Forge June 2011

Everyone has a story to tell. Ours began in 1981. For 30 years our products and services have been helping mining companies remain competitive by pushing the boundaries with technology.

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Articles this month

		Faster 3D modelling At the Australian users conference, Marcelo Arancibia demonstrated a new, faster technique for geological modelling using existing Vulcan tools. Starting with polygons of geological control, the technique produces accurate geological models identical to those from block model solids.
		Vulcan helps shape Tanami The new Vulcan Stope Optimiser has been released with Vulcan 8.1. Newmont Asia Pacific analysed options for a new haul shaft at the underground Tanami gold operation in the Northern Territory, quickly assessing the impact of cut-off grades on mineable stopes.
		Maptek drives survey solution A customised Maptek survey vehicle is generating great interest on its tour of North American mine sites. The I-Site team has demonstrated the I-Site 8800 laser scanner and I-Site Studio software, with near instantaneous data capture, rapid processing and real time video fly-throughs.
		Statistical framework for potash grade Potasio Rio Colorado, which explores for potash in the southwest of Argentina, must make the most of its limited drilling data to generate grade information. A simulation process developed in Vulcan is helping define the statistical uncertainty.
		Optimising waste dump sequencing Planning engineers are responsible for maximising NPV by defining the sequence for material extraction and supply to plant. Vulcan design and haulage profile tools can be used to optimise waste dump filling.
		Global consulting and training news Maptek continues to extend its global reach in its 30th year. New Vulcan representation in India, product sales in Scandinavia, consulting services in Senegal, and training in Mongolia and far north Queensland, are just a taste. More company news here.
		Users conferences More than 100 customers and staff gathered in Perth for the Australian users conference where they participated in technical presentations and enjoyed the relaxed social interaction with colleagues. If you missed this informative event, it’s not too late to register for the Europe-Africa conference in Scotland in September, or attend the South America event in Chile in October.