How to Import Lithology Symbols into GEOVIA Minex

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Inside many mining software packages, displaying lithology patterns within your boreholes is often essential for geological interpretation and reporting. The processes in place for displaying and managing these patterns can be often be challenging, as geologists commonly have to follow company or governmental standards when producing professional plans or sections.

To help geologists with this challenge, GEOVIA Minex 6.5 contains added functionality for the importation and management of lithology patterns, which gives geologists the freedom to create and load customized lithology patterns into Minex. Below are some steps on how you can apply this functionality.

Minex Lithology Symbols

Please note that you will require the following:
•    GEOVIA Minex 6.5 software must be installed and running.
•    The Minex borehole database file (*.b31), geometry file (*.GM3) and parameter file (*.mpf) must be open.
•    You must have an Autocad (DXF/DWG) file containing a single tile of a lithology pattern. This can be any size; in the examples below they are Y15m x X20m tiles. For example:
Minex Lithology Symbols- Autocad file

1. Navigate to BoreholeDB > Plot > Import Lithology Symbols

Import Lithology Symbols in Minex

2. In the pop-up box as shown above, click on  the “…” button to select an Autocad (DXF/DWG) file containing your lithology pattern.

Hold Ctrl on your keyboard during file selection to select multiple files. The patterns will be saved into a LITHOLOG.SYM file, which can either be created or overwritten using the tick box options above. Click OK to import the lithology patterns.

3. Following importation of the lithology patterns, the boreholes should be re-displayed with an Advance 3D Display Parameter. To do this, right click on your borehole database (*.B31) and select Plot 3D Boreholes. In the form below tick the box Advanced 3D Display Parameters > Setup Parameters.

Minex Borehole Display

4.  In the following form, navigate to the Trace tab and select Lithology Fill and from LITHOLOG.SYM. Click OKand save a parameter when prompted.

Minex Borehole Display Parameters Setup

5. Click OK on returning to the Borehole Display form; your boreholes and the new lithology patterns will be displayed.

Final output Minex

If you would like to display your boreholes and patterns in 2D, you can go to Borehole DB > Plot > Profile and fill in the fields outlined in the Borehole Plotting Profile.

You might also be interested in CoalLog Formats in Minex 6.5 Explained, or check out our other Minex tips!

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Ross Pemberton

Mining Knowledge Consultant, GEOVIA at Dassault Systèmes
Ross is a qualified Resource Geologist with 9 years' industry experience in database management, geological modeling, grade control, geostatistics, resources estimations and process mapping. Since joining GEOVIA, Ross has worked with and assisted mining clients across Europe, Middle East and Africa. His commodity experience includes gold, copper, lead, zinc, iron, coal, bitumen and various industrial minerals. He regularly delivers support, training and consultancy services in GEOVIA Surpac, GEOVIA Minex, GEOVIA MineSched and various roles on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. Ross is based in Coventry, UK.