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Advanced Open Pit Design
and Sequencing -
Mine2-4D
Demonstration Guidelines
Edition 1.0
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................1
2 Selling Points................................................................................................................................23 Demonstration Topics...................................................................................................................4
4 Demonstration Procedures............................................................................................................5
4.1 Getting Started (Back)...........................................................................................................6
4.2 Project Setup (Back)..............................................................................................................9
4.3 The Open Pit Design Processes (Back)...............................................................................26
4.3.1 Optimized Block Model Strings Generation................................................................27
4.3.2 Open Pit Design............................................................................................................31
4.3.3 Open Pit Design Strings Preparation............................................................................52
4.3.4 Design Definitions........................................................................................................59
4.4 Data Validation Tools (Back)..............................................................................................78
4.4.1 Design Data Validation.................................................................................................79
4.4.2 Block Model Data Validation.......................................................................................86
4.5 The Planning Process (Back)...............................................................................................90
4.5.1 Planning Preparation.....................................................................................................91
4.5.2 Solids Creation..............................................................................................................98
4.5.3 Evaluation of Solids....................................................................................................106
4.5.4 Sequencing..................................................................................................................111
4.6 Reporting, Object Coloring and 3D Animation (Back).....................................................151
4.6.1 Reporting....................................................................................................................151
4.6.2 Object Coloring...........................................................................................................159
4.6.3 3D Animation.............................................................................................................161
5 Additional Topics.....................................................................................................................169
5.1 Creation of a New Project and User List (Back)...............................................................169
5.2 Definition of Legends........................................................................................................172
5.3 Definition of Cross Sections (Back)..................................................................................176
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1 Introduction
This document is aimed at assisting you in giving an effective demonstration of the software
solution Mine2-4D, used in the process of advanced Open Pit Design and Sequencing. It is
recommended that you acquaint yourself with the items listed below, which form part of the
installed software, demonstration set or additional documentation located on DaDS:
Software
o Mine2-4D version 11.0.1424.0
o Earthworks Production Scheduler 1.0.1417.1
o Help and Tutorials
DemonstrationSet
o Demonstration Guidelines this document (DaDS)
o Case Study (DaDS)
o Data Set (DaDS)
PowerPointPresentations
o Value Proposition (DaDS)
o Sales Presentation (DaDS)
o Technical Presentation (DaDS)
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2 Selling Points
The following list contains some of the major selling points of Mine2-4D as a software
solution for the process of advanced Open Pit Design:
A modern Windows interface containing:
o Graphic (CAD like) environment for 3D interactive design work
o Specialist module for open pit design
o 3D Visualizer
o Output window
Advanced Data Validation tools
Design strings
Block Models
A wide range of tools for automating the following processes:
o Management of parameters
o Data validation
o Open pit design
o Design preparation
o Dependency creation and Sequencing
o Creation of design solids
o Block model Evaluation
o Integration with Earthworks Production Scheduler
o Animations
The ability to use Plugins and Scripts for custom specialist tasks
Data Import and Export for a wide range of data formats and 3D data types
Accessible table formats for all application data
Web Update Service for direct software updating
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Detailed Help and Tutorial Documentation
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3 Demonstration Topics
This demonstration will show you the power and flexibility of the suite of tools, found
within Mine2-4D, which can be used in the process of advanced Open Pit Design and
Sequencing. The demonstration will make use of the ultimate pit block model generated and
exported in the Open Pit Optimization and Scheduling process (created in NPV Scheduler)
for the shallow, hydrothermal Cu-Au deposit. The demonstration will use an existing Project
to show the procedures, graphical and non-graphical tools that are used in the setup of a
project, the construction of an open pit design, the preparation of the design outlines for
planning, the creation and evaluation of the planning solids, the generation of a planning
sequence and the tool available for validation of design and planning data. The completed
example shows a pit design, planning outlines, solids and sequence for the Year 1pit.
It is suggested that you follow the topics below, in the order shown, in order to give an
effective presentation of the various tools (follow the hyperlink, Ctrl + Click, to move to the
Demonstration Procedure for the specific topic). The approximate demonstration time is
shown in brackets.
Getting Started (2 min)
Project Setup (20 min)
The Open Pit Design Process (90 min)
Data Validation Tools (10 min)
The Planning Process (90 min)
Reporting, Object Coloring and 3D Animation (20 min)
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4 Demonstration Procedures
Edition 1.0 5
Please note that all files (*.txt,*.dm) that have a name starting
with a vb (e.g. vb_pitbase.dm) are standard demonstration files
and should NOT be overwritten during the demonstration
process. The demonstration guidelines make use of these standard
files, although you may wish to use files that are created during
the demonstration process.
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4.1 Getting Started (Back)
Overview:
Starting a new open pit design and sequencing exercise may involve either the creation of a
new project or the use of an existing Mine2-4D project. This may include the importing of
external data (e.g. CAD drawings, block models) and the adding of existing Mine2-4D and
Datamine format data files to the project. Please see 5.1 Creation of a New Project and
User List for details on how to create a new project and user list.
Demonstration Procedure:
This demonstration will use the existing Viking Bounty project which is contained within
the project document VikingBounty.m2d. The procedure is as follows:
Working with an Existing Project:
First Time:
1. Start Mine2-4D and select the existing project:
Mine2-4D | Projects dialog | New/Existing tab | Open an Existing Project dialog
box | select Open existing project radio button | clickOKbutton | browse and select
the existing project C:\Database\Integrated Demo\M24D
Projects\VikingBounty_OpenPit \VikingBounty.m2d | clickOpen button
2. Log onto Mine2-4D:
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Mine2-4D Logon dialog | select Username Engineer1 | define Password Engineer1
| tickRemember Password box | clickOKbuttonto continue | in Tip of the Day
dialog clickClose button to complete the logon process
Thereafter:
1. Start Mine2-4D and select the existing project:
Mine2-4D | Projects dialog | Recent tab | select the project Name VikingBounty
(C:\Database\Integrated Demo\M24D Projects\VikingBounty_OpenPit
\VikingBounty.m2d) from the list | clickOKbutton
2. Log onto Mine2-4D:
Mine2-4D Logon dialog | select Username Engineer1 | define Password Engineer1
| tickRemember Password box | clickOKbuttonto continue | in Tip of the Day
dialog clickClose button to complete the logon process
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It is recommended that this project be used for the remainder of
the demonstration as reference is made to parameters and files in
this existing project.
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Window Layout
1. An effective way of laying out the various Mine2-4D windows is shown below:
2. Turn on the Output Window:
Menubar | Window | Output Window
3. Vertically Tile and Maximize the size of the Design window:
Menubar | Window | Tile Vertically
Design Window | select the Maximize Window button in top right corner
Set the Snap Mode to Points
4. Run the Visualizer window external to the Mine2-4D parent window:
Menubar | Tools | Options | Display tab | tickRun visualizer externally | OK
(The Visualizer window will run externally on the next startup)
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4.2 Project Setup (Back)
Overview:
Setting up a project includes the definition of default filenames, parameters and settings that
are specific to the project and that are to be used to guide the different design and planning
processes used within Mine2-4D. Part of the project set up is done at the start of or during
the project work (s), while some of the set up is done only after certain processes have been
completed (a) e.g. the design string types need to be created in the Design process before they
can be defined in the General Setup dialog.
This part of the demonstration will review the existing project setup and add or modify
settings where required. The following setup categories are available:
General s,a
Conventions
o Attributes s
o Properties s
o Naming s
Geology
o Interrogation s,a
o Default Values s
o External Data *
Derived Activities *
Scheduler *
( * = not included in this demonstration)
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Project Setup General
Overview:
The General settings are used to define the Design Strings and Options that are to be used
in the project. The design strings to be used in the project are represented by one or more of
the following standard design string types i.e. Fixed Cross Sectional, Outlines or Complex
Solids (see Notes below for more details). The Options tick-boxes control (switch on/off)
the use of the options listed below:
Create Naming Convention
Create Additional Attributes
Interrogate Geological Model
Create Derived Activities
Create Defined Activities
These options need to be set up using the corresponding vertical menu options availableunder the Project Setup dialog (these are covered in the sections below).
Demonstration Procedure:
This project will make use of all three design string types as well as the options Naming
Convention, Additional Attributes and Interrogate Geological Model. This can be
demonstrated by reviewing the settings in these options.
The procedure for Defining or Reviewing settings is as follows:
1. Open the General Setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Project Setup | General
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2. Review the General project parameters as shown in the tables below (please note that the
design strings will be viewed at a later stage in the demonstration and should preferably
not be shown during the review of the General settings)
Project Design Strings dialog box
Option Setting
Fixed Cross Sectional vb_m4d_pdsgn_fxs
Outlines vb_m4d_pdsgn_out
Complex Solids vb_m4d_pdsgn_cxs
Project Options dialog box:
Option Setting
Create Naming Convention
Create Additional Attributes
Interrogate Geological Model
Create Derived Activities
Create Defined Activities
Project dialog box:
Option Setting
Measurement System Metric
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Notes:
The design string types defined in the Design Strings dialog box can be used to
represent the different Open Pit design elements as follows:
o Trim Blasts:
Fixed Cross Sectionals (FXS)
Defined/Created by applying a fixed cross section perimeter to a design
string (survey line)
o Blasts:
Outlines (OUT)
Created by projecting perimeters a set distance perpendicularly
o Ramps and Temporary Ramps:
Complex Solids (CXS)
Created by pairs of non co-planar perimeters
In a new project, the design files would normally need to be created before being defined
in the General settings dialog
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Project Setup Conventions - Attributes
Overview:
Attributes are descriptors (alpha or numeric) that are added (manually or automatically see
below) to design elements and activities to provide the following:
Extra filtering capabilities for design elements, schedule and reporting
Ability to spatially filter and locate different individual (or groups) design elements
Input into the naming convention for each activity (mining or derived)
Examples of user defined Attributes:
BENCH - bench identifier in the Open Pit environment
Attributes are defined and grouped into the following categories:
Visual Manual
o Added manually by the user to design elements or activity points
o Visual attributes consist ofLinestyle, Color and Symbol (fields LSTYLE,
COLOURand SYMBOL respectively)
Non-Visual Manual
o Added manually by the user to design elements or activity points
o Non-visual attributes are descriptors that can be viewed only by interrogating
or annotating a design element or activity point
Automatic
o Added (imported) automatically from existing 3D Solids or 2D Grids
(perimeters in XY, XZ or YZ planes) files
Scheduler Entered
Model Identifier
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Demonstration Procedure:
This project will make use of the following Attribute types:
Visual Manual - standard attributes: colors, line styles and symbols (defined
during the pit design process and NOT listed here in the
Attributes dialog)
Automatic - user attribute BENCH (numeric - the top of bench
elevation is used as the bench identifier) will be
placed on design elements and activities using perimeters (XZ
plane) stored in the file vb_m4d_grid_xz_bench
This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Attribute settings for the project. The procedure
for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:
1. Open the Attributes setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Attributes
2. Review the existing Attributes as shown in the table below
3. Additional Attributes can be added (if required):
Attributes dialog | Right-click| Add
Define new entry
Use the dropdown list to define Name only afterObject File has been defined
Attributes dialog boxName Alpha Size Application Method Object File Export Type
BENCH Automatic 2D Grid XZ Plane vb_m4d_grid_xz_bench Code Field
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Notes:
Attributes should be applied so that they increase the level of understanding of the
design and add to the quality of information gained from the schedule and reports
The addition of Attributes should be kept to a useful minimum
Excessive use of Attributes can be time consuming (i.e. Mine2-4D processing time is
increased)
Only Attributes defined in the Attributes dialog will be transferred from design
elements to activities undefined Attributes are automatically removed during
processing
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Project Setup Conventions - Properties
Overview:
Properties are descriptors (alpha or numeric) that are added to activities to provide the
following:
Base properties for scheduling and reporting (these 11 properties are: Metres, Area,
Insitu Tonnes, Insitu Volume, Density, Tonnage Factor, Grade Factor, Mined
Tonnes, Mined Volume, Void Volume, Depleted Volume)
User defined properties for scheduling and reporting
Examples of user defined Properties:
ZONE - rock type/ore type indicators
AU, CU - grade fields
NPVSEQ - NPV Scheduler sequence number
Properties can be defined by the following methods: Extracted (during the Interrogate Geological Model process) from a block model
and placed on design elements (and then automatically onto activities during
processing)
Calculated
Edited directly onto design elements
Imported from an external source (e.g. Excel spreadsheet)
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Demonstration Procedure:
This project will extract the following properties from the block model vb_m4d_npvmod1:
Density - field DENSITY in block model
ZONE - rock type code (numeric)
NPVSEQ - NPV Scheduler block sequence number
AU - Gold grade (unit: grams per tonne)
CU - Copper grade (unit: Percent)
This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Properties settings for the project. The procedure
for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:
1. Open the Properties setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Properties
2. Note that the first ten properties listed in the Properties dialog are standard properties
3. Review the existing additional properties (bold text entries as shown in the table below)
4. Additional Properties can be added (if required):
Properties dialog | Right-click| Add
Define new entry
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Properties dialog boxName Units Weight On Inverse Cost Actuals Revenue Evaluated
Metres m None 0 Area m2 None 0
Insitu Tonnes iT None 0
Insitu Volume im3 None 0
Density Tm3 None 0
Tonnage Factor Tfact None 0
Grade Factor Gfact None 0
Mine Tonnes miT None 0
Mined Volume mim3 None 0
Void Volume vm3 None 0
ZONE ZInsitu
Volume 0
NPVSEQ SInsitu
Volume 0
AU gt Density 0
CU Percent Density 0
Depleted Volume Dm3 None 0
Additional automatic Properties
Properties dialog box
Option SettingInclude Depletion fields
Notes:
Base Properties cannot be deleted or modified
Reserved Datamine and Mine2-4D field names e.g. SEQUENCE, M4DNUM, M4DSID,
M4DDESC, M4DSEQ, SEGMENT cannot be used for Property (or Attribute) names
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Project Setup Conventions - Naming
Overview:
The addition of a Naming Convention to activities provides the following abilities:
Enhanced design element filtering
Filtering and location of individual activities
Enhanced data sorting and filtering
Application in data manipulation
Enhanced levels of reporting
Distinguishing similar types of development from different areas in the scheduler
A Naming Convention is defined by using the following method:
Concatenation of existing design element Attributes and additional user defined
delimiters
Demonstration Procedure:
This project will use a combination of Mine2-4D attributes, user Attributes (BENCH) and
delimiters, to define a Naming Convention for the activities which is 15 character long and
has the format B***_*_******** .
This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Naming Convention settings for the project. The
procedure for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:
1. Open the Naming setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Conventions | Naming
2. Review the existing Naming Convention construction as shown in the table below
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3. Additional Naming items can be added (if required):
Attributes dialog | Right-click| Add
Define new entries
Change the order of the entries using the Up/Down arrows on the right
Naming dialog boxField Naming Convention
Name Text From To From ToDELIMITER B 1 1
BENCH 1 3 2 4
DELIMITER _ 5 5M4DDESC 1 1 6 6
DELIMITER _ 7 7
SEGMENT 3 10 8 15
Notes:
The Naming Convention string has a limit of 20 characters in total length
Attributes (Mine2-4D and user defined) should generally be separated by delimiters
Each Delimiters entry is limited to 1 character (Text column) in length
A concatenated sequence of 1 character Delimiters can be defined to create a multiple
character Delimiter set e.g. _B as used in the demonstration example above
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Project Setup Geology - Interrogation
Overview:
The Interrogation process is typically set up as a sequence of block model interrogations
(evaluations) and depletions. The setup dialog provides a means of defining this sequence
using a set of rules. The following points are important in order to set up a correct
Interrogation/Depletion sequence:
The block model that is output from a particular Action may be altered by that Action
(e.g. Depletion) and becomes input to the next instance of the use of that block model
The sequence of entries is relevant to producing correct results when design elements
deplete/interrogate the block model(s) e.g. prevention of repeat evaluation of already
mined-out blocks
Subcelling (relative to the block model parent cell size) determines the accuracy of
Interrogation/Depletion results
The Interrogation process is controlled by the following Filter Types:
Design Type - evaluation by different design type elements
Attributes - evaluation by attributes defined under Attributes
Description - evaluation by descriptions defined in Design Definition
Filter - evaluation by filters defined for the current project
Demonstration Procedure:
This project will use the Filter Type option DESIGN TYPE to sequentially
Interrogate/Deplete the block model vb_m4d_npvmod1 in the following order:
1. Ramps and Temporary Ramps (CXS)
2. Blasts (OUT)
3. Trim Blasts (FXS)
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This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Interrogation settings for the project. The
procedure for defining or reviewing settings is as follows:
1. Open the Geology - Interrogation setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Geology | Interrogation
2. Review the existing Interrogation and Depletion activities (as shown in the table below)
3. Additional Interrogation/Depletion activities can be added (if required):
Interrogation/Depletion dialog | Right-click| Add
Define a new entry
If prompted to report depleted volumes, select Yes
Interrogation/Depletion dialog box
Order Action Model Filter Type Filter Value Subcelling1 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Complex Solids -
2 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Complex Solids 10
3 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Outlines -
4 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Outlines 10
5 Interrogate vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Fixed Cross Sectionals -
6 Deplete vb_m4d_npvmod1 DESIGN TYPE Fixed Cross Sectionals 10
Interrogation/Depletion dialog box
Option SettingLegend to use during interrogation
Perform Dilution Calculations
Overwrite Original Model with Depleted Model
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Notes:
Legends can be used during the interrogation process e.g. a Grade Category legend could
be used to provide block model evaluations according to different grade categories (see
5.2 Definition of Legends for details)
When checked (recommended option), the Perform Dilution Calculations option treats
the block model void volume as waste material with no grade
The system has the ability to utilize multiple block models, rotated and un-rotated
Advanced depletion techniques can be used to properly report mined tonnages and fill
mining(e.g. backfilling to create a temporary access ramp or dump)
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Project Setup Geology Default Values
Overview:
The Default Values dialog is used to define default values for the following:
Density
Density Units
Evaluation Properties (e.g. ZONE, AU, CU)
Demonstration Procedure:
This project will use a default density of 0.000001iT/m3 and a value of 0 for the other
Properties (Important: See Notes below). This default density value is used if no DENSITY
field exists in the block model and when design elements are evaluated against the block
model in void volume areas. When present in the block model, the density value in the
DENSITY field is used in evaluations.
This can be demonstrated by reviewing the Default Values settings for the project. The
procedure for defining or reviewing Defaults is as follows:
1. Define the Density and Evaluation Property Defaults:
o Vertical Menu | Project Setup | Geology | Default Values
o Define/Review the values as shown in the tables below
Density and Evaluation Property Defaults dialog
No Name Density ZONE NPVSEQ Au Cu0 0.000001 0 0 0 0
Density and Evaluation Property Defaults dialog
Option SettingModel Density Unit iT/m3
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Notes:
The Density value needs to be 0 (in this case it is set to 0.00001 as the dialog
doesnt accept a 0 value) so the design is evaluated correctly. Some of the design outlines
and the derived solids (only Blasts and Temporary Ramps are affected) that are created in
the Open Pit Design and Planning Processes extend above the surface of the block model.
These portions of the volumes should be assigned a zero Tonnage; this is achieved by
using the zero Density value in the entry
Project Setup Geology External Data
Overview:
The External Data dialog is used to define connections to external data sources that provide
Interrogation information about design elements. This information is then used in the
evaluation tables instead of values obtained from the Mine2-4D Interrogation.
Demonstration Procedure:
This option will not be used. A block model will be Interrogated to obtain Evaluation results.
1. Complete this portion of the demonstration by closing the Project Setup dialog
In the Project Setup dialog | select Cancel button
In the Exit Project Setup without saving message dialog | select Yes button
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4.3 The Open Pit Design Processes (Back)
Overview:
The design of an open pit (interim and final pits) and its various components (Ramps, Faces
and Berms) is generally guided by the limits of an existing pit shell. This pit shell may have
been derived from a pit optimization and scheduling exercise using a pit optimization
program e.g. NPV Scheduler. The output from this optimization process can either be a
wireframe surface or a block model (more commonly used).
The open pit design processes within Mine2-4D facilitate the creation of the open pit design
strings (ramps, crests and toes) and then the alteration of this data to fit within the general
Mine2-4D framework.
The overall procedure for generating an open pit design and preparing it for the Mine2-4D
Planning Process is as follows:
1. Generate optimized block model (limit) strings
2. Design practical pit
3. Convert design strings to fixed cross sectionals, outlines and complex solids
4. Connect the design to the Mine2-4D design definitions
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4.3.1 Optimized Block Model Strings Generation
Overview:
The Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard is designed to step the user through the
process of converting the imported optimized block model into a set of outline strings. These
outline strings can then be used in conjunction with the block model coloring (using
Legends, see 5.2 Definition of Legends for details) to guide the pit design process.
Demonstration Procedure:
This project will use the block model field TOTAL_TB (NPV Scheduler period number that
indicates in what latest period a block/cell is scheduled to be mined) to group together blocks
falling within Year 1 to indicate the limits for the pit design process.
The procedure for importing the optimized block model and generating the outline strings
and Legend(s) is as follows:
1. Start the Model Preparation process
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Model Preparation
2. Use the filename and parameters as shown in the table below
Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog 1Option Setting
Block Model File vb_m4d_npvmod1
Source NPV Scheduler
3. Review the Block Model Statistics (dialog 2) information as shown below and then
select Next to move to the next dialog
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4. In the Generate Color Legends dialog (dialog 3) as shown below
tickLegend for the TOTAL_TB field
tickPerimeters for the TOTAL_TB field
tickthe Manually Edit Legends option and then select Next
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5. In the Generate Block Model Slice Strings dialog (dialog 4), set the slicing parameters
as shown in the table below and then select Next to move to the next dialog
Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog 4
Option SettingStart Elevation -50
Bench Height 20
No. Benches 16
Bench Range 320
Trace Method Join Cell Corners
6. In the final Open Pit Block Model Preparation Wizard dialog (dialog 5) select the
Finishbutton to move to the Legend Definition dialog
7. In the Legend Definition dialog, modify the parameters for the OpenPit_TOTAL_TB
legend to include only two entries
Delete the rows 3 5 (last three rows) using Left-click+ Drag | Right-click | Delete
Current | Yes to delete selected multiple rows
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Define the parameters for the two entries as shown below
8. In the Legend Definition dialog, select the Save button to save the newly created legend
9. In the Legend Definition dialog, select Exit button to execute the model preparation
process
10. The Model Preparation process will then complete automatically and Mine2-4D will
return to the Open Pit tab on completion
Notes:
The model preparation (model slicing) process generates mid bench (mid model
block [parent cell] elevation) pseudo-strings (pseudo-perimeters) that are used for
visually guiding the design process. These pseudo-strings cannot be selected or edited
in the Design window
These pseudo-strings are not saved and need to be regenerated for each session of
Mine2-4D if they are to be used (optional) by the user in the design process
The import process overwrites the existing edited legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB each
time that the Model Preparation process is run
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4.3.2 Open Pit Design
Overview:
The Open Pit Design tab options provide the following functionality:
Definition of different sets ofProjection Setup parameters
Definition of different sets ofRoad Setup parameters
Automated generation of Ramp, Berm and Face design strings
The Projection Setup parameters can be defined in one of three ways:
Fixed - Face angle and Berm width constant for the pit
Variable - Face angle and Berm width varies by azimuth and elevation
Model - Berm width constant, Face angle values from model field SLOPE
Demonstration Procedures:
The pit design tools and procedures can be demonstrated by generating the design for the
bottom three benches of the Year 1 Pit (as a backup, if required, the design strings for
these benches are saved in the file vb_m4d_pdsign_b80-120) . The design will use the
Bottom Up method, starting at a Toe elevation of 60m. The open pit design process will be
guided by coloring the block model using the Legend OpenPit_NPVSEQ (and not by using
the pseudo-strings generated in the previous step). The existing set ofFixed Projection and
Road parameters saved under the name Pit1, will be used to define the default parameters.
An existing pit design for the total Year 1 Pit vb_m4d_pdsign_Year1 will be used to
complete the demonstration and also for the follow-on Open Pit Design Process steps.
The Bottom Up construction method includes the following general steps:
Load and color the pit shell block model
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Digitize or load the pit design base string (closed perimeter) for the bottom bench
Construct a Road Segment (i.e. Ramp to next bench)
Edit the base string to accommodate the road entrance (if required)
Construct a Road Contour at the top elevation of the road segment
Construct a Berm (with/without Tapering)
Edit the Berm string (move out to the pit shell limit; create switchback entrance space)
Repeat above steps where required
The procedures for reviewing the Projection Setup and Road Setup parameters and creating
the pit design are as follows:
Define Projection Setup parameters
1. Start the Projection Setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group |
Projection Setup button
2. Review the parameters as shown in the table below
Projection Parameters dialog
Option SettingSave Pit1
Fixed
Face Angle 85
Berm Width 20
Berm Color 3Bench Color 4
Taper Berms Inside
Inside Taper Distance 100
Taper Berms Outside
Outside Start Distance 100
Percentage of Road Width to Taper 100
3. A New set of Projection Parameters (if required) can be defined as follows
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Select button New and define anew name
Select one of the options from the buttons Fixed, Variable orModel
Define the relevant parameters
Select the OKbutton to save the parameters
Define Road Setup parameters
1. Start the Road Setup dialog
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group | Road
Setup button
2. Review the parameters as shown in the table below
Road Parameters dialog
Option SettingSave Pit1
Fixed
Gradient 10 %
Width 20Road Color 5
3. A New set of Road Parameters (if required) can be defined as follows
Select button New and define anew name
Define the relevant parameters
Select the OKbutton to save changes
Define Interactive Expansion settings
1. Open the Interactive Pit Expansion dialog
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Designbutton group | Pit
Expansion button | Settings tab
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(Note that the block model defined in the previous step has been loaded, set to the
minimum mid bench (block model) elevation (-50m) and colored according to the
Legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB)
2. Review the parameters as shown in the table below
Interactive Expansion Parameters dialog
Option SettingExpansion Method Bottom Up
Design Type Pit
Initial Elevation 60
Auto Check Crossovers
Auto Condition Bench and Berm strings
Legend OpenPit_TOTAL_TB
Perimeter Filter
Fill Perimeters
3. Set the Design window Snap Mode to Points (if not already set - the default is normally
Snap to Grid)
Design window | Right-click | Snap to Points
Notes:
Any block model or string data loaded before the Define Interactive Expansionsettings step, will be cleared from the Design window when this option is run
The bench numbering convention uses the top of bench (crest) elevation to name the
bench e.g. Bench 120 has a crest elevation of 120m
Do not select the Apply >>> button the pseudo strings are not used in this
demonstration to guide the open pit design process
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Create Bench 80 - Pit Base, Ramp and Crest strings
Step 1a Load Pit Base String
1. Load the previously created pit base string (perimeter) into the Design window
Design window | Right-click | Load | Strings
select vb_m4d_pdsign_base from the File Browser list
In the Filter Strings dialog | select OKbutton
2. Set the Design window Current Elevation to 60m In the Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab
Set Current Elevation to 60 using Arrows or Reset to Initial button
3. Zoom into the area of the pit base string Orange (3) and move the pit so that it is just
right of centre in the Design window
Zoom In button | Define zoom window
Pan Graphics button | Move the view slightly to the right
4. Lay out the Mine2-4D windows to obtain a good view of both the Interactive Pit
Expansion dialog and the Design window as shown below
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5. The diagram below shows the results of this step
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Step 1b Create Bench 80 Ramp
1. Select the base string in the Design window
Design window | Left-clickon base string
2. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 1. (see diagram Step1a. above), going to the west
and outside of the base string (Note the messages in the Design window instruction
dialog- bottom right)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Create Road group | Create button
Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to point)(see diagram Step1a. above)
Select Ramp Direction at Point 2. (see diagram Step1a. above)
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
1. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the green Ramp string
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Step 1b.
Step 1c Create Bench 80 Crest
1. Create the Crest string using Project Bench and the Contour Method
The Toe (base) string should still be selected (highlighted yellow)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Project Bench group | Project button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
2. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the yellow Crest string
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Step 1c.
Create Bench 100 - Toe, Ramp and Crest strings
Step 2a Create Bench 100 Toe
1. The Bench 80 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step
2. Create the initial Bench 100 Toe string using Expand Berm (no Fillet option)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | Expand button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
Step 2b Edit Bench 100 Toe
3. Edit the Toe string points to incorporate the green Year 1 model blocks as shown below
Move Point 1. out to the corner of the red block (approx X=5790 Y=5000) (This step
is important in that it prevents the Bench 100 Ramp string from going around this
corner of the pit in an easterly direction)
Insert a new point at Point 2.
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Step 2b.
Step 2c Create Bench 100 Ramp
4. The Bench 100 Toe string should still be selected
5. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 3. (see diagram Step2b. above)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Create Road group | Create button
Select Start point of Ramp at Point 3. (snap to top inside corner of the previous
Ramp)(see diagram Step2b. above)
Select Ramp Direction at approximately Point 4. (see diagram Step2b. above)
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
6. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the green Ramp string
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Step 2c.
Step 2d Create Bench 100 Crest
3. Create the Crest string using Project Bench and the Contour Method
The Toe (base) string should still be selected (highlighted yellow)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Project Bench group | Project button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
4. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the yellow Crest string
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Step 2d.
Create Bench 120 - Toe, Ramp and Crest strings
Step 3a Create Bench 120 Toe
1. The Bench 100 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step
2. Create the initial Bench 120 Toe string using Expand Berm (no Fillet option)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | Expand button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
3. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the orange Toe string
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Step 3a.
Step 3b Create Bench 120 Ramp
4. The Bench 120 Toe string should still be selected
5. Create the Ramp string starting at Point 1. (see diagram Step3a. above)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Create Road group | Create button
Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to top inside corner of the previous
Ramp)(see diagram Step3a. above)
Select Ramp Direction at approximately Point 2. (see diagram Step2b. above)
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
6. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the green Ramp string
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Step 3b.
Step 3c Edit Bench 120 Toe
7. Set the Design window Current Elevation to 100m
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab
Set Current Elevation to 100 using Arrows
8. Edit the Toe string points to create a flat area for the Ramp switchback as shown below
Move Point 1. to the outside bottom corner of the Bench 120 Ramp
Move point Point 2. northwards
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Step 3c.
Step 3d Create Bench 120 Crest
5. Create the Crest string using Project Bench and the Contour Method
The Toe (base) string should still be selected (highlighted yellow)
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Project Bench group | Project button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
View results in 3D: Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects
6. The diagram below shows the results of this step including the yellow Crest string
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Step 3d.
Create Bench 140 using Additional Automation and Conditioning tools
The Berm-Ramp-Face creation cycle can be automated (if applicable) and additional string
conditioning (i.e. rounding of corners) can be applied to the design strings by ticking the
appropriate options in the Settings and Design tab. This can be demonstrated by selecting the
required conditioning and automate options and then creating one extra bench (Bench 140)
with an anti-clockwise ramp.
1. Set the conditioning options:
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Settings tab | TickAuto Condition Bench and Berm
strings after creation
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | TickAuto Fillet
box
2. The Current Elevation should still be at 120 (Important - Reset if required using the
menu arrows)
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3. The Bench 120 Crest string should still be selected from the previous step (Reselect if
required)
4. Create the initial Bench 140 Toe string using Expand Berm
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Expand Berm group | Expand button
Redraw the display using the toolbar button
5. Generate a single anti-clockwise Ramp-Bench-Berm string set, in one step, by using
Auto Generate
Interactive Pit Design dialog | Design tab | Auto Generate button (on right side of
dialog)
Select Start point of Ramp at Point 1. (snap to the previous Berm)(see diagram Step4.
below)
In the Auto Expand dialog | No. Expansions 1
In the Auto Expand dialog | Road Direction group | select Anti-Clockwise
In the Auto Expand dialog | OKbutton
Please note:
The Design window instruction dialog (bottom right) may prompt for a base
string if not already selected
The Design window instruction dialog (bottom right) may prompt for a start point
(Point 1.) and direction for the Ramp (Point 2.) (see diagram Step4. below)
The creation of the Ramp-Bench-Berm set may take a few seconds
6. View the results in the Visualizer
Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects
7. Noting the following (shown in diagram Step 4. below):
The rounded Toe (Berm) and Crest (Bench) strings for Bench 140m
The rounded Toe string for Bench 160m
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Step 4.
8. Remove these design strings when finished with this step
Design window | Right-click | Erase | All Strings | Yes
View the Completed Example
The pit design process can require the use of a combination of conditioning options and
Expansion Methods (Bottom Up, Top Down) and the use of various design string colors to
represent the different pit design elements. The use of different colors, linestyles and symbols
on the design strings provides flexibility in later steps during the Open Pit Design Process.
This is illustrated in the completed pit design for the Year 1 interim pit for the Viking Bounty
project.
1. Load the completed pit design strings for Year 1 into the Design window (see diagram
below) and view the design strings in the Visualizer without the block model slice visible
Design window | Right-click | Load | Strings | Yes
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select vb_m4d_pdsign_year1 from the File Browser list
In the Filter Strings dialog select OK
Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects
Visualizer window | Model Planes | Make Hidden
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Completed Example - Pit Design Year1
2. Note the following characteristics:
Lower Benches (Benches 80, 100, 120)
o Designed using the Top-Down method
o String colors:
Ramps are green (5)
Crests are yellow (4)
Toes are orange (3)
Upper benches (Benches 140, 160, 180, 200)
o Designed using the Bottom-Up method
o String colors:
Temporary Ramps are cyan (5)
Crests are blue (7)
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Toes are magenta (8)
3. View the design strings against the block model cells and note their positions relative to
the blocks falling within Year1 (green) and the remaining blocks within the Ultimate Pit
(red). The grey blocks fall outside the Ultimate Pit limits (see diagram below the view
is looking down and to the north-east).
Design window | Right-click | Settings | Visualizer tab | tickModel Cells | OK
Design window | Right-click | Update Visualizer Objects
Visualizer window | Model Planes | Make Hidden
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Notes:
The design strings would generally be validated at this stage before moving onto the next
step
The crest and toe strings from the upper benches have been colored differently to those
from the lower benches so as to distinguish between different design type requirements
for the next Open Pit Design Strings Preparation step
Creating separate Ore and Waste outlines on each Bench would provide extra flexibility
when defining design string types and their mining attributes
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4.3.3 Open Pit Design Strings Preparation
Overview:
The next step in the Open Pit Design Process requires that the design strings be converted
into standard perimeters or Pit Design String Types that can be recognized by the Mine2-4D
Planning processes. These fall into one of the following three categories, as outlined under
Project Setup:
Fixed Cross Sectionals (FXS)
Outlines (OUT)
Complex Solids (CXS)
The generation of the Outlines is aided by the use of a plan-view grid which allows the large
areas, defined by the Crest/Toe strings, to be subdivided into smaller areas approximating the
size of the required mining unit to be used in Sequencing and Scheduling. The Design
Strings are converted into the corresponding Pit Design String Types as follows:
Ramps and Temporary Ramps > Complex Solids
Crests of the upper benches > Outlines (Blasts)
Crests of the lower benches > Outline and Fixed Cross Sectionals (Blasts
and Trim Blasts respectively)
The Open Pit Preparation menu provides the following options:
Grid Generation
Preparation (i.e. creation of OUT, FXS, CXS string types)
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Demonstration Procedures:
Grid Generation
The Grid Generation menu allows the user to create (and save to file) 2D grids (a set of
closed rectangular perimeters) by defining (dialog or interactively in the Design window) a
Base Point, grid Size, grid Extents and the number of grids in each of the X and Y directions.
This can be demonstrated by creating a grid (each grid block represents 48,000m3) and
saving it to file. The procedure for creating a grid and saving it to file is as follows:
1. Open the Generate Grid dialog
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit tab | Preparation group | Generate Gridbutton
2. Define the grid parameters as shown in the table below and then select OKbutton to
generate and load the grid strings into the Design window
Generate Grid dialog box
Option SettingBase Azimuth 90
X Y
Base Point 5660 4700
Size 60 40Number 11 14
Extents 660 autocalc 560 autocalcX Attribute
Y Attribute
Output Grid Name GridLoad Grid on Completion
Close form on Completion
3. Note that the grid extends just beyond the X and Y extents of the Design Strings
4. Save the grid to a temporary file
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Design Strings Preparation
The Pit Preparation dialog provides the ability to set up rules which are used to guide the
creation of the FXS, OUT and CXS design string types from the design strings. This
process also creates an initial set ofdesign definitions. The generation of the OUT strings is
facilitated by use of the relevant grid files. The Pit Preparation rules make use of the design
string colors to define a unique rule for generating each design string type. The following
Pit Preparation Rule options are available (Please see the Help document for graphical
examples of each rule):
Grid Cutting and Trim
Grid Cutting
Outline
Outline and Trim
Road Wedge
Temporary Road Wedge
Generate Road CL
It is important to note that each different design string element (e.g. Ramp, TempRamp,
Blast1, Blast2, Trim) requires a unique color (not color-linestyle-symbol combination as used
elsewhere) so that a unique rule can be set up for each of the different design string elements.
The Year 1 pit contains differently colored Crest/Toe strings for the upper benches than in
the lower benches as the lower benches require the creation of Blasts and Trim Blasts (using
Grid Cutting and Trim option) , while the upper benches only require the creation of Blasts
(using Grid Cutting option). Ramps and Temporary Ramps are also treated differently in that
Ramps comprise only an upper wedge (to be mined out) while Temporary Ramps comprise
an upper and a lower wedge (both are to be mined out).
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This can be demonstrated by reviewing the existing set of Pit Preparation rules and design
strings reviewed in section 4.3.2 Open Pit Design (these design strings should still be
displayed in the Design window). Only the rules will be reviewed it is strongly suggested
that the Pit Preparation process is NOT run (i.e. do not select the Pit Preparation dialog OK
button after reviewing the rules) as the existing Design Definitions and FXS, OUT and CXS
strings would be replaced (see Notes below).
The procedure for Reviewing / Defining rules is as follows:
1. Open the Pit Preparation dialog
Vertical Menu | Design | Open Pit | Open Pit tab | Preparationbutton
2. Review the existing rules (as shown in the table below)
Access the Settings dialog by selecting (Double-click) the relevant rows Setting cell
in the Pit Preparation dialog
3. Additional Rules can be added (if required):
Pit Preparation dialog | Right-click| Add
Define new entry and Settings details
Access the Settings dialog by selecting (Double-click) the relevant rows Setting cell
in the Pit Preparation dialog
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Pit Preparation dialogOption Setting
Design on Screen Specified File vb_m4d_pdsig_year1Rule No. Color Rule Setting Value1 7 Grid Cutting Design Type Pit
Height 20
Grid File vb_m4d_grid_out
Outline Description Blast1
Outline Position Top
2 4 Grid Cutting and Trim Design Type Pit
Height 20
Grid File vb_m4d_grid_out
Trim Width 10
FXS Shape Trim_10mFXS Description Trim
Outline Description Blast2
FXS Segment Length 100
Outline Position Top
3 6 Temporary Road Wedge Design Type Pit
CXS Description TRamp
4 5 Road Wedge Design Type Pit
CXS Description Ramp
Option SettingFXS Output vb_m4d_pdsign_fxs
OUT Output vb_m4d_pdsign_out
CXS Output vb_m4d_pdsign_cxs
Road CL Design_RoadCL
4. Close the Pit Preparation dialog
Select the Cancel button at the bottom of the Pit Preparation dialog
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Regenerating the FXS, OUT and CXS strings (Not for Demonstration)
1. After defining the required Pit Preparation rules, start the Pit Preparation processing
Pit Preparation dialog | OKbutton
(Selecting the OKbutton also Saves any changes made to the Rules)
Select Yes in the WARNING This process will automatically delete all of
your current Design Definitions. This project already has message dialog
2. (If the Open Pit Preparation is run for the first time or run after the design strings have
been altered: This processing may take anything between 10s of seconds to a few minutes
depending on the speed of the computer. Each of the four Rules is processed in sequence
and is highlighted in the Pit Preparation dialog as it is being processed. The Grid Cutting
processing is displayed in the Design window while the processing of the other Rules is
not visible to the user)
3. Select No in the Would you like to open the design definitions dialog message
dialog
Notes:
Why not rerun the Pit Preparation process?
o FXS, OUT and CXS have been edited, rerunning will replace these strings
with unedited strings
o The FXS string types (representing the Trim Blasts on Benches 80 -120)
would initially have had a color yellow (4) after being created by the Pit
Preparation process; their color has been changed to red (2) for visualization
purposes (i.e. both strings and Design Definitions have been edited)
o In creating the demonstration, certain Outlines have been combined in order
to remove excessively small outlines examples can be seen on the south
western edge of the Bench 140 outlines
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The selection of the Outline Position (i.e. Top, Centre or Bottom) can have an effect
on the volume (and tonnage) calculations for outlines along the outside of the pit
perimeter for face angles
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4.3.4 Design Definitions
Overview:
The next step in the Open Pit Design Process is the creation ofdesign definitions and then
their application to the corresponding design string types (i.e. FXS, OUT and CXS strings).
The main function of the Design Definitions menu is to provide a fast and robust means of
ensuring that the design string types are formatted with Visual and Non-Visual Attributes in
a consistent and organized manner.
Mine2-4D automates a great deal of the mine design process by using string attributes to
define different open pit excavation types (Blasts, Ramps, Temporary Ramps, Trims). The
different FXS, OUT and CXS strings are differentiated by using unique combinations of
color, linestyle and symbol, to which are added design attributes. This unique list of color-
linestyle-symbol string types and their associated design attributes (and other properties)
make up the design definitions. These definitions then give the user the ability to
automatically apply design attributes to the new or modified string a potentially large time-saving facility.
The design definitions are managed by separation into three tabs i.e. FXS, OUT and CXS.
On entering the design definitions, Mine2-4D will list all the unique combinations of color,
linestyle and symbol found in the three design string types files. The general procedure for
working with design definitions is as follows:
Create design definitions (first time)
Edit design definitions (Add, Edit settings, Delete)
Edit design string types (Edit Attributes, Erase)
Connect design definitions and design string types
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The Design Definitions | Connect tab provides the following options:
Design Definitions - access to the Design Definitions dialog
Generate Design Definitions - generation of visual attributes for design string
types using its non-visual attributes as a legend
Modify Definition Descriptions - renaming of FXS, OUT and CXS Descriptions
The Design Definitions dialog offers the following abilities:
Add and Edit definitions
Edit the Attributes of design string types
Filter design string types based on selected item within the Design Definitions list
The Connect
A X-Sectional Tool to facilitate the generation of cross sections (see 5.3 X-Sectional
Tool for details).
Demonstration Procedures:
This can be demonstrated by Reviewing the existing Design Definitions and FXS, OUT and
CXS strings; showing examples of the Filtering, Editing and Connecting functionality.
Suggested window layout
The layout shown in the diagram below will allow both the Design Definitions dialog and the
Design window to be viewed at the same time. Note that the Design Definitions window has
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been reduced in size by dragging the right edge towards the left (it stops at a fixed minimum
distance).
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Creation and Viewing of Design Definitions
The procedure for reviewing the design definitions is as follows:
1. Open the Design Definitions dialog and view the design string types at the same time
Vertical Menu | Design | Design Definitions | Connect tab | Connect to Definitions
group | Design Definitionsbutton
In the Clear Design Window dialog | tickView Design strings while editing Design
Definition box | select Yes button
2. Lay out the Design Definitions dialog and Design window as shown in above diagram
3. The design definitions are initially displayed for the FXS string types; their
corresponding red (2) strings are shown in the Design window
4. In the Design Definitions dialog FXS tab, each entry has a unique set of Linking
Attributes (Color, Linestyle, Symbol) shown on the left and its associated design
Properties and Scheduling, Segment and Advanced settings shown to the right (use
bottom scrollbar to view settings hidden on the far right)
5. A perspective view of the strings in the Design window gives a good idea of how the
different design string types are represented
In the View Control Toolbar | select the View Orientation button
In the View Orientation dialog (top left corner of the Design window) | set Azi = 30 |
set Dip = -75 | select OKto set the new view
Use the Previous View button to toggle between Plan and Perspective views
6. The Design Definitions and their corresponding sets of strings for the OUT and CXS
design string types can be viewed by selecting the relevant tabs in the Design Definitions
dialog (the corresponding strings are automatically loaded when the tab is selected)
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7. Review the settings for each of the FXS, OUT and CXS design string types as shown in
the tables below, with the focus on the Properties settings
Design Definitions dialog - Fixed Cross Sectionals
inking Attributes Settings Value
COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No.
2 _____ 1001 202 1
PropertiesDescription Trim
Type Normal
Orientation Vertical
X Sectional Shape Trim_10m
Width 10
Height 20
Density
Scheduling
Constraint ASAP
Rate 1,250,000iT/mo
Segment
Distance 100
Advanced
Increments
Dumping
Exclude
Table Notes:
The horizontal rows in the Design Definitions dialog are represented in the tables by
a combination of horizontal rows for each Linking Attributes set and unique
Properties (OUT and CXS strings only) and a corresponding column of settings and
their values some sets may have identical attributes (these are listed in the column)
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The Properties Orientation value Vertical ensures that the cross section is
orientated vertically relative to the guiding string
The Properties X Sectional Shape is using the custom cross section Trim_10m
The Scheduling Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)
o Derived from the Total Rock mining rate target defined in NPV Scheduler
(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)
o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo
The Segment Distance value of 100m controls the length for each Trim
Each set ofTrims is represented by a single red (2) control string; Crest elevation of
each Bench, outer limit hence the 5m offset in the Trim_10m cross section
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Design Definitions dialog - Outlines
Linking Attributes Settings Value
COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No.Description
4 _____ 1001 203 1 Blast2
7_____ 1001
202 2 Blast1
PropertiesHeight 20
Position Top
Density
SegmentDistance 0
Schedule
Constraint ASAP
Rate 1,250,000iT/mo
Advanced
Options
Exclude
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Table Notes:
The Properties Height value 20 indicates that the Blast / Bench Height is 20m
The Properties Position value Top indicates that the Outlines represent the blast
crest position (other options include Centre and Bottom)
The Segment Distance value is 0 and indicates that each Outline is treated as one
entity and is not subdivided into smaller subunits or Segments
The Scheduling Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)
o Derived from the Total Rock mining rate target defined in NPV Scheduler
(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo
Grayed-out settings have not been listed here and are indicated by the symbol
Each Blast is represented by a single closed string at the 20m Bench Crest elevation
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Design definitions dialog - Complex Solids
Linking Attributes Settings Value
COLOUR LSTYLE SYMBOL No. Descrip. Type
5 ___ 1001 210 1 Ramp
Open Pit
Ramp
5 ___ 1001 211 2
5 ___ 1001 212 3
6 ___ 1001 202 4
OpenPit
Temp
Ramp
6 ___ 1001 203 5
6 ___ 1001 204 6
6 ___ 1001 205 7
6 ___ 1001 206 8
6 ___ 1001 207 9
6 ___ 1001 208 10
6 ___ 1001 209 11
PropertiesDensity
Constraint ASAP
Rate 1,250,000iT/mo
Strings /
Segment0
String
Attribute
Exclude
Table Notes:
The Properties Height value 20 indicates that the Blast / Bench Height is 20m
The Properties Position value Top indicates that the Outlines represent the blast
crest position (other options include Centre and Bottom)
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The Properties (Scheduling) Rate value is set to 1,250,000iT/mo (i.e. monthly)
o Derived from the Total Rock mining rate target defined in NPV Scheduler
(15,000,000 tpa for Year 1)
o Rate = (15,000,000 / 12)iT/mo
The Segment Distance value is 0 and indicates that each Outline is treated as one
entity and is not subdivided into smaller subunits or Segments
Grayed-out settings have not been listed here and are indicated by the symbol
Each Ramp is represented by a pair of strings forming the top and bottom surface of
a wedge (the lower portion is not mined, the largest vertical dimension in each wedge
is 20m)
Each Temporary Ramp is represented by a two pairs of strings forming the top and
bottom surface of a complimentary set of wedges (both the upper and lower wedges
are mined, the largest vertical dimension in each wedge is 20m)
Notes:
The process of creating the design definitions list is repeated each time that the
Design Definitions dialog is opened (i.e. the FXS, OUT and CXS strings are
interrogated for any changes; modified or new strings are added to this list)
The FXS string types (representing the Trim Blasts on Benches 80 -120) would
initially have had a color yellow (4) after being created by the Pit Preparation process
in the last step; their color has been changed to red (2) for visualization purposes
In creating the demonstration, certain Outlines have been combined in order to
remove excessively small outlines examples can be seen on the south western edge
of the Bench 140 outlines
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Design Definitions and Filters
You can view any strings with a unique definition, on their own in the Design window, by
using Filters. The Filterbuttons and checkboxes are located in the Design group in the
lower portion of the Design Definitions dialog as highlighted in the diagram below.
This functionality can be demonstrated by filtering different CXS strings.
The procedure for using Filters is as follows:
1. To view strings of a particular definition
In the Design Definitions dialog | select the CXS tab
Set the view in the Design window to the perspective view by using the Previous
View or View Orientation toolbar buttons (see procedure in previous section)
Select the relevant entry in the CXS Design Definitions table by selecting the No. cell
Select the Apply Button
Select the Remove All Filters button to remove the filter and view all strings
Multiple definitions can be selected using Left-click+Drag and then filtered
2. Strings can also be filtered using the automatic Zoom and Change options
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Checkthat the Auto Zoombox is ticked
Tick the Auto Change box
Sequentially select entries in the CXS Design Definitions table
(This combination of options is useful when the user needs to perform visual checks
on a long list of strings. Unticking the Auto Zoom option allows the user to view the
string(s) in its relative fixed position)
When finished filtering, untick the Auto Change box and select the Remove Filters
button
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Editing Design Definitions
1. Additional definitions can be added (if required):
Design Definitions dialog | relevant tab | Right-click| Add Record orInsert
Record
Define new entry and Settings details
2. Definitions can be Deleted
In the Design Definitions table | Right-clickon relevant entry | Delete Current
3. Definitions can be Edited by selecting the required entry and editing the relevant settings
In the FXS tab | change the color for the Trims from red (2) to magenta (8)
4. The Addition, Editing or Deletion of definitions requires that the definitions be Saved in
order that these changes are stored for future use
In the Design Definitions dialog
Select the Save button (bottom right group of buttons) | in the Do you wish to save
changes to design strings message dialog | select No button
5. The Addition, Editing (Linking Attributes or Properties) or Deletion of definitions
requires that the definitions be Connected to the strings
In the Design window | Select only the relevant strings (Ctrl+Left-click) in this
case all 3 In the Design Definitions table | select the relevant entry i.e. No. 1 by selecting the
No. cell
In the Design Definitions dialog | Design group | select Apply Current button
In the Design window | Right-click| Deselect All Strings | Redrawbutton
(The FXS strings have now been colored magenta (8))
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Select the Connect button (bottom right group of buttons) | in the Do you wish to
save changes to design strings before continuing message dialog | select Yes
button
In the Connect to Design summary dialog | leave the FXS Connect box ticked | select
OKbutton (see diagram below note that Mine2-4D has detected that both the
Design (strings) and the Design Definitions have changed )
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Notes:
If you make any changes to the color, linestyle and symbol of the FXS, OUT or CXS
strings, these must be reflected in the Design Definitions
After Editing design definitions:
o the Apply Current button action updates the strings Selected in the Design
window with only Linking Attributes (i.e. Visual attributes)
o the Connect button action updates the strings with the non-visual attributes
e.g. Description
In the Design Definitions dialog, the editing of the Rate values (contains number and
units) can be facilitated by using the Build Rate dialog. This can be accessed by:
o Select the relevant entry under the Rate column | Right-click| Build Rate
In the Design Definitions dialog, the editing of multiple entries for a single column to
the same value (e.g. set Rate for all entries equal to 32,000), can be facilitated by
using the Bulk Field Change tool. The procedure is as follows:
o Select multiple entries using Left-click + drag | Right-click| Bulk Field
Change | in Bulk Field Changes dialog modify the relevant settings | selectOKbutton