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Comments from a senior geology manager after experiencing the output from MineGeo for the first time :-

"I think it is a major breakthrough for the mine geology department and will have huge benefits for all involved.

Making this routine for the new deposits and having the information avialable in close to real time will really help our understanding of the geological controls. It will impact on mine design, resource adjustments / reconciliations and near mine exploration targeting.

I know I am old fashioned but I just love seeing real geology presented rather than the normal straight lines in a computer."

The ability to display all or selected classes of lithology data and features means that you improve your ability to better understand the geometry that controls your orebody and hence make better decisions to minimise dilution, improve grades and improve the bottom line.

Looking at specific points...

• Geology mapping, once captured, is fully exploited allowing better models to be made in less time, which results in better interpretations and improved mining economics. 
• Display flexibility; Individual classes of features eg faults, ore boundaries, veins, etc can be displayed in isolation or in combination with themselves or block models, sample and drilling data. Wall mapping can be seperated from (or viewed with) face mapping and backs mapping as required. "Click-on" ability - you can click on a string or polygon and see attached attribute information such as strike/dip. 
• Data honours true 3D space; all viewing orientations of mapping are correct and the mapping can be cut or viewed in any orientation.The ability to view multiple map surfaces at once over multiple development levels or areas makes visualisation and understanding of the geology much more straightfoward. Images or photographs add value but only in specific views and need to be oriented correctly to avoid costly mistakes. If samples are taken, or other point data recorded, they can be automatically captured without resorting to tedious and time-consuming manual data entry.
• Data portability; mapping can be e-mailed or accessed via networks so that management, head office, consultants, and other technical staff can view the entire dataset with no paper having to be found or change hands.
• Data security; All mapping is backed up and held in a secure electronic format. If the paper maps are destroyed or deteriorate (for example in a fire) no information is lost.

Indirect implications:

• Digital mapping capture ensures that a basic level of mapping quality must be maintained by geologists doing the mapping. The maps must be tidy enough to read, closed features must close, documentation of the map's location must be clear. Digital capture of mapping helps prevent basic mapping and location standards from slipping.
• The continual updating of digital mapping within the site model makes determining which surfaces in the mine have and haven't been mapped, very easy. In large mines keeping track of what has been done can otherwise be very difficult.
• Job satisfaction; The geologist compiling the map knows that it will be used and not just sit on a shelf somewhere. This helps motivate people to compile better maps and to keep on mapping for the duration of the project.
• Capturing all site mapping and geotechnical data means that in the future when you come across a difficult/confusing situation and need to review all the available information to guide future development decisions, then that information is immediately available.
• Improved resale value - Mines with all digital data make it easier to meet closure regulations or make it easier for potential purchasers to make their decision.

When you can view block models, drilling data and digital mapping this enables you to get the complete geological picture.  

Geotechnical data capture with immediate 'Q'' calculations turns a chore into a time efficient and easy task to achieve.

A sample/geotechnical line is digitized in 3D for each interval, and from dialog box input, you have the options to capture :-...

• Sample number if required with user defined prefix.
• From drop down menus - Lithology, Weathering, Colour and Mineralisation levels...
• From drop down menus - Joint set number (Jn), Water Reduction Number (Jw).
• For each joint set (maximum 3 per interval)...
  - Structure type from drop down menu, Spacing input.
  - Dip value and direction.
  - Surface Texture (Roughness) from drop down menu giving value for Jr.
  - Multiple infills (maximum 3 per joint set) from drop down menu, and infill width - giving individual Ja values for each infill.
  - Calculation of joint surface integrity for the critical joint set (Jr/Ja).
  - Joint termination code from drop down menu.
• Display of calculated Q' prime value using Q=RQD/Jn*Jr/Ja...

Geotechnical Data capture/calculation per geotechnical line interval



Lithology and Sample data capture per sample/geotechnical line interval

The above is typical dialog box display after geotechnical data input for each interval of the sample line is complete.

All menu items are set up by the site Geotechnical Engineer and Senior Geologist.
( Click Here to download typical menu site setups as an Excel file.)
Then more junior staff (with a small amount of training) can capture both geology and geotechniocal data.
This can be done using tablet PC's or 'tough books' in 'real time' or from pre-prepared hand mapping sheets when running on the office PC..

All entered data is stored in useable file formats to create a 'paper trail' .

Geotechnical Data Output:

• Output as CSV (comma delimited) format file as a Pseudo drill hole for input into any database system.
• All input values and selections are output including Geologist/Engineer names.
• Additional calculations can be done from captured data - eg. the Jw values can be used for working with SRF(Stress Reduction Factor).

Click Here to download example CSV output of Sample/Lithology/Geotech line.

Immediate results mean qualified on the spot decisions can be made on rockbolting, meshing, shotcreting and local mine safety issues.  

With MineGeo software you digitally capture your mapping ONCE at source in 3D. It is then available and useable as soon as you get back to the office. No more cupboards full of paper plans which are difficult to use effectively during modelling or design work. With MineGeo software have a CDROM package delivered or download from the web.

General

Practical Scenario

Support

Expertise

Powerpoint

Practical Work scenario

Digitally capture your geological/structural data at source - Underground or in Pit. With the MineGeo geology mapping software integrated with a Tablet PC.

Take it with you anywhere:- Underground, in-Pit or even out Bush .
Take your digital camera as well and integrate the images as part of your capture process.
Capture your geology and structural data in 3D directly into the Tablet PC using MineGeo geological mapping software.

Consider you're going out mapping and/or capture of geotechnical data......

You pick up your Tablet PC with the latest survey data downloaded from your network server.
It has the most efficient capture software with your own site legends and standards available from the software menus on a sceen big enough to see without a magnifying glass - yet a unit you can hold with one hand.

You drive to the face/wall to map. Digitally photograph it (if lithology is visually separated and conditions, lighting and equipment positions are suitable) and upload the image to your tablet PC .
You map the geology, structural and geotechnical data (with strike and dip) in 3D directly onto the tablet screen with the electronic pen using your own site codes. You calibrate (distort) any digital photographic image to fit the survey so you can add lithology and structural data on top of the image.
You also on-screen digitise your sample/geotech locations to get pseudo drill hole data.
The process is similar for faces,backs, benches, floors and walls - any underground or pit surface.

Saving the current mapped area you move onto the next mapping task. You have several hours usage on a set of batteries - if you need more you can swap with spares to extend your work time.

When you get back to your work desk..

You download your data from the tablet PC via the network directly into your mine planning and database systems - there it is - all your mapping and geotechnical data in 3D, with your sites lithology/geotechnical codes in the correct representation, with attributes and entities you can "click" onto when you're modelling, working out a stope design or looking for new targets.
Your sample co-ordinate data is provided as a 'CSV' file to be merged into your drillhole database with the sample results from the lab. The same 'CSV' file contains all your geotechnical data - example output can be downloaded Click Here .

This is how technology should be used!

You digitally capture your mapping and geotechnical data ONCE at source. It is then available and useable as soon as you get back to the office - no more cupboards full of paper plans which are difficult to use effectively during modelling or design work. You can now backup your mapping/geotechnical data and store off site - all that paper has to be a fire risk.

This eliminates the delays and extra processes involved with hand mapping on paper, digitising or scanning, and manually entering numeric sample data, writing down geotech data and entering into Excel to do your calcs, etc., etc...

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Hardware for review.


Xploretech iX104
Rugged Tablet PC
Weighs less than 2Kg.
Runs MS Windows/Tablet XP.
(XGA resolution)
click on image to visit

OR

Walkabout XRT
Rugged Tablet PC
Weighs less than 2Kg.
Runs MS Windows/Tablet XP.
(800X600 resolution)
click on image to visit

OR

Panasonic CF18 Tablet
Less Rugged.
Weighs 2 Kg.
Runs MS Windows / Tablet XP.
(XGA resolution)
click on image to visit

Ease of use :

MineGeo software is a logical and comprehensive system for which we provide extensive tutorials to assist new users in becoming familiar with the software. We have deliberately hidden its complexity behind simple menus.

MineGeo software provides the "intelligence" and "smarts" to enable you to achieve complex tasks ( like real-time 3D capture) very quickly and easily. It is a productivity "tool" to use - with you as the craftsman.

MineGeo software has simple menu's which only display the possible operations for any situation. Hence the menus appear uncluttered and simple to use. The complexity of the software is hidden behind the simple to use Graphical User Interface.

Installation, Training and Support :

The software has a step by step installation procedure. MineGeo comes with self paced Training Tutorials which go through all aspects of the software. These Tutorials provide the basic understanding of how the system works and are essential for you to be able to become proficient in its use and to apply it to your own unique requirements. Most new users find that they can start using the software within a couple of days. We can also provide on-site training to "fast track" your startup use of MineGeo software if required.

We want you to become successful with your use of MineGeo and thus provide a 90 day no charge e-mail support to new users to help you learn how to use MineGeo productively. After this time we provide a maintenance club for ongoing support and software updates.


Thank you for your interest in MineGeo software.

Visit our other pages for more detailed information and if you haven't already done so we suggest that you download the Powerpoint presentation to get a better understanding of how MineGeo software works and the reasons for and benefits to be obtained from its use.


We try and provide sufficient information to answer all of your questions. (even the one's you may not have thought of yet !?) . We hope that this will enable you to understand what it can - and cannot do. If you have reviewed all the available information and would like to ask specific questions then please ask us by clicking the letter on the elevator menu. In this way any decision made related to purchase is based on extensive information on MineGeo and the way we do business.

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For Mining Operations :

Development of special software tools for capture and metrication of the Golden Mile underground survey and geology data, and the production of true plans and sections for geological and engineering interpretation in the mid 1980's prior to the Kalgoorlie "super pit".

For Exploration :

Development of special software tools in the early 1990's for capture of exploration data throughout the Hamersley Ranges in Western Australia. Mapping data output to Mapinfo - Structural data to clients Mine Planning system.


Contract Capture Services

See the data sheets in the Underground and Open Cut pages for more information.

We have long established clients - contact us for reference users to call.

To visit our services site click button

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