22
JUNE 2013
mining
M
icromine is a modular solution which allows for
the capture, management and interpretation
of critical mining and exploration data. “It
provides explorers with an in-depth understanding of
a project so that perspective regions can be targeted
more accurately, which ultimately increases the chance
of the project’s success,” says Micromine Africa Sales
Manager, Craig Peek.
Micromine 2013 contains a variety of new user benefits
and improved, intuitive functionality associated with
resource estimation and modelling, pit optimisation,
annotation layers and scripting, as well as new CAD
tools. These features are designed to further improve
operational efficiencies and ease-of-use, and are
highly relevant to exploration companies.
Major new features
Rotated block models
Micromine 2013 supports rotated block models,
which are models with axes that are not parallel to the
co-ordinate system. One, two and three dimension
rotations are supported. Orientating the block to match
the orebody means they are a better fit with reality,
producing a small model and saving processing time
and disk space. It also makes better geological sense and
is closely aligned with modern reporting requirements to
confirm continuity of grade and geology.
Python scripting
Owing to increasingly complex mining processes and
diverse user needs, the sophisticated Python programming
language automation tool has been introduced within the
new software. It was designed for teaching and is one
of the easiest programming languages to learn, with
comprehensive mathematical tools, Craig attests.
Through Python, users can create their own solution
while retaining Micromine’s ease-of-use. Users will be
able to develop tools specific to their needs and run
their own Python programmes on top of Micromine.
Python is supported by many third-party packages and
libraries, providing geospatial, statistical, graphic and
user interface design tools, amongst others.
Micromine 2013
software solution
Micromine officially launched the latest version of
the company’s exploration and mine design solution,
Micromine 2013, to the Africanmarket onWednesday
29 May, 2013.
Seam block models
The software incorporates seam block models (SBM)
along with the associated seam modelling workflow.
Seam modelling tools simplify the creation of SBMs,
including: splits; plies; overburden and interburden, even
in stratigraphically complex areas. The revolutionary
stratigraphy display helps validate and visualise even the
most complex seam hierarchy. Additionally, Micromine’s
stratigraphic modelling tools honour the original data,
with smart tools that handle seam pinching and missing
holes, producing a geologically correct model.
Implicit modelling
Micromine 2013 includes simple tools for generating
surfaces and solids. Craig adds, “Using these tools, it is
easy to create 3D models without the need for a deep
understanding of geostatistics and interpolation. These
models can then be used on their own as visualisation
tools, or as templates for a traditional interpretation.”
New Vizex features
The software introduces improved functionality related
to Vizex, Micromine’s 3D display functionality and it will
include: seam correlation; annotation layers; seismic
SEG-Y; Drillhole solid; colour/hatch/symbol sets; line
styles and stereo 3D.
It provides miners with easy-to-use modelling, estimation
and design tools to simplify day-to-day design and
production tasks. “Micromine is renowned for its user-
friendly and intuitive nature and users can easily become
proficient in the application and complete tasks quickly,
thereby increasing efficiencies,” Craig claims.
The software is also Microsoft Windows compatible and
has recently received Microsoft Windows8 compatibility,
meaning that clients can upgrade from Windows7
with confidence and will not require any compatibility
configuration to work correctly on Windows8.
Craig continues, “Micromine Africa is committed to
providing the local market with a value-added service
offering. As part of this commitment, the company is
offering clients whose Micromine Annual Licenses are
current, a 40% discount on the new modules. They
are also entitled to attend a complimentary half-day
Micromine 2013 product training course to ensure
that they are utilising their software solution to its
maximum capacity.”
The company dedicates a significant percentage of
annual revenue into research and development, in order
to ensure that it continues to lead the market and is able
to guarantee client satisfaction. “Through the provision
of software solutions which offer advanced and intuitive
functionality specific to exploration, Micromine has
helped explorers worldwide to increase production and
introduce cost efficiencies,” he concludes.
Below:
SBM interface
on Micromine 2013.
Right:
Drill-hole
Cylinders.
