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DataShed, Maxwell Geosciences
The DataShed desktop product is a data management system especially designed for the resource industries. It can be implemented on one PC or as an enterprise wide management system allowing you to store, manage, analyse, report, integrate and protect data. This tool helps make data accessible, useable and the results reliable. DataShed gives you the operational benefits of a fully integrated data management environment using smart technology to integrate GIS, mining and exploration software packages. The software is compatible with Access, SQL and Oracle databases. The core functionality of DataShed includes the following: data importing (Excel, CSV, DataMine text, MicroMine text, fixed width text files (SIF), Access tables and queries); data exporting; assay management; spatial reference systems and grid transformations;
data validation; GIS File Cataloguing and Connectivity; and more.
For more information contact: Maxwell Geoscience, 76-78 Cantonment Street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, AUSTRALIA. Phone: +61 8 9430 9634, Fax: +61 8 9430 9635. Web: www.maxwellgeoservices.com.au/datashed.htm.
(June 7, 2006)


Stanford Geostatiscal Earth Modeling Software, SGeMS
A new version (1.4) of the open source software has been released
S-GeMS is a software for 3D geostatistical modeling. It implements many of the classical geostatistics algorithms, as well as new developments made at the SCRF lab, Stanford University.
S-GeMS relies on the Geostatistics Template Library (GsTL) to implement its geostatistical routines, including, Kriging, Multi-variate kriging (co-kriging), Sequential Gaussian simulation, Sequential indicator simulation, Multi-variate sequential Gaussian and indicator simulation, Multiple-point statistics simulation.

The main features include Comprehensive geostatistical toolbox, Standard data analysis tools: histogram, QQ-plots, variograms, interactive 3D visualization, Scripting capabilities: S-GeMS embeds the Python scripting language, that allows to automatically perform several (repetitive) actions; Use of plug-ins to add new geostatistics algorithms, support new file formats, or increase the set of script commands.

New features include:

  • New geostatistics algorithm and tools: filtersim, direct sequential
    simulation, post-processing of multiple realizations, stand-alone histogram
    transformations, among others
  • Variogram-based algorithm applied to point sets
  • A vastly re-designed variogram modeling tool (faster computation code,
    save/load experimental variograms, display of number of pairs for each
    point,...)
  • Volume rendering will let you hide the parts of the grid you're not
    interested in
  • A new angle convention, consistent with the convention in use in Earth
    Sciences: a direction in 3D is now characterized by its azimuth (measured from
    the North, clockwise) and dip (measured from the horizontal plane, clockwise)
  • More consistent parameters input forms for the geostatistics algorithms

The software can be downloaded from : http://sgems.sourceforge.net/#Download.  Executable and source code is available.


Gemcom Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Surpac Minex Group

 Vancouver, British Columbia - Gemcom Software International Inc. ("Gemcom"), a global provider of mine production management solutions, announced today that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire Australia's, Perth-based, Surpac Minex Group Pty Ltd. ("Surpac Minex") for consideration of up to CDN$13,500,000 and up to 13,500,000 common shares of Gemcom. The acquisition, which is anticipated to close in July 2006, is expected to be funded through a combination of Gemcom's existing cash resources and a new equity financing by Gemcom. The acquisition is subject to due diligence by Gemcom, negotiation of a definitive acquisition agreement, completion of the necessary financing, regulatory approvals, approval by the Gemcom and Surpac Minex boards, approval (if required) by the Gemcom shareholders, approval by Surpac Minex shareholders, and other customary conditions.

"This acquisition will bring together two of the leading companies in the global mining software industry with highly complementary products, markets, distribution channels and world-class employee groups," said Rick Moignard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gemcom Software International Inc.

Tim Moore, Chairman of Surpac Minex, said, "Our analysis indicates that by uniting Surpac Minex and Gemcom under one umbrella, users will benefit from even more compelling products and services, which would take the new Gemcom to a clear leadership position globally in the delivery of mining software and production management solutions."

For more information about the Gemcom and Surpac/Minex software packages, visit the Gemcom Web site at www.gemcomsoftware.com and the Surpac/Minex Web site at http://www.surpac.com/ .(May 23, 2006)


Golden Software Announces Voxler® - The New Way to Visualize Your 3D Data!

Golden Software has released Voxler, a new 3D data visualization software program. Voxler takes raw complex 3D data and models it in a rich, interactive, and visual environment. Data is displayed in a variety of 3D images, including volume rendering, isosurfaces, contours, three dimensional slices, orthographic and oblique images, scatter plots, stream lines, and vector plots. Every effort has been made to design the user-interface so it is intuitive and easy-to-use, even for the novice user.

Voxler supports importing data from a multitude of sources, including ASCII data, Surfer GRD, DEM, HDR, IMG, and IV formats. This makes it easier than ever to visualize your data without being limited by format compatibility. Voxler also boasts 18 export formats, including IV, TIF, BMP, and JPG. Once users display their 3D data in the most meaningful and informative way, they can easily import it into their presentations and reports.

Gary Rice, president of GeoFrontiers and a Voxler Beta Tester says “Overall, a great piece of software. The abilities to rotate displays and adjust transparency are awesome.”

Additional features include the ability to add axes to the image, add a bounding box to show the limits of the data, easily filter data to eliminate anomalies or duplicate points, perform calculations on the data, and rotate, slice, and dissect the image in real-time by simply dragging the mouse.

Voxler is written for use with Windows 2000 and XP and is now available at a retail price of $359. Visit www.goldensoftware.com  to download a Voxler demo. Golden Software Inc. Phone: 303-279-1021
(May 17, 2006)


Flexsim

Flexsim is a discrete-event simulator. It models and simulates processes that can be defined by a flow of material, process times, capacities, and variation in the flow of product and time. A simulation helps engineers and managers make decisions that result in producing more products at lower cost, and to gain a greater insight into the system being studied

A simulation model of any mining, manufacturing, material handling, or logistics system or process can be created using Flexsim's drag and drop model building objects. An example of a mining application is to determine the capacity of a mine's production system. The software will allow you to balance labor and equipment requirements. You will be able to manage bottlenecks, solve excessive work-in-process problems, justify capital expenditures, establish proper inventory levels, improve order picking systems, and optimize production rates. Ideas for improving a process can be simulated, tested, and justified prior to implementing them in the actual system. The results of each simulation can be analyzed graphically through 3D animation, and through statistical reports and graphs, which are both excellent for communicating a model's purpose and results to technical and non-technical audiences. A free demo is available on the Web site.

For more information contact Flexsim Software Products, Inc., Canyon Park Technology Center, 1577 North Technology Way, Building A, Suite 2300, Orem, Utah 84097. Telephone: 801-224-6914. Fax: 801-224-6984. Web: www.flexsim.com  e-mail: sales@flexsim.com


MineWorks Planner
The MineWorks Planner production and cost scheduling software package has been developed specifically for the mining industry and enables production plans to be developed from existing mining data. It combines all scheduling requirements into one package and is suitable for use from mine feasibility to ore depletion.

The top 20 features are:

  • Runs off MS Windows Platforms
  • PC or network based
  • Export/import data from other MS Windows packages via the windows clipboard
  • 100 user definable physical properties ie. meters, tonnes, grade, tkm etc
  • Activities/tasks either rate or duration driven
  • Ability to alter the activity rate over time
  • Quick evaluation of project ""what if"" scenarios by changing the activities/tasks rate
  • Interactive creation/modification of tasks via mouse
  • Split activity/task bars over time to smooth production
  • View and print by task the values represented per time period by the Gantt Chart
  • Set up target ranges for all user-defined properties for production planning
  • User definable activity/task naming convention that allows creation of work breakdown structures
  • User definable work breakdown codes and reporting properties eg. Waste, LG ore, HG ore, etc
  • Multiple project analysis and consolidation
  • Common resource pool for multiple schedules
  • Resource can be rate, duration or effort driven
  • User definable reporting calendars ie. specify the time period you want to report on
  • Plan/track fixed and variable costs
  • Basic financial plans built through revenue and cost field
  • Customised blending option available for mines with specific production or mill constraints

For more information contact RSG Global, 1162 Hay Street, West Perth, Western Australia 6005 AUSTRALIA. Tel: +61 8 9324 8800. Fax: +61 8 9324 8877.
http://www.rsg.com.au


Rocscience - Software for slope stability, excavation design and geotechnical tools.

Rocscience offers geotechnical analysis and design software that helps engineers create safe, affordable solutions in rock and soil. The CAD based graphical interface has a wide range of data interpretation and modeling options that simulate conditions, predict behavior and establish support requirements for your projects. The software is Windows compatible. The programs are user-friendly, and Rocscience offers free technical support for all its products. Support is provided by senior engineer-developers with experience researching and working in rock and soil. Some examples of the software available include:

Slide 5.0, 2D Limit Equilibrium Slope Stability Analysis with sensitivity, probabilistic and back analysis capabilities. This 2-D program combines a CAD based graphical interface with a wide range of modeling and data interpretation options.

Phase2 6.0, Finite Element Analysis for Excavations and Slopes is a 2D elasto-plastic finite element stress analysis program for underground or surface excavations in rock or soil. It can be used for a wide range of engineering projects and includes built-in finite element groundwater seepage analysis and finite element slope stability.

Dips, Graphical and Statistical Analysis of Orientation Data is designed for the interactive analysis of orientation based geological data. The program is capable of many applications and is designed for the novice or occasional user, and for the accomplished user of stereographic projection.

For more information contact Rocscience Inc., 31 Balsam Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4E 3B5 CANADA. Tel: (416) 698-8217. Fax:(416) 698-0908. Email: software@rocscience.com  Web: www.rocscience.com


Geosoft launches new Enterprise Solutions Group
March 13, 2006 - Geosoft has established a new Enterprise Solutions group to focus on the delivery of end-to-end Exploration Data Management (EDM) solutions for global mining companies with large data assets. A typical exploration enterprise has hundreds of data and information repositories, each containing valuable data and applications. Because this information is, at best, only partially interconnected, companies waste valuable time, money and effort in finding, connecting, using and sharing their own data. They risk missing important business opportunities while they seek data, and also risk basing important decisions on incomplete information, and/or duplicating or losing past work.

Geosoft’s Enterprise Solutions Group draws upon Geosoft’s 20 years of data lifecycle expertise and experience in handling and managing large volume exploration data to bring together the right technology, services and people to address these concerns. The EDM solutions they deliver provide companies with a core business advantage by enabling efficient access and management of their entire data lifecycle, allowing companies to quickly secure, catalogue, access and use their vast quantities of data, regardless of their format, size or location.

“Geosoft’s EDM solution works intuitively and seamlessly, and is a cost-effective means of connecting the people in an organization with all of their data and applications,” said Troy Wilson, Geosoft’s Director of Enterprise Business and Vice-President of Marketing. “Our approach has always been one of ongoing partnership, so we work closely with our customers at all stages of their EDM initiative to ensure that their solution simplifies how they can access their data and supports global, best-practice deployment.”

Geosoft EDM solutions use Geosoft middleware technology to connect all of a company’s data repositories to common, corporate interfaces by acting as an integration layer between data stored on a company’s server and end user applications. The middleware removes barriers created by competing and incompatible standards, promotes standardization and interoperability, and simplifies how companies find, use and manage their exploration data. It also provides a platform to build business rules or processes that can support corporate standards for data types and metadata

Geosoft’s EDM solutions have been implemented in global, multi-site enterprise deployments for industry leaders that include CVRD, Rio Tinto, Teck Cominco, Dundee Precious Metals and many others. Geosoft’s Enterprise Solutions Group and its partners are dedicated to ensuring that these customers, and companies like them, maximize the value of their enterprise data assets, and existing IT investment, by providing a one-stop resource for technology, professional services and training; and the ability to create a customized EDM solution based on the organization’s technical and business objectives.

Established in 1986, this year marks Geosoft’s 20th anniversary as a leading software solutions company for the geosciences industry. Geosoft ranks among the top 100 software companies in Canada, providing software and services in over 100 countries around the world. The company’s solutions support efficient access and productive use of earth data for business decision-making across many geoscience market sectors, including mining exploration, oil and gas, government, education, environmental and UXO (Unexploded Ordnance). Geosoft’s corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada are supported by operations in Africa, Australia, Europe and Latin America.
For more information: contact  Geosoft - www.geosoft.com. For Enterprise Solution Enquiries: enterprise@geosoft.com
 


GIS for Mine Safety.
When an accident happens in an underground mine, management needs to have access to strategic information very quickly. Nearly always maps are available on the walls of the mine office, and hopefully they are up to date. Foremen update the maps at the end of shifts to show progress and changes - such as installation or removal of ventilation stoppings, equipment location, face mining progress, and all the other operations details.

A geographic information system (GIS) can help underground mine operators keep data and maps up to date as well as provide crucial information in the event of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, a GIS can be used to analyze the mine layout for the best places to locate refuge chambers and the safest routes for the prompt evacuation of mine personnel. Refuge chambers can be sited at safe distances from production stopes using a GIS proximity analysis. Data associated with the GIS can ensure that the chambers have adequate capacity and the correct number of first aid kits proportionate to the miner population. Mapping distances and shortest routes to the nearest exit can also be facilitated using GIS software.

As a production analysis tool, GIS can assist production and engineering planners in facilitating the routine challenges of a mining operation. The GIS can help site service facilities relative to the main production centers, help design haulage, provide querying of production areas to determine if there are hazardous conditions that will affect mining or be a danger to the miners. In the planning phase, a GIS can help establish optimal locations for exploration drifts, crosscuts, sublevels, manways, and ventilation shafts. In daily operations, a foreman could use a GIS to plot the shortest path to visit all the working areas in a day and determine the lowest cost path for delivering supplies.

Although GIS has helped mine managers in mine disasters in recent years, this type of software can be used to advantage in everyday operations. Other applications of GIS include managing property information and leases, and assisting with mapping, permitting and reclamation. Two GIS programs are used in the mining and resource industries world wide: ArcGIS from ESRI (www.esri.com)  and MapInfo (www.mapinfo.com).

© 2004 Gibbs Associates