[Article Bronze Sponsor 14th MGEI Annual Convention: Netcad]
“IMPLICIT MODELING APPLICATIONS with NETCAD - NETPROMine & THE INNOVATIONS IT BRINGS TO THE MINING INDUSTRY”
Mining Solutions Product Manager, M.G.E. Yavuz TÖRE / yavuz.tore@netcad.com
Mining Solutions Product Management Specialist, MMinEng Mert SARIGÜL / mert.sarigul@netcad.com
Business Development Specialist – International, Tuğberk KÜÇÜK / tugberk.kucuk@netcad.com
Netcad Yazılım A.Ş
Keywords: NETPROMine Implicit Modelling, Geological Modeling, Radial Basis Function, Global Trend, Local Trend
Mineral resource and ore reserve estimation require geological models. Geological models are computerized representations of interpreted geological (drilling, geophysical and other) data in three dimensions. These models can be produced for geologic formations such as vein-type formations, intrusive and disseminated, depositional, and mineralized zones. In practice, two methods are used to obtain these models called explicit modeling and implicit methods.
Explicit methods are based on manually digitized cross-sections that are then combined by the user to form three-dimensional volumes. Manual digitizing of these sections are a very time-consuming process. The final model is the result of the geologist's own interpretation. Another geologist may produce a completely different model. Models cannot be updated automatically as new data comes in.
Implicit modeling is based on defining a three-dimensional volumetric function from the borehole data and deriving the model surface from this function. These surfaces are called implicit surface models because they exist within a (continuous) volume function that does not require manual digitization. For example, grade distributions can be defined as a volume function and co-grade surfaces can be obtained at any resolution within the volume of interest. The use of volume functions and derived implicit surfaces to obtain grade shells and geological surfaces is called implicit modeling. The novelty that implicit modeling brings to geological modeling is the speed of the modeling process. With implicit modeling, the user can quickly generate alternative models and edit the generated models.
Creating the volume function is the first step of implicit modeling. Radial basis functions (RBF) are used for this purpose. RBF are a global interpolation method. It is very similar to the dual kriging method used in geostatistics. While the variogram function is based on the kriging method, the biharmonic function is used in RBF.
In this context, the following capabilities can be used with the implicit modeling tools developed with the NETPROMine product.
LITHOLOGY & GRADE MODELING
NETPROMine implicit modeling product enables modeling by using lithology, vein, and grade information. With lithological modeling, alternative models can be produced quickly with drilling group selection, multiple lithology selection and detail parameter selections. With the grade modeling capability, grade and equivalent grade modeling can be performed using composite and raw sample data. Detailed filtering tools can be used in grade modeling processes, and models can be produced according to the equivalent grade value, especially for polymetallic mines with equivalent grade calculation.
GLOBAL & LOCAL TREND USAGE
With the implicit modeling product, alternative models can be produced by considering global and local trend changes. With multiple area selections, trend parameters can be considered within the selected areas. With different function selections, the model can be produced according to the selected function, and variogram graphs of distance function points can be produced to make the function selection decision. Global and local trends can be displayed on the graphical screen.
3D MODELING
With the implicit modeling product, 3D models can be generated from borehole data and underground lidar measurements. Alternative models can be dynamically generated with the "Model Detail" capability. Model parameters can be edited by changing model color, transparency, and naming options. Filtering can be done with the tool we have developed to clean isolated ores other than the main ore body you have produced.
MODEL EDITING OPTIONS
The models you have produced can be updated with model editing options. With the "Limit Model" option, models that remain within selected areas or solids can be deleted. With the "Cross Section Solid Model" tool, a reference plane can be created and the model can be dynamically updated from the produced cross-section to the plane. With the "Add Object to Model" option, the model can be updated using different vector objects (point, line, area) produced around the existing solid model. In addition, tools that allow you to perform geometric operations such as intersection, merge, and the difference between all solid models produced can be used.
NETPROMine implicit modeling capability is an important capability for all users who want to quickly create and edit solid models and compare alternatives.
As Netcad Software, we continue to develop to serve the mining industry and continue our work to produce geological models with machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.
