Manager, a user has access to several data management and checking procedures. These include:

Adding an existing project to the Design Manager

Deleting a project from the Design Manager

Checking out a project

Checking in a project

Undoing a check out

Retrieving the original data from the server

Showing the working history of a project

Exercise 1 – Create a new User List

You should have the following icon available from the bottom right hand corner of your Windows tooltray:

If this icon is not visible, go to Start | Programs | Earthworks | Mine2-4d Tools | Systray to initialise. Right clicking on the icon in the tooltray should reveal the following menu:


From this menu, select the User Manager option.

Select File | Set Userlist Location, and create a new directory under the C:\Program Files\Earthworks\Mine2-4D directory called UserList. Select this new directory as your user-list location.


You will be prompted to enter a password for access to the new user list. Enter admin as the password. This will become the new Administrator password to the Mine2-4D system, including start-up of the software.

By default, the list file (M4Duserlist.m1d) will automatically be saved to the current location, either the working directory you are in or the directory you have specified using the Set Userlist Location menu. The location of the user-list will be displayed in the status bar at the base of the dialog.

If this location is incorrect, use the Set Userlist Location option to update the directory location.


Exercise 2 - User Administration

Select Options | User Administration and then enter the Administrator password ‘admin’ to continue.

The fields in the User administration window represent the following:

Username : the logon name for the user, and must be unique for each user. Note: The “admin” user-name for the Administrator cannot be deleted or renamed.

Password : the password to the user log-in name - shown in an encrypted form in this dialog. The actual password may be altered by the administrator by right clicking on the row and selecting Change Password. The existing password is not required in order to change the password.

Privileges : This is broken up into 4 status levels: Administrator status (of which there may only be 1), Power User status (has ability to change everything in Mine2-4D with the exception of usernames and passwords), User status (can alter designs but definition databases cannot be changed) and Read Only status, which does not have the ability to change anything in the system.

Password Saves : This option should be toggled ON if “remembering” of the user’s password is allowed during user logon. If toggled OFF, the option will be disabled and the user will have to re-type the password each time they logon.

Active : The activity status of a user can be toggled OFF and set to Inactive if required - their details can remain on the system, however the ability to logon is removed. If the user


attempts to logon while their status is set as inactive, a message box will appear on the machine asking them to contact the system administrator. It is recommended that rather than “deleting” users, the status should be set to inactive.

Stand Alone : This toggle allows the user to access the system when not connected to the network. This option can be toggled OFF for users other than the Administrator.

User Types : The user can be allocated a User Type to limit their access to specific areas of the database - All, Engineering, Geology or Survey.

To add and delete records from the User list simply right click on the grid and select the appropriate option.

Add yourself to the user list, giving yourself Power User privileges.

Exercise 3 – Create a new File Add List

The File Add List stores links to common user files which can be accessed by all users when working in Mine2-4D. It enables users to access these files directly from the server without having to duplicate them on their local drive. It is suitable for files such as geological models, wireframes, topographies and general infrastructure.

Select Options | File Add List to get the File Add List dialog:

Right-click on the Files to Add window, then select Add File

Add the model file resmod.dm to the File Add List. This can be found in the sub-directory Geology.

Repeat for the file 2dgrid.dm which can be found in the sub-directory Common Data.

The File Add List screen should appear as follows :


Click OK to return to the User Manager.

Exercise 4 – Create a new Attribute List

The Attribute List stores pre-determined manual attributes that can be accessed later when editing any file in the Design Manager Database.

Add a New Attribute

From the User Manager dialog, select Options | Attribute List, then select New. You should now see the New Attribute dialog as shown below.

Type in the New Attribute Name LEVEL and click OK

When adding a new attribute it is necessary to specify the type of attribute - Numeric or Alpha-Numeric. If the type is Alpha-numeric, the character length of the attribute (a multiple of 4 to a maximum of 20) must also be specified.

Add Values for an Attribute

To add an Attribute Value to the Attribute List for the selected attribute (which should currently be LEVEL), simply right-click in the Attribute List grid area then select Add Record from the pop-up menu. You should now see the New Attribute Value dialog, as shown below.

Type in the value ‘660’ at the New Attribute Name prompt, then select OK.


Next enter the values ‘680’ and ‘700’ in the same way, and, finally, click Exit.

The Attribute List dialog should now appear as follows.

Click OK, to return to the User Manager dialog.

Select File | Exit to exit from the User Manager.

Exercise 5 – Starting a new project in Design Manager

You can commence work in Mine2-4D either by executing a checked out project from the Design Manager or starting a new project through the Mine2-4D Design Manager. In this exercise, we will create a new project for the Future Infrastructure directory.

Initiate the Design Manager dialog from the Mine2-4D tooltray icon or by using: Start | Programs | Earthworks | Mine2-4D Tools | Design Manager. On the Logon dialog, enter the Username that you created in Exercise 2 above, e.g.:


You should see the Design Manager dialog:

First select the sub-directory Working as your working directory using the option File | Set Working Folder.

If the sub-directory Working does not exist under the training directory, create it.

Once you have specified your working directory, create a new project file for the Underground directory by clicking New at the bottom of the Design Manager window.

In the Browse For Folder dialog, find and select the folder Underground | Future Infrastructure (within the Database | Training | M24D folder). You will then get the following dialog, but with an empty text box:


Enter a name for the new project – ie: ‘Future_Infrastructure’, then click OK. The project should automatically be created and checked out by the system and subsequently executed on your computer. (Warning: you may need to select or enter license details at this stage.)

Exercise 6 – Check in / Check Out

Once Mine2-4D has initialised, exit using File | Exit and return to the Design Manager.

You will notice that the newly created project is still “checked-out” on your system. You should check the project back in by right-clicking on the project then selecting Check In from the menu. Then enter an appropriate (polite!) comment. (Because this is a new project, it is not correct to use Undo Check Out – see below.)

Check In

Use Check In if you have made any changes to the project, or if you wish to make a comment about it. It is compulsory to include a comment when checking in to inform other users of any changes made. The Design Manager will then perform the following tasks automatically:

Backing up of the old project files on the file server.

Copying the recently worked data back to the server.

Creating a project history entry including user, time checked out, time checked in, comment and back-up file.

Undo Check Out

If no changes were made, you can undo the check out rather than check the project back in. This will eliminate the need to back-up data.

The project will be checked back in and the original data will be restored on the design file server. Note that any changes made since the last check out will be lost.

Exercise 7 – Project History

Show History

The working history of a project in the Design Manager can be viewed by right-clicking the project and selecting Show History from the menu.


Select Exit to return to the Design Manager dialog.

In preparation for the next exercise, you will need to check the project back out by right-clicking on the project then selecting Check Out from the menu, followed by Execute. (Located in the lower right-hand corner of the Design Manager).


4 PROJECT SETUP

Introduction and background to task

The purpose of this section is to introduce you to some of the tools available from the Project Setup dialog in Mine2-4D.

Project Setup

The Project Setup dialog is used to define the initial design information for a project.

Sub-Projects

Sub-projects can be used in Mine 2-4D as a means of scenario analysis - each sub-project uses the same .m4d file (containing the tables for the project), but can contain a completely different design or Mine2-4D design parameters.


Project Setup dialogs

Dialog Description

General Allows for entry of string files to be included in the design, and basic project options.

Conventions Setup of attributes, properties and naming convention to be used for the Project.

Geology Block Model setup for interrogation and depletion

Derived Activities Definition of derived activities, including a derived activity expression builder

Scheduler Allows for entry of EPS Scheduler setup details. (Can also be accessed from EPS).

Project Details

Details for the current project are specified in the Project Set-up | General menu.

Design Strings

In the Project Setup menu you can specify the design string types to be used within the project and define the files corresponding to each active design string type.

There are three design string types that can be used: fixed cross sectionals, outlines and complex solids.

Fixed cross sectionals (fxs) are created by applying a fixed cross sectional area to a design string (survey line).

Outlines are created by projecting closed strings a set distance perpendicularly, or by projecting them to hanging-wall and foot-wall wireframes.

Complex solids (cxs) are created by wireframing two closed strings.


Exercise 1 – Mine2-4D Startup

If you haven’t already executed the Future_Infrastructure Project as part of the previous exercise, do so now by completing the following:

1. Start Design Manager either from the Desktop icon or by selecting Start | Programs | Earthworks | Mine2-4D Tools | Design Manager.

2. Check out the Future_Infrastructure project that was created in the Introductory Tutorial by right-clicking on the project entry then selecting Check Out.

3. Click Execute (at the bottom of the Design Manager dialog) and Mine2-4D will start.

Exercise 2 – Project Setup

1. Click on the Project Setup button to enter the Project Setup dialog. The initial dialog, shown below, is General.


Design Strings

The Future_Infrastructure project consists of one design file – containing centre-lines for the ramp, vent and orepass system for an open stoping operation. The design file is called hwrs.dm and can be found in the Future_Infrastructure folder.

1. To ‘attach’ this table to your project, select Add File to Project (or use File | Add Files to Project.

2. Next tick the Fixed Cross Sectional checkbox, then select the design string file HWRS

by clicking on the browser button . A window will open listing the string files available. Because the table HWRS does not physically reside in the working folder, you will see the following message:

3. Click Yes to confirm this action.

4. Click the view button to view the fxs design strings. The strings will be loaded into the Design Window. (If this window is currently an icon, you will need to Restore it before you can see the strings.)

5. To see the loaded design strings in 3-D, right-click in the Design Window and select Update Visualizer Objects from the menu. Your Visualizer should look similar to the following:


Options

1. Leave all the options turned off.

Measurement system

1. Set the Measurement system to ‘Metric’.

2. Check that the Project dialog has the settings shown below:


Exercise 3 – Geology Interrogation

Geological Interrogation is where you can specify geological block model evaluation methods.

1. On the Project Setup dialog, select Geology | Interrogation:

2. Next, ensure that the model file RESMOD is part of your project. To do this, select File | Browse Project. If RESMOD does not exist, add it to the project using File | Add Files to Project | Manually. The file you need to add is resmod.dm in the folder Geology.

3. Right-click in the grid (grey area), then select Add from the menu. A default Interrogate action for RESMOD will be added to the list:

4. This will be sufficient for a simple interrogation of all design data against the model.

5. Make sure that the Perform Dilution Calculations checkbox is ticked; this ensures that any voids are treated as waste with no grade.


6. Set the [Default] value for Density to [4] as shown in the following image:

Legend to use in Interrogation – Although we are not using this option for this exercise, it is good to know of its existence.

The Legend to use in Interrogation allows the user to specify a Legend that will be used during the interrogation. This Legend needs to have first been defined under the Format | Legend menu. The legend must be set up using a field from the geological model that is NOT going to be interrogated.

Exercise 4 – General Options

1. Without leaving the Project Setup dialog, select Tools | Options | General to get the Options dialog:

2. Ensure the default Measurement system is set to metric and the gradient convention to ‘1:n’ and ‘+ve up’, the latter meaning that a positive gradient value indicates an upwards gradient and a negative value is downwards.


3. Select the Scheduler tab and select the default scheduling project as the Earthworks Production Scheduler.

Exercise 5 – Property Conventions

1. Select Conventions | Properties to display the Properties dialog (see below).

You should see 10 default base properties which cannot be deleted or modified. These properties are Metres, Area, Insitu Tonnes, Insitu Volume, Density, Tonnage Factor, Grade Factor, Mined Tonnes, Mined Volume and Void Volume.

You can add or delete extra properties by right-clicking and selecting from the popup menu. You will find that you are now able to select those attributes that have been made available by connecting to the model file RESMOD: CU, and ZONE.

2. Select CU and add to the properties.

When adding new properties, you must assign a name and units. If applicable a base property can be selected from the drop-down menu upon which the new property will be weighted.

3. Toggle on the Including Depletion fields option. This has the effect of adding a further property: Depleted Volume.

4. Select OK to proceed.


5 DESIGN AND VALIDATION


Mine2-4D streamlines the mine design process by containing tools to assist in automating time-consuming design processes, such as repetitive string design and data validation and cleaning.

The main Mine2-4D design dialog consists of the following three steps:

Step 1 – Design

Mine2-4D automates a great deal of the mine design process by using string attributes to define different excavation types. By creating a new string (or group of strings) with a unique colour, line style and symbol, the user can apply unique attributes to the string at a later stage.

Step 2 - Design Validation

Mine2-4D automatics the string cleaning and checking processes via a Data Validation Wizard.

Step 3 - Design Definitions

Once the design stage is completed, Mine2-4D applies attributes to the strings. These attributes include description, mining rate and scheduling constraints.

There are two tabs that exist under the Design menu: Design and Tools.


Design Tab

Under the Design tab, the following menus are available:

The Automatic Layout Tool is used to create designs from user-defined rules.

Note: Design Definitions must have been run before creating the Automatic Layout rules, as they are based on the Mine2-4D description of Design Types

The Design Editor enables referencing of remote files while editing design strings.

Editing of Design Directions allows users to reverse the direction of design strings. It is very important to ensure a string is laid out in the correct direction for sequencing and scheduling purposes.

In this instance, all of the design work has been carried out already. Therefore, all that is left to do is to edit the design directions.

It is very important to ensure that the Fixed Cross-Sectional design strings run in the correct direction, i.e. the direction of mining. If not, problems will occur with the sequence and the scheduling of the design. These problems can be fixed later, but it is much more difficult and time-consuming to do so.


Tools Tab

Under the tools tab, the following menus are available:

The Design Tools Tab, is activated by pressing the Design icon in the main menu.

The Mean Azi and Dip button calculates the mean azimuth and dip of each design string. This information is stored in a duplicate string file, via the newly created attributes AZIMUTH and DIP.

The Borehole Warning dialog is used to find boreholes in the vicinity of excavations

Data Validation

The Data Validation Wizard can be used to clean the Mine2-4D design data or the data associated with any other user defined file selected via the browser.

During the design process, data may be duplicated, wrongly entered or corrupted. The Data Validation Wizard offers an array of tools for removing any of this erroneous data.


The wizard investigates the Design Strings in the project. If no Design Strings have been defined the dialog will not operate.

The Data Validation Wizard specifically deals with the following:

invalid attributes

invalid point strings

cross over strings

removal of duplicate strings and points

resolution of points

flagging of severe angle changes

endlink checking

complex solid checking

data deletion


Attributes

This step allows the user to strip attributes from the design strings. Since all design tables in Mine2-4D are database tables, attributes are simply extra fields in these tables. Removing these attributes can reduce file size and processing time as well as keeping the data clean. To remove any unwanted attributes click on the Remove check box next to the attribute.

Invalid Point Strings

Cross Over Strings

Duplicate Strings


Duplicate Checking Precision can be set to check for points which are not exactly the same. A checking precision of 0.1 is recommended. Leaving the precision set at 0 will ensure that only exact duplicate strings are flagged.

Compare String Properties can be used to specify whether design definitions are used to define duplicate strings. If the check box is toggled on, Mine2-4D will only flag duplicate strings which do not share the same COLOUR, LSTYLE and SYMBOL combination. Otherwise, all spatial duplicates will be flagged.

Flag Partials can be toggled to search for strings which share two or more points. This tool is especially useful for highlighting fixed cross sectional strings that share many points but each have at least one unique point.

Duplicate Example 1

The strings shown in the fixed cross sectional example above would generally not be flagged as duplicates. However, if the precision was set to 0.5, points A2 and B1 would be seen as duplicate and points A3 and B2 would also be seen as duplicate. Still, if Flag Partials was not checked, these strings would not be seen as duplicate as points A1 and B3 would both be seen as unique.

Hence if the precision was set to ‘0.5’ and the Flag Partials was toggled on for Fixed Cross Sectionals, these strings would be seen as duplicate. If the Check Design Definitions toggle for Fixed Cross Sectionals was also toggled, these strings would not be seen as duplicate as string A has COLOUR 7 while string B has COLOUR 8.

Duplicate Example 2

In this second example, running with a precision of ‘0.5’, the Flag Partials check box would not need to be toggled on to find string B as a duplicate. Because all of the points on string B can be found on string A, string B would be flagged as a duplicate.

Note: If the Check Design Definition check box was toggled for Fixed Cross Sectionals, string B would not be found as a duplicate, as it does not have the same COLOUR, LSTYLE and SYMBOL combination as string A.

Resolve Points


Rectify Severe Angle Changes

Endlink Checking

The end link checker will only activate as long as there are outline or complex solid design types. Fixed Cross Sectionals are not subjected to this check. The process cycles through the design and checks each item individually.

Complex Solid Checking

As per the endlink check, the complex solid checker is only run on the complex solids design types. Fixed Cross Sectionals and Outlines are not subjected to this check

Data Deletion

The dialog shown above is displayed at the conclusion of the data validation process. Suspected problems are highlighted by recolouring the column heading either red or orange.


The fields of the grid represent the following:

Field Description

PVALUE unique ID for each string

TYPE 1, 2 or 3 for each of the design types (FXS, OUT and CXS respectively)

COLOUR Colour of the string

LSTYLE Linestyle of the string

SYMBOL Symbol used for points on the string

Dupl ID Duplicate strings

Partial duplicates will be highlighted in Orange, while exact duplicates will be highlighted in Red. By hovering over a duplicate, the PVALUE of the matching duplicate is displayed as shown.

Point Number of points in the string.

A single point string is not allow anywhere in Mine2-4D. Two and three point strings in CXS and OUT design types are defined as suspect.

RSLVE Instances where points along a string are closer than the specified minimum tolerance.

Angles Instances where strings contain severe angle changes.

CXS Number of strings with the COLOUR, LSTYLE and SYMBOL combination.

A CXS MUST contain at least two strings - if it does not it will be flagged.

EndLink Endlink problem.

If an error in the end-linking process occurred then the suspect string will be flagged.

XO XY Cross over in the XY plane.

XO YZ Cross over in the YZ plane.

XO XZ Cross over in the XZ plane.

A cross over string is calculated on view planes. While the system will flag crossovers they MUST be checked by the user. Looping strings will also be reported as crossovers.


Exercise 1 – Edit Design Directions

1. Click on the Edit Design Directions button in the vertical Design | Design tab menu. This will open the design in the Design Window and initiate the Edit Design Directions dialog.

2. Arrows show the direction of each mining segment along the string.

3. Select the strings whose direction you wish to reverse - multiple strings can be selected by holding down the Control key while left-clicking - then click the

reverse direction button . Alternatively you can use the short-cut key (rev).

4. You will notice the direction of the arrows on the design string will be reversed. This is a visual representation of the correct direction of mining.

5. Click OK to update the design string files with the altered string directions. Click the Cancel button to discard all changes (design string files will not be updated).

6. You should be required to edit the direction of several of the strings. You may also wish to use the insert-point-at-intersections (ii) and delete-point (dpo) commands to trim the vent raise to the lower access.


7. Finally, use your knowledge of the Design Window commands to complete the design by adding an Ore Pass vertically connecting the three Orepass Crosscuts. (For more information on these commands, please refer to your Mine2-4D Design Tools Manual 1A).


Exercise 2 – Data Validation

1. Under the Design Vertical Menu, select the Validation button.

2. Select the Data Validation Wizard :

The wizard investigates the Design Strings in the project. If no Design Strings have been defined the dialog will not operate.

3. Check the design strings for each of the following, as per the exercises:

invalid attributes

invalid point strings

cross over strings

removal of duplicate strings and points

resolution of points

flag severe angle changes

data deletion

4. Upon completion of the wizard, you should see the following form displayed:


5. Select the red XO XY Heading. You should see that all of the records are sorted according to this column, with any problem records reporting to the top of the form.

6. Check the Show and Auto Zoom options, and Apply Filter.

7. You will notice that it is the ramp string that is highlighted. In this instance the problem of suspected cross-overs has been flagged with the string as the string DOES cross over in the X-Y plane. As this is not an error with the data there is no need to make any adjustments.


6 DESIGN DEFINITIONS


The Design Definitions Menu is accessible from the Design menu:

The Design Definitions dialog is available from the Connect to Definitions area. This dialog contains up to three tabs, depending on the file types that were previously enabled in the Project Setup. The valid string file types are:

Fixed cross sectionals

Outline definition

Complex solids

Filters and Attributes Buttons


Applying Filters

To have access to the above options, you must toggle on View Design strings while editing Design Definitions upon opening of the Design Definitions form.

This toggle allows you to subsequently view any strings with an individual design definition on their own by using filters. To view strings of a particular description, click on the description, then click the Apply Button in the Filters area. All other Design Types will be hidden in the Design Window. To view all of the design strings for that design type, click on the Remove

Filters button.

To change how you view the strings (i.e. to fill the entire Design Window) check the Auto Zoom button before applying the filter. This will automatically zoom to extents when you apply the filter. To remove the filter click on the remove filter button.

Editing Attributes

To edit the attributes of design strings, click on the Edit button in the Attributes area then go to the Design Window and click the string you wish to edit.

Four attribute menu buttons will appear at the bottom left of the Design Window:

Colour (Base Attribute)

Symbol (Base Attribute)


Linestyle (Base Attribute)

Other Attributes

Clicking the Colour, Symbol, or Linestyle menu buttons will bring up the respective lists of those types from which you can choose.

To change an attribute of the selected design string, click on the Colour, Symbol or Linestyle that you wish to use.

Clicking on the Other Attributes Box will bring up two boxes to the right; one with the Attribute Name and the other with the Attribute Value. Arrows are provided to the right of the Attribute Name Box which allow the user to scroll through the various Attribute Names. To change the Attribute Value click in Attribute Value Box, type in the new value and hit enter. Be aware that Attribute Names and their Values are case sensitive.

Saving Changes to Attributes

Once you have finished editing the design string attributes, to update the design definition database click on the Update button in the Attributes area of the Design Definitions window. You will be asked if you wish to save the current design.

On clicking Yes the design string file and the design definition database will be updated with any new combinations of Colour, Symbol and Linestyle. You must then fill in the Properties for any new Design Types that have been added.

On Clicking No you will lose any changes made.

Cross Section Tool

Clicking the button will bring up the X-Section Tool dialog.

On exiting the Design Definition Database, Mine2-4D will prompt whether the user wishes to connect the definition database to the design. Clicking OK will apply all the Properties from the Design Definition Database to the Design String File.


Segment Length

The segment distance specifies the segment length to which each fxs design string will be cut, for the purposes of sequencing, wireframing, evaluation, and scheduling.

Note: It is possible to enter a segment length of ‘-1’. This will have the effect of creating NO segments. Similarly, entering ‘-2’ will have the effect of breaking the string into 2 equal segment lengths etc

The smaller the segment length chosen, the greater the level of detail able to be reported. However, reducing the segment length also has the effect of increasing the number of records in a project. Therefore there typically has to be some compromise between reasonable amount of detail, and reasonable size of project.

Exercise 1 – Design Definitions

1. Select the Design Definitions Menu from the vertical Design Menu.

2. The following warning will be displayed:

3. Check the box to View Design Strings while editing Design Definitions. This will load the design strings into the Design Window for you to view and edit. If you do not


toggle this option on, you will not have access to the filtering and attribute options discussed in the Background Information.

4. If you have not saved valid changes to the strings in the Design Window, click No at this point. Return and save the changes before continuing.

5. If you are happy that all data is saved, click Yes to Continue.

6. On selecting Yes, the following warning dialog will appear:

7. Click YES and select the M24DESC field. This will select the M4DDESC field as the basis for each string Description.

8. The Design Definition form will then open. Check that you can see the following:

Before continuing you will need to edit the X-Sectional shape, Scheduling Rate and Segment Distance for each design type as follows:

Cross Sectional Shape

By default, you are able to choose from three standard X-Sectional shapes. These are Standard Rectangular, Standard Circular and ShantyBack. You also have the option to create any user defined shape required.

9. For the Orepass_XCut choose a Standard Rectangular X Section shape and give it the following dimensions: 4mW x 4mH.


10. For the Ramp, we first need to create a user-defined arched profile. To do this, click

the button to bring up the X-Section Tool dialog. Select the Arch option and input a height of ‘5m’, a width of ‘5m’ and an arch radius of ‘1.8m’. By selecting the Create button, you should see the following displayed on screen:

`

11. Select the Save Option and you will be prompted to enter a name for your new profile.

12. You will then be prompted to select two outline positions. These positions will be used as the reference points to automatically generate wall strings for you. Therefore it makes sense to select the two points at the left and right hand corner of the arch. You will be prompted to reply if you “are happy with the outline points you have selected”. Choose Yes and Exit from the X-Sectional Tool. You will now find that you are able to select the 5x5 Arch from the drop down list when nominating your X Sectional Shape.

13. To finish, nominate the following:


Orebody_XCut Standard Rectangular 5mW x 5mH

Vent Raise Standard Circular 3.5m diameter

Vent_XCut Standard Rectangular 4mW x 4mH

Orepass: Standard Circular 3.5m diameter

Segment Length

By scrolling to the right of the main Design Definition form, you will notice that there is allowance to enter in a scheduling constraint, rate and segment distance.

The default scheduling constraint is ASAP (As Soon As Possible). The option of As Late As Possible (ALAP ) is also available.

14. Change the Description field, so that each different activity type has both a 2-3 character “code” as well as the description of the activity. (This is important to ensure the naming convention works properly, as will be discussed in more detail later).

15. Enter the Scheduling rates and Segment distances as per the above form. Please note that the Scheduling rate is the nominal rate that will be exported to your scheduling package. Therefore it is a good idea to select a sensible figure for each design type.

A segment distance of 10 will cause your design strings to broken into 10m segment intervals for wall and wireframe creation. A segment distance of -1 will cause your design strings to be maintained with no segment distance being used while a segment distance of -2 will cause your design strings to be broken into two halves etc…

The segment distances you choose will affect the sequencing rules in later chapters.

The advanced options are for integration with the Earthworks Rings package.

16. Select Connect to save and continue.


7 PREPARATION


The preparation menu can be accessed from both the Design and Planning Menus.

Design Menu

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Preparation Menu

The functions available through the vertical Design | Design Definitions | Preparation Menu allow the user to apply the attributes defined in the Project Setup to the design. These functions can also be accessed from the Planning | Preparation Menu.

The preparation area is also where the user creates Design, Defined and Derived activities.

Design activities – are those defined in your Design Definition table, such as ramp development and stoping.

Defined Activities – are stand-alone occurrences, such as a Crusher Chamber installation, a 3 month exploration drilling program etc

Derived activities – are activities that can be based on a Base activity. For example, longhole drilling metres can be derived from your base activity of stoping.

Exercise 1 – Define Attributes

Attributes are user-defined data definitions that can be applied to design items either manually or automatically. Typical examples of attributes would be a level identifier attribute, LEVEL or the access name attribute, NAME etc. Attribute names and purposes will vary from site to site.

Before an attribute can be applied to a design item, it must first be defined in the Project Setup.


Attributes can be defined as follows:

Visual Manual Attributes: rarely used, except in situations where it is useful to re-colour the design items based on the application of the attribute.

Non- visual manual attributes: the most common. Attributes are applied to the design item manually.

Automatic: attributes are automatically assigned to the design items from 2D string files or 3D wireframe files.

Scheduler Entered: attributes are created in EPS and applied to design items after the schedule has been generated.

Model Identifier: automatically applied by Mine2-4D, to keep a record of which model was used during the evaluation process.

Return to the Project Setup area and define the following under the Attributes menu:

This ensures that every design string in Mine2-4D has the following attributes associated with it:

LEVEL – Numeric code field.

Once this attribute has been defined, select the Design | Design Definitions | Preparation Menu. You are now able to start defining the attributes.

Exercise 2 – Apply Design Attributes

1. Select the Non-Visual Attribute menu, under the Planning | Preparation area.


The dialog you now see should be as follows:

2. Select the 660 level Orebody XCut, Orepass_XCut and Vent_XCut strings. From the drop-down list available in the Set Attribute Value form, select the 660 value (as previously defined in the User Manager | Options | Attribute List). Select the Set Selected button to apply this attribute value to the selected strings in the Design Window.

3. Repeat the process for the 680 and 700 level strings. (Do not apply any value for the decline or ventilation rise). Upon completion, you should see the


following, the “-“ value indicating absent values for the LEVEL attribute on some of the design strings.


Exercise 3 - Wall & Point Generation

Wall and point generation occurs under the Design | Design Definitions | Preparation Menu. These functions can also be accessed from the Planning | Preparation Menu.

Each activity in Mine24D is in someway represented by a physical location in space and other associated data. Wall and point creation takes the mine design as an input and converts it over to a wall string and point for each activity. During the process the following tables are created:

walls_all_[] - a 3D string for each activity

points_all_[] - a 3D point in space for each activity

evald[] - dummy evaluation containing "estimated" values for metres and tonnage.

All of these tables are linked on SEGMENT .

As the Future_Infrastructure project consists of only a fxs design, it will only be necessary to generate walls and points for this design type.


1. Toggle ON the option to Create a single outline of each design string if you wish to create an additional output file, outd0.dm, containing one continuous outline for each design string.

2. Select OK. Wall strings will then be generated for each segment (according to the segment size defined in the Design Definitions form) and saved to the wallsd0.dm file:

.

You should also note that each segment is represented by a single point (displayed as an arrow). The starting segment for each string is represented by a green point, the middle segment by a yellow point, the end segment by a red point and all other segments as blue points.


8 SOLIDS AND EVALUATION


Continue to create a Mine2-4D Project for the Future Infrastructure.

Preparation

This stage can also be accessed from the Design Menu, and has been dealt with in the previous chapter.

Solids and Evaluation

Once the preparation is completed, Mine2-4D wireframes each string segment as defined in the Design Definition, and evaluates the resulting solids against a block model as defined in the Project Setup.

Sequencing and Scheduling

Mine2-4D uses the walls generated in the Design stage to create solids for interrogating against a geological block model, and the points are used to create scheduling links between different objects. In essence, the walls are used to generate data blocks, and the points are used to schedule these data blocks.

Once sequencing of the wall objects is completed, solids can be created which are used to interrogate the geological database. At this point, the user will have a complete 3-dimensional data set with basic scheduling dependencies. All that is required is to finalise the schedule.

To do this, the data is transferred to the Earthworks Production Scheduler (EPS). This program is an advanced Mine Scheduling Program designed specifically to act as both a standalone tool and as a fully integrated part of Mine2-4D.


Reporting

A major aspect of Mine2-4D is its ability to communicate your design and schedule to others. Mine2-4D has a set of reporting tools that enable the user to communicate the design in a range of ways, from detailed costing numbers through to 3D animations.

Exercise 1 – Creating Solids

Under the Solids and Evaluation Menu, the user has the ability to create solids for specified design types.

1. For this exercise, we are only going to be wireframing our fixed cross sectional strings. Therefore select the Fixed Cross Sectional button. At the following dialog, select OK.


2. Upon completion, the following should be visible from the Visualizer Window:

Exercise 2 – Evaluating Solids

Once the solid models are created the user can move onto the Evaluation tab. Through this tab it is possible to evaluate each of the individual wireframed segments against the block model(s) specified in the Project Setup.


1. Select the Evaluate Design button, and OK. As this is the first time you have processed any data using the resmod.dm model, you will be required to first run through the Block Model Validation Wizard.

This wizard helps validate your model, to ensure there are no absent or negative values for any of the model fields. It also allows you to delete any unnecessary fields in an effort to reduce overall file size and processing time.

2. As CU is the only grade field you are interested in evaluating, delete all remaining fields from the model by toggling off the option to include them in the Output Model.


3. As soon as the model validation has finished, select Finish to allow the evaluation process to begin.

Upon completion, an Interrogation Report will be displayed. This report highlights those wireframes that have a large volume discrepancy between the dummy volume (calculated volume) and evaluation volume (evaluated against the block model).

4. If you have toggled on the option to Display the report grid on completion you will have the following Data Reporting screen displayed at the end of the evaluation processing:


5. This screen can be displayed at all times by selecting the Tools | Reporting | Project option from the menu.

6. Experiment with the group by columns option that is available by dragging the column header to the grey grid area at the top of the form. A variety of actions can also be performed on the data by selecting from the Column | Action options available from the left hand side of the form. For example, in the form below the data has been grouped according to the M4DESC field and the metres have been summed for each different occurrence of M4DDESC.


9 SEQUENCING


The sequencing menu takes care of the automatic and manual sequencing of activities, as well as the sequence export and scheduling.

.

Automatic Dependency Creation

The automatic dependency process enables the user to create dependencies between the activities in the mine design. Each of these activities has a unique 3D point, which is used to create the 3D dependencies. The automatic dependency definitions are used to create many of these dependencies. It should be noted that dependencies are created based on the Description, as setup in the Design Definitions dialog.

Mine2-4D can automatically generate dependency definitions. Using the premise that underground mining development is usually related to other development spatially, Mine2-4D uses a search radius to calculate the links between adjacent activities.


Position

Throughout the Automatic Dependency Definitions dialog, the term "Position" is used to represent a location on a design string. Four positions types are available - START, END, MID and ANY.

START - start point of a string (denoted as a green point)

END - end point of a string (denoted as a red point)

MID - approximate middle point of a string (denoted as a yellow point)

ANY - includes any point from strings with the specified description, including Start, End and Mid-points (denoted by green, red, yellow or blue point).

Search Origin

Mine2-4D uses the Search Origin to define where to focus a search for Predecessors or Successors. The user must select the description of the string and the position on the string to centre the search radius.

Note: at least one of the Predecessor or Successor fields must match the description of the Search Origin. If this is not the case no automatic linking will take place.

Predecessor/Successor

By definition, a successor is dependent upon a predecessor. Mine2-4D will search the Predecessor and Successor fields for a DIFFERENT description to the Search Origin point.

Position Overrider

The Position Overrider is effective when there is ambiguity within the search criteria. The following example illustrates one of these cases.


Position Scenario

Headings "B" and "C" represent two active cut and fill stopes. The distance from the start activity of "A" to the END activity of B is roughly 50m. The distance from the END activity of B to C's END activity is 5 m. The search radius that would need to be created in order to encapsulate B's END point would be so large, that C's END point would most likely be within the ‘sphere'. There could likely be other END points of B or C on a different elevation. The Position Override would allow a much smaller search radius to be used. The ANY position point combined with the END Override Position would first find the nearest (ANY) B point, yet Override to the END point for linking.

In addition to the standard type of Overrider it is also legitimate to supply an integer value. This will override the join by that number of segments. This can be particularly useful when trying to ensure that faces are kept a certain distance from each other. If the number of segments goes past the last segment of the parent string, the override will not be performed. Negative values are also supported, however, if the position goes beyond the start of the parent string, no override will be performed.

Link (Delay / Type)

Under the LINK feature, two subheadings exist. DELAY is quite obviously a built-in delay. The link simply dictates ‘order of operation', but the delay will provide a time lag where required. There are four choices under TYPE, namely FS, SF, SS, FF (Start and Finish – Links 1 through 4 respectively).


Type Examples

The FS option will be the link used most often. The FF is an effective tool, as it will ensure two items complete simultaneously. It is important that this link is only be used with a total understanding of global efforts since it can cause problems if used incorrectly.

Limiting the Search

By definition, a successor is dependent upon a predecessor. Mine2-4D will search the Predecessor and Successor fields for a DIFFERENT description to the Search Origin point.

When creating dependencies from the definitions setup in this dialog, Mine2-4D will search the Predecessor and Successor fields for entries with a description and position that differs from the Search Origin. The program will search for points of this description and position as a Predecessor or Successor as specified.

Search (Method / Radius / Origin)

SEARCHING is broken up into three different categories. The grey areas in the Automatic Dependency Definitions box represent cells that no data is required to input since a default has been selected.

RADIUS is the distance that is searched from the Search Origin's activity to the outermost shell.

METHOD is subdivided into six further categories in order to narrow the search:

o Standard (Spherical) – This provides no limits with respect to elevation or azimuth

o Standard (+ve Z) – This option ensures that only activities with an elevation above the Search Origin's activity are considered. This can also be visualized as the upper hemisphere with the Search Origin's activity as the core

o Standard (-ve Z) - This option ensures that only activities with an elevation below the Search Origin's activity are considered. This can also be visualized as the lower hemisphere with the Search Origin's activity as the core


o Constrained (Spherical) - This option provides no limits with respect to azimuth

o Constrained (+ve Z) - This option allows the user to narrow the defined azimuth to an elevation greater than that of the Search Origin's activity

o Constrained (-ve Z) - This option allows the user to narrow the defined azimuth to an elevation less than that of the Search Origin's activity

ORIGIN is how the user wants the search to be oriented, and is also subdivided. This option allows the user to be more specific with the desired searching area with different options available when using STANDARD vs. DEFINED AZIMUTH for the METHOD. As the user selects the ORIGIN, the SEARCH AZIMUTH and SEARCH DIP cells will toggle between white and grey. Grey indicates that input is not required. This deals with the four categories classified as:

o STANDARD method

o USER DEFINED – This option should be selected when the user wishes to define the MAIN Azimuth and Dip of the perspective from the Search Origin's activity

o DESIGN AZIMUTH - This option should be selected when the user wishes to simply define the MAIN Dip, while using the design's existing Azimuth

o DESIGN DIP - This option should be selected when the user wishes to simply define the MAIN Azimuth, while using the design's existing Dip

o DESIGN AZIMUTH & DIP – This option should be selected when the user is satisfied using the design's existing Azimuth and Dip

o DEFINED AZIMUTH method requires the user to input the two azimuths "1" and "2" (in the Automatic Dependency Definitions box), from the Design or MAIN, which are to be searched between. The following schematics clearly show examples of different possibilities.

o USER DEFINED – This option should be selected when the user wishes to define the MAIN Azimuth and Dip, as well as dictating the search Azimuth

o DESIGN AZIMUTH - This option should be selected when the user wishes to input only the Dip, while satisfied with using the design Azimuth

o DESIGN DIP - This option should be selected when the user wishes to input only the Azimuth, while satisfied with using the design Dip

o DESIGN AZIMUTH & DIP – This option should be selected when the user is satisfied using the design's existing Azimuth and Dip


The SEARCH RADIUS DIVISORS dictate the size and shape of the search extents. The Y-axis will be the Design Azimuth unless otherwise specified by the user. The X and Z-axis units can be manipulated to produce a shape other than a sphere. For example, if the RADIUS is set to 25 and the X, Y, and Z parametres are all set to 1, a sphere with a search radius of 25 would be created. Because of the DIVISOR's nature, the value will be divided by the RADIUS to produce a search radius for that axis. For example, with the RADIUS set to 25, and the X and Y parametres are set to 1 with the Z parametre set to 2, an ellipsoid with a 25m radius for the X and Y axis with a 12.5m (25/2) radius for the Z axis will be created.

By clicking on the activity points will be annotated with the Description given in the Design Definitions.

Pressing the Generate button will result in the dependencies being created.

Exercise 1: Automatic Sequence Generation

For this exercise, we are going to use Automatic Sequence Generator to create as many of our dependencies as possible.

1. First select the Automatic Button.

2. You will need to create approximately 5-6 rules, defining the interaction between the development types. The best way to create your automatic rules is to “build” the rules one at a time. Your first rule for the [Ramp to Orebody_XCut] development may be similar to the following:


3. Note that the search radius required will depend heavily on the segment distance used in the Design Definitions form. As the Ramp was originally assigned a segment distance of 10m, this also makes sense for the initial search radius.

4. As soon as you are satisfied with the first automatic Sequence rule you have created, select the Process button. The following screen will then appear:

5. Adjust the animation interval to ‘300’ and select the Animate button. Your sequence will be animated in the Design Window. Links will be displayed as bright purple stings that are easily distinguished.

Increase animation interval.

Select OK to save and exit.

Select Animate to view

You will need to toggle Recalculate Sequence if links have been MOVED (as opposed to created).

Link creation button. Select and then snap from and to the points that you want to create the link between. Delay button. Set before creating new link.


6. The initial sequence rule should result in three sequence links being generated.

7. Once you are satisfied with the effect of your single rule creation, select OK and return to the Automatic Sequence Generator. Build up the remaining three rules you require to sequence the entire future infrastructure process. If you encounter problems, you may wish to refer to the completed rules overleaf.

8. Select Process and re-run the animation. If your rules are correct, you will have created 11 automatic dependencies.

Sequencing Troubleshooting

If you are not happy with the sequencing, you can use the Sequence, Filter, AutoLink and Checks menus to help troubleshoot. If the problem is that one of your rules is unsuitable, select OK and return to the Automatic Rule Generator to resolve. You may find that you actually need to return and edit your design string directions or actual design strings in order to streamline the process.

If the problem is a single one-off instance that could be fixed by the addition of a small number of manual links, you may prefer to use the Dependencies area to add a manual

dependency. You can do this by selecting the button.



Exercise 2 – Scheduling

Once you are satisfied with the sequencing, you are able to move onto the Scheduling area.

The Scheduling tab allows for the export/import of the visual schedule into the Earthworks Production Scheduler (EPS) for further refinement. For this exercise, we will be using a blank EPS template. Therefore select the Sequence Export button, to see the following dialog:

It is possible to select settings for EPS in the Project Setup of Mine2-4D. In this exercise we are simply going to export the raw data.

1. Select OK to start the exporting process. This may take a few minutes.

2. Once complete, select the Open Selected Scheduler button. You should see the following displayed on your screen:

Returns to the manual sequencing form for sequence validation.

Opens the Mine2-4D data in EPS, using the

UPDATES Mine2-4D with any changes made in EPS (Links, start dates, finish dates, rates, data values etc).



10 AN INTRODUCTION TO EPS


EPS is a project-scheduling tool that has been developed specifically for the mining industry. On its own it is an independent Gantt-chart scheduler, with an interface similar to Microsoft Project™. Unlike Microsoft Project™, it uses a flexible relationship between three factors: quantity, rate and duration. Normally, mining activities determine the quantity and use the rate to determine the duration; however any two factors can be used by EPS to calculate the third.

EPS is fully integrated with Mine2-4D, facilitating the two-way transfer of activity/resource data and dependencies to produce a graphical schedule.

This tutorial briefly introduces some of the main functions of EPS. For more advanced training, please refer to the Advanced EPS Training Manual (Mine2-4D Manual 4).

The EPS Interface

The EPS interface consists of a Task Table, Gantt Chart, Crosstab and Date Bar.

The Gantt Chart area of the application shows a view of the schedule information contained within the Task Table. When dependencies are created this information is stored in the Task Table. The scheduling engine calculates Start and Finish dates for the activities and the associated Gantt Bars are shown in the Gantt Chart

The Crosstab then has the ability to show the information from the Task Table (both custom and fixed fields) in the associated Date Bar column. In addition, filters may be applied to this information for more advanced reporting.

Task Table

Gantt Chart

Crosstab Table

Date Bar

Date Bar


Resources

EPS contains a number of tools for resource management and levelling. When a resource is defined, it is necessary to apply a default production rate. This can be a single default value or it can refer to a lookup table, allowing the resource different rates based on the characteristics of the activity.

It is also possible to apply availabilities to a resource and costs to track economic information.

Project Settings

Each schedule or project can contain large amounts of data. Effective formatting, lookup tables and targets are necessary with complex projects to allow you to effectively schedule. These are defined in the Project Settings as shown below.

Calendars allow you to have specific working periods for different activities and resources to reflect the reality of the project. Filters assist managing the large quantities of data inherent in a complex schedule. The creation of new Production Fields allows you to generate data from existing data using equations (eg weighted grade of a block) and filters.

As well as production fields, you can create Text Fields and Code Fields to define lists of possible code categories for the project. Summary Fields can also be created to assist in reporting from the Crosstab.

Targets can be set to anticipated values for defined fields to assist in tracking (not optimization). Targets can be projected over time and can be allocated high and low values if fluctuations are expected. Targets are defined to alter the colour of the relevant fields being reported in the Crosstab to indicate whether above or below the target range. Any field can be used to set a target.

Production Lookup Tables can be defined to apply changes in resource rates depending on time or values of any fields.


Exercise 1 – Viewing your data

1. Upon opening, select the Binocular button in the top right hand corner to zoom into the Project Data:

2. By default the project start date will be set to today’s date. To alter to the project start date, go to Project | Settings |Target Start and enter ‘1 July 2008’.

Exercise 2 – Summarising the Project Data

Due to the nature of the segments created in Mine2-4D, you will notice that there are a large number of line items (tasks) created in EPS. Each task has a unique ID (SEGMENT) which allows information to be carried from Mine2-4D to EPS and vice versa.

There are distinct advantages associated with this task splitting, such as the ability to more accurately schedule dependant activities and an increase in the level of detail able to be reported, such as development drive grade variation along strike. It can also be useful to view these tasks as summary project data, or rollup bars. To do this, it is necessary to first GROUP the activities.

1. Go to Project | Group | Task and select the New Grouping icon ( )

2. Select Description from the drop down menu:


Note A naming convention is a very useful way of being able to group your data.

3. Select the [Rollup Description] item from the Grouping drop-down list.

4. Highlight all of the data in the Task Table by clicking in the grey header area of the field.

5. Next select the Roll Up Button

6. To view Summary Bars for the entire Task Table, highlight the Description field and

click the Hide Subtasks button.

This is especially useful for the printing of project data - it can greatly reduce the amount of visible information while still providing an overall duration for the completion of tasks.

Exercise 3 - Setting up the Crosstab

1. Right click in the Crosstab area of EPS to see the following options:

2. Select the Chart Options menu. Next select the Blank Page icon to create a new Crosstab. Assign this crosstab the name ‘Summary’.


3. Select the following fields from the drop-down menu:

4. Scroll across, and apply the Crosstab to all Filtered Tasks. You may also want to adjust the decimal spacing reported in the Crosstab.

5. To view the same Crosstab data, but in histogram format, right click in the Crosstab area and select Chart Options | General and toggle on Histogram of totalled fields.

Exercise 4 – Creating Filters and Sorting

Filters and sorting in EPS can be accessed from the Project menu, or from the following area on the toolbar:

.

1. Go to Project | Filter | Tasks and select the blank file icon


2. Assign the filter the name ‘Ramp’, and assign the expression

Description = Ramp.

Toggle ON the Show related Summary Tasks option.

3. Create additional filters for the Orepass, Orebody_XCut, Vent_XCut and Orepass_XCut development. Remember to toggle on the Show Related Summary Tasks option for each filter.

Exercise 5 – Levelling Resources

To level resources, it is necessary to first enter/create your resources.

1. To do this, simply type the resource name in o the CrossTab. Double click on the item to open up the Resource Information form.


2. Enter in ‘6/d’ as the Default Production Rate. (The units are automatically taken from the activity to which the resource is applied).

3. To assign the resource to a task, first select the task/s in the task table. Select Edit | Assign Resource or <Cntrl-A> to assign the resource, and Tools | Resource Levelling | Level Now to level the tasks according to the resource.

4. Finally, select File | Save to save the EPS project to the working directory. (This file is copied back into the C:\Database\Training\Future_Infrastructure folder when the Mine2-4D project is checked back in).

5. Select File | Save As to save the file as Template.ext to the C:\Database\Training\M24D\Underground\CommonData folder. This template will be used for data exporting in later exercises.


11 REPORTING


To become familiar with the Reporting options available in Mine2-4D.

The Reporting tab is used to generate reports about the current mine design. There are three main areas of the form, Evaluation, Properties and Schedule:

Evaluation

The first area, Evaluation, is used to create reports on either the actual design or on the project. Reports on the actual design can be conducted by clicking on the Design Stats button, or alternatively on the project by clicking the Project Reporting button.

Properties

The second area, Properties, allows specific colours to be applied to parts of the design. Under Legend Definitions, the user is able to setup legends for colouring the evaluated objects. The Colour Objects button is used to apply the defined legends to actual objects in the schedule.

Schedule

The final part of the form, Schedule, allows specific colours to be applied to different parts of the design schedule and for the final schedule to be viewed in 3D as an animation. The


colours for the schedule are defined by pressing the button Schedule Colouring Definitions, while the animation can be viewed by pressing the 3D Animation button.

Exercise 1 – Set Schedule Colouring Definitions

Under the Schedule Sub-Heading, select the Schedule Colouring button to display the following:

1. Select the Get Schedule Stats button in order to read the schedule file and fill in the Schedule Statistics. This provides feedback on the start and end dates of the schedule and the length of the schedule.

2. To create a new colouring definition, click New and assign a name for the definition. In this instance we will be creating a monthly schedule legend, so name the colour definition MONTH.

3. Right clicking on the grid (grey area), to Add a single record to the definition. (If you make a mistake, the option Delete Current will delete the selected record).

4. Next use the Generate Recurrences button to automatically create recurring intervals. For this exercise, generate monthly intervals until the schedule end.

Step 2: re-colour objects according to schedule.

Step 3: create animation.

Step 1: define schedule colouring


5. You can edit the resulting colours by clicking on each colour and selecting an alternative from the drop-down menu. The colours correspond with the standard Mine2-4D Design Window colours.

6. Once you are happy with the schedule legend, colour your solids using the following button:


7. This step will create the wireframe files schedwall_all_0tr/pt.dm. (You have the provision to rename these files by typing over the default in the Save As dialog).

8. In addition, if you select the Break FXS to Schedule this option will re-generate the wall outlines according to your schedule. This option is invaluable when generating Budget, LoM, Monthly rolling plans etc.

9. You can create a psuedo wall-string or wireframe animation from within this dialog if required. For this exercise, select Exit and we will use the 3D Animation dialog as part of the next exercise.

Exercise 2 - Create 3D Animations

The 3D Animation tool allows users to animate solids that have been created and scheduled in Mine2-4D. Animations can be created using the colours of the existing solids, or alternatively, the user can choose to apply Schedule Colouring Definitions to the solids before creating the animation.

There are two tabs in the top section of the Create 3D Animation Dialog: Create from Schedule & Create from Solid


Create from Schedule

1. Select the Animation button from the Reporting Tab, and choose the Create from Schedule option.

2. Select the recently created ‘MONTH’ Schedule Definition from the drop down menu.

3. Check on the Apply schedule colours to colour the solids according to the date they are scheduled to occur using the legend created by the chosen Schedule Definition.

4. It is important to realize that when an animation is created from a schedule, a solids (wireframe) file called sched_wre_all_*tr is also created. This file contains all the solids to be animated and the animation sequence. It is therefore possible to run an animation from this solids file by specifying it as the Solid Triangles file under the Create from Solid Tab.

Select schedule definition to determine animation speed

Choose from schedule colours (as per Step 1) or user colours. User colours will animate the wireframes according to the selected schedule date legend, but the wireframe colours will be taken from the original design or a user defined legend).

Format date stamp annotation

Add objects to animation (such as survey as-builts)

Handy tool for open-pit animation.

Select OK to continue.


5. To view the animation, right click in the Visualizer Window and select the Start Animation option.

6. To save a copy of your animation, right click in the Design Window and choose Publish Animated Visualizer View. This will save your animation as a .gvp file – but without any annotation text. Alternatively, if you choose the Visualisation|Publish Animated Visualizer View option from the Visualisation Menu, your animation will be saved WITH text annotation.

Exercise 3 – Check in / Check Out

After you have created the animation, select File | Exit to close Mine2-4D and return to the Design Manager.

You will notice that the newly created project is still “checked-out” on your system. You should check the project back in by right-clicking on the project then selecting Check In from the menu. Then enter an appropriate (polite!) comment. (Because this is a new project, it is not correct to use Undo Check Out).


12 PRESENT – PLOTTING MANUALLY


Earthworks Present is a tool for plotting geological and mining data. This tutorial briefly introduces some of the main features of Earthworks Present, and looks at how Present “links” to the Mine2-4D data tables to create a dynamically linked plot.

What is Earthworks Present?

Earthworks Present gives you access to a number of powerful plotting features, including:

o Import drillhole data files of various types, and from various different sources, including text files, SQL/ODBC database tables, spreadsheets, other third party formats and Datamine files.

o Graphically interrogate the drillhole data in section or 3D views. All views are dynamically linked so that samples selected in any one view are selected in all linked views.

o Insert plot items like text boxes, coordinate grids, scale bars, tables and title blocks which automatically adjust as you change the position, orientation and scale of plot sheets.

o Import and format other 3D objects from CAD drawings and other 3D data sources using the Earthworks Data Source Drivers.

o Select different paper sheet sizes, orientations, margins and scales for each view type, all within the same document.

o Use Page Layout mode to display and interactively edit page borders, sheet margins, plot frames, coordinate grids, plot items and parameter profiles.

Flexible data model

A single Present document contains all section, plan, and 3D plots for each project simplifying the task of project document management. The document records the links to all the imported data tables, parametre surface models and 3D objects without actually copying the original data. This means whenever the document is opened or refreshed, any changes made to the source data are automatically shown in every section and plan plot. The unique data model employed by Present offers many important benefits:

o Saves on disk storage because the source data is never duplicated.

o Ensures that Present can be used with any user selected database management system, spreadsheet program or text tables.

o Ensures that all plots accurately reflect the master data files because plots are dynamically linked to the source data files.

o Saves you time in managing project documents and updating project plots when project data is added or edited.

Document Wizard


Probably the simplest and easiest way to start using Earthworks Present is to use the Document Wizard. The Document Wizard steps you through the initial stages of building a new project including:

o Importing drillhole data such as collar coordinates, surveys, assays, and other downhole logs and then use the data to create desurveyed drillhole traces.

o Importing other data including points, strings (polylines), wireframes, and block models.

o Checking the imported data for possible errors and displaying the results in the report view.

o Create a complete set of plan, EW and NS section plots.

There are two ways to start the Document Wizard:

o When Earthworks Present starts, the Startup dialog gives you the opportunity to check the Document Wizard radio button.

o The document wizard starts automatically whenever you select the New command from the File menu.

Exercise 1 – Data Import (Strings)

1. Start Earthworks Present by selecting the Tools | Interactive Plotting | Present option from the pull down menus. Toggle on the option to start the Document Wizard and press the OK button to continue.

2. The next menu you see will be a welcome page, press the Next > button to start loading the data.


3. Set the prompts in the Import Data Types menu to match those in the image below and press the Next > button to continue.

4. The next menu will be titled Import String/Polyline Tables. Press the Add… button and when prompted set the Driver Category and Data type settings to match those in the image below and then press the OK button.

5. When prompted with the Open Source File (Datamine String) menu, make sure the Files of Type is set to All Files.

6. Select the walld0.dm file and press the Open button.

7. Next you will be asked to select which fields you wish to load. Select All and then press the OK button.


Exercise 2 – Data Import (Wireframes)

1. After loading the strings file the menu should look similar to the following.

2. Press the Next button to continue.

3. The Document Wizard Menu should now be titled Import Wireframe/Surface Tables.

Field Description

Import Wireframe/Surface Tables

Press the Add.. button

Driver Category/Data Type Set the Driver Category to Datamine and the Data Type to Wireframes and press the OK button.


Open Source File (Datamine Wireframe Triangles)

Select the schwred_all_0tr.dm file.

Open Source File (Datamine Points)

Select the schwred_all_0pt.dm file.


Press the Add.. button

Driver Category/Data Type As before

Open Source File (Datamine Wireframe Triangles)

Select the wred0tr.dm file.

Open Source File (Datamine Points)

Select the wred0pt.dm file.


Press the Next > button to finish.

Exercise 3 – Finishing the Import

1. The Document Wizard menu should now look similar to the image below.

2. Press the Finish button to complete the import.

3. Save your project using the File | Save command in the main Present menu. When prompted set the document name to training.epr. Make sure you save the document in the training directory (C:\database\training\Common_Data).


4. Note that these steps are only done once. Once the links are set up and the project has been saved your sections will automatically reflect the content of your current mining database.

Exercise 4 – Setting the Paper Size and Grid Settings

1. Select the tab titled Plan View. You must have the required plot orientation selected when changing plot settings as these are assigned to each plot type( section, plan, or 3D View) independently. This means for example a project can have a series of plans at 1:500 scale while the sections are defined using a scale of 1:1000.

2. Select the File | Page Setup option from the main menu and change the settings to match those in the image below.

3. Press the OK button to continue and answer Yes to the prompt asking if you want to rescale all plot items.

4. Select the Format | Grid option from the pulldown menus. Change the grid annotation to that displayed in the image below.


5. In the Grid menu click on the Font button below the text settings. In the Font menu leave the Font: and Font style: settings set to the default values and change the Size: value to 12. Press the OK buttons to close the two menus.

6. Select the View | Property Windows | Workspace and Properties options.

Exercise 5 – Setting Scales and Clipping

1. Change the scale to 1:500 using the pull down menu option in the bottom menu as illustrated below.

2. Press the padlock symbol next to the scale menu to fix the scale at 1:500 for all Plan views.

3. To set the clipping to 25 metres using the pull down clipping menu in the top left hand corner.

4. You Plan view should look similar to the image below.


5. Save your changes to the training.epr document ( File | Save ).

Exercise 6 – Zooming and Panning

1. The commands for zooming and panning are available under the View pull down menu. However the simplest way to use these commands is via the icons in the bottom left hand corner.

Try using these commands to understand how they work. Help on what each command does is available by placing the mouse cursor over the relevant icon or using the F1 key.

2. To step through the sections try using the 2 arrow icons in the top rack of icons.

3. MAKE SURE THE SECTION IS SET TO 45300 mE BEFORE STARTING THE NEXT EXERCISE.

4. Select the item called Plan Projection Section Level 700 in the Workspace Window (located in the left of the screen).

5. The properties window (located in the right of the screen) will now display a list of properties relating to the Plan View. Make Sure that the Section Mid-point Easting, Northing and Level details are as follows:


6. Your Plan View should look similar to the following:


Exercise 7 – Formatting the Wireframes Display

1. Select the Format | 3D Objects menu. In the Section View Format menu select the walld0.dm (strings). Press the Delete button. Repeat for the wred0tr.dm file (wireframe).

2. Select the schedwre_all_0tr.dm. Toggle on the Intersection with Section check box and set the display to Hidden.

3. If you click on the Colour tab you will notice each of the 3 files is being coloured on an attribute field and a default legend.

4. Press the OK button and move on to the next exercise.

Exercise 8 – Adding a title box

1. Select the Insert | Title Box option from the pull down menu. Drag the title box down to the bottom right hand corner by clicking on the box and holding down the left mouse key.


2. Click in the cell containing the text Plan Projection Section Level 700.00 using the right mouse button and select the Insert Row option. Adjust the cell heights and position of the title box to match the image below.

3. Remove the text from the second cell and add the text ‘Wanabe Mining NL’ to the uppermost cell. These edits can be made by right clicking in each cell and selecting the Cell Contents option.

4. Use the Insert | Scale Bar to add a scale bar to the cell below the main title. Similarly use the Insert | Clip Art option to add the company logo to the right of the title. The logo is stored in C:\Windows\coffebean.bmp.

5. Your title box should look similar to the following. You will need to modify both the cell sizes and font sizes to get a result similar to the image below.

You will have noticed some lines of text are hard coded while others as set as Fields such as the section easting. By using fields some of the title box text will change as each new section is displayed. Try stepping through a few sections.


13 PRESENT –PLOTTING AUTOMATICALLY


In addition to the manual plot creation tools discussed in the previous chapter, Mine2-4d also provides a range of tools that help automate the plotting process. These tools make use of the “dynamic linking” features available in Earthworks Present.

This tutorial briefly looks at creating a standard Present Template and automating plotting by making use of this template via the File|Print View menu in Mine2-4D.

Exercise 1 – Creating a Present template

1. Load the wallsd0.dm string file into the Design Window, and display in a plan view.

2. Select File | Print View. The following form will be displayed:

3. Enter a name for your plot in the Session box, and select the default plot Metric_QuickPrint.eprv. (

Mine2-4D stores all Present template files in the directory C:\Program Files\Earthworks\Mine2-4D\Present. The file extension .eprv is used to distinguish between a Present template file and a standard Present file.

4. Press NEW to continue.

5. When Present opens, your plot should look similar to the following:


900.

0 E

900.0 E

1700.0 N1700.0 N

1800.0 N1800.0 N

1900.0 N1900.0 N

Mine2-4D Print ViewPlan Projection Section 1 of 1

Scale 1:1571.34847 Date: 02/10/05 Time: 17:04

Any changes made to the plot can be added to the template by saving the Present file with the extension .eprv to the C:\Program Files\Earthworks\Mine2-4D\Present directory.


14 MINE2-4D – 660 LEVEL


Now that the capital development has been completed, it is necessary to consider the three production levels; 660, 680 and 700.

The lower 660 level will be the first level to be considered. It consists of a strike drift, central cross-cut and primary and secondary drives that are differentiated by colour. (Primary drives are red and secondary drives are blue). To begin with, only the development and stoping activities are to be considered. However, in order to create a logical mining sequence it will be necessary to also create a derived activity for the backfilling operations, and to incorporate this activity into the rules for automatic sequencing.

Exercise 1 – Starting a new project

1. Make sure you are in the Design Manager. (You can initiate the Design Manager dialog from the systray or by using: Start | Programs | Earthworks | Mine2-4D Tools | Design Manager).

2. Create a new project file for the 660 level by clicking New at the bottom of the Design Manager window.


3. In the Browse For Folder dialog, find and select the folder the 660 Level within the C\Database\Training\M24D\Underground folder note that this location will depend upon where the training data has been placed)

4. Enter a name for the new project – ie: ‘660Level’, then click OK. The project should automatically be created and then checked out by the system and executed on your computer. (Warning: you may need to select or enter license details at this stage.)

Exercise 2 – Project Setup

1. Click on the Project Setup button from the Vertical Menu to enter the Project Setup dialog.

2. Toggle on the Fixed Cross Sectional and Complex Solid options. You will be required

to enter a string file for each of these options.

3. To ‘attach’ these files to your project, select Add File to Project (or use File | Add Files to Project| Manually).

4. Select the Create Naming Convention to enable the naming convention menu.

5. Select the Create Additional Attributes to enable the attributes menu.

6. Select the Interrogate Geological Model to enable the interrogation menu, depletion menu and the design evaluation process.


Exercise 3 - Interrogation

1. For the 660 Level, we want to ensure that all the fixed-cross section development wireframes are depleted from the model PRIOR to evaluating the complex solid wireframes. To do this, setup the model interrogation form as follows:

The degree of subcelling that is specified will have an impact on both the processing time and percentage error of the reported volumes. An increased degree of subcelling will reduce the percentage error of the reported volumes, as the depleted model cells will be able to more closely follow the depleted design outline. However increased subcelling will also increase processing time.

In order to get an indication of the degree to which both will be affected, you are able to use the Splitting Tool.

Exercise 4 – Model Splitting Tool

1. Prior to using the splitting tool, select File | Browse Project in Mine2-4D and select your block model file. You will notice that information about the block model is then displayed in the right hand side of the file browser dialog. This information includes the file description and number of records in the table. Each entry in the Name column represents a field contained in the block model. These fields can be both system fields (such as X, Y, Z co-ordinate data) and/or user-defined fields. Make note of the default value for the XINC, YINC and ZINC fields, as these are your parent cell dimensions.

2. Next select the splitting tool from the Geological Interrogation form. Enter the parent cell value for your block model and the subcell increment. Selecting Recalculate will then produce a graph of the volume error% against the runtime for evaluation/depletion.


3. The point at which the volume error is reduced without an excessive increase in processing speed should give you an indication of the subcelling amount to use in the Geological interrogation. For this exercise, a subcelling of 8 gives us the same relative accuracy without any significant increase in processing time.

Exercise 5 – Default Values and External Data

The Default Values option within Project Setup is used to assign default ore/waste properties to the block model. The importance of adding different densities to the project is realised during interrogation. By default, Mine2-4D will use the block model’s densities to calculate tonnages. However, should a design item lie outside the block model, it will get a density of 1 unless the default density has been assigned.

1. Define the following default values for density:


External Data

External Data will not be used during this exercise. For reference, it allows property and attribute fields evaluated within Mine2-4D to be over-written by external data sources (such as spreadsheets etc).

Exercise 6 – Attribute Convention

1. In addition to the LEVEL attribute defined in the initial Future_Infrastructure project, you must now add the WPLACE attribute. This attribute will be automatically applied to the 660 Level design strings from the 2dgrid.dm string file.


Attributes are used to carry additional information about activities, much the same as a column of data in a spreadsheet. They may then be used in filtering, to provide 'pointers' to different areas in the mine and to create the naming convention for each activity.

Examples of Attributes:

Level – to define separate mining horizons.

Zone – to define different geological zones within the mine or different climate zones (indicating areas that require greater ventilation).

Orebody – to define the orebody within which a mining segment is located.

Support – to define areas within the mine that require different levels of ground support.

Almost anything can be added as an attribute, and as such, attributes should be applied on the basis that they will increase the level of understanding of the design and add to the quality of information gained from the schedule.

It should be warned that excessive use of attributes can prove to be time consuming in their application and in the end may simply create greater confusion than clarity.

Exercise 7 – Properties

1. As per the initial Future_Infrastructure project, define CU as a Property to ensure that it is evaluated during the Solids and Evaluation stage.

2. Check that the Weight for CU is on Mined Tonnes. This ensures that results are reported as a weighted average grade – with Mined Tonnes as the weighting.


Question: What is the difference between the Insitu, Mined, Depleted and Void Volumes?

The Insitu Volume is the volume of the original wireframe shape before depletion. (The reported Insitu volume for any wireframe should be the same as that reported by running the wireframe-volume command (wvo)).

Alternatively, the Mined Volume is the volume of the un-depleted model within the wireframe. Therefore the Mined Volume will not contain any depleted material or any void material. The Mined Volume can be depleted in two ways:

With as-mined depletion from the block model, or

With design-depletion where the design development is depleted from the block model prior to evaluation of the stoping areas. This type of depletion is defined in the Project Setup under Geological Interrogation.

Any depleted material is reported via the Depleted Volume property.

The Void Volume represents any volume within a wireframe that is not covered by the block model. This may occur as the result of filtering of the model, as the result of the application of a legend or as the result of errors in the block model. Void volumes can also represent areas of “waste” when an ore-only model is used during evaluation.

By default the Mined Volume is automatically diluted to include any Void Volume, with tonnages and grades adjusted accordingly. Therefore the relationship between Insitu, Mined and Depleted Volumes is as follows:

Insitu Volume = Diluted Mined Volume + Depleted Volume

If Perform Dilution Calculations is toggled OFF during the Geological Interrogation, then the relationship becomes as follows:


Insitu Volume = Mined Volume + Void Volume + Depleted Volume

For more information on the base properties that are created in Mine2-4D, please refer to Appendix A.

Exercise 8 – Naming Conventions

Adding a naming convention to a project can be extremely useful in the later stages of data manipulation and reporting. It enables the user to sort and/or filter data in Earthworks Production Scheduler (EPS) based on pre-defined attributes, such as level, zone or orebody.

1. Within the Project Setup dialog, open the Conventions menu and select Naming and enter the above Naming Convention. This Naming Convention produces a Name 14 characters in length (from a maximum of 20).


2. The order of entries in the Naming Convention setup can be easily modified with the use of the arrow buttons on the right of the dialog.

Exercise 9 – Scheduler, General Options


It is possible to build an EPS “template” from within Mine2-4D by altering the settings within the Scheduler menu. Be aware that more complex EPS templates are better managed from within EPS!

For this exercise, we are going to use the EPS Template created in the earlier exercises.

1. Within the Current Scheduling Project | Scheduler Setup File Location, browse to the Template.ews file that was created and saved to the folder C:\Database\Training\Mine2-4D\Common Data.

2. Select a Target Start date of ‘1 July 2010’.

3. This completes the Project Setup options for the 660 Level. Select OK to exit from the dialog whilst saving settings.

Exercise 10 – Design

Now that the Project Setup has been completed for the 660 Level, it is necessary to repeat the design processes that were used on the Future_Infrastructure project. Please be aware that prior to creating wall strings and solids it will be necessary to spend some time observing the 660 level data and possibly making changes to the design types and string attributes.

The following pages list the steps to follow and contain several images of examples of how to set up the data:

Design Editing The first step is to load the development string data (660sill.dm) into the Design Window.

1. Check the direction of the strings, and ensure that the green Cross Cut string is flanked on both sides by red Primary drives. You may find that it is necessary to edit a number of your Primary and Secondary drives to ensure the design is practical. If you are familiar with your menu or short cut keys, feel free to use these items. Alternatively, you can use the Design Editing dialog available from the Design | Design Editing section of the Vertical Menu.


2. Edit the Design Directions

3. Carry out Data Validation

4. Edit the Design Definitions. You will need to do this for both the Fixed Cross Sectional stings and the Complex Solid strings. Examples of both are provided below.

5. In order for Mine2-4D to be able to differentiate between stopes, each stope must have a different combination of colour, linestyle and symbol. As such, each stope must be individually defined in the Design Definitions form. It is possible to enter a unique stope name as the M4DDESC description for each stope. Should you decide to do this, it will be necessary to generate a sequencing rule for each of the unique stope descriptions.

It is a good idea to keep the M4DDESC description as generic as possible – this will reduce the number of sequence rules you need to define late on

6. The number of Strings/Segment refers to the level of detail with which your stopes are wireframed. In this example the stopes are created from two string sections, therefore the option is irrelevant. However, if your complex solid shapes were made up of >2 string sections, it would be possible to nominate the number of strings used to create each wireframe. For example a stope defined by 30 string sections could be wireframed as one single shape incorporating all 30 string sections, or it could be wireframed as 29 individual wireframes, each incorporating 2 adjacent strings.

7. Upon completion, select Connect. This step updates the Mine2-4D database (the .m4d file) and ensures that the design definitions are attached to the visual tables.

Should you alter your design at any stage of the process, it is essential that you return to this stage and re-connect to the database.

It is good practice to create your Activity Descriptions as a combination of CODE and LONGHAND DESCRIPTION of the activity. The initial code can be very useful in the naming convention, while the longhand description allows new users to quickly grasp the setup of the Design Definition table.


Exercise 11 – Preparation

1. Use the Preparation – Non Visual Attributes dialog to assign the attribute LEVEL = 660 to all strings in the 660sill.dm and 660stope.dm files.

2. Preparation – Generate walls and points. This step needs to be carried out for both your fixed cross sectionals AND complex solids.

Wall generation for your complex solids consists of drawing a centerline that connects the centre-of-gravity points for each complex solid wireframe. The direction of this stope “centerline” is taken to be the direction of mining. As the 660 level consists of two-string section wireframes only, the wall generation does not create any centerlines, but only single-point references.


3. Preparation - Apply Automatic Activity Attributes. Use this dialog to automatically apply the WPLACE attribute as defined in the Project Settings.

Exercise 12 – Solids and Evaluation

1. Create solids for the Fixed-Cross-Sectional design strings.

2. Repeat for Complex Solids using the dialog shown below:

3. To create complex solid wireframes, first nominate the wireframe linking method you wish to choose and then select AutoLink All.

4. Check the actual wireframes shapes that are generated using the Autochange and Auto Visualise toggles.

The proportional length method is recommended for this example but different wireframe data will respond better to different methods. Straight geometric shapes appear to work best with the proportional length method. More complex shapes can respond better to either the minimum surface area or equi-angular shape methods.

If you notice that any of your wireframes have been generated incorrectly, you will need to manually edit the results.

Toggle these options on to apply automatic filtering and zoom control as each stope number is selected.

Stope display control. Select individual stopes (and their wireframe) according to number.

Delete current loaded wireframe.

Insert tag (control/tie) string.

Select this option to automatically create stope wireframes.

Toggle between wireframing algorithms.

Select Continue to save and exit.


5. Edit Wireframes. Select the button to delete individual wireframes and select

the button to generate tag strings to assist your wireframe creation. Use AutoLink Current Stope to wireframe an individual stope shape.

6. Complete the Evaluation

Exercise 13 – Automatic Sequencing

1. From the Sequencing Tab, select Automatic Sequencing and begin to create your sequencing rules for the 660 level. You should be able to capture all of the sequence links through a series of approximately 6-8 rules. These rules will need to make use of the position over-riders and constrained search radius options. These options can be difficult to master, but they are extremely powerful and it is important that you understand their application. (For more information, please refer back to Chapter 8 - Sequencing).

Feel free to refer to the 7 example rules overleaf, but keep in mind it is good practice to first attempt to build up your own rules one at a time from the strike drift onwards.

2. To complete the sequence, it may be necessary to either add a rule to the examples overleaf or create a manual link to allow for the stoping of the final Cross Cut stope.



Exercise 14 - Derived Activities

In order to realistically sequence the 660 Level, we must first simulate the backfilling of the primary stopes prior to the development of the secondary drives and stopes. To do this, complete the following:

1. Create a filter for the primary stoping by choosing Format | Filter | Filter Definitions. Use the filter wizard to define the following filter:

2. In Project Setup, create a new property to describe the derived backfill volume you are about to define.


3. Select the Dependency Layers option from the bottom of the Scheduler section in Project Setup and define a separate dependency colour for Backfill. This will be used during the automatic sequence generation to differentiate between sequence links.

4. Still in project setup, use the newly created filter and properties to define the Backfill Activity as follows:


5. You will need to scroll to the right and choose a colour for you derived activity walls. (Grey).

6. Select OK.

7. There is no need to re-create your walls and solids for your designed activities, but the following steps are essential:

a. Generate the wall strings for your derived activities by selecting the Generate Derived Activities button from the Preparation Tab in Mine2-4D. (There is no need to create solids for our derived activity as we did not choose a wireframe colour during the Project Setup).

b. Update the evaluated Backfill properties by selecting Generate Derived Activities from the Evaluation tab):

8. Edit sequencing rules. (See overleaf for examples). For this exercise, assume that backfilling in each Primary Stope will occur 2 days after stoping has finished. Development in the Secondary Drives cannot commence until 5 days after the completion of filling activities in all adjacent Primary Stopes.



Exercise 15 - Reporting

To complete the project, export the data to EPS and create a 3-D animation, using the following steps. (For more information, refer to notes for the Future_Infrastructure project).

1. Sequence Export (selecting the Use Template check box)

2. Open Selected Scheduler

3. Synchronise Scheduler Objects

4. Reporting - Schedule Colouring and Create Animations

Exercise 16 - Colour According to Legend

1. Select the Format | Legend | Define option from the drop-down menu. (Alternatively you can select the Legend Definitions button from the Planning | Reporting | Properties section in the Vertical Menu.

2. Select NEW and give your legend an appropriate title. OK to accept.

3. Right click on the grey grid area and Add Records in order to “build” the following Legend:


4. Select Exit and then Save to save the Legend.

5. From the Vertical Menu Planning | Reporting | Properties section, select the Colour Objects button (shown overleaf).

6. Select the drop down button to the left of the <Default> entry to select the newly created legend CU.

7. The 3D solids will now be coloured according to the grade legend defined:


8. When you are satisfied, select File | Exit to close Mine2-4D and return to the Design Manager.

9. You will notice that the 660 Level project is still “checked-out” on your system. You should check the project back in by right-clicking on the project then selecting Check In and entering an appropriate comment.


15 MINE2-4D – 680 AND 700 LEVELS


When the 660 level has been completed, create a project for the 680 and 700 levels in turn.

Exercise 1 – Create a New Project for the 680 Level

1. Open the Design Manager and select New. From the browser, select the ‘680 Level’ Folder.

2. Enter Project Name ‘680 Level’.

Exercise 2 – Using the Project Cascader

To avoid repeating the Project Setup steps, it is possible to use the Project Cascader to copy setup information from one project to another. The Project Cascader can be accessed from the Import/Export vertical menu.

The Project Cascader can also be accessed directly from the Mine2-4D Systray.


In the Project tab, select the previously created 660level Mine24D Project (located in C:\ Database \ Training \ M24D \ Underground \ 660Level).

Checkboxes are available to select the cascade tables that you wish to copy from the selected project:


Be aware that if you toggle on the FXS Design Table Rule, you will actually copy the design strings from one project to another.


Exercise 3 – Complete 680 and 700 Levels

Repeat the following Mine2-4D Processes for both the 680 and 700 Levels:

1. Create a New Project from the Design Manager

2. Use the Project Cascader to import the Project Settings

3. Design Editing

4. Edit Design Directions

5. Data Validation

6. Edit Design Definitions

7. Preparation – Non-visual manual Attributes

8. Preparation – Generate Walls and Points

9. Preparation - Apply Automatic Activity Attributes.

10. Preparation – Generate Derived Activities

11. Solids and Evaluation - Solid Model

12. Solids and Evaluation – Evaluation

13. Automatic Sequencing

14. Sequence Export

15. Open Selected Scheduler

16. Synchronise Scheduler Objects

17. Reporting - Schedule Colouring and Create Animations

18. Exit and Check Projects In using the Design Manager


Appendix A: CALCULATION OF BASE PROPERTIES The values contained in the Base properties fields vary depending upon whether a Geological Evaluation has been performed or not.

If a Geological Evaluation has NOT been performed, the Base Properties will be stored in the evald table. (The d indicates that they are the dummy values. These are so named as they have not been obtained from a geological evaluation against a block model). Should you perform a Dummy Export to scheduler, these are the values that will appear in the Scheduler.

The values in the evald table are obtained as follows:

Field Fixed Cross Sections Outlines Complex Solids

Metres Distance along defining centreline

Distance along defining centreline (only if Segment distance set >0)

Always set to 0

Area Cross Sectional Area of defining shape. Set to 0 for Shanty backs.

The 3D area of the perimeter. Always set to 0

Insitu Tonnes Insitu Volume * Density Insitu Volume * Density Insitu Volume * Density

Insitu Volume

Metres * Density

For Shantybacks this will be recalculated at the end of the FXS wireframing to reflect the true 3D Volume of the solid created.

Area * Height

If Advanced Outlines are selected, after the Outline wireframing is complete, the true 3D Volume of the solids created is calculated.

After Walls and Points creation = 1000

After CXS Wireframing the true 3D Tonnage of the solids created is calculated.

Density Default density from Design Definitions

Default density from Design Definitions

Default density from Design Definitions

Tonnage Factor 1 1 1

Grade Factor 1 1 1

Mined Tonnes Insitu Tonnes Insitu Tonnes Insitu Tonnes

Mined Volume Insitu Volume Insitu Volume Insitu Volume

Void Volume 0 0 0

Depleted Volume (If selected by the user)

0 0 0


If a Geological Evaluation has been performed, the evalg table is created. This contains the results of the Geological Evaluation. The evald table is untouched and still retains the original values before the geological evaluation.

The fields in the evalg table take on a slightly different value depending on how the Geological Interrogation is performed. The following diagram illustrates the most complicated Geological Interrogation scenario:

Assume that in this example depletion has been performed. The Depleted Segment has already been interrogated and then depleted from the block model. If we now consider the interrogation of the remaining solid represented by the red outline, we have the following terms:

Model Volume: - Volume of geological block model contained within the Solid.

Depleted Volume: - Volume of previously depleted solids.

Void Volume: - Entire volume of solid being evaluated less the model volume and depleted volume - ie that volume that has no Block Model cells within it.

The definition of the values in the evalg table after the geological evaluation has been performed is therefore as follows:


Field Fixed Cross Sections

Metres As in evald

Area As in evald

Insitu Tonnes (Model Volume * Model Density) + ((Depleted Volume + Void Volume) * Default Density)

Insitu Volume Model Volume + Depleted Volume + Void Volume

Density Mined Tonnage / Mined Volume

Tonnage Factor 1

Grade Factor 1

Mined Tonnes (Model Volume * Model Density) + (Void Volume * Default Density)

Mined Volume Model Volume + Void Volume

Void Volume Void Volume

Depleted Volume (If selected by the user)

Depleted Volume

The Default Density refers to the Density as defined in the Project Setup | Default Values table. The Model Density, which exists as a standard field called DENSITY, is always used in preference to the Default Density should it exist in the model.

The project database will always contain the above values for the base properties. It is possible to over-write these values through the use of formula – in this case the project database will retain the original values and the EPS Scheduler will contain the newly calculated values.


Appendix B: STANDARD MINE2-4D TABLES During the Mine2-4D processes the following Mine2-4D tables are created:

walld[] fixed cross sectional wall strings

wallf[] outline wall strings

walls[] complex solid wall strings

walls_all_[] combined file containing the wall strings for all the design types

Assuming that the d[], f[] and s[] and all_[] suffixes are used throughout Mine2-4D, the following main tables are created for each design type as they are defined in the Project Setup:

points* a 3D point in space for each activity

wall* a 3D string for each activity

out* a 3D string outline for each complete fxs design string (only created if create single outline is toggled on during fxs wall creation)

wre* a 3D solid for each activity

sched_wre* a 3d solid for each activity, honouring the schedule colouring definition defined during the reporting process.

tag* tag strings created during the solids creation process

link* link strings created by the automatic and manual sequencing processes

evald[] dummy evaluation containing "estimated" values for meters and tonnage.

evalg[] evaluated results obtained from interrogation against block model

All of these tables are linked on SEGMENT. This is a unique identifier that is exported to the EPS Scheduler as the ID field.


Appendix C: SEGMENT NUMBERING The SEGMENT/ID field Is made up of 10 characters. If decoded:

1 = D,F,S or C depending on whether the activity is a fixed-cross-section, outline or complex solid.

2 = absent, unless that activity is a derived activity. If a derived activity, it takes the value from the derived activity “prefix” as specified in the Project Setup.

For FXS and OUTLINES:

3 to 7 = the M4DSID (Mine2-4D String ID field). This field is updated whenever the definition database is connected to the design, ensuring that each string contains a unique ID. If a string is deleted from a project then the M4D SID will NEVER be repeated. Care should be taken when copying strings in Mine2-4D as the M4DSID will be duplicated and the program will automatically remove that M4DSID permanently from the project.

8 to 10 = the activity number

For CXS:

3 to 7 = M4DNUM. This is a standard field added to the design strings upon connection to the definition database..

8 to 10 = the activity number.


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