Today’s post comes from Pablo Gancedo, one of our Mining Knowledge Consultants.
One of the new features found in GEOVIA Whittle™ 4.6 is the ability to import multi-percent models using a simple, user-friendly workflow. Multi-percent models are files storing information properties (e.g. grades) for multiple material types (e.g. air, waste, ore) in each of the blocks.
Follow these 10 steps to Import Multi-Percent Models in Whittle:
1. Multi-percent models can be imported into Whittle using the Import Block Model function. The command can be accessed either through the right-click menu; the Node Menu at the top of the window; or the Add toolbar button. Note: In Whittle 4.6, a file browser window will appear instead of the traditional Whittle model import wizard window. Supported files include both GEOVIA and third party files. For many users, this feature will simplify their model import workflows as .mod/.par files would not be required to be created in the GMP for import purposes.
2. Once the model file is selected, clicking on Select will launch a new, 7-step block model import wizard. A window showing the block model details will be displayed. These include information on its framework, the block size and its rotation. The user needs to select the model type, which for multi percent models is Partial Percentage, as shown in Figure 3. Click Next to proceed.
3. Define the partial attribute setup by specifying whether the partial attributes represent a block volume fraction (0 to 1 values) or a block volume percentage (0 to 100 values). Note: GEOVIA Surpac™ models typically follow the volume fraction convention.
4. Define the naming and prefixing conventions for the density, partial and element attributes. Note: There is flexibility to define the options that suit best existing conventions used in block models and select relevant options.
5. Click “Generate Partial Attributes” to prompt Whittle to search in the model for density, partial percentage and grade attributes that follow the defined conventions. Note: Any identified rock types and elements will be then listed at the right hand side of the window.
6. Add or remove Rock codes and elements from the corresponding list b using the relevant + and – buttons. If required, change names of both rock types and elements. Once the rock types and elements have been identified, click on Next to proceed to the Partial Attributes.
7. Click Next to proceed to the Select Block Model Attributes step. All model attributes existing in the model are listed and the attributes chosen in the previous window appear selected and mapped to their corresponding type. Adding other attributes to the selection is done by checking the corresponding Import checkbox and selecting the correct attribute mapping. Click on Next to proceed to Select Grade Attributes.
8. In the Select Grade Attributes, define both the units and number of decimals that are to be employed for elements. Once the units are defined, click Next to proceed to Define the Formats.
9. Define the rock mass and currency formatting. Click Next to start the model reading process. Note: The currency unit can now be manually typed instead of selected from a pre-defined list of symbols.
10. Once the model reading process is completed, review the summary of the element amounts and their grade values. Click Finish to close the import wizard. Note: the corresponding model node will appear in the Navigation Tree.
It’s important to note that Whittle 4.6 defines the currency, rock and element formats during the import process, which eliminates the need to rerun a model (as needed in previous versions of Whittle). This can be checked in the “Formats” tab of the corresponding Block Model node.
Looking for more Whittle Tips & Tricks? Here are some tips on using the Block Model Import Wizard.
Be sure to check back next week for more Product Tips & Tricks.
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