Forge - March 2009

Even more features in Vulcan 8 Drillhole compositing Composite holes bottom-top & top-bottom Breakdown by multiple tables Block model coalescing Eliminate unnecessary data and improve display Reduced file size improves performance Grade control Load patterns by limiting polygon Block estimation scripts minimise errors Populate fields using intuitive wizard Pit optimisation Identify and control contaminants Assign dollar values to mining blocks Apply a discount for benches - calculate NPV Limit amount mined by bench/face restriction Set lag between start/finish of phases Ease of use Visually analyse grades during mine design Set up and run automatic processes Automate crosscuts to suit haulage equipment Thumbnail preview - grid, triangulation, CAD One panel legend editor simple click & drag Floating panel for creating models Quality enhancements Plot histograms against drillholes to view multiple grades and values Auto extend triangulations in block models Animate block movements in dragline design Terzaghi correction of geotechnical data Field file format simplifies survey connectivity Improved interoperability with I-Site products

Tired of having to do more with less? Vulcan 8 lets you do more with more!

The economy is scaling back but your workload isn’t. You rely on your desktop tools to help you work as efficiently as possible. The latest version of Maptek Vulcan™ software helps you work smarter and faster, with streamlined menu options, new tools, bug fixes and many enhancements.

DB to geological model in 5 steps!

Vulcan 8 contains consolidated and enhanced stratigraphic capabilities. Integrated Stratigraphic Modelling takes the novice or expert user from database to final geological model in 5 steps of logical and interconnected workflow.

HARP models - all the data in 1 file!

Horizon Adaptive Rectangular Prism - HARP models give the user a single file which contains all the structural, quality, faulting, and associated data, with virtually no loss of geological resolution. A HARP model is an enhanced block model - instead of ‘flat’ top and bottom surfaces, 5 top and 5 bottom points are registered onto the input surfaces to ensure stratigraphic fidelity is maintained.

Every file type associated with stratigraphic modelling can be created and accessed from one user-defined directory.

• Handle reverse faults, very thin horizons easily
• Reserve against complex 3D solid shapes (pit cutbacks, mining blocks)
• Thousands of variables per block permitted
• Apply Vulcan’s extensive geostatistical tools
• Smarter panels and enhanced data security

Drill & blast - save time on the ground

Mine planning engineers will save time on daily open cut drill & blast tasks in Vulcan 8.

The new double stitching option allows engineers to insert extra holes midway between previously created blastholes using the same or completely different hole design parameters. Excessive toe burdens can be handled by adding holes around the perimeter of blast.

In a dynamic mine environment, surfaces are always changing and the effects ripple through the planning process. Vulcan 8 allows the holes within a blast to be recalculated as a group to reflect the new surface, saving time and reducing errors which may be introduced when many holes require editing in a short timeframe.

• Preview drill & blast patterns, eliminate potential layout problems on-screen
• Popular datatip display now user-defined
• Maintain 2D collar location, or the 3D vector of the blasthole
• Edit your way - select holes by echelon, reverse direction of rows, rename blasts

Underground efficiencies

Moving into the underground environment, engineers will appreciate the drillhole warning which calculates how far a drillhole is from blast areas. The display shows which holes are too close, allowing re-design of drifts if necessary.

Vulcan 8 directly addresses safety and regulatory issues affecting many regions.

• New underground stope analyser in Vulcan 8 allows engineers to optimise mine plans based on different cut-off limits.
• Proximity alert - easily check your designs for existing voids
• Cost benefit analysis - better decisions based on the estimated revenue of mining projects
• Global gradient tool - design adjustments automatically updated in overall design

Decision making in tough environments is never easy. Vulcan 8 ensures you make the right decisions the first time. More accurate data and better, safer designs result in greater productivity.