Mine Modeling and Planning
Systems:
Large (expensive) vs. Small (inexpensive)
By Betty Gibbs
If you are a small company and/or a consultant, the prospect of
spending $7,000 or lots more to purchase an integrated program that
provides orebody modeling and mine planning is daunting and often
just beyond your means. For a few thousand dollars you will just
stick with AutoCAD, a spreadsheet, and a contouring program. The
following thoughts will give you a perspective about the tradeoffs
between large and small mine modeling/planning systems. As a consultant,
I tend to lean toward the inexpensive systems for my own purchase.
If the deposits being modeled are large and complex, the large systems
are necessary. However, many deposits can be handled with inexpensive
modeling software such as Rockworks 99 and Surfer 7. (See the comparison
article for more information about the utility of these two inexpensive
programs.)
Large Mining Systems
Large integrated mining systems have been available for over 30
years. For many applications and mining situations they have worked
well and continue to give mining engineers a useful tool for orebody
and mine modeling, and design. The integrated systems provide some
or all of the following capabilities: data base management, data
analysis tools such as statistics, modeling, mine planning, and
production scheduling.
Users have also become somewhat disillusioned with the large integrated
systems. One user says this about integrated systems: "… problems
arise with complexity of operating the software, training time,
time associated to do the work on the software." Reasons users give
for exploring alternative software solutions include:
- They thought the integrated systems were going to solve all
their problems and have found out that is not true. Many of the
problems are solved, but not all. Besides software cost, there
is also a large investment in training and learning time.
- The integrated systems often have a long, steep learning curve
and with some software, only expert users are able to produce
timely results. Those users dedicate most of their time to learning
and using the system
- Sometimes the systems are too difficult to use for a casual
user. Someone who has sporadic needs is not often able to invest
the time and effort to learn how to produce one or two products
on a complex system. Specific tasks such as contour maps can be
done easily and quickly using an inexpensive contouring program.
The same task on an integrated system is often laborious, requiring
much time and many steps.
- Cost of the large systems ($15,000 and up) is prohibitive for
smaller companies and independent consultants.
- Integrated systems often rely on proprietary data formats. Transferring
data and models to other software is difficult, time-consuming,
or data does not translate well into a format acceptable to another
program. Even when data are exported, extensive editing is often
required for the data to work with another system.
Inexpensive Mining Software
For some applications using a low-cost program with specialized
capabilities is a viable and very workable solution. Inexpensive
programs are usually limited in overall capability as compared to
the fully integrated systems. As much as 80% of modeling and mapping
work can be done quickly and inexpensively, and with minimal training.
These systems usually have less program setup overhead for data
base management tasks, parameter definition, changes, and preparation
of graphical output. RockWorks99 and Surfer 7 are suitable for a
variety of spatial data handling tasks needed by engineers, geologists,
surveyors and others who need and use maps.
These computer programs offer many of the data handling and mapping
basics needed by a consultant or in a mining exploration office
and operation. The programs have both been extensively used for
gridding, contouring, general mapping, and a wide variety of spatial
data handling and analysis. Applications of the software fit many
aspects of geology, hydrology, and environmental mapping requirements.
Benefits of Low-Priced Systems
An easy-to-use low-priced system can supplement the extensive capabilities
of a large integrated mining system or can stand on its own as a
useful modeling and mapping tool. A low-priced system that is easy
to use can be a good solution when:
- Results are needed in a short time.
- A quick check is needed on new data to determine whether it
fits with existing data. Many of the integrated systems require
many steps to accomplish even simple tasks such as calculating
statistics or producing a contour map.
- The only person in the office who knows how to use the more
complex system is overloaded or out of town.
- You want to have more people who can use software and produce
maps as needed in a short time. A desirable quality of "friendly"
software is that a user can be away from a program for a while
and be able to be productive quickly.
- A need exists for a limited range of modeling and mapping
requirements, such as to produce base maps, contour maps, and
preliminary reserves.
- Many projects are evaluated and decisions are needed in a
short time period. With specialized programs, you can get a
contour map with a few steps and a few minutes.
- Deposits are geologically simple.
An inexpensive system will not produce results with all the finesse
of large, expensive systems. However, you can get a job done quickly
and with good technical accuracy and the output can look nearly
as good as that produced by expensive software. These are not the
programs used to develop a model and schedule a large mine with
complex geology. They are the systems that work well for a small
to medium sized deposit or a deposit with a fairly simple structure.
A large mining operation would use either RockWorks or Surfer for
some applications such as contouring a small area or producing cross
sections in a selected part of the deposit. Both products are used
in many mining operations and exploration offices for permitting
and environmental reporting.
Limitations of Low-Priced Systems
- Not a mine-wide solution, because no mine planning is included.
- Not directly integrated with other software. Must import/export
to go from one system to another.
- The programs are easily useable and work well for many applications
but lack the sophistication of the more expensive integrated
software.
Low-cost software is worth examining as an alternative to buying
or using complex integrated mine modeling and planning software.
Any program must be able to interface smoothly with other software
already in use. If the company has a network and other software,
there may be some restrictions or accommodations needed to integrate
the results of these programs into other software or applications.
RockWare offers a free trial period to test the full range of capabilities
of RockWorks and make sure it is compatible with the work requirements,
existing software and data handling. RockWare provides technical
support during the trial period as well as after purchase. A limited
demonstration version of Surfer is available. All Surfer functions
can be used, but the demonstration version will work only on the
supplied data set.
Software Availability
Both RockWorks99 (Price: $899) and Surfer
7 (Price: $575 from RockWare and $599 from Golden Software) are
available from RockWare: 2221 East St. Golden, CO 80401. 303-278-3534.
800-775-6745. Web: www.rockware.com. A free evaluation CD
of RockWare software is available, and RockWorks can also be downloaded
from the Web site. A demonstration version of Surfer 7 is available
on the RockWare CD and Web site as well as on the Golden Software
Web site. Surfer 7 can also be obtained from Golden Software, 809
14th St., Golden CO 80401-1866. 800-972-1021 or 303-279-1021.
Fax: 303-279-0909. Web: www.goldensoftware.com.
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Betty Gibbs is a Mining Engineer with extensive experience working
with computer applications in mining companies as well as extensive
software evaluation experience as a consultant.
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