Highlights of #AskGEOVIA Twitter Chat: Exploring Block Modeling

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We held our second Twitter Chat, #AskGEOVIA, earlier this week to explore block modeling concepts and some common challenges faced in this area.

Hosted on Twitter at @3dsGEOVIA, the interactive Q&A session addressed some of the issues when working with large datasets, the role of technology in the block modeling process, and block model applications.

Block models are, quite literally, the building blocks of any mining operation as it represents the entire deposit, and can determine the overall success of the mining activity.

As a spatially-referenced database, a block model is an effective method of estimating volume, tonnage and the average grade of a 3D body from sparse drillhole data.

Throughout the chat, we discussed how block modeling helps mining companies cut costs and reduce risks in resource estimation. We also talked about how GEOVIA SurpacTM performs block modeling and provided tips on superblocking, validation, tagging and depletion.

If you missed the Chat, you can read the summary below or the transcript.

What role does technology play in the block modeling process?block-model-visualization

Technology spans all areas of the block modeling process, from data collection and investigation through to the creation of the block model and reporting.

As an example, during the data collection stage, software is used to store and validate data to produce an accurate geological database. During the investigation stage, technology is used for domaining, statistical analysis and geostatistical investigations.

Mining software reduces the risks in resource estimation by providing the tools to visualize, analyze and validate a block model. It also helps in cutting costs by reducing further drilling or sampling costs, while producing optimal estimation parameters. Block models are also used with mine planning tools to maximize value through scheduling.

How are block models validated?

At the end of the estimation, validation is necessary to ensure the estimate honors the original data or input information. Several standard validation checks should be carried out at each step of the block modeling process, such as visual checks of local trends and statistical validation (Swath Plots).

What are some common block modeling applications?

As the block model is a database, it can be used as input for strategic and tactical planning purposes as well as in the infrastructure design process. As computers become more powerful and better algorithms are developed, we can work with models containing millions of blocks.

Multi-threading in block models is now available in Surpac, which dramatically reduces estimation processing time from hours to seconds.

What are some common challenges in block modeling?

The accuracy of block model volume reports – it can prove difficult to approximate the volumes of domain wireframes. We can solve this challenge by applying partial percentage estimation as a volume adjustment when generating block model reports in Surpac. Also, a constrained block model can be created from the original block model to increase performance.

For a better user experience, displaying large block models can be performed after applying constraints or displaying block models as a point cloud. The use of calculated attributes where possible can also reduce the footprint of the model.

Another challenge is estimating domains with different shapes and sizes in the same project area. We recommend defining estimation block sizes (KNA) to perform the estimate at the appropriate block size for each domain. In Surpac, there is no need to create separate block models to store ore with different shapes belonging to the same project.

Lastly, superblocking – the aggregation of adjacent blocks into a single larger block – can pose another challenge. You can remove this effect by breaking the superblocking rule, such as adding another block index IJK attribute into the block model.

Check out our other block modeling posts, or for more information on Surpac, check out the new features. To participate in our next Twitter Chat, follow us on Twitter @3dsGEOVIA.

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Claver Gnamien

Claver Gnamien

Mining Knowledge Consultant, MAusIMM at Dassault Systèmes
Based in Perth, Australia, Claver has over 10 years of mining geology experience, specializing in the areas of grade control and reconciliation, resource estimation, block modelling, planning, supervision, logging, hydrogeology, and geotechnical engineering. He is also knowledgeable in the exploration of basic and precious metals, having previously worked as a Senior Mine Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.