Course description

Computer-aided geological modelling, mine design and mine production planning has become the backbone of modern mining operations, supporting new project development, economic evaluation of mining projects and optimising daily operations. Understanding how this technology works, the possibilities and limitations, and the multiple applications in the modern mining industry is a requirement for many mining professionals.
The course introduces participants to grid- and block-modelling techniques and their suitability to different types of deposits. Input data requirements and the effect of data quality, data distribution and modelling parameters on the accuracy of geological models and reporting are discussed.
Computer aided design tools, taking geological models into account, are discussed for designing opencast and underground mining operations and creating production schedules. Practical demonstrations are given for geological modelling, mine- design and production scheduling.
Participants will be able to gain hands-on experience of the subjects discussed by replicating and modifying task on trial software and datasets provided (optional).

Course content

1. Introduction
1.1. Origin and evolution computerised geological modelling
1.2. Mine design and production scheduling in CAD
1.2. Objectives and advantages

2. 3D geological modelling
2.1. Input data requirements
2.2. Transforming irregular spatial data to regularised information
2.3. Interpolators: choice and usage
2.4. Grid models: modelling surfaces
2.5. Block models: modelling bodies
2.6. Reporting
2.7. Pit-falls & limitations

3. Opencast mine design and production schedule
3.1. Defining mining areas
3.2. The final pit shell
3.3. Sub-blocks / mining units
3.4. Reserving
3.5. Setting production parameters
3.6. Production calendars
3.7. Short-term vs. long-term planning
3.8. Creating a schedule
3.9. Reporting

4. Underground mine design and production schedule
4.1. Defining mining areas
4.2. Production panels
4.3. Reserving
4.4. Setting production parameters
4.5. Production calendars
4.6.Creating a schedule
4.6 Reporting

5. Application examples
5.1. Exploration & new project development
5.2. Production / budgets / reconciliation
5.3. Economic evaluation

6. Risks & uncertainties
6.1. Geological and geotechnical risks
6.2. Data uncertainties
6.3. System limitations

Objectives and outcomes

Participants will have developed an understanding of how 3D geological models are build, which modelling techniques are suitable for different geological settings and how data availability and data editing influences the accuracy and reliability of a geological model.

They will have gained knowledge about the process of computer aided mine design and production scheduling for different mining scenarios and the practical applications for a variety of purposes, such as project development, production planning & financial evaluation.

Finally, participants will be able to critically review these methodologies and decide on their suitability for their specific work environment.

Practising geologists and mining engineers in mineral resources production, consultancies and public institutions.

Non-technical managers and analysts that need to have a basic understanding of mineral economics.

Students in geology, mining and mineral resource management without exposure to the topic at their institution of learning.