|
PUBLICATIONS
Understanding
Contouring
and Variogram Tutorial.
Limitations of Popular Techniques for
Preproduction Reserve Estimation in Mining
Articles
Consulting
Training
Data Rescue
Contact Us
ORDER Publications
Main
Page
|
EARTH
SCIENCE SOFTWARE INFORMATION
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.
----------------
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.
|