NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 09

A COMPLETE PLATFORM FOR MINING EDUCATION

The Technological Educational Institute of Western Macedonia, Greece teaches students the use of computers and information technology in mine planning, geotechnical engineering and environmental studies.
The Department of Geotechnology and Environmental Engineering (formerly the Department of Mining Technology) reformed its undergraduate studies program in 1999. Modules such as Geostatistics, Remote Sensing and GIS, and Computer Applications in

Mining have been added to the main undergraduate course of study. These modules include theoretical studies as well as hands-on computer work in the departments Laboratory of Mining Information Technology and GIS Applications. The laboratory is equipped with 12 dual-core workstations and a high resolution projection system. The Maptek Vulcan 3D modelling and mine planning software has been the core software package of the laboratory. It is also the platform for study and research in the use of computers in the minerals industry, for the departments students and members of the academic staff. Vulcan is also used in the mining industry, which means that students have a chance to use the same software as professionals in the field. Lecturers and professors have experienced the benefits of using Vulcan in the classroom ever since Version 3.4 and up to the current Version 8.0.

Over 200 pages of course material have been written specifically for Vulcan, for distribution to third-year students. A set of exercises has been developed around a Vulcan demonstration dataset, which includes: >> Vulcan project setup and introduction >> Data import >> Triangulation modelling >> Drillhole databases >> Geological modelling >> Block modelling >> Grade estimation >> Open pit optimisation >> Open pit design >> Reserves calculation >> Introductory underground design >> Basic mine access road design The first 10 exercises are in a sequence - the files and results produced by one exercise are used as input to the next.

VULCAN AND ITS APPLICATION TO MINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF FINAL YEAR THESES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WHO WANT TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SOFTWARE WORKS AND BE MORE PROFICIENT IN ITS USE.
Ioannis Kapageridis, Assistant Professor in Mining Information Technology

> In this issue

Vulcan in mining education Survey data underground Beyond Vulcan 8 I-Site Studio 3.3 released Underground grade control Customer award success Regional users conference Proximity alert system

VULCAN IN EDUCATION
>> More than 500 educational licences of Vulcan are installed globally >> Maptek professionals teach various topics including mine planning, design and scheduling >> Maptek staff help set and evaluate coursework >> Maptek-sponsored mine design lab trains engineers at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

data from companies such as Geohellas SA and LAVA SA in the industrial minerals sector, LARCO GMMSA (nickel) and the Public Power Corporation SA (lignite). The main aim is to increase the employment options of the departments graduates. The results from these case studies have been published in international mining conferences in Greece and abroad. These are available for download at http://airlab.teikoz.gr/ geope/GEOPE_EN/labs/mineitlab.htm The Laboratory of Mining Information Technology and GIS Applications has also published several research papers based on Vulcan and its scheduling module, Chronos. A research proposal has been recently filed under the National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA) 2007-2013, specifically the ARCHIMEDES III Support of Research Teams in Technological Educational Institutes.

The research proposal is titled Application of a Multi-Agent System to Mine Scheduling and Simulation of Coal Surface Mines and is based on the integration of Vulcan, Chronos and an agent-based simulation environment under development in the lab. The research program aims to provide the missing link between shortterm planning and scheduling, and fleet management and production control.
Thanks to Ioannis Kapageridis Assistant Professor in Mining Information Technology

MUTUAL BENEFITS
>> Equips students with the latest technology and supports them as they pursue careers in mining >> Provides confidence for companies looking to hire people with Vulcan experience
> CONTINUED

VULCANS INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT AND EASY TO LEARN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE MAKE IT THE IDEAL SOFTWARE FOR TRAINING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS.
Ioannis Kapageridis

BENEFITS OF VULCAN
Students find Vulcan intuitive to use - laboratory training prepares them for the real world

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The total exposure of students to the use of Vulcan is 4 hours per week, for 12 weeks each semester. Vulcan and its application to mining and environmental problems has also been the subject of a number of final year theses for undergraduate students who want to gain a better understanding of how the software works and be more proficient in its use. The Laboratory of Mining Information Technology and GIS Applications has also been involved in a campaign to promote Vulcan to mining companies in Greece. The idea is to prove the benefits of using advanced mine planning packages by developing and publishing several Vulcan application case studies. These use real

DECEMBER 09

THE I-SITE SCANNER AND STUDIO PROCESSING SOFTWARE ARE EASY TO USE. RECEIVING TRAINING ON SITE ALLOWED OUR SURVEYORS TO PICK UP TIPS ON HOW BEST TO USE THE TECHNOLOGY TO ATTAIN THE DESIRED RESULTS AND ULTIMATELY IMPROVE OUR WORKFLOW.
Chris Moffatt, Chief Surveyor

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SURVEY DATA UNDERGROUND

The Maptek I-Site 4400CR and I-Site Studio software are leading the drive to improve results in underground survey.
Randgold Resources, an African focused mining and exploration company, purchased a Maptek I-Site 4400CR laser scanner in December 2008 for underground stope and open pit modelling, and monthly reconciliation of underground workings and ore stockpiles at the Loulo mine in Mali. Randgold has 80% and the government of Mali a 20% interest in Loulo. Current mining is from 2 open pits, Yalea and Gara; underground mining has commenced at Yalea while construction

of the second underground mine at Gara has begun. Maptek delivered advanced training in I-Site Studio software to 2 surveyors on site in September 2009, observing firsthand the improvements to mine survey tasks brought by laser scanning. Where safety, accuracy and time limitations were previously a barrier, the I-Site 4400CR helps to produce prompt results. Stope models, stockpile volumes and pit models are now created on demand without extensive prior planning. For underground scanning, the scanner is mounted to a T-frame and suspended at various angles over the working edge of a drive. The entire operation benefits from the survey data obtained by the I-Site 4400CR from underground, open pit and stockpiles. Data is fed into mine planning and volume reconciliations for stockpile management.
02

03 01 Scanned underground stope 02 I-Site surveyed drive and stope 03 Modelled stope profile

MAPTEK FORGE

DECEMBER 09

NEW VULCAN DEVELOPMENT

Mapteks global Vulcan product team previews developments gathering pace for the next Vulcan release.
Block Caving
A new module will encapsulate new functionality designed specifically for long term planning of underground projects which are mined by the block caving method. Undergoing industry testing before release, this module allows users to quickly simulate the dilution of material and its economic assessment, and calculate high economic extraction, sequencing, and long-term planning. Integrated with visual and statistics tools, Block Caving is based on Vulcans powerful block modelling. All calculations and data manipulations are set up in a smart and flexible interface, saving time and allowing users to explore more alternatives quicker.

Chronos
Multiple enhancements are underway for Vulcans scheduling module, Chronos. Advanced optimisation options will provide users with an interface to most of the settings available in CPLEX. Every setting accessible through the command line solver will be available in the Chronos Problem Setup panel. The same level of information on the optimisation progress will also be available through the Vulcan graphical console. This allows the optimisation process to be executed in the background, and to be interrupted through the Chronos menu, giving the graphical interface almost the same level of control as the command line interface. Parallel optimisation will allow users to take full advantage of multi-core CPUs to run and solve optimisation problems, with significantly higher levels of performance. Given that the complexity of the process requires large amounts

of CPU time, Parallel Optimisation has been upgraded to CPLEX 12.1, enabling multi-threaded optimisation as standard. Short term scheduling will allow users to quickly generate short term plans for one or several open pit mines simultaneously. The user interface is fully configurable, allowing users to handle the objectives for the mine and the plant, using and managing multiple stockpiles automatically. This new tool will generate: >> charts and interactive Excel or CSV reports of movements in the mine and plant, and >> high precision triangulations with resulting cuts per period, which can be fed into advanced calculations in block models.

I-SITE STUDIO 3.3 SOFTWARE RELEASED

Surveyors will gain further efficiencies with Mapteks latest software release. Improvements to the I-Site Studio 3.3 laser scan modelling software are designed to streamline routine mine surveying tasks.
Automatic toe and crest detection saves time in open pit surveys. Surveyors can easily update mine models, which can be made available for on-site mine planners and regulatory authorities. This builds on the open pit update tool in I-Site Studio 3.2, which allows users to scan selected sections of a pit and integrate new data into the current pit model. A new global registration tool uses a single step process to register multiple scans and objects together. This saves

time for surveyors, who previously had to match pairs of objects/data. Accuracy is increased because fewer registrations mean fewer chances for error. This tool is especially useful with the new Maptek I-Site vehicle system, where the scanner is mounted on site vehicles. Another enhancement for the vehicle system allows users to register scans by back-bearing of alignment angle. Viewing sections through laser scan data is now easier, with an interactive tool allowing users to arbitrarily place and manipulate section planes. I-Site Studio 3.3 incorporates many user suggestions - for example, surveyors have specifically asked to be able to label elevations on generated contour lines. As with any software release, I-Site Studio 3.3 includes many enhancements. The number of selected objects and primitives can be dynamically displayed. The language interface is chosen automatically based on the PC settings. Users can submit reports to Maptek directly from within I-Site Studio.

Maptek is continually developing new capabilities within our products. This means the best available technology for our customers, said Maptek I-Site General Manager, Peter Johnson.

DECEMBER 09

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I-Site Studio is sold bundled with Maptek laser scanners, or as a stand-alone modelling package. The 64-bit version has set the industry standard for excellence in graphics and modelling. Photography from multiple scans can be incorporated as part of the modelling process, with rendering and animation options delivering professional quality, high fidelity digital video output.

NEW GRADE CONTROL SOLUTION

Underground precious metal mines need accurate grade control data to ensure they can meet production targets and accurately segregate high-value ore types in surface stockpiles before processing.
At one underground mine, Maptek has implemented a new solution that integrates all exploration, production and geological data into one grade control database. This allows efficient localised modelling, detailed and precise grade estimation, identification of the various ore and grade types in the short-term production plan, accurate reserve reporting and exploration model reconciliation.

characteristics precisely, and partition surface stockpiles to accept each ore type ready for transport to the appropriate processing plant. Grade control information - sample data, face mapping, grade models, reserve reports and plans - is required to ensure production targets and plant requirements are met. Historically, grade control information was stored in disparate systems, databases and software. The manual generation of models, reserves and plans was time consuming and inefficient.

The result
Grade control engineers or geologists can now generate accurate, reliable results via an automated specification-driven process using Vulcans grade control module. Generating a grade control model for production sees a significant improvement from 3 hours down to only 5 minutes. The underground grade control system brings great productivity and accuracy improvements to the geologists daily tasks, at the same time adding the new capability of automated, run-time reconciliation with exploration models. Other underground sites will undoubtedly want to take advantage of the new grade control solution. Implementation requires database and specification set up by Maptek Technical Services staff.

The solution
New methodology was developed to incorporate all assay and geological data, from exploration drilling, production drilling, channel samples and grab samples. Using established grade control functionality widely used in the open pit environment, Maptek applied this knowledge, experience and proven software to the underground challenge with great success. The new solution allows users to define a run-time, localised block model that draws from all grade and geological source data, and with block size granularity proportionate to the production drifts and stopes in each mining area.

The challenge
Ore processing requires different methods depending upon the grade and metallurgical characteristics of the ore. It is therefore critical to predict these

MAPTEK IS AGAIN PROVING ITS CAPACITY TO FURTHER DEVELOP AND ADAPT PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES FOR GEOLOGY AND MINE PLANNING TO OUR CUSTOMERS BENEFIT.
Rob Slade, Senior Vice President Sales North America

CUSTOMER SUCCESS AT MINING AWARDS

Maptek congratulates Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA) on being named Explorer of the Year at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards in November.
The Maptek-sponsored category attracted a strong field in the annual awards, which recognise excellence and innovation. The winners are chosen by independent judges with expertise in the mining industry. ERAs Ranger mine, near Jabiru in the Northern Territory, is one of the worlds most significant uranium discoveries in recent years. Ranger installed Maptek

ERAs Ranger Mine won Explorer of the Year at the 2009 Australian Prospect awards

Vulcan for geological modelling, blast design and mine planning in 2007. Highly commended runner up in the same category, Atlas Iron, also uses Vulcan.

Peter Johnson, General Manager Australia, who presented the award, said he was pleased that Maptek could contribute to the success of Australian miners.

MAPTEK FORGE

DECEMBER 09

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY & INCREASING SAFETY

Maptek will host the first Africa & Europe regional users conference in South Africa from March 8-10, 2010.
This is a chance to become an active member of the Maptek community by discussing issues and swapping ideas with peers. You need not be a Maptek customer to attend. Papers are being sought to match the theme of Maximising Efficiency and Increasing Safety.

I encourage anyone working in the mining industry to get in touch about presenting, said Duncan Lee, General Manager, Africa and Europe. Attendees are welcome from Africa, Europe and beyond. With todays economic restrictions and an increased emphasis on safety in the workplace, it is important to keep up with the latest trends. Presentations and discussion forums will allow all delegates to discuss the 5 key topics: reconciliation, optimisation, safety, data and resources. Enjoy the exotic location on a Big 5 game reserve, and take away key learnings from global best practice. This is an opportunity not to be missed! Visit www.maptek.com/south_africa_2010 to find out more and register. Dont delay early bird discounts end 15 January 2010.

Maximise efficiency

COMPANIES ADOPTING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY MOVE TO THE FOREFRONT IN TERMS OF BOTH KNOWLEDGE AND PROFITABILITY. THE BETTER THE TECHNICAL INNOVATION, THE GREATER THE EFFICIENCY, WITH POSITIVE IMPACT ON LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY.
Dr Bob Johnson, Keynote Speaker, Africa & Europe Users Conference 2010

$ave with new vehicle system

Contact isite.sales@maptek.com.au to arrange a demo

FIELD TRIALS HAVE PROVEN I-SITE

>> Saves 70% of time on field survey tasks

DECEMBER 09

>> Saves on capital outlay and improves efficiency >> Saves replication while enhancing site flexibility

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PROXIMITY ALERT SYSTEM AIDS SAFETY

Automated reporting tools which identify the proximity of equipment can reduce risk and help improve mine safety.
The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy recently hosted regional workshops on equipment proximity detection and collision avoidance. Cracow Gold and Maptek were among presenters who shared their experiences. The Cracow Gold underground mine in central Queensland is a joint venture between Newcrest Mining and Lion Mining. Ore from Cracows 4 mining areas is hauled to the surface ROM stockpile. Cracow has 50 items of mobile fleet and 85 personnel employed underground. Cracow is progressively installing Maptek MineSuite, primarily as an automated reporting system and also as a proximity awareness aid for heavy vehicle operators. Currently, 7 trucks and loaders are fitted with proximity detection equipment. RFID technology is used to identify their location and other equipment underground. More than 100 locations are tagged, along with every piece of mobile equipment. The system talks to the server via periodic wireless dumps at hotspots. Time and motion, delay status and productivity of the fitted machines are all recorded. The in-cab display in certain heavy equipment provides production information to the operator. The system also activates a visual and audible alarm if any heavy or light vehicles come within proximity range. The system has been expanding since early 2008, with the proximity awareness functionality in place from the start. In preparation for the DME workshops, Cracow Gold conducted a survey of equipment operators who had been using the system. This highlighted that collisions are most likely to occur: >> Backed over in a stockpile >> Leaving a level and entering the decline >> Driving into the sun >> Coming around a corner

The survey also showed a general acceptance of the MineSuite system, and that such a system is seen as a worthwhile addition to safety controls: >> 50% of the time vehicles detected were out of sight >> 40m was the average detection distance >> 63% of operators rated it worthwhile

Maptek MineSuite is a deliberately open system, supporting an approach of integrating with multiple vendors and technologies. Maptek provides a combination of 3rd party RFID and GPS technology, and has partnered with Mine Site Technologies to offer a solution based on wireless frequency tags. Technology can provide an additional safety control in some scenarios but is only one part of an integrated approach. The most workable technology for underground hard rock mines is to employ a combination of tags under and above ground, with GPS above ground.

Best controls against collision rated by 25 vehicle operators

Cracow noted that the system has alerted operators to vehicles outside their field of vision, of which they were unaware, on multiple occasions. Also, the advantages of the system come at additional cost, and there are limitations. Some limitations can be removed by adjusting the system, such as setting up a low/no alert zone as vehicles approach the portal from underground to avoid a barrage of alerts; others are inherent to current technology. After 18 months of using MineSuite, Cracow has concluded that proximity awareness is effective as one aspect of the safety matrix for underground hard rock mines. Cracow, the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Council, and Maptek are continuing to work together on finding the best way for operators to receive and acknowledge alerts, as well as improving outcomes in areas of signal strength, detection and cost effectiveness.
Thanks to Nick Strong Mine Manager Cracow Gold

PROXIMITY ALERT SYSTEM

>> RFID receivers on heavy fleet pick up tags within range >> Operators alerted visually & audibly >> Proximity acknowledged by touching the screen >> Multiple detections identified by name >> Detection cleared once vehicle moves out of range

THE COMBINATION OF PROXIMITY DETECTION WITH AUTOMATED PRODUCTION REPORTING IS SENSIBLE AND MEANS THE CAPITAL COST CAN BE SHARED.
Nick Strong, Mine Manager

MAPTEK FORGE

DECEMBER 09

Surveyor Steven Aka with I-Site 4400LR at Ok Tedi Mining, Papua New Guinea

NEW CUSTOMERS
VULCAN
AECOM, a provider of professional
engineering, consulting and project management services has expanded its Vulcan use to cover Hong Kong projects.

VISIT THE MAPTEK BOOTH

I-SITE
CAMECO has purchased the I-Site 4400CR system for its underground uranium mine, McArthur River, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Cameco will use the system to map boxhole drill cavities to eliminate rework. FORTESCUE METALS GROUP
Cloudbreak Mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia has purchased an I-Site 4400LR and vehicle mount system. Cloudbreak is a new iron ore operation; the scanner will be used for end of month and stockpile surveys.

January 22-25 International Mining Expo Kolkata, India February 1-4 Mining Indaba Cape Town, South Africa - Booth 905 February 8-10 SPAR Houston, Texas, USA February 21-24 SME Phoenix, Arizona, USA March 7-10 PDAC Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 30-31 OzMine 2010 Jakarta, Indonesia April 11-16 XXIV FIG International Congress Sydney, NSW, Australia Booth 3, Scientific paper April 21 - 23 VIII Conferencia Internacional De Mineria Chihuahua, Mxico - Stand 14 May 6-7 37th Symposium on the Geology of the Sydney Basin Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia

McKENZIE MINING AND EXPLORATION is using Vulcan to

integrate historical data for the Nerrina and St Arnaud Goldfields. Underground mapping from the early 1900s, more recent RC and diamond drilling and surface mapping are registered in Vulcan, then digitised to build a 3D model, aiming to generate new exploration targets.

MINERA ARUNTANI SAC, which

has open pit gold mines in Peru, has purchased 8 Vulcan licences.

LUMINANT Martin Lake Mine open

pit coal complex in Tatum, Texas, has purchased an I-Site Studio software floating licence. The operation will gain flexibility by minimising the time spent moving the dongle across the mine site.

NATIONAL MINING SERVICES is

a Hunter Valley based civil and mining contractor servicing the open cut coal sector in Queensland and NSW. NMS uses Vulcan modelling in developing tenders for contract mining work in the Bowen Basin.

NEW GOLD - MINERA SAN XAVIER,

Cerro San Pedro Mine, a gold-silver heap-leach operation located in San Luis Potosi in central Mexico, began production in the first quarter of 2007. Minera San Xavier has bought 5 Vulcan licences for mine planning, with Chronos full, pit optimiser, modelling, resources estimation.

LUMWANA COPPER MINE in Zambia will use an I-Site 4400LR scanner with vehicle system to streamline month-end survey pickups. The scanner will also be used to collect geotechnical data which will be used in conjunction with Vulcan. OK TEDI MINING LTD which produces
copper, gold and silver concentrate, has purchased an I-Site 4400LR laser scanner with 3 I-Site Studio licences. The Ok Tedi mine is located in the mountainous jungle of Papua New Guineas Western Province. The system will be used for mine survey and regular volume reporting.

DECEMBER 09

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SHAW RIVER RESOURCES, which conducts manganese exploration in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, has rented Vulcan for geological modelling on the Baramine Project.

www.maptek.com
Maptek Forge newsletter is published quarterly. You can receive it by mail, emailed pdf or emailed link to the Maptek website. Email forge@maptek.com to subscribe or advise changes to contact details. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement. 2009 Maptek

Maptek staff talking to visitors at Exposibram, Belo Horizonte, September 2009

Maptek, Vulcan, I-Site, and MineSuite are registered and unregistered trademarks of Maptek Pty Ltd; Maptek Computacin Chile Ltda; Maptek Computacin Chile Ltda, Sucursal Per; Maptek S de RL de CV; Maptek Informtica do Brasil Ltda; and KRJA Systems, Inc. Registered marks are registered in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Greece, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Spain, UK and USA.