Underground Hardrock Mine Design and Planning

- A System's Perspective

Mario A. Morin

A thesis submitted to the Department of Mining Engineering

In conformity with the requirements
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
September, 2001

copyright O Mario Adallard Morin, 2001

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ABSTRACT
There has been much discussion over the past several decades conceming the benefits of

integrated mine design and planning systems. Although severai commercial packages exist,

these systems fa11 far short of what is truly required for underground mine design and

planning.

This thesis examines in detaii the information flows, processes, and fiinctions of the

underground hardrock mine design and planning process. Extensive use is made of

structured analysis and modeling techniques for fomally describing the design and

planning process, illustrating graphically the activities and their relationship, descnbing the

flow and transformation of information, and the constraints that apply. This modeling also

provides a basis for business process re-engineering.

The core and design capabilities required of an integrated system are investigated and

documented through requirements analysis. In addition, the integration of support

elements such as expert systems, numerical models, data analysis and visualization tools,

and simulation is discussed as a way to bring added fnctionality and intelligence to the

system. The integration of these elements, if feasible, would form an intelligent design

system with decision-support capabilities that exceed anything currently available o n the

market. A fully integrated system would be capable of optimization on a more global level

by considering "cause-and-effect" interactions taking place between the design and

planning activities.
The thesis also examines the feasibility of developing and creating such a system., including

research and development prionties, and identifies the benefits as well as the nsks in

creating an integrated system. Recommendations on development options and system

implementation are presented.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1 would like to thank INCO Limited and in particular Dr. Greg Baiden, formerly Manager

of INCO Mines Research, for the opportunity to work at their Mines Research facility

while carrying out this research and for their generous financial support throughout. 1

would especially like to thank Sarnantha Espley for her continued support and

understanding. 1 also t hank Harvey Buksa, Terry Villeneuve, JOhn Galbraith, Mike

Leblanc, Allan Alceman, Eric Hinton, Neil Runciman and Dave Cook (EDS) for their help

and advice.

1 am most grateful to my s u p e ~ s o r s ,Dr. C h = k ?dey, Dr. Steve McKinnon and

especially Dr. Laeeque Daneshmend for their continuous encouragement, advice and

enthusiasm for this project. 1 would also like to thank al1 the people of the Department of

Mining Engineering and in particular Mrs. Bev McCallum and Mrs. Wanda Badger for

their friendship and humour. 1 also acknowledge the financial support provided to me by

the School of Graduate Studies.

Finally, 1 would like to thank my wife, Dawn and my son, Mark, for their patience,

understanding and support, thus allowing me to complete this work.

iii
 TABLE O F CONTENTS
PAGE
mSTUCT ...............................................................................................................
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................... iv
LIST OF TABLES
.
.......................................................................................................
vii
.
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................... viil
LIST O F APPENDICES ...........................................................................................
in
.
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Preamble ...................................................................................................
1
1.2 Research Objectives .................................................................................
5
1.3 Structure of the Thesis .............................................................................
7
.
2 EVOLUTION OF UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN AND PLANNING
SYSTEMS ......................................................................................................
9
2.1 The Traditional Mine Design and Planning Process ..............................
9
2.2 Defining the FuUy Latcgrated Mine Design and Planning Process 12 .........
2.3 Historical Developments in Cornputer Applications for the Mining
Industry ..............................................................................................13
2.4 Underground Hardrock Mine Design and Planning S o f ~ a n ...............
16
2.5 Current State-of-theArt in Commercial Underground Hardrock
Planning Systems ................................................................................
19
2.6 Proprietary or In-house Underground Mine Planning Systems 31............
2.7 Future Trends .......................................................................................... 36
2.7.1 Integration .................................................................................
37
2.7.2 Decision-Support .......................................................................
42
2.7.3 Simulation and Optimuation ....................................................
43
2.7.4 Remote Sensing and ReaCTime Coatrol ..................................
45
2.8 Capabilities Required in an Integirted Mine Design/Planning
System .................................................................................................
46
.
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .........................................................................
52
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 52
3.2 Requirements Analysis ................,.. ........................................................ 56
3.3 Stmctured Analysis and Modding.......................................................... 61
3.3.1 Stmctured Analysis and Design Techniques (SADT) ..............
63
3.3.2 Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)..................................................... 71
3.4 Object-Oriented Modeling (OOMs)........................................................ 74
4. CONSIDERATIONS LN UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN AND
P W m G.................................................................................................... 78
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 78
4.2 Significant Geological Analysis and Modeling Factors .........................
80
4.3 Significant Mine Design Factors .............................................................
84
4.4 Significant Mine Planning and Scheduling Factors and
Considerations.................................................................................... 88
 4.5 Mine Production Control Considerations ............................................... 94
4.6 Rock Fragmentation Considerations and Factors ..................................
96
4.7 Rock Mass Considerations . ..................................................................... 97
4.8 Rock Excavation and Handliog ...............................................................
102
4.9 Mine Ventilation and Air Conditioning Considerations ........................
105
4.10 Equipment LifeCycle Costs Factors and con si dent ion^.........^.......... 106
4.11 Economic and Valuation Analyses Factors and Coosiderations ..........
111
4.12 Mining Project Evduation or Feasibity Considerations ....................
111
4.13 Mine Monitoring Considerations ..........................................................113
.
5 THE MINE DESIGN AND PLANNING PROCESS .SADT MODELING .......
126
5.1 Introduction . ............................................................................................ 116
5.2 Context Diagram or Modeling Scope ......................................................
117
5.3 Strategic Planning ................................................................................
124
5.4 Perlorm Long-Term Planning . ................................................................126
5.4.1 Assess Mine Geology ................................................................. 129
5.4.2 Design Mine Layout and Facities ...........................................
135
5.43 Prepare Long-Term Development and Production
Schedule ..................................................................................
144
5.4.4 Evaluate Project Economics..................................................... 145
5.5 Peiiorm Short-Term Planning ................................................................ 146
5.6 Pedorm Plan Support and MonitoRng ...................................................
149
5.6.1 Moaitor Excavation Work (Surveying) ....................................
150
5.6.2 Design Drling and Blasting Layouts .......................... ............
. 151
5.6.3 Monitor Ground Conditions .....................................................
152
5.6.4 Monitor Ventilation Network ...................................................
153
5.6.5 Implement and Monitor Short-Term Plan ...............................
154
5.7 Summary of SADT Modeling ..................................................................
155
.
6 REQUIJUMENTS ANALYSIS ............................................................................
156
6.1 Project Drivers ....................................................................................... 157
6.1.1 Purpose of the System ...............................................................
157
6.1.2Client. Customer and Stakeholders .......................................m.
159
6.1.3Users of the System ....................................................................
161
6.2 Project Constraints ..................................................................................164
6.2.1 Solution Constraints ..................................................................
164
6.2.2Implementation Environment ................................................... 164
6.2.3 External Systems .....................................................................165 ..
6.2.4 System Implementation .............................................................165
6.3 Terniinology ............................................................................................. 167
6.4Relevant Facts ....................................................................................... ...
167
6.5 Assumptions .............................................................................................
169
6.6 The Scope of Work . .................................................................................170
.
7 FUNCTIONAL REQULREMENTS OF THE SYSTEM . ....................................175
7.1 Overall Mine DesigdPlanning System Requircments. ...........................175
7.2 Core Systems Requirements ................................................................
176
 7.2.1Database Engine ........................................................................176
7.2.2 Geomctric Modeling and Visualuation Enbine.......,......o........ 178
7.2.3 Simulation Engine .....................................................................183
7.2.4 Expert System Engine/Decision Support ................................. 209
7.2.5 Activity-Based Costing System .................................................210
7.3 Primary Systems Requirements ..............................................................214
7.3.1Mine Ccology.. .....,.... ................................................................214
7.3.2 Mine Design ...............................................................................220
7.3.3 Mine Planning and Scheduling.................................................232
73.4 Production Control and Monitofing.........................................239
7.4 Data Requirements ..................................................................................
243
8- ).NON-FUNCTIONALREQUIREMENTS OF THE SYSTEM ...........................249
8.1 "Look-and-Feel" Requirements ..............................................................
249
..
8.2 Usabil~tyRcquirements ............................................................................
250
8.3 Pedormance Requirements ..................................................................... 254
8.4 Operational Requirements .................................................................... 256
8.5 Partner Applications ................................................................................ 258
8.6 Maintainabity and Portabity Rcquinments ...,................................ 259
8.7 Data Security Requiremen 261
8.8 Cultufal and Political Requinments .......................................................263
t s ~ ~ ~

8.9 Lcyl Rcquirements ................................................................................. 264

9.SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATlON ISSUES..,................ 265
9.1 System Feasibity Assmment ................................................................. 265
9.2 System Development Issues ..................................................................... 268
9.2.1 Open Issues ................................................................................ 268
9.2.2 Off-the-Shelf Solutions ..............................................................270
9.2.3 Potentid Pmblems Caused by System Implementation ...........271
9.3 System Complexity Assasment ...............................................................274
9.4 System R n k Assesment ..........................................................................280
9.5 System Development Cost Estimate ........................................................285
9.6 System Development Options ..................................................................295
9.7 Recommended Development Options .....................................................301
9.8 System Conponents Implementation Complerity Assessrnent ..............302
9.9 System Pre-Development W o r k ...,........................a............................ . 307
9.10 Development Phasts...............................................................................309
9.11Development Tasks ................................................................................310
9.12 IT Systems Migration ............................................................................312
.
10 CONCLUSlONS AND FUTURE WORK .......................................................... 317
10.1Achievements and Original Contributions of the Research .................317
10.2 Scope of the Research ............................................................................ 318
10.3 Integration Benefits ............................................................................... 320
10.4 Future W o r k ..........................................................................................322
10.4.1Systern Design Work ...........................................................................323
10.4.2 Domain Expertise Work ..................................................................... 323
 10.4.3 Studies and Research Work ...........................................................325
REmRENCES .......................................................................................................... 329
LIST OF TABLES

PAGE
Table 1. Review of Commercial Mining Software Functionalities for Underground
Mine Design and Planning ........................................................................
25
Table 2 . Commercial Underground Mine DesigdPlanning System Features 26 ........
Table 3 - Functional Ekments of a Mine DsigdPIanning System ..........................
46
Table 4 . Mine Planning Stages, Factors and Objcetives ..........................................
79
Table 5 . Volere Requirements Specification Template ..........................................
157
Table 6 . Problems and Shortcomings of Traditiond DesigdPIanning Practices 159 ..
Table 7 . Usen Characteristics .................................................................................
162
Table 8 - Business Events Applied to Mine DesigdPIanning Work Context 173 .........
Table 9 - Application of Simulation to the Mine Life Cycle ...................................
185
Table 10 - T y p i c l Pedormance Metrics Used in Mining Simulation Work 186 ..........
Table 11- Mining Processes for Use in Simulation/Planning Work .......................
188
Table 12 - Development Activities and Simulation/Measuremen~Metrics 192 ............
Table 13 - Stoping Activities and Simulation/Musurement Metrics .....................
193
Table 14 - Equipment Considerations for Simulation Work ..................................
194
Table 15 - Equipment Attributes Required for Simulation Work .........................
195
Table 16 - Potential Mining Block Status Codes ..................................................... 199
Table 17 .Other Relevant Simulation Parameten ..................................................
203
Table 18 - Simulation Reports . ..........,.......................o.o.................................o.e....e208 .
Table 19 - Activity-Based Costing Structure for an Underground Mine 212...............
Table 20 - Mining Method Selection Considerations ............................m................. 221
Table 21 - Potential Planning Constraints and Objectiva .....................................
233
Table 22 .Mine Designfflanning Ccological Data Components .............................
245
Table 23 .Mine Daignfflanning Mine Layout Data Components .........................
245
Tabk 24 Mine DesignIPIanning Scheduling Data Components ............................
246
...
O

Tabk 25 = Mine Daignfflanning Production/Cost Tracking Data Components 247

Table 26 - External Applications and Systems ........................................................ 259
Table 27 - System Complexity Assessrnent - Design DiCculty ...............................
277
Table 28 System Complexity Assessrnent - Raource Requirements ....................
278
..........................................................................
O

Table 29 - System Risk Assessment 280

Table 30 - Softwire Project Classifications Scoring System ...................................
288
Table 31 - Mine Designfflanning System Estimates ............................................... 289
Table 32 - Mine Desigflanning System Range Analysis ......................................
290
Table 33 - Costs Breakdown for Development Effort ..............................................
291
Table 34 - Mine Designfflanning Sub-Systems: Usefulnm. Criticality and
Implementation Complexity Evaluation .................................................
303

vii
 LIST O F FIGURES

PAGE
Figure 1 . Block Flowchart for the Traditionai Mine DaignlPlanning Process 11 .......
Figure 2 - Links between Mine Design/Planning and Other Mine Systems 49 .............
Figure 3 - Logical Architecture of Mine Design/Planning System and Production
Monitoring and Control System ...............................................................
50
Figun 4 . Physicai Architecture of Combined Mine DaignlPIanning and
Production MonitoringKontrol Systems ..................................................
51
Figure 5 . Softwire Development Lifecycle Methodologies .....................................
55
Figure 6 IDEF0 Function Bor and Intedace Arrows ............................................
64
........................................................
O

Figure 7 . IDEF0 Decomposition MethodoIogr 67

Figure 8 . Gane and Sanon Notation for Data Flow Diagramming 72 .................... ...
Figure 9 . Gcologicd Modeling Process Flowchart .................................................
81
Figure 10 . Significant Geological Analysis and Modeling Factors 83..........................
Figure 11 . Mine Design Procas Fiowchart ............................................................
85
Figure 12 . Significant Mine Design Components, Factors and Parameters 86 ............
Figure 13 . Mine Planning/Scheduling Procas Honihart ........................................
89
Figure 14 . Sigaihant Mine Planning and Scheduling Considerations 91 ...................
Figure 15 . Mine Planning and Scheduling Information Fiow .................................
93
Figure 16 . Mine Production Control Considerations .......................o......................
95
Figure 17 . Rock Fragmentation Considentions and Factors ..................................
98
Figure 18 . Rock Miss Components and Parameten ...........................................
99
Figure 19 . Ground Control and Support Factors and Considerations 101 .................
Figure 20 . Rock Excavation and Handling Considerations ...................................
104
Figure 21 . Mine Ventilation and Air Conditioning Considerations 107 .....................
Figure 22 . Equipment Life-Cyck Cost Analysis Factors and Considerations 108 ......
Figure 23 . Economic Analysis Components and Considerations ..........................
110
Figure 24 . Mining Project Evaluation Factors and Considerations 112 ......................
Figure 25 . Mine Monitoring Considerations ..........................................................
114
Figure 26 . Diagram A-O Contest Diagram or Modeling Scope ...........................
118
........
O

Figure 27 . Diagram A0 . Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the UG Mine 121
Figure 28 . Diagram A l . Perform Strategic Planning ...........................................
125
Figure 29 . Diagram A12 . Cnate and Maintain Corporate Strategic Plan 126 ..........
Figure 30 . Diagram A2 . Peiiorm Long-Term Planning .......................................
127
Figure 31 . Diagram A21 . Auess Mine Geology ...................................................
130
Figure 32 . Diagram A211 Collect the Geo~ogicalData ........................................
131
......................................
O

Figure 33 . Diagram A212 . Analyze the Ccdogicrl Data 132

Figure 34 . Diagnm A2122 . IdentiTy Geological Domains.. ................................
133
Figun 35 . Diagram A2123 . Select and Perform Statistical Analysis on Domains133
Figure 36 . Diagram A2 13 . Model the Orebody .................................................
134
Figure 37 . Diagram A22 . Design Mine Layout and Facilities ..............................
135
Figure 38 . Diagram A221 . Select Production Rite ...............................................
136
Figure 39 . Diagram A222 . Select Appropriate Mining Method(s) 137 ......................
Figure 40 .Diagram A223 . Size Up, Layout and Sequence Stopes .......................138
Figure 41 .Diagram A2232 . Size Up and Layout Stopes ......................................139
Figure 42 .Diagram A223212 . Select Stope Dimensions .......................................140
Figure 43 .Diagram A22323 . Determine Stope Support Rcquinments ............... 141
Figure 44 .Diagram A2234 . Assess Risks of Mining Method with Proposed
Stoping Design ..................................................................................... 142
Figure 45 .Diagram A224 . Design Mine Excavation Support System .................143
Figure 46 .Diagram A2241 . Design Muck Handling System ...............................144
Figure 47 .Diagram A23 -Prepare Long-Term Schdule. ......................................145
Figure 48 .Diagram A24 . Evaluate Project Economics ........................................146
Figure 49 .Diagram A3 . Perform Short-Term Planning ......................................147
Figure 50 .Diagram A33 . P n p a r e and Validate Detailed Schedule ..................... 148
Figure 51 .Diagram A42 . Provide Monitoring and Technical Support ...............149
Figure 52 .Diagram A421 . Monitor Excavation Work ....................................... 151
Figure 53 .Diagram A422 . Design Drilling and Blasting Layout ......................... 152
Figure 54 .Diagram A424 . Monitor Ground Conditions ..................................... 153
Figure 55 .Diagram A425 .Monitor Ventilation N e m o r k ................................... 154
Figure 56 .Diagram A44 . Implement and Monitor Short-Term Plan ................ 155
Figure 57 .Mine DcsignlPlanning System Work Context Diagram .................. ....172
Figure 58 .Mine DtsigdPlanning Use Case Diagram ............................................ 174
Figure 59 .General Mine Simulator-Schedukr Architectural Mode1 ....................189
Figure 60 .Mine DesigdPlanning System Models and Data Flows .......................248
Figure 61 .The four regions of the Design DiCficulty versus Resources Plane .......274
Figure 62 .Mine DesigdPlanning System Complexity Assessrnent .......................279

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A DATA FLOW D I A G W S

APPENDIX B OBJECT CLASS DUGRAMS
APPENDIX C TERMINOLOGY
APPENDIX D SADT MODELS AND DEFINITIONS
APPENDIX E OBJECT MODEL ATTRIBUTES
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble

Depressed base and precious metal pnces worldwide and a very competitive mining

industry means that Canada's rnining operations must become more efficient and

productive. One way to increase efficiency is to make better use of resources, including

computer-assisted engineering knowledge. Current computerized mine design and

planning practices are typicdy based on a mixture of semi-integrated cornputer-assisted

planning software combined with stand-alone computer-aided drafting (CAD),

rnisceilaneous commercial software tools, in-house developed tools and manual methods.

The result is a poorly integrated set of tools that generally results in duplication of data,

increased work efforts and is unresponsive to mining environment and market changes.

The fragmentation of data and applications can result in other issues. For example, it is

easier to misplace or lose information. A very mobile workforce can make it difncult to

maintain a consistent and up-to-date information database. As the aging workforce retires,

a gradua1 erosion and eventual loss of knowledge is also expected.

These conditions mean that it is no longer realistic to store details about a mining

operation within the minds of its designers or on separate pieces of paper or computer

files. A common data repository where both spatial and non-spatial information is stored is

now essential. The large quantities of data stored in this repository will require efficient
tools to quickly access this information, sort it in some logical order and present the

results to the designer. The computer, with its powerful data querying and visualizing

capabilities, is the ideal tool for this work. However, to be effective, the data must be kept

up to date and be directly available to ail applications that require it. The result is a tightly

integrated computerized mine design and planning system.

Udortunately, most of the comrnercially avdable computerized mine planning systems

have a very narrow view of the mine design process. These systems tend to focus on

geological modeling, ore reserve estimation, visualization tools, and simple computer-

aided drafting tools for development and stope layouts. These systems are usefl for

feasibility studies. However, they generally fail when used in a day-to-day production

environment. These systems generally do not integrate geomechanics and ground support

analysis, mine method selection, equipment selection, and ventilation requirements. These

aspects of mine planning are either left to manual methods or to other thkd-party software

aids.

An integrated computerized design and planning system would offer many benefits if such

a system could be designed. However, the fact that such systems do not yet exist tends to

indicate that designing and prograrnming such systems is at best a daunting task. Several

reasons may explain why fully integrated systems do not yet exist. First, the scope of work

is extremely broad, requiring mining engineering and computer science skills in several

fields. The underground mine design and planning process is very complex with many of
the activities interrelated and interdependent. Several minng variations are possible for

every orebody, and selecting the optimum solution is not always clear. The selection

process will depend on available expertise, available resources, past experience and

practices, as weU as corporate goals. Al1 of these factors play an important role in the

design/planning process and are extremely difficult to incorporate in a genenc software

package aimed at a commercial market.

The market for mining software applications is very small when compared to other areas

Wre office work, accounting, warehousing and so on. It is even smaller when the

underground hardrock mining sector is separated fkom the rest of the mining industry.

Approximately 75 to 85% of al1 rninerals extraction woridwide is carried out using open

pit methods (Hartman, 1987). Much of the underground mining done around the world is

for coal, using either room-and-pillar or full-face mining, further reducing the underground

hardrock mining sector. Software development firms in general prefer to have access to

large markets whenever possible, because a small market resufts in generally expensive

development costs being recuperated with oniy a few licenses. The pie is even smaller

when one considers that there are several software developers competing for the same

mining market share. It may well be that the retum on investment is simply too small for a

software house to design, program and suppon a complete underground design system.

There is also the issue of rapid software and computer hardware obsolescence. Today's

hot programming language or hardware platform may be tomorrow's old news, never
having had a chance to establish a strong following and to pay dividends to the developers

basing their applications on these tools. The tendency of s o h a r e houses has been to

develop general applications for the broadest customer base. This means Intel pentiumh"

processors running Microsofi windowsm as the operating system. Such plaorms have

seen tremendous changes over the last decade with order of magnitude improvements in

capabilities. However, it is uncertain if these platforms offer enough capabilities to meet

the demands of engineers and planners using an integrated mine desigdplanning system.

Sorne applications, in particular, surfaces and solids graphic modeling tools as weli as

numencal analysis tools (e.g. finite elements, boundary elements, and discrete-elements)

requue tremendous resources in terms of raw CPU processing speed, addressable memory

and storage space. Those requirements and the need for efficient and accurate algorithms

are pushing the performance specifications of any computer system.

There is also an issue with design process complexity and decision-making support.

Experience and knowledge play an important role in the design and planning process.

Experience and knowledge are used in making selections, thus reducing the number of

possible options and increasing the likelyhood of a wurkable solution. The "experience and

knowledge" factor is very dificult to describe and integrate within a mining design

application. Very few, if any, of the currently available commercial systems integrate

knowledge for decision-making within their application. These systems u s u d y limit

themselves to calculating results based on tightly defined criteria, leaving the interpretation

of these results to the user of the system.

Generally, software application development is much simpler for open pits than for

underground mines. The optimization and scheduling problems of open pits are generally

well understood and some efficient solutions have been found and implemented. However,

the situation is much diffrent for underground mines which are, in the opinion of the

author, at least an order of magnitude more complex than open pits. Underground

deposits can be mined using a much wider selection of methods than open pits and ground

control issues are critical. Scheduling is a much more diflticult issue with timing and access

being critical. Underground mine access is expensive to obtain and therefore tends to be

much more restricted, with a higher potential for bottlenecks and interference. In addition,

underground mines are more expensive to operate than open pits. While economies of

s a l e are possible with larger equipment and bulk mining methods, this style of

underground mining requires larger excavations which tend to have more associated

ground control problems.

1.2 Research Objectives

This research has the following objectives:

To understand and describe the underground hard rock mine design and planning
process.
To identie the significant factors, components and parameters affecting this mine
design and planning process and show how they are interrelated.
To describe, using formal software systems analysis, this design and planning process
as well as the flow of information within the process, resulting in a documented
formal, comprehensive, process model.
 To descnbe the functionalities and the capabilities required in a computerked
integrated underground hardrock mine design and planning system, in accordance with
the documented process model.
To present the current state-of-the-art in underground mine planning systems.
To describe how sophisticated computer science techniques such as object-oriented
prograrnming, database methodologies, geometric modeling and Msualization, surface
and soiid modeling, and expert systems can be used to integrate the various aspects of
mine design and planning and considerably improve design and planning efficiency
To outline a high-level object-oriented data model suitable for a mine design and
planning system.
To examine the benefits as wel as the potentiai risks when creating such systems and
propose possible development and implementation avenues.

In addition, this thesis aims to provide a sound basis for revamping underground hardrock

mine design and planning. The 1990's was a decade where companies sought to improve

their operations through improvements in their processes. In essence, this thesis is about

business process improvement (BPI) and business process re-engineering (BPR).

Improving business processes is paramount for companies to stay competitive in today's

marketplace. Many companies introduce BPI through a c o n t i m ~ improvernent

~s rnodel

that attempts to understand and measure the current "as-is" processes and make

performance improvements accordingly. This activity is repeated to obtain gradua],

incremental improvements. In the mining industry, the introduction of more powerfl rock

drills with better percussive hammers and bits is representative of BPI activities.
Business process re-engineering is radically dinerent fiom the continuous improvement

process described above. BPR attempts to re-define the processes in order to obtain more

effective operations, hence the term re-engineering. In the mining industry, the vision of a

fully robotic mine (Le. "manless" mine) requiring radical changes in mining processes (e-g.

from cyclical to continuous mining) is representative of BPR the philosophy.

This thesis provides the groundwork for initiating future BPI and BPR efforts within the

underground hardrock mining industry. It provides a detailed look at current mine design

and planning processes, requirements and available technology as weU as an examination

of how these processes can be integrated through technology t o create a supenor mine

design and planning system.

1.3 Structure of the Thesis

Following this introductory chapter, the thesis examines the evolution of current

underground mine design and planning software systems (Chapter 2). Chapter 3

introduces the research methodology employed for this thesis - systems analysis and

modeling. Chapter 4 discusses sorne of the more important factors and considerations that

influence the underground mine design and planning process. Chapter 5 presents the

structured analysis and modeling work detailing, graphically, the mine design and planning

process. Chapter 6 presents the project dnvers and constraints and outlines the scope of

work of the proposed Mine DesigdPlanning System (referred to as the System). Chapters

7 and 8 detail the functional and non-fnctional requirements for an integrated

desigdplanning system. Core systems and primary sub-system requirements are outlined.

Chapter 9 covers system implementation, discussing issues like system feasibility,

complexity, risks, costs and development options. Chapter 10 concludes this work by

outlining the original contributions made to science, presenting the potential benefits

obtainable through a flly integrated design and planning system and discussing the future

work requirements and potential research directions.

Accompanying this thesis is a CD-ROM that contains the entire text as weil as al1 five

appendices in digital format. These files are stored in the Adobe PDF (Portable Document

File) format. A PDF file reader is included t o view these eiectronic files on an MS-DOS

computer using Microsoft windowsm as the operating system.

Appendix A presents several data flow diagrarns for the System and thus outlines a

preliminary high-level information system. Appendix B outlines an object-onented data

class model architecture that could be utilized in the creation of the System. Appendix C

provides definitions for various technological tenns and acronyms used wit hin the thesis.

Appendix D contains the structured analysis work and relevant definitions detailing the

nune design and planning process. Appendix E describes the attributes of the object class

model presented in Appendix B.

 CECAPTER 2

EVOLUTION OF UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN AND PLANNING SYSTEMS

2.1 The Traditional Mine Design and Planning Process

Traditionally, mine design and planning activities have been restricted to defining the

methods for accessing and then extracting the ore reserves. Based on experience or

current practice, the engineer would determine the best plan for extracting the ore while

the planner would detennine and schedule the required resources to irnplement the

engineer's plan. In many small mining operations, the same individual performed both

tasks.

Typically, using paper level plans and section drawings, the stope outlines would be placed

over the ore inventory previously defhed by the mine geologist. Later, the mine planner

would add the development work. An approxhate grade and volume ( t o ~ a g e )would

then be calculated, including an estimate for ore recovery and ore dilution. Using some

valuation model, the value of the ore contained within the stope would be estimated.

Based on expenence, the planner would estimate how much muck a stope could produce

in a given tirne penod. It was then possible to determine roughly how many stopes would

be needed to rneet the production objectives set by the corporate office. Depending on the

mil1 feedstock requirements and observed variations in stope grades, additional stopes

could have been added for ore blending purposes. Additional stopes might also have been

added for increased scheduling flexibility.

In al1 cases, sufficient development work would have to be done before the stopes could

start producing muck. Again based on experience, the planner would calculate the amount

of lead-the required for completing the required development work. Based on average

productivity rates, the number of shifts required could be calculated. Using one to three

shifts per day, the number of days before the stopes would start producing could then be

estimated. The planner could also estimate the required supplies, Le. drill steel and bits,

explosives, etc., to complete the job. In addition, equipment and labour, currently used in

other locations, could be allocated for the development and production work. If required,

additional equipment would be ordered or rniners hired to meet development and

production needs. With a mining schedule defined, it was then possible to generate a

detaiied budget and estimate the economic retums of the rnine.

Thus, the rnine design and planning process described above ties together several

elements: ore reserves estimation, plan and section drawings, mining method selection and

mine layout, development and production scheduling, equipment selection, cost

estimation, and mine valuation. This process is presented in Figure 1 as a block flowchart

that highlights the relationships between the major elements found in traditional mine

design and planning.

Figure 1 - Btock Flowchart for the Traditional Mine Design/Pianning Process

11
It is obvious that several of the elements are interrelated and that an iterative solution will

be required. Even with computer assistance, the traditionai design and planning process is

tedious especialiy if the mine is marginal and the mineral prices are fluctuating ofien. Due

to tirne constraints, the designerlplanner will likely look at only a few options before

selecting what appean to be the best one, thus a lack of effective optirnization.

Increased computerization of the traditionai process can only help the designerlplanner.

However, if greater design/planning efficiency and productivity are the goals, new

elements need to be added to obtain the full benefits of computerization. Typicaiiy, these

are the support elements like surveying, rock mechanics, ground control, ventilation,

drillhg and blasting, maintenance planning, incident tracking, and mine monitoring.

However, other elements like expert systems, numerical models, data analysis and

visualization tools, simulation, and optirnization techniques are needed to bring added

intelligence to the process. The integration of these elements, if feasible, would fonn an

intelligent design system with decision-support capabilities that exceed anything currently

available on the market.

2.2 Defining the Fuliy Integrated Mine Design and Planning Process

In the context of this thesis, the term "traditional mine design and planning" is used to

separate current methods, which are a mixture of semi-integrated mine planning systems,

stand-alone programs and manual methods, fiom fully integrated computerized intelligent
mine systems. The traditional process relies almost excIusively on the "intelligence" of the

mine designer/planner for its decision-making. The Mly integrated system, while not

replacing the designer/planner, supplements his or her intelligence with expert knowledge

and sophisticated data analysis, modeling7optirniration and simulation tools.

In the traditional process, the designer/planner is intimately involved in ail the data

preparation and data translation required for each design activity. The fully integrated

system handles al1 data preparation and translation work between design activities

intemdly and transparently to the designerlplanner.

In the traditional process, the designer/planner typically optimizes sub-processes, or

optimizes on a local level. The fully integrated system examines optisnization on a global

level by considering "cause-and-effect" interactions between the design and planning

activities. The ease with which dinerent options can be created and investigated increases

the potential that an optimum, more robst design will be achieved.

2.3 Historical Developments in Computer Applications for the Mining Industry

Computers have been used in the mining industry since the late 1950's (Weiss, 1969).

Early computer usage tended to be in simple process control ard data processing.

However, cornputers and computer applications were already making inroads on the

mining engineering side with the k s t APCOM conference (Application of Computers and

Operations Research in the Minerai Industries) held in 1961.

Over the 19603, engineering design and planning applications expanded to cover several

areas (Seegmiller, 1973; Weiss, 1969). However, the most cornmon applications tended

towards ore reserves estimation (Mular, 1970), econornic financial analysis (Brown,

1970), inventory control and accounting, thus showing a strong business flavour. The

open pit industry made use of cornputer technology early on, most likely as a result of the

regular block model approach used for mineral inventory representation and the

development of pit limit optimization algorithrns (Lerchs and Grossmann, 1965). Based on

a simple, regular block model, the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm represented a

breakthrough in the application of computer science technology to real mining engineering

problems. Open pit mine applications were expanding to include planning and scheduling

(Pana and Davey, 1973; Manula and Venkatararnani, 1973) as well as equipment

simulation (Jolley, 1970).

Applications, typically proprietary in nature, were developed using high-level

prograrnming languages like BASIC and FORTRAN. Company-owned cornputers,

essentially mainfiames, were few and represented an expensive corporate asset shared by

the entire mine if not the entire Company. These computer systems were used mostly to

store database information and were generally under the direct control of the accounting

department. Applications were either batched or operated on a multi-terminal time-sharing

system. Commercial computer-based graphics applications for the mining industry were

non-existent. In 1974, Dowd worked with a CRT (cathode ray tube) for the design of an

interactive mine planning and ore reserves estimation system (Dowd, 1974). Notley and
Wilson (1975) designed a simple 3-D underground mine drawing and plotting system

based on wirefiarnes and hidden line elimination.

It was not until the mid 1970's that more complex integrated rnining engineering

applications were developed. Bosman (1973) presented the development of Corninco's

MEPS for use in open pit mine evaluation and production scheduling. MEPS was capable
of handling geological data acquisition and analysis ore reserve calculations, plotting and

contouring, pit design and scheduling. Mintec's Medsystem, probably one of the oldest

commercial mine planning software packages, was marketed in the mid- 1970's.

Developed for mainame cornputers, these packages were eventually rnigrated to

powerful mini-cornputers. Early mine planning applications were limited mostly to the

open pit muring (Zimrner, 1978; Garg and Piche, 1979; Nenonen, 1982) or coal mining

industries @as, 1981;Chatterjee and Sridhar, 1986; Haycocks and Lucas, 1973).

The introduction of powerfil UND( graphic workstations and relatively inexpensive

microcornputers in the 1980's revolutionized the engineering field. It was now possible for

an individual to have his persona1 stand-aione computer. The relatively low cost of the

hardware and software made it possible for many more individuals and cornpanies to

develop and use new engineering tools (Franklin, 1985, 1988; Scott, 1988). There was

unprecedented growth in al1 areas of mining engineering applications, starting with the

migration of mainfiame applications to the new smaller and less expensive computer

platfoms (Wright, 1989). Later, new planning packages based on the microcornputer
platforms started appearing. The regular block mode1 becarne more generalized as

irregular solids-based models started appearing (Houlding, 1991a; 1991b).

The 1990's have seen unparaileled growth in the computer industry. Cornputer hardware

costs have fallen dramatically while processing speeds have improved a hundredfold. The

development of network technology has permitted the integration of the 1980's stand-

alone cornputers into new business tools where users can share both information and

equipment resources. New programming languages and techniques have evolved to take

advantage of these new systems. Computers have more memory, storage capacity, and

raw processing power at a lower cost then ever before. Sophisticated graphic user

interfaces are now standard in engineering software applications.

This substantial increase in computing power has made possible the development of

reasonably priced visualkation and graphic modeling systems that were once aimost

exclusively the domain of the military and high-powered research laboratones. Today,

most rnining sofhware runs on Intel-based microcornputers running Microsofi windowsM

although UMX is still the operating system of choice for computationally intensive

graphic applications ninning on powerful workstations.

2.4 Underground Hardrock Mine Design and Planning Software

There is no doubt that the underground hardrock mining industry does not have access to

the same range and variety of integrated mine design and planning s o k a r e enjoyed by the
open pit mining industry. Practically ail of the commerciaily available planning systems

have originated from, or were designed for, the open pit industry and were later retrofitted

or generalized to include the underground mining industry. The author is not aware of

even one integrated commercial package having been fuily developed for the sole use of

the underground hardrock mining industry.

Several computerized planning tools are avaiiable to the underground coal industry.

However, these packages are generaiiy not applicable to many underground hardrock

deposits. Many hardrock mineral deposits are irregular, vein or massive type formations

while coal deposits tend to be seams. Cod mining operations typicaliy use continuous

miners for extracthg the coal whereas the hardrock industry uses mostly the ddl-blast-

muck cycle. There are some similarities between coal and some sofl rock deposits like

potash, gypsum and salt and coal-based mine planning software may be applicable to these

types of deposits.

Several mining packages claim to be capable of handling the requirements of underground

mining, however closer inspection of their capabitities indicates that these tools fdl far

short of what is needed. The geological data analysis and orebody modeling requirements

are cornmon to both industries: however, frther cornmonality disappears as soon as a

rnining method has been selected.

Open pit deposits are amenable t o design using a block system that tends to parallel bench

height. Open pits are developed from the top down and al1 waste rock must be removed to

gain access to the ore below. Ventilation is not an issue with open pit mines. Access to the

work faces is generally less constrained and equipment interference less likely to be an

issue. Ground control problems are generally limited to slope stability and water i d o w s .

Open pit equipment fleets tend to be smaller in number {not in size) and less varied

because the haulage trucks are usually matched to the digging shovels. It is also the

author's belief that planning and scheduling development and production work for open

pit mines tends t o be simpler. From the point of view of open pit mine design, there are

well known Optimization algorithrns available to aid the open pit engineer/planner.

Underground hardrock mines are designed to take advantage of the ore deposit. Because

underground mines are more expensive to operate than open pit mines, waste rock is not

mined unless absolutely necessary for stope access. Stope access is generally limited and

constrained due to the cost of excavation and required ground support of levels and drifts.

Ventilation is a serious issue as is ground control. Stope sequencing may well be dictated

by ground control requirements. Bacldill may be required for support. Equipment fleets

may be quite varied depending on the orebody complexity, the variety of rnining methods

required and the number of workplaces required to operate simultaneously. Thus, planning

and scheduling for underground hardrock mines tend to be much more complicated

because activities tend to be much more interrelated and interdependent. Due to the

limited nwnber and constrained nature of ail orebody access points, ore and waste rock
handling requirements must be balanced with the movement of supplies and resources.

There is also a scarcity of optimization algorithms available to aid the engineer/planner and

those that are available tend to oversimplifi the problem.

2.5 Current State-of-the-Art in Commercial Underground Hardrock Planning

Systems

Over the years, several software vendors and in-house programmers have created mine

design and planning packages for use in the mining industry. Most of these packages

integrate geological information with orebody modeling and ore reserve estimation

relatively weil. In most cases, excellent visualization tools are provided to help the

geologist and the rnining engineer see the orebody. This is very helpfbl when performing

feasibility studies.

However, for the most part, these packages fail in the area of underground mine design

and planning. This is due rnostly to a narrow outlook on what is involved in design and

planning. Most of these packages appear to consider mine design as a drafting process,

thus they provide CAD drawing tools. Sirnilarly, planning is generaiiy lirnited to specifjing

the order in which the development and production wiU proceed, accruhg tons and grades

over a given time period while meeting set production targets.

However, mine design is much more than just CAD. It includes rnining method selection,

stope sequencing, ground support, drilling and blasting, ventilation systems and equipment
selection among others. Mine planning deals with the management of constrained

resources like time, money, labour, equipment and supplies. Logistics can be a major issue

in large deep mechanized mines. Mine planning also means risk management and

contingency planning. Production is a highly dynamic process and conditions can change

rapidly. A good mine plan can be adapted and modified as required. Granted, there exist

individual stand-aione design tools that can deal with some of the above factors, but no

software package has yet to merge them into one integrated computerized system.

There are several explanations for the lack of good comprehensive integrated underground

design and planning software. A list of potential explanations could include the following:

S m d software development houses with lirnited financial strength or technical

skills.
Very small market thus marginal return on vendor's investment or too expensive a
price per license.
Substantiai investment by the buyer to learn and effectively use the software
hinders the introduction of new tools.
Dficulties in developing tools that have broad applicability due to the variety of
rnining options available.
Lack of numerical algorithrns to descnbe, solve and optimize underground rnining
problems.
Poor understanding of the requirements or the complexities of underground mine
design and planning.
Rapidly evolving computer hardware and software technology causing uncertainty
arnong software developers and buyers as to the best way to go.
 Rapidly evolving computer hardware and software technology requiring constant
upgrading of their products and re-training of the software programmers.

The overall market for mining software is small when compared to other business areas

and the underground hardrock mining software market is even smdler. There are relatively

few buyers. This makes mining software development very expensive since it is not

possible for software vendors to reduce their unit costs by selling thousands of copies.

With high unit costs to develop even basic applications, it is dficult for the software

vendors to keep improving their products.

Substantial time and effort have t o be invested by a mining Company before its engineers

and planners become effective in using the software. Even more effort will be required to

transfer their mining files into something that the software will recognize and be able to

use. This makes it difficult for companies to switch software should a better tool come

dong. Once committed to a software package, it will take a major effort to change. The

mining industry is also generally a conservative and somewhat skeptical group. Any

software package will have to prove that it can handle the unique problems that exist at

their operations before it will be trusted and used.

It is certain that the underground mine design and planning process is much more complex

than that required for open pits. There are generally many more constraints to deal with,

like rock mass strength and behavior, ground support, ventilation, and equipment. There

are also many more mining method options available in underground mines. In many
deposits, the transition across and down the ore deposit will iikely require more than one

mining method. Sequencing of stopes for ground control can become an issue. Economics

are critical. It is difficult for a software developer to develop design and planning tools

general enough to handle effectively the very broad range of issues encountered

underground.

In addition, the complexities of underground mines mean that there does not exist at this

time any general optimizing algorithm similar to the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm for

determining the ultimate limits of open pits. Optimization in underground is a much more

iterative process since the various components are strongly interrelated and it is likely that

no numericd method exists that can tmly optimize an underground mine. Overall, global

mine optimization may be a futile objective. A better strategy may be to use simulation t o

analyze the impact of mining decisions, identifjing and controlling the factors to which the

operation is most sensitive.

The rapidly evolving world of computer technology means that software development

fims must constantly be improving their products to take advantage of the new hardware

and software that their clients will be using. This means constantly upgrading the source

code of their existing applications while developing new ones. This also means that the

programmers must constantIy upgrade their skills thus creating an expense for the fims

hiring them. With each product having only a few hundred licensed clients, it becomes
very difficult to pass on these costs to the clients who may or may not see any benefits in

upgrading.

There is also the possibility that rapidly evolving hardware and software platforms is

causing a paralysis within some software houses and their clients. It is expensive and very

difficult for a software developer to maintain several versions of his products (Le.

~ , several variations of UND() while providing the fastest

Windowsh, M ~ C O S and

possible code. Developers want access to the broadest client base, which today happens to

be Microsoft windowsu". However, the rnost comrnoniy used platform does not

necessarily irnply that it wl be the most suitable platform especially if performance is an

issue (which it frequently is when performing graphies-intensive modeling or numencal

analysis).

The availability of several hardware platforms makes it also dficult for mine planning

users to select a suitable platform especially if there are no clear-cut guidelines or overall

plan or the buyers are not aware of fture integration possibilities. It is not unusual for

mining departments to buy incompatible cornputer platforms ancVor software packages

based on uninformed decisions at an unqualified Ievel. This is especially likely to happen

when one software package is incapable of satisfjing most if not al1 the needs of the

various users. The resulting cornputer technology "islands" can be difficult to integrate

later when people start to understand the needs and benefits of an integrated system. The

inertia in a well-established system can be extremely difficult and costly to reverse or

change. This can be fiirther exacerbated if the departments are not CO-operatingwith one

another or consider their information to be proprietary.

Tables 1 and 2 compare the fiinctionality and features of various commercial planning

systems soid for underground mine design and planning. It should be noted that this

analysis is based on 1999 marketing information and may not provide a current and

completely accurate assessment of the capabilities of each system. A true comparison

would require the testing of each system, using a realistic data set, for usability, accuracy,

speed and fiinctionality. Such a comparison is beyond the scope of this research.

A cursory review of the capabilities indicates that many of the software packages are more

or less similar in fnctionality. For the most part, (with the exception of h p j D and

~ x a m i n e which
~ ~ , were designed for rock mechanics applications) al1 handle geologicd

data capture, visualization and orebody modeling. They generally use a form of biock

modei and are capable of working in a three-dimensional environment. AU systems can

create mine Iayouts and provide capabilities to enter and store surveying information.

Some packages offer limited dnlling and blasting design capabilities.

Table 1 - Review of Commercial Mining Software Punctionalities for Underground Mine Design and Planning1
1So m Vendornul P d u b 1 CEMCoM 1 DATAMIMZ 1 SS1 1 mkmLYNX 1 MAPTEK 1 MINTEC 1 MINCQM 1 CEOSTATS 1 Mine

no
ycs
no

ycs
na
yes
ves
ycs
no
Table 2 - Commercial Underground Mine Designlolanning System ~eatures'
Software V d o i a ProdPetr CEMCOM DATAMiNE SS1 nrkmLYNX MAPTEK

IUcr l 1 I I
Platform DOSI Win NT Win95MTand Win 95MT Win 9SNT Win95NT 1 UNIX 1 DOSlWin 1 DOS 1 Win 95M.I'
Win95~N 1 UNlX and UNIX 95iNT
Databasc Platforni ODBC and MS ODBC 1 ODUC, MS Access 7 proprielary propritary NIA NIA
Accw Access, Oracle
Graphical Interface Yes Y
a Yes yes, batch Yes yes, batch Yes ycs, baich Ym YCS
proccasing processing processing
R o g r m i n g Exlensions ? command macro 7 7 ? command no ? ?
languagc languagc
lmportlExpor Faciliiies DXF DXF Exponto ASCII,DXF, 7 DXF ? MCII, DXF MCII, IlSI:
ArcView ohm DXF
ModdngCqmbiWk -

Poinii and Lines yes yes ycs ycs yes yes ycs ycs no
Surfaces yes yes yes yes yes yes yes ycs ycs (B-rcp)
Solida Yes Y@ Y= Ya Yes Yes Yes no YCS Clipping and
Volumctricv
Model Type Block Block Olock Block Block Block Brock Block and NIA NIA
Subblocks Subblocks Subblocks Scclions
OreR~esaiaaut#
raphical Inierpretation 2-D and 3-D 2-D and 3-D 2-D and 3-D 2-D and 3-U 2-D and 3-
1 1 D D D
Polygonal
- .
ycs yes yes yes yes yes yes ycs no no
I n v m Distance yes 1 yes 1 ycs 1 yes 1 y en yes yes yes no no
Variogram and KriRing ycs yes ycs yes yes yes yes yes no no

Layouts and CAD yes yes yes yes yes ycs yes yes ycs ycs
Stress Analysis no no no no no no no no ycs y&
Automatic Mesh Generator no no no no no no no no ycs yes
Ring Drill Layouts yes yes yes no ycs ? no no no no
Bliisthole Layouis no no no yes ? 7 yes no no no
Explosive Charge tayouts ? 7 7 yen ? ? yes no no no
Sprcid Fcatum a d Block Caving, Stereonetsand Ventilation Suitc of Numcrical Numcrical
Ertcniioni Drillhole slow Analysis gcological stress stress
Inicrseciions Optimuer programs mdlcr mdlw

Notes: 1) Based on 1999 marketing literature.

However, none of the packages, with the exception of ~a~~~and ~ x a m i n e cm
~ ~ ,perfoxm

any stress analysis on the mine excavations. Considering that these packages provide a

three-dimensionai mode1 of the mine, the addition of a stress/displacement analysis module

appears reasonable. Without looking at the influence of adjacent excavations, the impact

of stope sequencing, the stabilizing effect of ground suppon and bacldill, dl these

packages are very weak in one essential area of underground mine design. Al1 packages

are also severely lacking in the area of matenal handling. The planning and scheduling

functions provided are rudimentary and do not account for production resource

availability, reliability and activity interference. No mine package includes a shulator for

examining production sequences material handling sequences, and equipmenflabour

performance. These mine packages also appear weak in the area of cost tracking.

In surnrnary, the currently available commercial systems appear to be very applicable and

appropriate for canying out mineral exploration prograrns and feasibility studies.

However, they are weak in the area of actual mine operations and generally very poor in

the area of mine design, simulation and optimization. These packages do not offer

decision-support capabilities and intelligence, providing instead computer assistance to the

traditional manual methods. The mining operations using these packages either must

accept these shortcomings, supplement these packages with other software (Le. stand-

alone software), or develop their own custom-built applications.

 ~ Gemcom represent today 's state-
Commercial packages like SURPAC", ~ a t a m i n eand

of-the-art mine planning systems. They provided an integrated three-dimensional,

graphically based platform for doing geological modeiing and mine layouts. The important

features of these prograrns can be summarized as follows:

Graphic interface with sophisticated visualization system

Three-dimensional approach (with 2-D support)
Windows 95/NT operating system (with some UNIX-based systems)
External commercial database linked to mine objects
Block mode1 (with sub-block capabilities)
Surfaces and DTM (Digital Terrain Modeling) capabilities
Solid capabilities (unions, intersections, clippings, volumetrics)
Excellent geological analysis and rnodeling tools
Geological modehg generally based on sections linked together
Geostatistical and other interpolation methods available
Sophisticated open pit optimization routines
Basic mine design capabilities (mine layouts, ramps)
Basic computer-aided drafting tools
Basic mine sumeying
Basic mine planning/scheduling tools
Basic drill and blast designs (ring blast mostly)
Basic import and export capabilities (ASCII, AutoCAD DXF)

Several specialized, stand-alone commercial packages are available in the areas of

Drafling (AutoCAR IMicroStationm)

Simulation (AU~OMOD'",
witnessm,G P S S ~
Geographical Information System ( ~ r c l ~ n fMaplnfom)
o~,
 Stress/strain analysis h ha ses'", Visage: ROCWDFE~, FLAC? U D E C ~ ,
PFC")
Geological data acquisition and analysis (PC-xPLORm, GEOSTATS'", ISATISm)
Structural geology analysis @IPSO: UNWEDGE"
Ground support design (StopeSofiv", GDAU")
Driliing and blasting design (BLASTPA~,GoldRingm, ~ o l d ~ i r e - )
Microseismic data capture, modeling and analysis (ESG, MPZSO)
Ventilation analysis net^^', ClimSimm, vents imm, 3D-c ANVENT'")
Activity-based costing (ABECAS Lnsighttm)
Equipment reliability analysis (FMEA, BestFitm)
Operations management and maintenance tracking (MINCOM's MIMS'")
Mining project economic and vduation analysis (MS ~xcel-, PCDEP, Opti-Cut'")
Project and mine scheduling (MS projectv", Auto~cheduler'", XE RAS^, XPAC-)

Stand-alone packages have evolved for a variety of reasons. Several of them are genenc in

nature, and applicable to several fields. Drafting, simulation, project scheduling, equipment

reliability, numerical stress analysis, and activity-based costing al1 have applications in

other areas. These packages are very mature in their development. Other packages are

"niche" applications; they fil1 a specific need in the mining industry. Examples of niche

applications include ventilation analysis, drilling and blasting aids, microseismic data

gathering and analysis, and schedulers. Niche applications are typically started as small

packages developed by one or two people, in many cases fiom a research or university

setting, and later transformed into commercial applications. Niche applications are robust

typically by being smaller than the large integrated systems and thus are easier to maintain.

Niche applications are also less expensive to develop.

However, niche applications cm suffer from incompatibility with other products due to

proprietary file formats, partial or rnissing file irnport and export capabilities or simply by a

lack of foresight or knowledge on the part of their developers. Support and maintenance

may be an issue. It is aiso possible for the produa developer to disappear from the

marketplace because of buyouts, bankmptcies, lack of interest, retirement or death. The

market for niche applications can be small and may not attract many new vendors over

tirne, resulting perhaps in lower cornpetition, higher prices and a lower rate of software

progress. These stand-alone packages are generally not uicluded in any of the serni-

integrated planning packages mentioned previously. However, there may be facilities for

exporting data between the two and thus removing some of the data fragmentation that

currently exists. In many ways, semi-integrated mine planning packages like SURPAC and

Gemcom represent niche applications because their markets are very small.

Developed mostly in an academic or research setting, several applications have never been

marketed for one reason or another. These applications are typically crude and unpolished.

Many mine optimization and expert systems developed for research purposes faIl under

this category. Unfortunately, many if not most of these applications have faded into

obscurity or are unavailable due to being proprietary.

Expert systems have been developed for use in several mining-related areas. Hart et al.

(1978) worked on the PROSPECTOR expert system for minera1 exploration.

Dirnitrakopouios and David (1990) have examined the use of artificial intelligence in
geostatisticai ore reserve assessments. Miller-Tait et al. (1995) have extended Nicholas'

rating system (Nicholas, 1981) for the selection of suitable mining methods while Gershon

et al. (1993) have looked at including objectively more complex considerations for mining

method selection. Hudson (1992) proposed a methodology for assessing rock mass

domains. Gokay (1993; 1994), Hongwei and Shouji (1994) and Tapia et al. (1998) ail

developed expert systems in the area of ground support selection and optimization. Zang

and Wilke (1993), Urumov and Kulayev (1994) and Konyukn et ai (1994) have looked at

equipment selection and assignment problems. Scheck (1988) and Smith and Hautaia

(1990) developed expert systems for blast design. Su et al. (1993; 1994) have examined

the application of expert systems to hydraulic bacffill design and stope scheduling

respectively.

2.6 Proprietary or In-house Underground Mine Planning Systems

Because of a lack of suitable software addressing specific needs, severai mining companies

and govemment agencies have created or attempted to create their own custom-built

system. Noranda, Faiconbridge (Campbell and Smith, 1993), Kidd-Creek (Taylor and

Paananen, 1991), Mount Isa (Hail, 1993), and CANMET (Boyer at ai., 1988) al1 have

created at some point an underground mine desigdplanning system with varying degrees

of success. Unfortunately, most mining companies are initially unaware of the comrnitment

required to not only develop the software but also maintain it as it evolves. This is a very

senous issue for any Company planning to develop its own custom software. Since mining
companies are not in the software business, they tend to abandon such projects and

eventually buy ready-made commercial products.

Evolution of Computerized Mine Planning at Kidd Creek

A paper by Taylor and Paananen (1991) presents the evolution of computerized mine

planning at Kidd Creek Mine. Computers were introduced at the mine in 1971 with the

creation of a technical computer group. Initially, a DEC PDPl 1/4sm computer, hooked up

to an Evans and Sutherland graphic screen, was used for interactive 3-D geological

modeling (using a wiretiame model). The graphic screen provided built-in hardware-based

zoom and rotational capabilities. In addition, stope design could be performed

interactively using the ore outlines. Grades for the stopes were calculated using a Monte

Carlo approach and calculated "on the fly".

The computational demands placed on the PDPll were so great that grades had to be

calculated at night. In addition, the hierarchical database used was slow and inefficient. To

speed up the work, the computer was upgraded to a PDP11/70and a new graphic screen

was purchased. In 1983, Kidd Creek decided to move out of the in-house software

business and started to look for commercial products. Software maintenance was taking

up to 45% of the available programming time.

In 1985, a technical software vendor was selected (no details on who it was). The new

hardware platform was a Cyberl8O. SIR, a relational database, was implemented for
storing the block mode1 used in grade estimation and for tracking rnining operations. The

new hardware meant the replacement of the 3-D graphic screen with a software-based

CAD approach. Urortunately, the block modeling software was designed for a single-

user. In 1988, the vendor went out of business. To obtain multi-user capabilities, the

computer was replaced with a Cyber 932 and the hunt was on for a multi-user block

modeling software package. Kidd Creek eventually selected the 3DGEO package and the

block mode1 was transferred to it. At this point, Kidd Creek was no frther ahead in 1989

than it had been a decade earlier with most of their costs incurred migrating fkom one

platform to another.

In 1989, Kidd Creek contracted out the development of a 3-D underground mine layout

package with Datamine International. Poor graphic performance forced the addition of

Cyber6 10 UND( workstations to augment the capabilities of their mainfiame.

The expenence of Kidd Creek is probably typical of many minhg companies and one can

make the following observations:

Early software implementations were hardware bound. Better computers meant

better performance and capabilities.
0 Engineering modeling and storage demands rapidly reached and exceeded
hardware capabilities.
Migration fiom one hardware platform to another occurred every three to four
years.
Incompatibilities of older software mnning on new hardware resulted in functional
trade-offs (losing one capability while gaining another).
 Early in-house software development was eventually replaced with commercial
offerings or contracted out.

It is unclear how much Kidd Creek paid over t h e , but the arnount was in the millions of

dollars. The project could be Mewed as being both a failure and a success. It was a success

because Kidd Creek was able to introduce computerized mine planning to its operations. It

was a failure due to the lack of real progress over a period spanning 20 years.

Falcon bridge's CAMP

Falconbridge Ltd's CAMP system (Cornputer-Aided Mine Planning) is the result of being

unable to buy a commercial product that suited Falconbridge's needs (Campbell and

Smith, 1991). Early on, Falconbridge felt that a solid modeling approach was the way to

go. M e r a false start with Intergraph's VEMS' on a UNlX platform, Falconbridge

selected the Schroff Corporation's Silver~creen'" development and CAD platform.

SilverScreen offers an object-onented solid modeling toolkit complete with a C

programming language. In addition, Microsofi's Visual c++<"programming environment

is supported extemally. The developed applications work on either the Windows95' or

the NT"" platfonn although the UNIX based Silicon Graphics Irism platfonn is also

supported. Objects can have non-spatial attributes stored internally or stored externally in

a relational database. CAMP offers geological modeling and reserves estimation, mine

layouts and surveying capabilities, and blasthole layouts. The geological modeling portion

of CAMP is based on the placement of a "skin" over a series of sectional polygons.

According to the CAMP software designer, reserves are calculated based on the inverse
distance square method (B.F.Smith, pers. comm., 1999). CAMP is currently implemented

at both Fraser and Craig Mines.

Mount Isa's I M P S
In 1989, Mount Isa Mines Ltd. (Hall, 1993) started developrnent of a planning system

narned IMPS (Integrated Mine Planning System) based on Intergraph's Microstationmand

oracle'su" database system and operating on a network of Intergraph's UNM

workstations and PCs. Mkrostationu" oners an extensive CAD iibrary and a C like

programming language. To facilitate the development, IMPS was built on top of

CADMIN, a proprietary system developed by Wright Engineers of Vancouver, Canada

thus providing initial geological and design capabilities. Mount Isa felt that IMPS should

provide geological, surveying and mine planning functions. In many ways, M P S is built

on object-oriented principles. "IMPS objects" as they are called, have a unique name that

cm be cross-referenced to an extemal database, thus providing a link between spatial and

non-spatial information (Hall, 1993). IMPS models the geology by creating surfaces over

individual sections defined fiom diaxnond driliing information. Ore reserves are calculated

using geostatistical principles and stored in a block model. Mine planning consists of mine

layout capabilities and blasthole ring design.

CAMP and W S show remarkable similarities- These similarities can be summarized as:

Integrated geological modeling, reserve estimation, mine layouts, surveying, and

blast design capabilities.
 Based on a 3-D CAD development platfonn complete with an internai
prograrnrning language.
Object-onented principles used in design.
Internai or extemal database linking spatial and non-spatial data.
Built using competent systems analysts and pragrarnmers and meeting the user's
and operation's needs (custom-built).
Developed by "champions" who in tum are strongly supported by senior
management.
Long-term cornmitment by the companies.

2.7 Future Trends

It is anticipated that mine-planning systems will be extended in a variety of ways.

Integration of mine design software for geomechanics, rnicroseismics, ventilation and drill

and blast design is inevitable to improve the efficiency of the design/plannng process.

Better analysis and visualization toois similar to those used in GIS (Geographical

Information System) applications will also be included for the planner's use. The use of

expert systems, integrated information systems or data warehouses, and activity-based

costing are expected to improve the quality of the mine plans by providing decision-

support capabilities and up-to-date information to the planner. Simulation techniques will

see greater use in planning as a way to analyze and mode1 omplex situations and optimize

the planning. It is also expected that there will be continuing efforts in the area of mine

optimization.
As mines become more automated, it is anticipated that production control systems will

eventually rnerge with the mine planning software to provide real-time control and

feedback. Remote sensing capabilities will enhance the design/planning/production process

by providing online data that will be analyzed in real-time. This new information will then

be used to fine-tune the mining plans dunng the production cycle.

2.7.1 Integration

Integration will take place on several levels. Certainly, it is expected that support tools will

continue to be integrated into the mine planning package however, with increasing mine

automation, it is anticipated that the mine planning system will eventually be joined to the

production control system.

Application Integration

The mine desigdplanning system offers a detailed and current three-dimensional mode1 of

the mine complete with a sophisticated visualization interface. This creates a strong

foundation to build frther applications.

GIS technology, or as some people cal1 it SIS technology (Spatial Information Systems,

Salter and Francis, 1999), d l be integrated into the System to provide strong analytical

tools. To date, GIS has been used most successfuUy in rnineral exploration programs

(Bonham-Carter et al., 1988; Plummer, 1991).

GIS provides the ability to store, analyze, sort, display and combine large complex

surface-based data sets very rapidly to create new composites (Plumer, 1991). These

data sets could include among others: satellite imagery, geophysicai data, discrete assay

points, or rock mass domains. The information can be in two forms, raster and vector

based. The information can be analyzed statistically or geostatistically, fiitered and sorted

using complex queries that can in turn be displayed and used for frther analyses. A

perfect application of GIS technology would be in microseismic data analysis. Where

utilized, microseismics systems would be integrated within the mine planning system to

take advantage of the visualkation and analysis capabilities, looking for trends or

correlations with other factors.

It is expected that stand-alone mine design applications like geomechanics and ventilation

will be integrated in the mine planning system. Efficient mine design can not exist until

geomechanics is flly integrated in the mine planning system (Kazakidis et al., 1999). The

optimization of stope dimensions, iayout, orientation, ground support and cost can not be

achieved without considering geomechanics. With a detailed three-dimensional mine

model, complete with geological, structural and excavation data, available on the mine

planning system, it is inefficient to have to create a new extemal model to carry out a

geomechanics analysis. Similarly, mine ventilation analysis could be integrated within the

mine planning system since the planning system possesses an up-to-date model of the mine

network.
Automation or Production Control Integration

With increasing automation, the mine planning system wiil interface more and more with

the automation or production control system. Based on monitoring and sensing

idormation, the mine plan would be modified in real-time to meet the changing

conditions. Some authors have coined the term "intelligent mine" t o describe the

integration of mine computer systems with machines and equipment using a mine-wide

communication and data network (Sakka et al., 1997).

However, it should be noted that the focus is on production control, not mine design and

planning. Such a system requires that a plan already exists for the system to work

properly. The "inteUigentY' system simply takes the existing plan and refines it. For

instance, the mine planning software will download its drilling instructions to the drill. As

d d h g proceeds, the drill itself will send information back to the planning software.

Depending on what the drill "sees", the driling pattern may be adjusted or the explosive

charge layout modified to consider the new information.

Similarly, remote sensors could record oxygen and contaminant levels in the air,

requesting that the ventilation network be modified to provide better conditions. This

would require that an analysis be performed to determine the impact of the change on the

network. If feasible and if permitted by govenunent regulations, the ventilation software

could then send instructions to remotely located fans and doors to alter the network to the

new configuration.
Peck and Hendricks (1995) believe that timely information can be used to m o d e mining

plans to better respond to market demands, equipment and labour productivities and

mining conditions. This responsiveness would corne from the real-time accumulation of

information fiom monitoring systems instaiied on mining equipment and within the mine.

Using a communication network, monitors would provide a constant flow of information

that would be accumulated and processed. This timely infonnation, combined with the

operational objectives of the muiing plan, could be used in decision-making, possibly

adjusting the plan and controlling the mining process.

While the above vision is true, information is valuable only if it is acted upon. This points

to the marginal utility of information where the relevance of the Uifomition depends on its

context. For exarnple, a mine that has good ground conditions wiil find the value of

geomechanics studies to be marginal. Conversely, a mine with ground control problems

will find geomechanics studies to be of great value.

In many situations, raw data is accumulated but never processed into information and

refined into knowledge. This processing and refinement will depend on who has the

information and whether or not this information has value to them. Technology alone does

not guarantee that information will be used even if it is available. However, it is likely that

system integration will result in better use of the information because the software can be

designed to accumulate, process and store this information for later use.
AU this accumulation of data can create a problem if it is not processed properly. This is a
real risk with computer systems where large and inexpensive data aorage is possible.

Information overload or "data smogyyas coined by Shenk (1997) is the result of

uncontrolled data gathering where quantity of information, instead of quality is the result.

Any raw data that is accumulated will have to be sorted, filtered, and processed properly

to obtain operational intelligence upon which to base future decisions. Data retention (Le.

just how long the information should be kept before it is discarded) also becomes an issue

to consider. The effective conversion of data into usehl information was highlighted by

Houlding and Rychkun (1989) as an important component for data integration at al1 levels

of a Company whether local to a department or global to the enterprise.

Mine-Wide or EnterpriseWide Information Integration

It is reasonable to expect that the mine planning system will be networked via a

communication system to other computer systems o r to a data warehouse within the mine

to obtain and share information. Integration with other computer systems is expected to

provide accurate information in a more timely fashion to enable informed decision-making

by the mine (Goddard and Tremblay, 1997). For instance, knowing the availability and

reliability of mobile equipment is important in estimating production rates. This

information generally lies with the maintenance department. Similady, it is important to

know what the operating costs are for the equipment in use. Knowing this information

results in improved planning and cost estimates.

Over the last five years, cornputer systems integrating some of the above systems are

starting to appear on the mining scene. DISPATCH~by Modular Mining Systems Ltd.

(White and Zoschke, 1994; Zoschke and White, 1995), Aquila's Total Mining systemM

(Peck and Gray, 1995; Peck and Hendricks, 1995) and Caterpillar-MINCOM's

MINE STAR^ offer comprehensive real-time monitoring, control and information systems
for open pit and underground mines. MINCOM, in particular with its MIMS~ software,

offers an enterprise-wide information system integrating financial management, human

resources. material management, and operations and maintenance.

Other areas include warehousing and inventory control. If the planning schedule calls for

extensive blasting, it would be appropnate for the purchasing department t o be aware of

the future demand for explosives. The planning system could be automatically tied to the

warehouse system to check what is available and to place orders for new supplies as

required. The benefits would be reduced warehouse inventories and storage requirements.

2.7.2 Decision-Support

One definite trend is the use of mine information systems for decision-support. It is

anticipated that mine planning will be enhanced by the use of expert systems or artificial

intelligence. An adequately designed expert system could advise the inexperienced

engineer when required, or supplement the experienced designer.

For instance, an aging and retiring workforce means that valuable expenence rnay be lost

as these people leave their mining companies. Their replacements may not be as

experienced and an expert system could help with the transition. Many mine sites also

expenence high turnover rates. An appropriately designed expert system can not only help

with the training, thereby shortening the leaming curve, but also advise on appropriate

steps to be taken.

2.7.3 Simulation and Optimization

There have been some efforts in optimizing underground mines, however the problem is

not trivial. The pursuit of an optimked mine design may even be questionable. An optimal

solution is by its very nature inflexible because any deviations from the assumptions used

for the optimization mode1 results in a sub-optimal design. The uncertainty associated with

many of the parameters (e-g. grades, market prices, metal recoveries, costs, etc.) requires

that mining solutions be flexible. Good solutions are robust and can tolerate variations and

uncertainties.

This optirnization complexity is due to the interrelations between the various activities in

mine desigrdplanning and the time element. A decision taken at a given point in time

affects the options available later. If any optirnization is done, it is generally on a

piecemeal basis and may not always consider downstream effects. Many of the constraints

are difficult to measure and quanti&.

To be effective, mine optimization requires a more holistic approach. For instance, drilling

costs are reduced by drilling fewer but larger holes. However, the detonation of these

large blastholes may cause hangingwall sloughing which in tum affects dilution and ore

recovery and thus the economics of the stope. Another scenario, the large blastholes can

cause large rock fragmentation that in turn requires large scoops to muck. Large scoops

require large shafts, raises and drifts that must be excavated and supported. Large drifts

are expensive to create and maintain, especially at depth. However, small access openings

are more dificult and costly to ventilate and in theory, there is an optimum access opening

size that provides both the minimum development cost and ventilating cost (Wang and

Ogbonlowo, 1982). The global optimization of this material-handling problem is complex

because it involves several interrelated components.

Mine optimization is complicated by the variability and uncertainty observed in many of

the activities and processes. For instance, there are variations in equipment reliability,

availability, downtime, and productivity rates. For such problems, simulation is of benefit

in examining the interrelationships and determining the potential risks of planning

decisions. For example, are three large scoops better than six smaller ones for rnining a

particular orezone? The answer could depend on equipment reliability, cost of operation,

and interference between the various pieces among other factors.

In underground hardrock mining, simulation has recently been used to examine the

productivity of haulage equipment, and the impacts of mining method and production rate
on the potential casMow for an ore deposit (Vagenas et al., 1995; 1996; 1998; Yazici et

al., 1999a; 1999b). It is expected that simulation will continue to play an important role in

assessing mine designs and plans.

2.7.4 Remote Sensing and ReaETime Control

Remote sensing research is ongoing in several areas. There has been much work in the

area of sensor development for monitoring equipment status and performance (JSnights et

al., 1993; Kumar et al., 1994). This work has application in equipment health monitoring

where problems are identified early on and preventive maintenance work is perforrned.

Automatic ventilation control will likely become common place because al1 the required

technological elements are available (i-e., sensors, communication network, analysis

software, and controllers). Real-time monitoring of air quality with airfiows adjusted to

meet the required demand should reduce ventilation costs (Dasys and Hardcastle, 1997)

provided it is permitted by law.

Remote sensing of metal grades and rock mass conditions is continuing. Vibration sensors

and artificial intelligence techniques have been used for detecting lithographie variations

experienced by rotary drills (Pollitt and Peck, 1991). Some measures of success have been

experienced but more work is required. McDowell et al. (1999) are currently investigating

the use of gamma neutron activation for doing in-the-hole ore grade assaying. Gallie et al.

(1999) are explonng the reflectance of infiared and visible wavelengths for logging core
 and estimating metd grades. if this work becomes successful, the timeline between

geological data gathenng and interpretation could be considerably shortened.

2.8 Capabilities Requind in an Integrated Mine Design/Planning System

Several interrelated engineering, planning and economics elements must corne together

when designing and planning an underground mine. Table 3 summarizes and sorts these

fnctionai elements in broad categones.

Table 3 - Functional Elements of a Mine Design/Planoing System

Cat ow Requircmcnb
Exploration and Geological Data Capture, Editing and Storage
-0l0gy Geological Data Visuaiization, Anaiysis and Plotting
Orebody Interpretation and Moeling
Drill-indicated Mineral Reserves Inventory and Reporting
Engineering and Mining Mehod Selection
Design Mineral Reserve Estimation
Mine Valuation
Stress Analysis and Modeling
Ground Support Selection
Stope SiPng, Orientation, Sequencinp:and Extraction Direction
Prirnary Access Design
Seondary Acess Design
Material Handling System Design
Mine Systems (Power, water, compresseci air, fans, pumps, networks)
Planning and Price, Metal Demand, Inflation Forecasting
Scheduling Long-terrn Planning and Economics Analysis
Short-term Planning and Economics Analysis
Equipment Selection and Life-cycle Analysis
Ventilation Design and Planning
I Drilling and Blastinp: Design
1 Production Monitoring 1 Scheduling (Equipment, labour, bacffill, supplies, maintenance)
Estimated Production Statisticsand Costs
1
and Control Surveying (excavation control)
Actual Production Statistics and Costs (cost control)
Fragmentation and Grade Control
Incident Investigations and Statistics (injuries, bursts, falls of gmund, etc)
Environmental Monitoring (ventilation, power, water, sludge, rock m a s )
To extend the capabilities and power of the desigdplanning system, the System must be

networked to other extemal computer systems and databases within the mine as illustrated

on Figure 2. These externai systems would likely include:

Mine and equipment maintenance system (for production, downtime, repair

history, reliability statistics for use in planning and simulation as weH as equipment
assignments, availability status and unit costs)
Mine inventory and warehousing system (for inventory tracking* unit costs and
order forecasting of supplies and consumables)
Personnel database system (for labour assignments, availability status and unit
costs)
Accounting system (for tracking costs and budgets for workplaces, processes and
activities)
Data warehouses (for enterprise wide transfer of information)

Depending on the level of automation within operations, the System could be interfaced to

a Production Control and Monitoring System. This real-time system, built on a high-speed

high-bandwidth communication network could provide the following fiinctionalities:

Production equipment and remote equipment control (real-time machine "health",

current status monitoring and control)
Mine control systems status for updating the very-short term mine plan and fine-
tuning the production schedule
Mine environment and energy monitoring (for red-time monitoring and control)

Both the Mine DesignPlamhg System and the real-tirne Production Monitoring and

Control System would access the sarne common database for sharing, tramferring and
storing information. This common database repository, residing on one or more servers,

would contain the spatial and non-spatial database infornation. Figure 3 illustrates the

architectural breakdown in fnctions as well as the major data flows in, out and between

the two major systems. Figure 4 illustrates the physical architecture of the systems with

the communication/network backbone included.

The Mine DesigdPlanning System will be used for the analysis, design and planning of

mining operations, storing its designs and plans within the common repository. The

Production Monitoring and Control Syaem, operating in real-time, would translate the

design and plans into instructions that would be downloaded to the equipment. At the

same time, the Production M o n i t o ~ gand Control System would acquire information

from the equipment and update the common repository. Later, the Mine DesignIPlanning

System would access the database, confirm or m o d e its plans t o account for the latest

information. At any point, planners, supervision, or management could request the latest

layouts, plans or production reports for review and analysis.

 Management
Information
System

Maintenance
Information
System
Reliabiliiy & Layoutd
Data and Scheduling Ordering
Costs Progress System
Monitoring

Production
Control &
Monitoring

Figure 2 - Links between Mine DesignlPlanning and Other Mine Systems

 I
2 Machlm ronHulr~4 Conlrd k O u h y m u m y Dlc
3 Procrsr lofutai Contrd
1 VMlitlon ~ann%g d Conbol
rricSOiUalNodaI
iinr Fn 1Sohaduli
U n t Co* lm
Hdorlcll hodudlm w
Figure 4 - Physical Architecture of the Combined Mine DesigdPlanning and the
Production Monitoring and Control Systems
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

The term system originates fiom the Greek "systema" and "synistanai" meaning "to

combine" (Webster, 1989). Thus, Webster defines a system as:

"a regufarly ineructing or interdependent group of itemsforrning a unzjkd whole".

Based on the discussion presented in Chapter 3, this definition can be considered

applicable to the mine desigdplanning process where several components must interact

with each other while also being interdependent to form a unified rnining plan. The

identification of the relevant factors, parameters and components as weU as their

interrelations and interdependencies is therefore one of the critical steps in the

development of a stable, relevant and representative system. Methodologies are therefore

required for describing the system in a manner that is accurate, consistent and complete.

Ideally such methodologies are simple to understand and to use. These methodologies fa11

under the general description of system analysis.

Webster (1 989) defines system anal'ysis as:

"the act, process or profession of studying un activity tpically by mathematical meam in

order to d e f i e its g d s or purposes und to discover operations and procedures for
accompIishing them most eflcientlj?
Systems analysis uses a suite of methods that have evolved to analyze and descnbe

complex systems by breaking down a complex system into hierarchically lower-level

problems until manageable, relatively simple problems are defined. This decomposition

process is fundamentai to the systems analysis process to reduce the apparent complexity.

Although frequently associated with software engiiteering, most systems analysis

techniques can be applied to any complex system whether it is computerized or not.

Systems c m take many forms, ranghg fkorn simple written procedures for carrying out a

task to a complex strategic anti-ballistic missile defense system. Computerized systems

uiclude among others: control systems, reporting and financial transaction systems,

decision-support systems and mine design/planning systems.

The ability to describe a system accurately is important for several reasons including:

Tramferring information fiom one party to another

Coordinating the design, developrnent, testing and integration of the various
components
Describing the transformation process that takes place on information or materials
as they flow through the various components
Aiding in the future troubleshooting of problems or upgrading of the system
Aiding in the design of system simulators for process troubleshooting, validation,
and testing
Aiding in the evaluation of the system's reliability
Aiding in the documentation process
Systems analysis techniques form part of the methodologies used in software engineering.

These techniques include among others: requirements analysis, aructured analysis and

design (SAID), and object-oriented analysis and design (OOA/D).

SoAware engineering comprises methodologies, tools and procedures for s t r u c t u ~ gand

controlling the software developrnent life cycle. Figure 5 illustrates two cornmon software

development life-cycle methodologies: the Waterfaii and Spiral models. The WaterfaiI

(Royce, 1970) software development life cycle model comprises the following consecutive

phases:

1) Analysis and definition of requirements and functionality including system

interactions into a logical model.
2) Design of a physical model based on the logical model defined during the analysis
phase. System architecture, data structure, module interfaces, object models are
defined and assessed before actual coding.
3) Coding or programming the design specifications into procedures, modules and
programs into cornputer instructions.
4) Testing of al1 codes, modules and programs.
5) Documentation of al1 software development work, system requirements and
design specifications.
6) Maintenance or upgrading to the software as the product evolves.
 Feasib ility
SUdY 7 Each passage t o m phase to phase
is marked by completion of s document
~e~iirernents
Analysi 3 that gwms the following phase

Design-
Code &
Unit ~ e & \ T

='=live-
Maintenance

(a) Waterfall Model (Royce, 1970)

Determine objectives. Evaluate ahematives:

alternatives L identify, resoive risks

(b) Spird Model (Boehm and Papaccio, 1988)

Figure 5 - Sofhvare Development Lifceycle Methodologies

These phases are done in sequence with each phase being completed before proceeding to

the next phase. Many practitioners believe that the Waterfall Model does not reflect real-

life experience. It has been replaced with the Spiral Model (Boehm and Papaccio, 1988).

Under the Spiral Madel, software development progresses in smaller steps. Typically,

some analysis work is done based on broad objectives followed by some design and

coding however each phase is oniy partially completed. The stepwise progression permits

the users and clients to provide input early on the process and make modifications early on

when it is easier and less expensive to do so. The software becomes more defined and

refined with each iteration, hence the cornparison to a spiral.

3.2 Requirements Analysis

Repiremens Analysts is the process of defining what a system, product, or piece of

equipment is supposed to be able to do. Requirements are written to meet the specific

needs of a client. It is a process of discovery between the client, the stakeholders, the

customers and the users (Robertson and Robertson, 1999). Requirements Anaiy sis

requires specific application domain (e-g. underground hardrock mining engineering) and

organizational knowledge.

Requirements Analysis has several purposes which include:

Detennining the scope of the problem domain

Determining the services required
Determining the constraints applicable
 Determining the extemal systems
Determining the performance expected fiom the product

The Requirements Analysis is based on meetings and i n t e ~ e w swith several parties that

include the client, stakeholders, users, customers, and domain experts. However, the

process of determining requirements can be difficult. Users ofien do not know exactly

what they want. Users may have unreaiistic expectations or be completely unaware of

what is actually feasible. There may also be communication barriers between the analyst

carrying out the requirements work and the users, caused by training and environment.

Unclear, rnissing, or contradictory requirements are a pcimary source of system

development problems that result in unsatisfactory products, development costs and time

overruns and abandoned projects (Vigder and Kark, 1994).

The Requirements Analysis is a critical phase within the software development life cycle

(Cen et ai., 1998). Errors cornmitted during this phase, for example misunderstanding the

exact needs of the user or poor formulation of the requirements, nearly always have

serious and costly consequences. It has been estimated that fixing a requirement error is

up to 100 times more costly than fixing a simple programming error (Kotonya and

Sommerville, 1998; Blum 1992). Unfominately, it is vimially impossible to write a

complete and excellent set of requirements and specifications at the very beginning of a

complex software project. It is only after programming has begun and users see the

intefiaces and system capabilities that the requirements and specifications can be refined

and finalized (Kovitz, 1998).

DifFerent stakeholders may impose different requirements with cornmon and conflicting

goals thus requirements analysis may need a process to achieve consensus. Organizational

and political factors can influence the requirements process. Requirements may actually

change over time or additional requirements may be imposed (referred to as requirements

creep).

Requirements are collected and entered in a Repirements Domment which is not,

however, a design document. Ideally, the document should focus only on what the system

or product should provide without applying constraints. However, in practice, few

systems are stand-alone and thus need to interface or interact with other systems.

Although the format of a Requirements Document can vasr, there are several common

elements to al1 such documents. The document must contain or define the prime or highest

requirement. This is essentiaily a statement as t o the overall goal or purpose of the

product. This prime requirement is actuaiiy quite important because it is used to compare

and assess the vaiidity of al1 other requirements. Requirements that do not match the

overall goal or objective of the product should not be considered. The prime requirement

needs to be assessed as being achievable, reasonable, feasible and desirable. If the prime

requirement does not meet ail these conditions, then the validity of the project must be

questioned and re-exarnined. The Requirements Document needs to identm the client, al1

stakeiiulders, potential customers, and users. For a Mine DesigdPlanning System,

potential stakeholders could include:

 Mine managers
Exploration and mine geologists
Surveyors
Mine engineers and planners
The IT (Information Technology) department
The Ministry o f Labour (regulator)
Unions
The Accounting and Human Resources departments
Business, engineering, and computer technology domain experts

Potential users include definitely the mine geologists, surveyors, mine engineers and

planners but could also include underground supervisors, the mine manager, costs analysts

and possibly others.

The Requirements Document also details specific constraints that apply t o the system.

Constraints include items such as specific computer platforms and operating systems,

interfaces to specific external systems, specific development tools or applications, as well

as specific legal or regulatory requirements. The document should state the tirne available

to design, develop and implement the product, any budgetary cap, relevant facts and

assumptions made, as well as an estimate of time and money to complete the system. The

document should identifjr the risks associated with the project. One of the reasons for

capturing al1 of this information is to enable the client to make an informed decision about

moving on to the next phase of system development. Although defining the requirements

is an expensive process, developing, programming and implementing a system is even

more expensive. The Requirements Document provides the client with an opportunity to

reflect and think about the project. The client must be satisfied that the project is still

worthwhile pursuing. The client must also detemine who wiN ultimately develop the

system, and whether it will be developed internally or externally. The client will also have

to assess the tture maintenance requirements and determine what resources will be

needed over the long-term.

Requirements are split into two kinds, functional and non-functional requirements.

Functional requirements apply specifically to the domain, in this case mine design and

planning. Non-functional requirements are related to other issues that include:

"Look-and-Feel" or user interface

Usability requirements
Performance requirements
Operational requirements
Maintainability and portability requirements
Security requirement s
Cultural and political requirements
Legal requirements
Documentation requirements

In surnmary, Requirements Analysis is used to provide the following ( S o m m e ~ l i eand

Sawyer, 1997):

a Clear, unambiguous and complete definitions of the user requirements

A detailed description of the problem domain
 Constraints that apply to the system or the deveiopment process
A guide for the implementation of the project
A reference for verification that the requirements and specifications are met
A point of reference during the evolution of the system.

Thus, requirements are a mixture of problem information, statements o f system behaviour,

properties and design, and development constraints (Kotonya and Sommerville, 1998).

Requirernents analysis defines the information that programmers wili need t o know t o

create a system that will match the behaviour described in the specifications and ultimately

fflls the requirements (Kovitz, 1998).

Chapters 6, 7 and 8 contain a prelirninary requirements analysis for an integrated

underground hardrock mine design and planning system. Chapter 6 discusses project

divers and constraints applicable to a computerized system. Chapter 7 details the

functional requirements while Chapter 8 presents the non-functional requirements of the

System.

3.3 Structured Anaiysis and Modeling

One of the fndamental concepts of science is that to solve a problem one rnust first

understand it! Developed in the late 1960's, SfructuredAnafysis (SA) is a methodology

for analyzing and modeling the activities (Le. fnctions, processes) of complex systems o r

organizations so as to gain an understanding of the systems (Ross, 1977). It was felt at the

time that better methodologies were required for developing large complex systems
especially in the area of military defense where several weapons, radar and

communications sub-systems located on one or more platfoms would have to interact

correctly and reliably.

DeMarco (1979) popularized the term with the introduction of formal notation and

techniques to create hierarchical structured models that exhibit high cohesion and Iow

coupiing (Fertuck, 1992). A high cohesion and low coupling mode1 has a strong fnctional

association within a single diagram but weak dependence between separate diagrams.

Modeliig tools and process decomposition utilized to build structured models include

structured analysis and design (SADT), data flow diagrarns (DFDs), entity-relationship

diagrams (ERDs), activity-entity diagrams organizational design, and process flowcharts.

Ross (1993) points out that there are two distinct styles of structured models. Activiy

models (SADT) examine what happens within the system (Le. business processes) while

dataflow models (DFD) look at the components of the system (Le. information flows for

software development). Both SADT and DFD diagrams are used in this thesis for

analyzing and describing the mine design and planning process. Both SADT and DFD

techniques are based on formal graphical languages that help in understanding the process

being modeled. Each method uses a few relatively simple graphic constmas that have

specific meaning. The decomposition approach, performed at the process constmct level

provides the means to increase the level of detail without introducing increased

complexity.
3.3.1 Structured Analysis and Design Techniques (SADT)

SADT was the primary rnethodology used for modehg the mine design and planning process.

Originaliy developed for the United States Air Force for analyzing and comunicating the

f'unctional perspective of a system, SADT has evolved into a forma1 method suitable for

modeling the decisions, actions, and advities of an organization or system. The 1993

govemrnent standard, IDEF0, formaiized the notation and methodology for this activity-based

modehg tool (FIPS PUB 1993).

Effective IDEF0 models provideci several benefits incuding:

rganizing the analysis of a system

Promoting good communication between the analyst and the customer
EstabLisbg the scope of an analysis, especially for a funaional analysis
Enhancing dornain expert involvement and consensus decision-making through
simplified graphical devices
Assisting the modeler in iden-g what fiinctions are pediormed, what is needed to
peiform those hctions, what the current system does right, and what the current
systern does wrong.

Thus, IDEF0 models are oflen created as one of the first tasks ofa systern development effort.

Functional Mode1

The "box and arrow" graphics of an IDEF0 diagram show the fnction as a box and the

interfaces to or fiom the fnction as arrows entering or leaving the box (Marca and

McGowan 1993). To express processes, boxes operate simultaneously with other boxes,
with the interface arrows "constraining" when and how operations are triggered and

controlled. The basic syntax for an mEF0 model is shown on Figure 6.

-
Figure 6 IDEF0 Function Box and Interface Arrows

IDEF0 concepts designed to enhance communication and understanding include the

following:

Diagrams based on simple box and arrow graphies.

English text labels to describe boxes and arrows and glossary and text to define the
precise meanings of diagram eIements.
The graduai exposition of details featuring a hierarchical structure with the major
function at the top and with successive levels of sub-functions revealing well-
bounded decomposition. An lDEF0 model starts with the whole system
represented by a single box having a name and a set of arrows. This box is frther
 sub-divided into a set of sub-ftnctions each having a unique name and set of
arrows. This decomposition process is repeated with each level revealing an
increasing level of detail.
A "node chart" that provides a quick index for locating details within the hierarchic
structure of diagrams.
The limitation of detail to no more than six sub-fiinctions on each successive
decomposition.

Functional Decomposition Process

Ail IDEF0 models begin with a Context Diagram (A-O) . It is the topmost diagram and it

represents the whole system as a simple unit, using a single box labeled with an imperative

(an active verb phrase as opposed to a noun) and various interface arrows. The interface

arrows represent the complete set of extemal interfaces to the system as a whole. The

context diagram essentiaily identifies the boundaries of the model. Each context diagram

must have a purpose to state the intent of the model and why the model was created as

well as presenting a vzewpoint The viewpoint refers to the perspective to be used when

creating the model.

The box that represents the system as a whole is then detailed frther in a new diagram

with new boxes accounting for major sub-functions of the parent function and connected

by interface arrows. This decomposition process, shown in Figure 7, reveais a complete

set of sub-functions, and each of them may be similarly decomposed to expose even more

details. Finaily, the functional model is made up of a suite of diagrams with supportive

documentation.
 Incorning arrows represent the inputs required to perform an activity or fnction.

Outgoing arrows represent the outputs created when the activity is carried out. Control

(or constraint) arrows represent the circumstances or conditions that govem a function.

The crucial difference between controls and inputs is that inputs are modified in some way

by an activity (although it should be noted that this distinction is often somewhat

subjective - especially when the inputs or controls are items of information rather than
physical things). The mechanim (or resource) arrow(s) are resemed for indicating the

person or the device who 1 which carries out the activity. In summary, the input and

output arrows show what is done by a fnction, the mechanism arrows show how it is

done, and the control arrows show why it is done.

The positions of functions in a diagram do not indicate any particular time sequence, but a

function cannot be performed until the relevant input is made available to it (e.g. by

another function producing these data as an output). Feedback between dserent functions

is represented as looping arrows. Arrows may branch or join and may also be tumeied.

The use of tumeled arrows indicates that the data or items represented are not relevant at

a previous, or subsequent, level of detail. The decomposition process leads to a

hierarchical ordering of the functions and sub-functions represented on the IDEF0

diagrams. Each of the activities that is decomposed and represented on a separate diagram

in greater detail, can also be represented as a node in a single activity tree.

Figure 7 - IDEF0 Decomposition Methodology
The diagrarns in the tree are referenced using their node number. This number is obtained

by combining the letter A with the number that indicates the depth of the activity in the

hierarchy: A-O for the context diagram, then AO, Al, Al 1, etc.).

The rules of IDEF0 are sufficiently rigorous and precise to satisfy the needs of the analyst

without being overly constraining. IDEF0 rules include the following (FIPS PUB, 1993):

Control of the details communicated at each level (three to six fbnction boxes at
each level of decomposition).
Bounded context (no omissions or additional out-of-scope detail).
Diagram interface connectivity (Node numbers, Box numbers, C-numbers, and
Detail Reference Expression).
Data structure comectivity (ICOM codes and the use of parentheses for tumeled
arrows).
Unique labels and titles (no dupiicated names).
Syntax rules for graphics (boxes and arrows).
Data arrow branch constraint (labels for constraining the data flow on branches).
Input versus control separation (a rule for detennining the role of data).
Data arrow label requirements (minimum labeling niles).
Minimum control of fbnction (dl fbnctions require at least one control).
Purpose and viewpoint (al1 models have a purpose and viewpoint statement that is
stated on the Context Level Diagram).

IDEF0 Methodology

IDEF0 methodology includes systematic procedures for rnodeling, reviewing and

integrating tasks. The separation of organization fiom the hinction (i.e. process) is
included in the purpose of the model and carried out by the selection of finctions and

interface names dunng model development. Applying the IDEF0 methodology results in

an organized representation of the activities and the important relations between these

activities in a non-temporal fashion. IDEF0 does not support the specification of a recipe

or process. Such detailed description of the specific logic or timing associated with the

activities requires the IDEF3 Process Description Capture Method (Mayer et al., 1995).

IDEF3 captures precedence and causaiity relations between situations and events in a form

natural to domain experts by providing a structured method for expressing knowledge

about how a system, process, or organization works

Strengths and Weaknesscs of IDEFB

The prirnary strength of IDEF0 is that the method has proven effective in detailing the

system activities for function modeling, the original stmctured analysis communication

goal for IDEF0. Activities can be described by their inputs, outputs, controls, and

mechanisms (?COMs). Additionally, the description of the activities of a system can be

easily refined into greater and greater detail until the model is as descriptive as necessary

for the decision-making task at hand. IDEF0 is effective in communicating and presenting

results because everyone is looking at the same model and using the same definitions.

The nature of IDEF0 facilitates the ability to build ("AS-IS') models for baseline

evaluation and frther analysis. DEF0 begins the road map from the "AS-IS to the "TO-
BE'. In complex activity models, it c m become difficult to distinguish and separate the

"AS-1s" fiom the "TO-BE diagrams especiaily if the changes are subtle.

One problem with IDEF0 is the tendency of IDEF0 models to be interpreted as

representing a sequence of activities. Whde iDEF0 is not intended to be used for

modeling activity sequences, it is easy to do so. The activities may be placed in a left to

nght sequence within a decomposition and c o ~ e c t e dwith the flows. It is natural to order

the activities left to right because, if one activity outputs a concept that is used as input by

another activity, drawing the activity boxes and concept connections is clearer. In cases

where activity sequences are not included in the model, readers of the model may be

tempted to add such an interpretation. It is sometirne difncult to distinguish between

controls and inputs to a h c t i o n .

It may be dificuit to distinguish and separate dflerent viewpoints. This is very important

since each SADT model is based on a specific viewpoint. M i n g dflerent viewpoints

results in confusing models. For example, a process model created fiom the viewpoint of a

mine manager will be different fiom that of an underground miner. Although both

individuals are involved in mining related activities, they have different emphasis.

The abstraction away fkom timing, sequencing, and decision logic allows conciseness in an

IDEF0 model. However, such abstraction also contributes to comprehension diiEculties

among readers outside the domain. This particular problem has been addressed by the

IDEF3 method that captures and describes the behavioural aspects of a system.

The structured, rigorous and graphical nature of SADT modeling makes it easy to

implement in paper and pen format. However, much greater benefits are achieved when

SADT modeling is transformed into a CASE (Cornputer-Aided Software Engineering)

tool that will enforce the lDEF0 rules transparently thus pennitting the user to focus

instead on the modeling aspects. However, a CASE tool does not automatically make a

user an expert in activity modeling. Expertise is achieved through training and experience.

Appendix D contains a detailed set of SADT diagrams that describe the mine design and

planning process. These drawhgs were prepared nom the viewpoint of the mining

professional performing mine design and planning work.

3.3.2 Data Flow Diagrams

Data Flow Diagrarnming @FD) is a graphic modeling tool for analyzing the flow of

information as it goes from one process to another. As data fiows through the processes, it

is trmsformed. The DFD identifies and captures these transformations as they physically

happen in the real system. The transformations are then converted into a logical mode1

that eliminates the existing physical constraints (Fertuck, 1992). The DFD is not intended

to mirror exactly an existing system or a new system. DFD only captures the essential

features. Real concems like costs processing time, physical file lirnits and error checking
are ignored by this modeling tool. Mottola (1996) made use of this technique for

analyzing and modeling the information data flow for a robotic mine.

Several notations are available, however, for this work, the Gane and Sarson notation was

used (Gane and Sarson, 1979). The notation is very simple and consias of four elements

as s h o w on Figure 8.

DATA F L O W

PROCESSES

FILES or DATA STORES ID Fik Name

Figure 8 - Gane and Sarson Notation for Data Flow Diagramming.

Terminators represent external sources of information or extemal sinks for information.

Terminators are external entities with which the system communicates. Al1 terminators

must have at least one data flow entering or leaving and al1 are named using a noun.
Data Flows carries data in the direction of the arrow, with the name of the data flow

located on the arrow itseif The arrow can cany data nom a temiinator to a process, fkom

a process to a terminator, fiorn a process to a file, or fiom a file to a process. Data can not

flow directly between two terminators, between files, fiom a terminator to a file, or fiom a

file to a terrninator. The data can be in many formats including paper-based forms,

computer disks, electronic signals or even verbal messages. The content of the data c m

range from the very specifx (detailed) to the very general (aggregated). Flows are labeled

using a noun and sometime with an adjective to add clarity fiom similar nouns. Data

updates are indicated by a data flow with arrows at both ends.

Processes are used to transforrn one or more incoming data flows into one or more

outgoing data flows. Processes are labeled using a verb. DFDs are decomposed

hierarchically at the processes only.

Files or Data Stores store data for later use by a different process or in a different place.

Data stores represent information that is at rest (Le. static).

A series of prelirninary DR) diagrams are contained within Appendix A. These diagrams

outline a basis information system for an integrated computerized mine design and

planning system.
3.4 Object-Oriented Modeling (OOMs)

The shift fiom procedurai-based to object-orientation in the 1980's represented a great

paradigm shift in the world of software development. While object-onented concepts k e

encapsulation, inhentance and polymorphism may appear somewhat abstract, we live in an

object-oriented world where physical objects display specific characteristics and

behaviours and where similarity is recognized and categorized. While stmctured modeling

techniques begin by modeling the process and associated data flows eventually grouping

them into data structures, object-oriented modeling starts by mapping the world into

objects and classes and then encapsulating attributeq methods and data within. Therefore,

00 models are a better representation of the problem domain and are viewed by many as

being more adaptable to evolving requirements. This is because 00 models are based on

the stable fiamework of the problem domain itsell: rather than the changeable tnctionality

of the system (Rurnbaugh et al., 1991). Other characteristics of 00 models include:

Data hiding or encapsuIation - Data can not be accessed except through code
specifcally associated with the data. Code and data are therefore bound together
and objects are isolated from one another. One invokes a procedure in a given
object or group of objects by "sending a message".

Hierarchy of object definitions or inheritance - New objects are defined by first

defining a general concept (referred to as a class) and then refining the concept
into a hierarchy of definitions. Definitions lower in the hierarchy are said to inherit
fiom definitions above. An object created fiom a class is cailed an instance.
Classes and instances are related to the data structure definition found in more
conventional programming. Hierarchy provides a framework to define abstraction
 of things and then to flesh out the abstractions into objects which mode1 the
desired charactenstics. Higher levels define more abstract concepts, common
protocol and shared code. Lower levels define concrete implementations.
Hierarchy forces structure early on while providing generality and therefore
significant code sharing and reuse. The hierarchy also aids in keeping the effect of
changes locdized while providing significant design assistance.

Poiymorphism (multiple routines or methods having the same narne) - Each object
has procedures or subroutines associated with it (referred to as methods). Each
method has a name and the narne can be the sarne as method narnes in other
objectS. Polymorphism takes care of accidental narne confiicts and provides
significant code sharing and code reuse.

Conventional procedural or fnction-oriented programming is based on fundons

manipulating data by following a rigid senes of steps. The fiinctions or procedures are

kept separate fiom the data. Most of the older programming languages (e-g. BASIC,

Fortran, Cobol, Pascal and C) are procedurai languages. While still cornmonly used,

procedural languages have several drawbacks as follows:

Code and data are separate. Data is provided to the procedure, which then
transfomis this data into something else. The name of the procedures and the
global data must be unique and not confiict with each other.

Specific data types are built into the system. Data must be one of a few pre-defined
types, or arrays or structures of these types (i.e., integers, floats, etc.) Building
new data types can be difficult since they can not be implemented as a data type
but as a procedure.
 Programs are designed around code structure (Le., one writes code, not data). If
the data format changes even slightly, substantial code revisions may be required.

Related fnctions can be distributed throughout many modules. This makes the
code more difficult to change. A change to one lnction may ripple to many other
fnctions.

Object-dented programming (OOP) is radically difEerent from conventional procedural

programming. With OOP, both the data and the procedure are closely intertwined.

Developed in the late 19607s, SIMULA was the original object-oriented programming

language (Sklenar, 1997). Examples of primary OOP languages are Smalltalk (Goldberg,

1994), C H (Stroustmp, 1991) and Java (Gosling and McGilton, 1996; Thomas, 1999).

OOP offers several benefits over conventional procedural programming approaches for

complex software projects. These benefits are a result of the basic characteristics of

object-orientation and include the followings:

Code reuse permits the capitalization of sofhvare.

Localization of changes (local to a class or subclass) thus reducing maintenance
costs.
Design assistance (hierarchicai nature of OOP forcing consideration of design
before coding).
Extensibility (easier to make changes or addition to a specific area of a program
while minimizing the ripple effect to other areas).
Faster development (as a results of the benefits above) providing rapid,
incremental, iterative application development.
Appendices B and E contains a preliminary series of object class models for a

computerized hardrock mine design and planning syaem built upon objectsriented

principles. Appendix B presents in graphical form the basic class system and object

hierarchy while Appendix E provides details on the corresponding object class attributes.
 CHAPTER 4

CONSIDERATIONS IN UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN AND PLANNING

4.1 Introduction

Geologists engheers and planners must consider severai factors when performing mine

analysis, design and planning. These fctors are usually interdependent and it is these

interdependencies that increase considerably the complexity of underground mine design and

planning especiay when an "optimum" mine plan and schedule is the final goal. To simplify the

process, mine design and planning is divided into a multi-stageci iterative process where each

stage has specinc objectives to be met. Table 4 outlines this mdti-staged planning approach

and presents some ofthe major fctors that impact the objectives to be met at each stage.

Each stage is affected by the decisions and assumptions made previously. Significant

discrepancies between assumptions and resuhs wi mean a return to an earlier planning stage

for corrections and changes, thus resulting in an iterative planning process.

Knowledgeable engneers and planners, who use their judgement and experience when making

assumptions and selecting suitable courses of action, can sigdcantly reduce this iterative

process. However, good judgement and experience can be expensive and difkult to

obtain.
Table 4 - Mine Planning Stages, Factors and Objectives
FIrton Objectivw
Estimatexioverail ore recovery Sort the geologicai data and minerai
percentage. d i s t n i o n (data analysis and modehg).

Estimatexioverail ore dilution Determine deposit features and dimensions.

percentage.
Calculate mineable ore tonnage and average
Metal pria forecasted. grade based on initial cut~ff(Iane, 1997)
selecti011.
Metal m e r i e s / Net Smelter Returns
(NSR) Plot tonnage-grade curve.

Estimak potentialvalue of the aeposit

Mine Design or Pm- Available technology will impact on Feas'ble deposit adraction (miniug
productioaplruining the nning and milling methods usai method).

Mining methoci selected depends on Milling process tequired as well as

depost features and dimensions. predicted ore mmwy.

Grade c u t d selected afltasavaiable Capital and operating cos&estllnates.

ore reserves and depends on eamomic
value of the depogt OptUnum production IeveVrate.

Production IewUrate seleced &pends

on &le ore tonnages available.
Ecommic value ofthe deposit (mine
Metal prias impacts ecl,mmic value of valuation).
depost
- *
Long-Tenn PlPaning Mine and mil1 plant size (as weii as Maxunize pmfitabityfrom the exmaion
or Development requidcapital expendihms) depend of the enire ore resewes (mine sxpencing).
Planning on seleaed production 1eveVfate.
Opimize the development wrk requmto
The development wodc quired accessthe Qposit (mine Iayout).
depends on the orebody iayout and
physical dimensionsas well as the
minine:metbodelected. (driliing, blastinp:and handiing).
. .
Short-Term The profitability of the selemxi mining Maxmm pmfitabiiity h m the exhadon
Pianningor blodcs depends on all previously made
Operritiobs Planning amunpiionsand determined objectives.
The information presented in this section is meant to identiQ and highlight the signincant

factors and parameters that should be considered in the design and planning of

underground mines as well as their interrelationships and interdependencies. This

information is based on an extensive literature review as weli as the author's personal

experience. These factors and parameters may not be explicitly defined within the

integrated computerized system but need to be considered as part of a complete

assessment. A computerized system should ensure that due consideration is given to ali

relevant factors even if it is in the form of a simple reminder to the user or a checklist to be

filled by the user.

4.2 Significant Geological Anaiysis and Modeling Factors

Gathered during field exploration, geological data foms the basis upon which ali mine

design and planning is built. Exploration data is quite diverse in nature and can include

geological, geochemicd, and geophysical data as well as surveying and mapping data.

Because of the substantiai cost of field exploration, it is important to properly manage and

analyze this data to gain the most benefits. Figure 9 illustrates the geological modeling

process in a simple flowchart. As a whole, geological modeling is a sequential process.

However, it is critical to have both the best geological data and modeling tools available to

create as accurate as possible a representation of the orebody and geological model.

Further drilling may be required to answer questions about the interpretation of the

geology andfor reduce the potential error in the grade estimates.

Figure 9 - Geological Modeling Process Flouchart
Grade and ore reserve estimation is the process of transforming point sarnple information

into ore zones having tonnage and grade. Ore reserve estimation is generaily a two-part

process. First, drill-indicated reserves or resources that do not take into account

mineability and economics are calculated. With the consideration of mineabiiity and

economics, the resources are transforrned into ore reserves that can be used for mine

design and planning. An ore reserve mode1 is a basic requirement for ail h r e mine design

and planning because it is criticai to know the shape, dimension, and orientation of the

orebody as well as the spatial distribution of the metals contained w i t h .

Figure 10 displays the factors affecthg geological analysis and modeling. The primary

factor is the proper and accurate determination of geological zones and associated

properties (i-e. lithology). This primary factor is dependent on the identification of

geological controls, the sampling and assaying techniques used, the mapping and

surveying accuracy, the selected statistical and geostatistical data anaiyses and the grade

estimation methods (Valiee and Cote, 1992). Each one of these factors WUaffect directly

the quality of the resulting geologicai modeling. Any erron or omissions made in

identifjing the geological controls, in surveying, sarnpling and assaying, as well as

statistical analysis work will have direct consequences that wiil affect al1 future work.
Figure 10 - Significant Geologicd Analysis and Modeling Factors

83
4.3 Significant Mine Design Factors

Mine design sets the stage for the orebody's long-term development and production

schedule. Decisions made at this stage have a long-term impact on the economics of the

mine. Mine design involves several interrelated and interdependent activities, components

and factors as illustrated on Figures 11 and 12. The major activities inciude miing method

selection, stope design, layout and sequencing, primary mine access layout, optimum

production rate determination as well as rock excavation (fiagmentation) and material

handling systems. A cost estimate for these systems combined with the value of the ore

reserves will be used to judge the economic viability and value of the deposit.

Mining method selection is heavdy influenced by the orebody characteristics which were

identified during the geological analysis and modeling process. The mining method in tum

influences the stope design (which depends on stope sizing, mining direction and

sequencing). Setting the mine production rate is an important decision and is usually based

on available reserves, however, it is fiequently determined on partial and incomplete

information. Once the production rate is set, it wiil influence the mine life, the number of

stopes required, and the dnlling, mucking and haulage systems as well.
Figure 11- Mine Design Procas Fowchart
Figure 12 - Significant Mine Design Components, Factors and Parameters

86
Ali underground orebodies require some f o m of permanent or primary access. Primary

accesses will generally be used for the entire We of the mine and represent a substantial

capital cost to the operation which occurs very early in the economic life of the mine.

Because of the long working Iife requirement and the high initial investment in excavation,

it is critical that the best layout be designed early on. A proper layout is based on knowing

the shape, dimension, location of the ore deposit as well as the metal distribution within

the ore deposit. It is also based on knowing the daily production rate as well as the

equipment selected for development and production. High tonnage, bulk-mining methods

require large equipment which in tm require large pnmary accesses. Regdatory

requirements on clearance as well as pipes, power lines, and ventilation tubing means that

the drifts must be large enough to safely accommodate the equipment operating in them.

However, large accesses are costly to excavate and maintain. The following information is

generdy required for pnmary access design:

An orebody mode1
Knowledge of the rock mass conditions
Anticipated or required production tonnage
Equipment sizes
Costing data

Primary accesses should be located in areas with stable ground conditions, close enough

away to the orebody centre of mass to minimize hauling distances but far enough to be

safe against disturbances h m mining operations. A numerical analysis of the proposed

primary access layout and taking into account al1 the future stoping should reveal if the

primary accesses are at risk.

Rock nagrnentation is also a critical parameter because it has wide-ranging influence. The

fiagrnentation will depend on the drilling system selected (which in hm depends on the

mining method selected) and wiii affect the mucking and haulage systems. This is

particularly true for bulk mining operations, which tend to create large muck

fragmentation that in turn requires large LHDs for mucking.

4.4 Significant Mine Planning and Schedung Factors and Considerations

Mine planning and scheduling is fundamental to production implementation and control.

As illustrated on Figure 13, planning and scheduling is an iterative process that attempts to

maximize the econornic benefits of the orebody while respecting the production

constraints and taking into account the available production resources.

Mine planning and scheduling is often labeled as either long-tenn or short-term planning.

The difference lies with the time horizons, forecasting accuracy and the level of detail

required. Long-term planning represents a tirne horizon ranging fiom 5 to 20 years while

short-tenn planning varies in time fiom about 6 months up to 3 years. It is virtually

impossible to forecast accurately some economic parameters for horizons longer than a

few years. It makes no sense to plan an entire mine in detail if some of the cntical

parameters will change in two years.

Figure 13 - Mine PlanningIScheduling Process Fowchart
Thus long-term planning identifies in broad terms how the orebody will be developed and

mined over the long term and is strategic in nature. Short-term planning examines more

closely the resources required to implement the long-term plan and is therefore tactical in

nature. However, uitimately, there is only one minhg plan with the short-term plan

representing a detailed moving window on the long-term plan.

Figure 14 illustrates the factors and considerations affecting the mine planning and

scheduling process. The primary factors show a "duality" in their nature. For example,

planning consists of both long-term and short-tenn plans with the short-term plan

dovetaiiing itself to the long-terni plan but inevitably dso afkting the long-tem plan.

Production resources have a "requirements and availability" duality. Idedy, the resources

avaiiable match those that are required, however, that may not always be the case. There

is always the question of whether or not the availability of more or less production

resources would improve the economic value of a particular mine plan. Production

resources availability and requirements are used in determining mining plans and setting

work schedules.

Work scheduling, mine planning and execution control f o m a triad that afEect one another

directly. The short-term plan determines the work schedule to be implemented: however,

if changes are required to the schedule or if unforeseen events occur, then the short-term

plan will have to be changed.

Figure 14 - Significant Mine Planning and Scheduling Considerations
Sirnilarly, execution control is concemed with being able to meet the schedufe: however, if

development or production falls behind, then the schedule will have to be changed.

Execution control and performance tracking are also related. Poor performance will be

reflected in a delayed schedule that will necessitate a work change order. Performance

tracking statistics wiil also be used in setting or updating the mine plans.

These concepts are iilustrated in a dEerent way on Figure 15 as idormation flows

between major components. As shown, the mine planning and scheduling process ties the

development and production needs of the mine with the long-term and short-term plans

with information flowng both ways. Mine planning requires the detennination of

resources required for the work whether they be money, labour, equipment or tirne that

will be allocated (Le. scheduled) in a way that achieves production objectives while

rnaxhbing the profitability of the plan. An important component to planning is execution

control, detecting deviations and making corrections. Execution control also involves

monitoring resource utilization and costs to verify that the work done will meet the plan

objectives and constraints. Work performance control serves as a feedback mechanism to

the entire mine planning and scheduling process, initiating work change order and

monitoring work performance.

Figure 15 - Mine Planning and Scheduling Information Flow

93
The short-term plan takes the long-term plan as a starting point and fleshes it out, adding

the necessary details of resource availability and allocations as weU as priorities to make it

feasible. Several of the more critical parameters like metal grades, metal pnces,

productivity and available resources are known with a high Ievel of confidence thus

lending greater accuracy to the plan and schedule as weil as the expected costs and

revenues.

4.5 Mine Production Control Considerations

Mine production control is concemed with five primary areas, surveying control grade

control, fiagrnentation control, cost control and schedule control as shown on Figure 16.

Surveying control is required to locate accurately geological and excavation information,

for laying out developrnents and m e a s u ~ gadvances. Accurate surveying is critical to the

system for both implementation of the design and for verifcation that the design has been

followed. Accurate surveys are also a regulatory and legal requirement.

Grade control ensures that the muck produced will meet the MU feed requirements and

constraints (Le. grade range, contaminant levels and ore blending requirements).
Figure 16 - Mine Production Control Considerations

95
Blasting and fiagmentation control ensures that the muck size distribution wiU be

acceptable for mucking as well as keeping dilution to reasonable levels. In certain

situations, blasting control may also be concerned with vibration control. This is

particularly important when blasting close to sensitive mining installations (e.g. shafls,

stations, motors) or geological structures.

Production statistics and reporting are important control elements in the production

process and serve a variety of purposes. One purpose is accounting, keeping track of

expenditures and production, an important management fnction. Another purpose is for

progress tracking, for implernenting corrective action and deciding when to add more

resources o r t o allocate them differently. Another purpose is to collect and extract

valuable statistical information for improving future budgets and productivity estimates.

4.6 Rock Fragmentation Considerations and Factors

Rock fiagmentation was identified as a primary mine design factor. Figure 17 shows that

rock c m be fiagmented by either driliing and blasting (Le. chernical means) and by

mechanical means (e.g. boring, crushing, breaking and hammering). Under drilling and

blasting, the blasthole pattern utilized as well as the explosive selected will afFect the

fragmentation process. The layout of the blasthole pattem may take into account the rock

mass properties in particular the joint set orientations aithough rock mass strength also

influences the design. The properties of the explosives as well as their placement and

detonation sequence will also influence the fiagrnentation- Drilhg equipment is also an
important consideration because it affects the drilling accuracy and the penetration rate,

which in tum are infiuenced by the rock mass properties.

4.7 Rock Mass Considerations

Rock m a s is one of those multi-dimensional factors that influences several areas of the

mine design and production processes. Rock mass affects the rnining method selection,

stope sizing, orientation, sequencing and ground support, drilling and blasting

requirements as well as ventilation requirements. Rock mass properties can be difliicult to

evaluate accurately, particularly at the early stages of the mine design process where

adequate rock mass information is typically scant and critical for good decisions. Rock

mass properties can not be changed or improved and mining must adapt to the avaiiable

rock mass. Poor rock mass quality can be an operational and d e t y hazard, a source of ore

dilution and an expensive cost item for its control. While not a serious issue for most

mines located in the Canadian Shield, groundwater control can be a serious factor for

many underground mines.

Figure 18 illustrates the various parameters used in evaluating the rock mass. The

evaluation process begins with an assessment of joints and joint sets. The properties of

selected intact pieces of rock in combination with the joint assessment are used to create

various rock mass quality indices. These quality indices are in tum used to estirnate the

rock mass properties for numerical modeling, preliminary stope si9ng and stability

estimates and ground support estimate requirements.

Figure 17 - Rock Fragmentation Considerations and Factors

98
Figure 18 - Rock Mass Components and Parameters

99
The nature of the rock mass failures observed during mining, whether they are stress

driven or stmcturally controlled-gravity dnven, will directly affect the ground support

methodology employed as illustrated on Figure 19. Although some ground support

methods are suitable to both conditions the design process and support objectives will be

different.

For example, rockbolts and wiremesh screen can be used in both failure conditions.

However, in structuraiiy-controlled gravity-driven failures, bolts and screen are used to

reinforce the rock mass and contain the small pieces of rock that fdl off. In stress-dnven

faiiures, the deformation of the bolts and screen are used to absorb a certain amount of the

energy that is released by the failure. In fact, rockbolts may be too stiE a support, and a

yielding bolt like SweUex may be more appropriate if the stress-induced defonnation is

large.

Rock mass is also concemed with major structural features like faults and contacts that

cm seriously affect the mining process. Groundwater is typicaily not an issue with

hardrock mines in Canada. However, most mines do have some water that will require

pumping. Rock mass is dso a source of heat, particularly for the deeper mines. Excessive

heat affects the productivity of both equipment and labour and needs to be controlled

through ventilation and air conditioning.

Figure 19 - Ground Control and Suppori Factors and Considerations
101
4.8 Rock Excavation and Handling

From an operational point of view, mining is primarily concerned with the efficient

excavation and handling of rock. The production equipment, the desirable rock

fiagmentation and the haulage network are designed to bring ore to surface at the lowest

possible cost .

Drilling and blasting is the primary and most economical method used for rock extraction

in hardrock mines. Achieving adequate or even optimum fiagmentation is criticai for

efficient muck handling and downstrearn processing. Good driliing and blasting practices

are critical for efficient production. The goal is not necessarily to achieve the lowest

drilling and blasting cost but to achieve the lowest production cost (Le. includes drilig

and blasting, mucking, rock handling, crushing and processing) according to Hagan and

Cameron (1994) and Cameron et ai (1997).

As shown on Figure 20, there are several factors to be considered. Rock fragmentation

and in particular the muck size distribution and variability impacts on the excavation and

handling requirements. Too coarse a fragmentation results in large muck which is diacult

to muck, requiruig re-work in the form of secondary drilling and blasting, and likely more

cnishing effort. Too fine a fiagmentation means the excessive use of explosives as wel as

a potential loss of metals (particularly important where precious metals are nvolved).

Excessive use of explosives or irnproper distribution of explosives also result in wall

damage in the stopes, rock overbreak and ore dilution.

Large muck typicay requires large mobile trackless equipment and infrastructure capable

of handling it. Large equipment requires large drifts and ramps that are more costly to

excavate and maintain. Muck with narrow size variability and with relatively smaii size is

more amenable to handling by smaller mobile equipment, trams, and conveyors. Therefore,

the equipment selected must be matched to the muck size expected and distances (i-e.

horizontal and vertical) to be traveled.

Muck sizing and variability affect the muckuig rate, which in tum affects cycle times

between loading and dumping/transfer points. Horizontal and vertical haulage distances

affect the overall transfer capacity of the haulage network. Deep mines and/or mines with

long horizontal extents demand special considerations to make them capable of sustaining

the required production rate. The use of ore passes to transfer muck vertically can be

either beneficial or a source of problems. Deep mines with either or both of poor rock

masses or high stresses fiequently have ore pass stability problems, particularly bulk mines

with large muck requiring large ore passes. In certain circumstances, it may be wise to

avoid ore passes aitogether or m o d e the rnining system (Momson, 1996).

Figure 20 - Rock Excavation and Handling Considerations

1O4
Material handling involves bringing resources (Le. personnel, equipment, and consumables

like air, power, water, ventilation, fiil, and supplies) to the work face (development o r

stoping). It also involves the extraction and transportation of the product (i.e. ore) to

surface and the removal of waste materials (e-g. waste rock, fmes, heat, water and

sludge, detritus) from the work place. From the point of view of an integrated mine

system, the primary consideration has to be rock excavation, loading and hauling. The

abiiity to move muck efficiently is an essential consideration in achieving

development/production targets. Efficiency and flexibility as weli as low cost are primary

objectives. It is normal for many underground mines to have separate horizontal and

vertical haulage equiprnent systems. Each system is fined-tuned to meet the production

requirements at the lowest possible cost.

Efficient material handlig is a pre-requisite since any deiay has the potentiai to slow

down, even stop, the mining cycle. This material handihg process is somewhat

complicated by the very nature of the mining cycle. DEerent requirements exist for the

different parts of the cycle. Drilling has needs that are difEerent fiom blasting or rnucking.

Drilling resources are brought to the work face then rernoved in preparation for blasting.

Once blasting has been done, rnucking equipment can move in to extract the product.

4.9 Mine Ventilation and Air Conditioning Considerations

AU underground mines require ventilation. In Canada, laws and regdations stipulate the
air quantity and quality to be provided underground. Ventilation is required to sustain He,
dilute and remove air contaminants and heat fiom both the rock mass and the equipment

as shown on Figure 21. Diesel equipment performs better and cleaner when ventilated

adequately. However, providing ventilation and air conditionhg is very expensive.

Adequate ventilation (Le. flow and velocity) must be provided at the workplaces and

travelways. The mine workings (i.e. branches), that is the shaft, raises, levels, drifts and

stopes form the ventilation network. These workings will exhibit air resistance (Le.

pressure drop) that must be overcome by the fans. Larger workings have lower resistance

to airflow and are less expensive to ventilate. However, larger workings are more

expensive to excavate and maintain. A Me-cycle cost anaiysis, one that forecasts

ventilation costs over the life of the mine and compares them with the excavation and

maintenance costs of the workings is required to select an optimum sizing and layout.

4.10 Equipment Life-Cycle Costs Factors and Considerations

Life-cycle cost analysis is probably the most appropnate method o f evaluating, comparing

and seiecting equipment. Life-cycle analysis examines the cost associated with a piece of

equipment over its entire life that includes buying, production and eventually disposal. The

equipment with the lowest life-cycle costs is the best buy. A relatively inexpensive piece of

equipment at purchasing time may prove to be very expensive because of maintenance

costs and lost production. Figure 22 illustrates the numerous factors to be considered

when evaluating equipment. Production capabilities, maintenance requirements, s e ~ c e

life, disposal costs, and vendor/supplier support are important considerations.

Figure 21 - Mine Ventilation and Air Conditioning Considerations

107
Figure 22 - Equipment Life-Cycle Cost Andysis Factors and Considerations

108
4.11 Economic and Valuation Analyses Factors and Considerations

Mining projects are expensive, risky and generally have high capital and development

costs. It is cntical that the project be evaluated for its economic retum and net present

value. It is also cntical that nsks associated with the project be identified and quantified.

This information plays a cntical role in obtaining project financing. Valuation analysis will

generally require the following information (Peiiey, 1988):

Ore Reserves
Mining and processing requirements
A long-tenn development and production schedule
Price and inflation forecasts
Cost data for intiastructure, development and production, processing and
refining
Financial details about the project, expenditures to date, royalties, hancial
agreements, capital expenditures
Taxation iformation

As show on Figure 23, al1 mines have three phases, narnely pre-production, production

and post-production (i.e. closure). Costs are incurred dunng al1 three phases, while

revenues occur only dunng the production phase. The deferrai of costs and the

acceleration of revenues always improve the economics of any project with a multi-year

life.
 Mlnlno

Reolrmatlon Bond fnvastmantTax

hxdlon Credltr

Matal Oradea
Mllne 4 Plant Ca Capltal Invaslmants,
Raplacarnnntr (I,

Admlnlntratlon

Po&-oonoanrate Prooasslng
Costs (SrneMer Charges)

Transporition

Raclmmation
During the pre-production phases, there are costs associated with exploration, purchasing

of rights, engineering design, capital equipment and pre-production development.

Production has costs associated with labour, equiprnent and supplies for mining and

processing. However, revenues are generated which are used to pay off debts and

eventually pay divide~dsto the investon. Post-production is concemed with closure of the

facilities and the long-term monitoring and treatment of mine wastes. The mining property

is restored and eventuaily is returned to the government or sold.

4.12 Mining Project Evduation or Ferisibiiity Considerations

AU mining projects need to be evaiuated for their suitability, their risks and their economic
value. This aspect of project analysis is complicated by the long the-life of the project

coupled with several factors for which the mining engineer/analyst has no control.

In many ways, project evaluation or feasibility analysis deals with assessing these risks. As

s h o w on Figure 24, there are risks with most aspects of a mining project. Risk starts with

ore reserve estimation- How sure are the expected metal grades and tonnages? Would

fbther exploration lower these nsks? What are the costs and benefits of doing so? The

mining method selected also presents risks. Will the ore recovery and dilution be as

predicted? Can the method be adapted to changing conditions if required? How locked are

we by using this method?

Figure 24 - Mining Project Evaluation Factors and Considerations

112
Milling and refining presents risks also. How variable will be the mil1 feed? Will some

contaminant reduce ore recovery? Can regdatory permits be obtained for waste disposal?

Finally, the hancial or economic aspects create risks. What will be the forecasted metal

prices over the next twenty years, the metal demand? What is the competition doing?

Could new orebodies undermine our position? What will be the overall retum on this

investment?

The feasibility decision will have to be based on al1 of the above considerations. Projects

with low nsks in al1 these areas will likely proceed to the next stage, projects with high

risks will require more work, postponing or abandonment. Project evaluation is truly a

multi-disciplinary problem where experience and judgement are crucial.

4.13 Mine Monitoring Considerations

This chapter will conclude with a discussion of mine monitoring considerations. Mine

monitoring serves several purposes. As shown on Figure 25, mine monitoring is required

for recording significant events that occur. Significant events include incidents like labour

injuries and fatalities, equipment &es, falls of ground and rockbursts. Sigmficant events

fiequently must be reported to regulatov agencies, investigated and followed-up.

Figure 25 - Mine Monitoring Considerations

114
Mine monitoring is required for recording over time what is happening in the mine. Many

of the records are required by law and may have to be reported back to governrnent

agencies. Water quality (especiaiiy process water), ventilation quality and quantity, and

equipment safety features must be inspected, tested and recorded.

Mine monitoring is also required for monitoring the rock mass. The rock mass is

constantly changing. It moves into the mine excavations; it breaks apart due to high stress

or unfavorable joint sets. Monitoring the rock mass becomes a safety issue. Seismically

active mines need to be closely monitored. Rock mass monitoring also provides valuable

information as to how the mine reacts to mining. The experience can be used to refine

ground support systems, make decisions as whether or not rnining can proceed or should

be stopped, or confirm that the mine behaves as predicted during the design process.
 CHAPTER 5

THE LMEWDESIGN AND PLANNING PROCESS SADT MODELING -

5.1 Introduction

A set of IDEF0-SADT diagrams was created to describe and enhance Our understanding

of the underground hardrock mine design and planning process. These diagrams show

how the various design and planning activities (processes) are related, what information is

required (inputs), where it is corning fiom, how it is transformed, what is produced

(outputs) and how it is used. The diagrams also show the constraints that influence

(controls) the processes as they transformed this information. As well, the diagrarns show

the kind of technology (mechanisms) that is required to achieve this transformation of

information. The result is a fnctional analysis of the mine design and planning process

that could be used as a high-level architecture of an integrated mine design and planning

system.

It should be noted that only a subset of the models created is presented in this chapter, to

simplify the presentation. The reader is referred to Appendix D for a complete listing.

The CASE tool selected for this modeling work was Platinum ~ ~ w i version
n @ 3.5.2 fiom

supports the IDEF0 and IDEF3 modeling methodologies

Computer Associates. ~ p w i n @

as well as DFD modeling (Platinum Technology, 1998).

The SADT diagrams are the "TO-BE models. No efforts were made to model current

design and planning practices which are typically a mix of semi-integrated software

packages, stand-alone tools and manual methods that c m span severd divisions, mines

and departments. instead, the modeling focused on what mine design and planning

practices should be. These models were developed through discussions with mining

personnel from various departments, reviews of relevant documents and the author's

experience.

5.2 Context Diagram or Modeling Scope

Figure 26 illustrates the scope of the modeling. The A-O Context Diagram States that the

primary activity (i.e. process or fnction) is to Design, Plan, Support und Monitor the

Underground H.&uck Mine. The boundaries are defined by dl the arrows entering or

leaving the primary activity.

For this model, the primary activity convens Eqdoration Data (input) to Mine Pims &

Work Schedfes as well as Government Repors (outputs). This conversion uses

Prahrction Resarrces and Technology (mechanisms) while constrained by ffiowledge &

Experience, Laws & Regulations, Available Capital & Financing, C o p r a t e Objectives,

Taxation Regime, and Market Economics (controls).

 USED AT: AUTHOR. MotIo A Main 1R W E R DATE CONTDCT.
PROJECT. Inl.gra1.d Canpulwized U Mine
OslipnlPlanninp
1 TOP
1 RKOMMENOED
NOTES: 1 2 5 4 5 6 7 13 9 10 1 PUBLKAT ION 1

-
Purpose To document the processes
perfomieb as part of
underground hardrock mne
design and planning.

-
Vierupoint Mining Professionals
(e-g. mine geologirt,
enginter & planner)

IODE: TITLE: NUUBER:

Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the
A4 Undemround Hard Rock Mine 7

Figure 26 - Diagram A 4 - Context Diagram or Modcling Scope

Each input, output, mechanism and control is represented by an arrow entering or leaving

the primary activity and has a specific meaning. For instance, Production Resources

includes labour, equipment, power, water, compressed air, supplies and conswnables used

in the production process that exist and are commonly available on the market. If these

Production Resources do not exist (i.e. in the experimental stage) or are very hard to

obtain (Le. propnetary), then they can not be used for designing and planning a mine.
Technology is also an important mechanism used in the desigdplanning process.

Technology in this context represents both mining specific technology (e-g. bulk mining)

and generic technologies iike computers, data analysis and visuaiization, soiids modeling,

simulation and decision support. It could be argued that Prohuction Resmrces and

Technology are controls because the Mine DesigdPlanning Process is constrained by their

limitations. However, it is expected that these limitations will eventually be removed as

technology improves and new technology is introduced.

Al1 other arrows are clear in their meaning and position. However, it is worthwhile

discussing further fiowiedge & Eqxrience (control). The entire mine design/planning

process is heavily iduenced by Kitowtedge & Lkprience and this will become clear as the

decomposition process advances. A mining Company has access t o knowledge and

expenence through the people it hires, through the consultants and contractors it retains

and through the collective knowledge of researchers and scientists in the industry.

However, this knowledge is always incomplete. We do not understand every problem and

we do not have solutions t o every problem. Knowledge and expenence also intluences our

decision-making abilities. Sometimes decisions will be simple, sometimes they will not.

Mining professionals fiequently use past experience (both good and bad) in performing

interpretations and making decisions. We are therefore limited or constrained by our

knowledge and expenence.

Another important concept is that ffiowledge & d;erience represents intelligence. Every

activity that requires intelligence for interpretation or decision-making is an activity that

could be placed under the control of an expert systern. The expert system not only could

control the activity but could also act as a collector of intelligence where knowledge and

experience is gathered and formulated so as to provide improved control.

It should be noted that ail of the controls are outside the influence of the mine design and

planning process. The mine design and planning process does not dictate market

economics, taxation levels, corporate objectives, available capital and financing and mining

regulations. These controls are infiuenced by outside forces whether they are the markets,

the investors, the regulators or the corporate office.

Al1 structured analysis models have a specific viewpoint. The viewpoint for the mine

design and planning process is that of the mine geologist, engineer and planner (i-e. mining

professionals) doing design and planning work. The selection of the proper viewpoint is

important because different viewpoints will result in difEerent models. The minng of

viewpoints within the same model results in confusing diagrams. Although the viewpoint

for this model is that of three people (Le. mine geologist, mine engineer and mine planner),

it is consistent. In small mines, it is possible for al1 three tunctions to be combined in only

one or two people. In larger mines, the distinction wiil become much more clear however

this distinction may have to do more with organizational boundaries than work
requirements and stnictured analysis is concemed with activity modeling, not

organizational structures.

Figure 27 is the first level decomposition of the Context Diagram. There are four activities

in this decomposition, each coded A l through to A4. This coding process is used to

identify the decomposition level of the drawing.

Figure 27 - Diagram A0 - Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the UG Mine

Perfonn Srafegic Plmutng refers to al1 the activities that a Company performs to enhance

its long-term viability. These activities include selecting venture areas, knowing the market

and the cornpetitors, predicting long-tenn demand and revenues, looking for the optimum

allocation of financial resources, looking at long-term growth but making sure short-term
cash flow is sufficient, market share objectives, and making the right investment decisions.

Strategic Planning is under several controls including market economics, available capital

and financing, taxation regime, corporate objectives and applicable laws and regulations.

Strategic Planning provides PrOaUction Objectzves & Tmgets for planning purposes,

Forecasted Metai Prices for planning purposes and project funding by Approving

Budgets.

Perfonn Long-tenn Planning means making the decisions that wiU sustain the long-term

viability of the rnining project. Long-Tem Planning transfomis Expforation Data into

selecting a Mining Methad and Stoping Sequence, detennining a Long-Tenn Plan,

estimating Production Resourfes Repzrernents, defining a Muck Handling System and

Grmnd Support Reguirements. Many of these outputs are in tum used to control the

Short-Term Planning activity.

P e r j k n Short-Tenn Pfmning means looking at al1 the issues for producing successflly

over a short-duration time horizon. Short-Term Planning transforms Productzon

Resoures into a Short-Term Plan as well as the identification of Commitled Resources

and Resources Shorf$ails needed to implement the plan. This Short-Tenn Planning process

is constrained by the already defined Long-lem P h as well as certain production

resource capabilities (Le. Equijment & Labour Resmrce ProductivitzedReliabifities) and

the fitoricaf Cost Data. The productiMty/reliability data is required to detennine

resource quantities needed for executing the plan while the historical cost data is used for
budgeting purposes. The Short-Term Planning activity therefore produces Operations

Budget Approvais requests to be approved if the plan meets the Prociiction Objectives &

Turgefsidentified under the Strategic Planning activity.

Perform P l m Support & Monitoring involves the irnplementation and support of the

Short-Term Plan fkom a technical perspective (as compared to an operations perspective).

Plan Support and Monitoring involves activities l k e ailocating speciic resources,

acquiring new resources, surveying7 blasting and excavation control, grade control,

incident investigations schedule m o n i t o ~ gand corrections production reporting and

cost analysis. The information, gathered d u ~ these

g activities, is used to make

corrections or hprovements to the current and future plans and schedules. This activity

produces several Government R e m s to be submitted to the regulaton as well updates

the Short-Tem Planning activity with Short-Tem P h (Ipdates and Novly Acquired

Production Resources to be considered during the Short-Term Planning activity.

This diagram illustrates several feedback data flows (indicated as blue coloured lines). The

Plan Support and Monitoring activity will likely have to produce Short-Tenn Pim

g plan execution. Changes in the Short-

Updats based on information gathered d u ~ the

Term Plan result in a Long-Tenn Pian Updale and changes to the Long-Term Plan may

require a Strategic Pian Update.

Technology resources are also further defined. 3-0Modelng/Visuaiization TechnoIogy is

required for both Long-Terrn Planning and Plan Support and Monitoring activities.

Simuation Technology is required for Short-Term Planning (plan validation). These

cornputer-related science technologies are used in just about every activity of the mode1

and will not be repeated in every activity to reduce drawing congestion.

5.3 Strategic Planning

Figure 28 illustrates the activities carried out under Strategic Planning. Strategic Planning

is concemed with Muintainhg Corporate Finances7Creating & Maintaining a Strategic

Corpoute Pian7and performing Grass R m t &doration & Property Purchasing.

These activities are clearly intendeci to maintain and sustain the long-term viability of the

company. This viability is achieved by ensuring that there wiil be adequate hancing and

capital available for mining projects, by providing a clear corporate strategic plan to guide

the actions of the company in selecting and developing d g projects, by perfonning

grass root exploration and by acquinng properties to ensure long-term ore resources

suitable for development. Figure 29 examines funher the activities required under the

creation and maintenance of a corporate strategic plan.

Strategic Planning defines several corporate activities that will be used to direct the long-

tenn objectives and plans of the company. There may be R&D Objectives (Research and

Development) depending on the size of the corporation. Financia Objectives will define
 expected or desired revenue objectives, rate of retum, market share and so on. There will

likely be Marketing Objectives detaiiing how much product will be sold and at what price.

These objectives will control the Operations Objectives activity that is used to produce

the Production Objectives and Tmgets, the Approved Budget, as weil as determinhg

Operations Costs and Revenues. Strategic Planning will also define the

EnploratiodReserves Objectives of the company. Does the company want to do grass

root exploration in foreign but promising lands or does the company want to buy existing

properties from junior exploration companies or go into a partnership with a senior firm?

JSED AT: AUTHOR: Mano A Min REAOER M T E CONTEXT:

PROJECT. [ntegnledComprtmdad U Utne REV: Z O O - 1 2 0 4 DRAFT
DemgnlPlinmng
RECOMMENOED
m
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 10 PiJLICATiON A0 0

IODE. TITLE:
PerfOmStrategic Manning
A1

Figure 28 - Diagram A l - Perform Strategic Planning

I
USE0 AT. AUTHOR: Mana A M a n
PROJECT: IntegRled Camoutenzsd U Mina
~esgnl~lannini
RECOMMENOED
1 READER
1
-= -
M T CONTUT:
-
NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATDN Al
-

NOU:
Create & Maintain Corporate Strategic Plan NUMBER

A12 7

Figure 29 - Diagram A12 - Create and Maintain Corporate Strategic Plan

5.4 Perform Long-Term Planning

Long-Term Planning, as shown on Figure 30, consists of four activities, Assess Mine

Geology, de si gr^ Mine Layout & Facilities, Prepore Long-Tem Developnent &

Production Schehrle and Evduae h j e c t Economics. The assessrnent o f the mine

geology produces three models (outputs), the Rock Mars Mo&, the Orebody Model and

the Mineral Inventory Mo&. Aithough somewhat related, these models have different

purposes.
 ISEO AT AUTHOR: Mano A M m n REMER M T E COMOST.
PROJECT Inlegrnad Camputenrad U Wna RRI 2000-12-20 DRAFT
DesgntPiinmng
RECOYYENOEO 1 C
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NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATDN A0

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NO OE: T ~ L P NUIBER:
PerfionnLong-term Planning
A2 1

Figure 30 - Diagram A2 - PerCorn Long-Tem Planning

The Rock Mars M o . will be used in geomechanics work, for estimating excavation

stability and selecting appropnate ground support strategies. The 0reb.V Model is the

interpretation of the rock lithology and rnineralization based on the exploration data. No

attempts have been made to include grades or economics in this model. That purpose is

reserved to the Mineral Inventory ModeI. Instead, the Orebudy Model will be used for

locating mine infrastructure (e-g. shafts, taises, main levels and stations) away from the

mineralized zones.
The Design Mine Layout & Facilities activity produces several outputs that include a

Planned Mine Model, a Material Handling System, a selected Mining Methad,

Production Rate, a Stoping Sepence, Backfiil Support Requirements and Grotrnd

Support Requirements. The P h n e d Mine Mode1 is the 3-D layout of al1 rnining

infiastructures including the proposed stope layout. The long-term plan will be based on

this Planned Mine Mode1 and will have to take into account the rnining method selected,

the proposed stoping sequence and ground support requirements. This activity is

constrained by the three geological models identined earlier as well as applicable Mining

h s d; Regulafions, Company Engineering S t a n h h , and the available ffiawiedge d

Experience in Mine Design.

The Prepae Long-Tem Development & Pr&ction Schedue activity has three outputs.

There is the Long-Term P l m (which will form the basis for the Short-Tenn Plan), an

Estimate of Production Resmrces Requirements and a feedback arrow for Adjusring the

Prorhction Rate. This activity has several constraints that include the P h e d Mine

M W ,the Production Rae and the Tonnes & Grades Requirements established as part of
the Pruction Objectives and Targets.

The Evaluate Project Economics activity is an essential one that will ver@ that the Long-

Term Plan will meet the established Prochrction Objectives & Trgets of the company as

well the company Economic Evaluation Criteria. The Economic Evaluarion Criteria will

be used to evaluate the retum on investment for the project. KnowIedge & Querience in

Evaluating Mineral Projects is an important control because judgement must fiequently

be applied in estimating mining costs, ore recovery, ore dilution, as wel as rnilling and

processing costs. There is usudy a shortage of Uiformation at the early stage of project

evaluation. As muiing proceeds, vaiuable uiformation is gained and estimates improve.

This activity results in Long-Term PIan Adjustments, as well as changed in the Sefected

Cut-off Grade (which in turns defines the available ore reserves and changes the P h e d

Mine Modei). The economic evaluation activity will also confirm or change the

company's strategic plan (Strategic Pfim Upcdate arrow).

5.4.1 Assess Mine Geology

As s h o w on Figure 3 1, assessing mine geology requires four pnmary activities: Collect

the Geoiogical Data, Analyre the Geological Data, M& the Orebody, and Assess the

Minerai Inventory.
(ODE: T l 1LE: NUMBER
Pssess Mine Geology
A21 1

Figure 31 - Diagram A21 - Assess Mine Geology

The Collect the Geological Data, on Figure 32, is the accumulation of dl exploration
data. GIS Database Technoiogy (mechanism) is or could be used in this collection
process.

The Analyze the Geoiogical Data activity, s h o w on Figure 33, has two main functions:

Idenfla the Geological Domains (illustrated on Figure 34) and Select & Perfrm

SfatisficaiAnalysis on GeoIogicafDomains (illustrated on Figure 35).

 USED AT: ALIfHOR: Meno A Main RWER DATE COHTUCT:
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Collect the Geological Data
A21 1 I

-
Figure 32 - Diagram A211 Collect the Geological Data

The identification of geological domains involves selecting lithologies to be displayed

(based on the geological data collection) and tracing the lithologies on specinc cross-

sections. A simple "skinning" operation is used to link similar lithologies on adjacent

cross-sections thus forming surfaces.

USEDAT. AUTHOR Mano A M a n REACER M T COMUT:
PIOJECi: IniegrgedCompUtfmZed U Mine
LXdgnlPlannng

an: TITLE: Analpe the Geological Data

A212 7

Figure 33 - Diagram A212 - Analyze the Gedogicai Data

The statistical analysis activity is centered on dexribing in statistical and geostatistical

terms the mineralkation found in selected geological domains. The geostatistical work is

particularly useful in assessing the continuity of the mineralization (through variogram

modeling). This information will be used for estimating the grade of the ore blocks

(regular or irregularly shaped) as well as calculating the estimation error. The estimation

error can be used to assess the quality of the grade estimate.

Figure 34 - Diagram A2122 - Identiiy Geoiogical Domaias

Figure 35 - Diagram A2123 - Select rad PerConn Statistical Analysis on Domains

The M d e l the Orebody activity, shown on Figure 36, focuses on transforming the

exploration data and the lithological domains into block models (solids) that can be used

for mine design and planning work. Although several solid modeling approaches exist

(Stewart, 1990; MantyE, 1988; Mortenson, 1997), the decomposition approach or block

modeling is the simplest method of assigning attribute information to solids. The block

mode1 can be regular or adaptive using a recursive subdivision aigorithm (Kavouras et al.,

1988; Pnssang, 1994; Pareja and Pelley, 1995). Kavouras (1992), Bak (1991) and Jiang

(1998) al1 have designed geo-solids modeling systems based on octree-encoding

approaches, a variant of recursive subdivision algonthms.

JSEDAT. AUTHOR: Mido A Main

PROSCI: kmglise Compitm~QedU M n e
Ddgn/Rmnrilng
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 9 10
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DOE. TITLE: MJMBER

Model the Orebody
A21 3 7

Figure 36 - Diagram A213 - Model the Orebody

5.4.2 Design Mine Layout and Faciiities

This activity is where most of the mine design work takes place. Figure 37 shows the

decomposition of this activity.

I
JSED AT: AUTHOR: Mano A M m n REMER DATE C O H T U T :
PROJECT: Integr*ed Cornpulenaad U U n e
DwgnrPlmnnlng
RECOMMEHOED

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IODE. TlTLE NUUBER
Design Mine Layout 8 Facilities
A22 7

Figure 37 - Diagram A22 - Design Mine Layout and Faciiities

The activities undertaken are Select Pr&ction Rate, Select Appropriate Mining

Meth&@), Sire trp. Layout & Seipence Stops, Design Mine Excavation Support Systein.

The determination of an optimum P r d ~ c t i o nRote is most difncult because it is related to

maximizing the economic value of the deposit, this evaluation being done afier designing

the mine and setting a long-term schedule. To start the design, it is necessary to determine
the available ore reserves which are typicaiiy based on a cut-off grade selected using the

expenence of the mine engineer. There are guidelines, based on empincai analysis or

banking practices, for aiding the designer however most of them do not have any sound

logical basis (Pareja, 2000). Nevertheless, a Prodrction Raie must be selected eariy on to

enable the designer to site up properly the mine infiastructure and eventually set up a

Long-Term Plan capable of meeting the company's Prodtction Objectives & Tmgets.

This determination process is illustrated on Figure 38.

USE0 AT- ATHOR: Mmrto A M a n DATE N O O Q 6 2 ~ H I O R K l N G READER M T E COHTEXT:

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IO#. TlTLE NUUBER

Select Produdion Rate
A221 7

Figure 38 - Diagram A221 - Select Production Rate

Select Appropriate Mining M e t w s ) is also an activity where previous experience is

relevant in the seiection process. As show on Figure 39, the geometrical characteristics

of the orebody as weil rock mass characteristics are used in making the selection.

JSED AT. AUTHOR: Mana A Mmn RE*SR DATE COHTEXT:

PRaECr. integmted Computedzad U Mine REV: Z O O - 1 2 4 3 DWFT O
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IODE: TlTLE Select Appropriate Mining Method(s) NUMBER

a222 7

Figure 39 - Diagram A222 - Select Appropriate Mining Method(s)

Once mining methods have been selected, it is required to design the stopes. Stope design

involves several activities including sizing up, orienting and laying out the stopes. Stope

sequencing implications must also be considered. Multiple mining horizons, using pillars

for support, can offer advantages in term of scheduling and meeting production objectives.

However, the eventual recovery of the pillars may be more diicult and costly due to
ground problems. These options are generaily evaiuated using numerical analysis methods

like finite and boundary elements. The ultimate goal of this design process is to design a

stoping system that will meet the required production objectives while presenting the

lowest possible risks. These activities are illustrated on Figure 40.

USED AT. AUTHOR: U i n o A Mcnn

PROJECT: Inlagmted Computsnnd U Mina
DesignlPIinntng

NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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IO DE. Size up, Layout, and Sequence Stopes NU BER:

A223 I

Figure 40 - Diagram A223 - Size Up, Layout and Sequence Stopes

The Size Up & Laymit Stopes activities are shown on Figure 41. The combination of

mining method and stope sizing can be used in selecting a prochrction drill system (Figure

42), and in estimating the phnned ore recovery and dtiurion. The use of ground control
techniques can help in improving recovery and controlling dilution and would set

reqtcirements for bacwill and grot~ndsupport. Once the stopes have been layed out, a

Planned Mine Model has been partially defned.

JSED AT. AUTHOR: Mano A Mln 1 REM" DATE COHTDCT:

PROJECT: Integrilrd Computenzaci u Mlne I n
DaugnlPIanning
1RECOM MEWED 1 D
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IO OE: T ITLE: NMBER

Size Up 8 Layout Stopes
A2232 I

Figure 41 - Diagram A2232 - S u e Up and Layout Stopes

USED AT: AUTHOR. Mino A Mann M T E t00W62 WORKiNG REMER -TE COHTDCT.
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0DE:
4 fITLE NUMBER
Select Stope Dimnsions
A223212 I

Figure 42 - Diagram A223212 - Select Stope Dimensions

Ground support and bacffill requirements will depend on the nature of the problem to be

solved. Generally, there are two pnmary failure modes (Hoek et al, 1995): stnicturdy

controlled gravis, assisted and stress-induced (Figure 43) and the determination of the

f d u r e mode will be based on expenence, observations and numerical modeling. Numencal

modeling can estimate the extent of the failure and aid in selecting appropriate stabilization

strategies.
U s n i Ar: AUTHOR: Mino A Mcnn READER M T CONTUT:
PROJECT: Integdad Cornputerlad U Mine RN: m00-12-03 O ~ F T
DesgnlPIenn~ng
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OOE: T'TLE Detemine Stope Support Requirements NUMBER

A22323 I

Figure 43 - Diagram A22323 - Determine S t o p Support Requiremeats

Risk management is an important component in stope design especially when information

is limited. Risk can originate fiom ground conditions that may not ailow self-supporting

stopes. A mining method may be very inflexible and ditncult to adapt to varying ore or

ground conditions. There may be operational nsks caused by miners having to enter

stopes. Poor recovery due to dficult ground conditions or excessive dilution can

transfomi a promising ore deposit into an uneconomic rnineralization. These risks must be

assessed and quantified so that appropriate extraction strategies can be implemented.

These concepts are shown on Figure 44.

 USE0 AT: ATHOR: M i n a A M a n DATE n10007-0 WORKHG RW E R DATE CONTEXT:
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IOE: NU"JBER
b e s s Risks of Mining Method with P r o p e d
A2234 Stoping Design I

Figure 44 - Diagram A2234 - Assas Risks of Mining Method with Proposed

Stoping Design

The Design Mine Excavation Supporl System activity, decomposeci on Figure 45, defines

the primary system that will support the stoping operations. This activity involves selecting

a mucking and hauling system that will match the sue and quantity of muck produced by

the stope (Figure 46). It also involv& sizing up the drifts, levels and stations so that

equipment will be able to use them effectively and locating them properly. Other

inf?astructure design includes locating and sizing up a ventilation system that will provide

fiesh air to the working areas.

 USE0 AT AUTHOR Mado A M a n M T E 2000462 WORKPJG REMER M T E CONTUT
P R O E C I Integmtea ComMeripid U Mine R N 2000-IMPWIFT u
OwgnlPIanning c l .
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NODE: TmLE: NUYBE"

Design Mine Excavation Support System
A224 I

Figure 45 - Diagram A224 - Design Mine Excavation Support System

The work done during this activity will esfimate the prmhction resarres requirements,

that is the drilling, excavation and haulage equipment required to support the production

objectives of the mine. This information, in conjunction with the mine development work

(for the infiastructure), will be used during the economic anaiysis phase for estimating

capital costs as well as operating and maintenance costs.

1 USE0 AT: AUThMI: M m o A Mmn
PROJECT: Intaamad Camputanaad U Mina
DATE 2 0 0 0 4 6 2
REV: 2000-12-0

1 I
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NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 9 10

Mining L i m a
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Shms h Rimps S a@
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IOE: TTfLE:
Design Muck Handihg System
A2241

Figure 46 - Diagram A2241 - Design Muck Handling System

5.4.3 Prepare Long-Term Development and Production Schedule

The purpose o f preparing a long-term schedule is to establish the broad, long-term

development and production objectives, identifj. the work areas as well as estirnate the

overall value o f the deposit. As illustrated on Figure 47, the long-term schedule also

involves estimating the required labour and equipment resources for supporting the

development and production objectives.

USE0 AT: AUTHOR Mino A klmn IRwai DATE COHTMT:
PKOJECT: Intsgrilmd Canputsnad U Y n e
DeSgn@inning RECOMMENDE0
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TITLE: Repare Long-Term Developrnent &
A23 Production Schedule I

Figure 47 - Diagram A23 -Prepare Long-Tenn Scheule

5.4.4 Evaluate Project Economics

With a long-tenn schedule in place and an assessrnent of the resource requirements, it is

possible to evaluate the economics of the project. This work involves estimating the costs

as well as the revenues for the various time periods and calculating one or more economic

indices like net present value or rate of retum. in addition, because of uncertainties in

inflation rates, metal prices and production costs, a nsk analysis is performed to determine

the sensitiviy of certain variables (O'Neil and Gentry, 1992). If the project meets or

exceeds certain economic criteria (Le. desired rate of retum), the project can proceed

otherwise changes in the long-term schedule, the company's strategic plan or the cut-off
grade may be required to irnprove the economics. These econornic evaluation concepts are

illustrated on Figure 48.

10012 HUMBER
T ITLE. Evaluate Project Economcs
A24 I

Figure 48 - Diagram A24 - Evaluate Project Economics

5.5 Perform Short-Tenn Planning

Short-terni planning involves al1 planning and scheduling activities within the near future.

The smaller time f h n e makes it possible to estimate the costs and forecast the revenues

much more accurately. As illustrated on Figure 49, short-tem planning involves

confirming the production areas, designing the required secondary stope access and
establishing a detailed schedule capable of meeting the production objectives. As weil,

short-term planning is concemed with budget preparation and revenue forecasts.

JSEDAT. AUTHOR m n o A ~ m n R W E R M T E OOMEXT

PROJECT Intagrilad Canpitinaad U M n a
OesgnlAinnIng , O
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -M U

Figure 49 - Diagram A3 - Perform Short-Term Planning

An essential component of preparing and validating the detailed schedule involves the

determination and allocation of the required resources. The required resources wiil depend

on the development and production milestones to be satisfied and the priorities of the

work to be performed. if critical milestones must be met, then extra resources may be

required, even if they are needed only on a short-term basis (e-g. hire contractors). It is

important to evaluate the nsks associated with any schedule. Although experience is
fiequently used for setung the schedule, other techniques can be used. Simulation is a

valuable tool for validating a schedule especially if the simulation is based on realistic data.

Other tools, like CPM or PERT,taken fiom the project management area, are ofien used

for planning and improving the schedule (Antill and Woodhead, 1965; Macpherson et al,

1995). These concepts are shown on Figure 50.

- -
- -

Figure 50 - Diagrarn A33 - Prepare and Validate Detailed Schedule

The results of short-term scheduling activities are a short-tem plan complete with

committed resources as well as the identification of resource shortfalls or excesses and an

updated long-terni plan. These results will be complernented with a budget and revenue

estimate for management to consider and approve.

5.6 Pertorm Plan Support and Monitoring

Al1 development and production plans need short-term plan support and monitoring.

Suppon activities involve ensuring that resources will be available when required as well

as providing technical support and monitoring. to the operations. Figure 51 shows that

technical support involves several activities like surveying for excavation control, drilling

and blasting design, grade control, ground control and ventilation monitoring.

OOE TITLE:
Provide Monitoring 8 Technical Support
A42 1

Figure 51 - Diagram A42 - Provide Monitoring and Tecbnicai Support

There are other activities like the preparation of engineering and workljob standards,

monitoring costs and evaluating the productivities of the labour and equiprnent resources.

The costs and productivities will be used to improve future budgets and schedules. There

will also be several government reports that will be produced. Production incidents,

rockbursts and falls-of-ground must be reported. As well, up to date surveys of the mine

excavations must be kept. Finally, plan support and monitoring will keep the short-term

plan up to date.

5.6.1 Monitor Excavation Work (Surveying)

Figure 52 shows that surveying activities have two main purposes: to locate and a l i p

where the excavation will be and to measure the size of the h a 1 excavation. Surveyors or

engineers must prepare layout drawings for use underground identifjing the benchmarks

as well as the required data to perform the survey. Work headings must be aligned

properly before mining crews can start the work. Once the excavation work is complete,

surveyors must measure the size of the excavation as well as its actual position. This work

will be used to monitor the progress (Le. update the short-tem schedule) as well as

calculate the work incentives or bonuses to the miners.

Figure 52 - Diagram A421 - Mooitor Excavation Work

5.6.2 Design DriUing and Blasting Layouts

As shown on Figure 53, drilling and blasting suppon work involves the preparation o f

iayout drawings as well as the inspection and foliow-up of drilling work, explosive loading

and fragmentation analysis. This follow-up work is essential in monitoring and maintaining

quality. Improper drilling and blasting can have severe consequences such as loss o f

miwral resources dilution of grade, ground control problems, mucking and muck

handling dficulties.
USE0 AT. ATHOR M8no A M a n REAOER M T E CONTEXT:
PROECT. Integrlad Computenzed U Mice
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NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PBLI~TY)N _A42 %

Short-Tm Plan w a t e 1

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DE: TITLE: NUUBER

Design Drilling 8 Btasting Layout
A422 I

Figure 53 - Diagram A422 - Design Driiiing and Blasting Layout

5.6.3 Monitor Ground Conditions

An essential component of operations is maintaining stable and safe mine excavations

through ground control. Ground control work is "hands-on" work requiring observation

and monitoring of the mine. Falls-of-ground, rockbursting, and in some cases, ground

support failure incidents must al1 be investigated and reported to the regdatory agencies,

as s h o w on Figure 54. As well, ground control personnel will be responsible for

monitoring the excavation through instrumentation, participating in d e t y meetings and

training sessions, and reviewing proposed mining plans.

 --
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I USED AT: W H O R Mana A M a n MT: ~~~O-O~-(I=WORI(LNG ~AEADER M T WNTEXT:

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NODE. T l 1LE; W8ER
Monitor Ground Condiims
A424 I

Figure 54 - Diagram A424 - Monitor Ground Conditions

5.6.4 Monitor Ventilation Network

Ventilation and air conditioning are required for maintaking safe working conditions for

miners as well as cooling down the equipment. Adequate ventilation is a mandated

regdatory requirement. Ventilation is used to maintain adequate oxygen levels as well as

dilute and remove air contaminants. Ventilation monitoring involves measuring air

velocities as well as contaminant levels in specific parts of the mine. Ventilation network

analysis is used for estimating the required air flows as well as evaluating the impact of

changes to the ventilation fans and the baffles, as iliustrated on Figure 55.
USE0 AT:

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10012 MJMBER
TITLE: Monitor Ventilation Nework
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Figure 55 - Diagram A425 Monitor Ventilation Network

5.6.5 Implement and Monitor Short-Term Plan

Implementing and monitoring the Short-Term Plan is generally the joint responsibility of

the engineering, operations and maintenance departments. The engineering department

provides technical support when it is required. As well, cost and schedule tracking is an

important fiinction to ensure that the plan is being carried out within the time allowed, the

resources allocated and the available budget. If discrepancies are found or problems are

noted, then a prompt response is required to bring the work back in line with the schedule.

These concepts are s h o w on Figure 56.

 DagnrPiinmng

NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
1 RECOMMEWU)
1 PUB1lCATK)M
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Figure 56 - Diagram A44 - Implement and Monitor Short-Term Plan

5.7 Summary of SADT Modeling

This chapter has presented a logical and structured view of the mine design and planning

process. The complexity of the diagrarns and the degree of interrelationship and

interdependence are well illustrated. To simple the presentation, not al1 models have been

shown. The reader is referred to Appendix D for a complete listing of dl the diagrams

including defiriitions of the activities and data flows.

 CHAPTER 6

REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

The requirements anaiysis performed as part of this thesis is for the possible design and

implementation of an integrated computerized underground hardrock mine design and

planning system. This work was initially completed for a large multi-national base metal

Canadian mining Company as part of a major business process re-engineering effon based

largely on a vision of a fuliy robotic mine. As such, the requirements analysis reflects some

of this company's experience, practices, desires and objectives (Morin, 2000% 2000b,

2001). However, the requirements analysis work is generaly applicable for other hardrock

mines due to the relatively generic nature of underground hardrock mine design and

planning. The requirements outlined in this chapter as well as Chapters 7 and 8 are a

synthesis of literature review, papers, intemal documents and reports, conversations and

persona1 experience.

This thesis covers only the more cntical and relevant aspects of the requirements analysis.

The requirements analysis approach is based on the Volere Requirements Specification

Template defined by Robertson and Robertson (1999). Table 5 lists and categorizes the

table of contents for the template.

 Table 5 - Volere Requirements Specification Template

1 Catteom 1 Content 1
Project Drivers Purpose of System
The Client, Customers, and other Stakeholders

1 Pmduct Constraints
Users of the Svstem
1 Requirements Constraints
1 Namng Conventions and D e ~ t i o n (Terminology)
1
s 1
1 1Relevant Facts 1
Assumptions
Functiond Requirements , The Scope of the System

Functional and Data Requirements

Non-Functionril Requirements Look-and-Feel Requirements i

1 Performance huirements 1
1 Operational Requirements I
1 Maintainability and Portability 1
, Security Requirements
Cuiniral and Political Requirements
Le@ Requirements
Project Issues Open or Unresolved Issues
Possible Off-the-Sheff Solutions
1 New Pmblems Caused by the System 1
Tasks to be Done
Cutover Issues or Conversions from Existing Systems
Project Ri&
Proiect Cos&
Waitinp:Room or Future Issues
Ideas for Solutions or Development Options

6.1 Project Drivers

Project drivers are the busness-related forces that push forward the needs and capabilities
for a specific product or system to be analyzed and documented.

6.1.1 Purpose o f the System

Depressed base metal prices worldwide and a very cornpetitive mning industry means that

Canadian mining operations must become more efficient and productive. One way to be

more efficient is to make better use of resources including engineering knowledge. Curent

mine design and planning practices are a mixture of semi-integrated computer-assisted

planning software dong with stand-alone computer-aided drafting (CAD), misceIlaneous

commercial software tools, in-house developed tools and manud methods. The result is a

poorly integrated set of tools that generally results in duplication of data, increased work

efforts and is unresponsive to mining environment and market changes. This lack of

responsiveness is introducing lag within the system that eventually affects the overall

profitability of the mine.

The traditional methods used are not conducive to determinhg an optimum design or plan.

Better designs are frequently a matter of trial-and-error with little opportunity to fully

analyze and optimize the design. Design and decision-making knowledge is frequently

stored in the minds of the designers, making it difficult for others to access even if they are

aware that it exists. This knowledge disappears when these people either leave the mine or

retire. Frequently, this knowledge is not passed on to more junior people. These junior

people will likely have to re-solve the sarne problems, make the same mistakes, and hire

the sarne consultants to help them.

Table 6 summarizes the reasons behind the development of an integrated computerized

mine design and planning system.

Table 6 - Probkms and Shortcomings of Traditional DesignlPlaaning Practices

It will become clear that just cornputerking the desigdplarnllig procedures will only achieve

part of what is t d y feasible and desirable. The fidl benefits are obtained only d e r intelligence

is added to the systern: intelligence for decision-making. In addition, the system must be able to

make the best foreca~sand estimates, provide advice, and make the best plan it can accordkg

to these forecasts while taking into account corporate objectives and physical constraints The

system must also be able to make effective timely changes to the plan when new, significant

information cornes in. Thus the integrated mine design and planning system not only integrates

and manages information, it must also integrate and manage loiowledge.

6.1.2 Client, Customet and Stakeholders

The Client is typically the person or Company that pays for the development of the product

or system (from now on referred to as the System). The Customer typically buys the

System for his or her users to utilize. In this particular case, the Client and Customer are

the same.
Stakeholders are people who have an interest or say in the System's requirements or

capabilities. This interest may be direct as for day-to-day users of the system (Le.

geologists, engineers, planners) or indirect as for information technology people,

managers, supervison, warehouse, accounting, human resources, purchasing, business

analysts, legal experts, domain experts, union groups and govemment regulators (e.g.

Ministry of Labour). It is obvious that the Client, Customer and Stakeholders of the

System have the greatest say in the makeup of the product. M e r all, the product is meant

for their use.

Domain experts are there to provide advice on how the System should be put together, the

functionalities that are needed and aigorithm to be used in the design. Domain expertise

will be required in the following areas for the design and development of the core systems:

Graphics and visualization

Surface and solids modeiing
Object-oriented design
Databases design
Simulation engine design and construction
Expert systems and decision-support systems
User-interface design
Usability engineering
Cornputer networks
System designers
6.1.3 Users of the System

The foiowhgs are considered primary and secondary usen of the System:

Geologists (exploration and mine)

Mining engineers
Mine planners (engineers, technologists, technicians)
Mine surveyors
Ventilation personnel (engineers, technologists, technicians)
Ground control personnel (engineers, technologists, technicians)
Mine production personnel (i.e., shift bosses, captais)
Project Managers
Cost controliers and accountants
Mine management (i.e., department heads, mine manager)

The characteristics of these users as well as some of the other stakeholders are listed in
Table 7. Some users may suffer from poor vision, color-vision deficiencies, and poor

hearing. In terms of education, most if not al1 will have a high-school diploma. Many will

have a 2-year or 3-year college diploma in mining technology or surveying. Professionals

will have a university degree in geology, mining, electrical or mechanicd engineering,

commerce or business administration. A few will have post graduate degrees in

engineering or business.
Table 7 - Users Characteristics
Uut N a m Uwr Rda SiibJtcMacr T-Jwrkacc
Expcrbnce
(Jeologists Dcfine mine geology, grades, resnves, Generally cnpnt Variable dcpending on experience. Likcly
1 and grade cokrol know~ed~cable in softwari. Diploma
Mining Engincers k i g n and plan mines, selcci mining Generally eKpn( Variable depending on experience. Likely B.Eng. Key User 2
1 method, equipment and infrastnidtue 1 1 knowledgeable in software, M.Eng. 1 1
Mine Planncrs 1 Repare
- production
- schedules, budgets
- [ Variable. Entry- position
7
1 Variable depending on c&ence. Likely B.Eng. 1 Kcy User I
to errpert kn~wlcd~eable. ~ikelye k d to A U ~ O ~ A D . ~iplo-ka
Minc Surveyors Layoul produdion layouts and mensure Generally eKpeR Variable dependingon clrpcrience. Likcly cxposed Diploma Kcy User 4
progress IO ~utoCAb. I 1
Ground Control Maintain stable ground conditions for enerally expert Likcly exposed to numerical modcling software. M.Eng. 1 Key Uscr 1 5
Pn~nuicl mining Diploma 1
Ventilation Pn~nuiel Measute and maintain air quality in mine Generally Variable depcndingon cllpcncncc. Likely cwpwcd B.Eng. 1 Key Uscr 6
knowledgeable 10 ventilation software.
Mine Production Executc produdion plans, monitor -
Variable cny position Likcly more limited in tcchnical software.
Personnel workforce d mining to knowledgcablc Diploma User
Project Managers &fine and e w k mining projecb, Variable. Enuy position Likely knowledge of office type software. B.Eng. Secondary
cons(nidion to cxperl Diplorna Uscr
CM Controllns Modtor cxpm~es -
Variable cny poeition Likcly knowledgc of officetype software. Diploma Sccondary
io knowlcdgeable B.Com. User
Acco~manis Moniior costs Qenerally citpcct Likely knowledgc of oflice typc and accounting B.Com. Sccondary
software User
Mine Supcrvism Depattmcnt hcrds Limiitd knowledge to Variable dependingon experiencc. bgr~ Secondary
knowlcdeeahlc user -
1 Mine Management 1 Mpnrging (he mining operation, making 1 Very knowledgerblc 1 Likely knowltdge of oflictypc software, B.Eng. Secondary
B.A. 1 user 1
M.B,A,
Information Maintains computcr equipmcnt, aoftwue Limited knowledgc Very knowlcgeablc , B.Sc. Secondary
Tcchnology Personnel su* Diploma user
M h P c r f m (hc labour required in the Limited knowledge Likely lirnited Diplotna Secondary
production plan. 1 user I
Maintenance Personnel P d m thc maintenance needadon he Limited knowledge
- IO Liely limiid High-school 1 Secondary
equipnenl knawledgcablc
Mining Regulators Enfacm compliinc wiih applicable Vcry knowltdgcablc Variable dcpendingon expnience, Likely
mining ruid occupational hcrilih knowledgable in office-typc soflwarc.
rcmilations
The users are generaily highly motivated to do a good job although some may be bored

with the repetition. They are generally well trained, however, some positions are entxy-

level positions. These junior people will be supervised by more expenenced staff Attitude

to technology varies depending on age and motivation. Younger people tend to embrace

the new technology due to naturai enthusiasm and the desire to learn and move ahead.

Older personnel, likely closer to retirement, may be less motivated. Some personnel,

particularly those with strong union beliefs, may view the technology with suspicion,

especially ifjobs may be lost or displaced.

Most of the personnel will have been exposed to computers to some extent and will kely

have basic office-type software knowledge. Others may be highiy trained in specific

applications lilce AutoCAD, Datarnine or numerical modeling software. Generally, a higher

level of cornputer literacy can be expected with higher education levels and lower age

groups.

Age of the users will Vary between 23 years to 65 years with the majority of people being

between 40 and 60 years old. The personnel are predominantly male however some

females can be found in the industry.

Table 7 also shows which users are considered primary users of the System and those who

are not. Primary users are considered key to the success of the System and will have

precedence over ail secondary users.

6.2 Project Constraints

Project constraints i d e n t e how the System must fit into the world. The range of

constraints can be quite broad and could include interfacing to existing or using hardware

and software, fitting within a specified budget or delivery by a certain date. AU constraints

form part of the final System specifications and requirements.

6.2.1 Solution Constraints

1) The System should be designed using object-oriented technology (OOT). OOT is

viewed as critical for the long-term maintainability and extensibility of the System.

2) The System should be programmed using the C- language. C" offers a complete

prograrmning language complete with objectsnentation. The language is a mature

product and several commercial libraries and tools are available to extend its

capabilities.

6.2.2 Implementation Environment

The System will Iikely be implemented in a diverse computing environment equipped with

mainfiames, workstations and PCs interco~ectedusing an Ethemet-based network. In

some cases, the surface-based network may be connected to an underground leaky-feeder

communication system for equipment control and remote sensing. While office conditions

are relatively clean, the underground environment can be hot and dusty, cold and damp to
wet. Underground computer systems can also be subjected to mechanical vibrations and

impact shocks.

6.2.3 Extemal Systems

The System will likely have to be interfaced to several extemal computer systems. These

systems are implemented to support other fnctions within the mine. These knctions

include production costing and tracking, accounting, purchasing, warehousing,

maintenance, payroll and human resources. These tnctions are typicaiiy database

applications that are implemented on m&ames. Interfacing to these applications may be

simple if interfacing tools are available that support the SQL standard or difncult if they

are old text-based legacy applications with no SQL links. Some applications, for example

payroll, are in-house creations custom-built to meet the demands of the task. There may

be also problems obtaining permission to set links with these applications from the

departments that controls them.

6.2.4 System Implementation

The Mine DesignPlanning System will be implemented in a networked computer

environment with the System available from both surface and underground locations. It

would not be unreasonable for a production s u p e ~ s o ror even a miner to request a

download of a mine plan or to view a production report using a portable computer (Wcely

a Pen-based system) from an underground location. The database information stored on

one or more central servers would be available to authorized personnel who need access

to the information.

It is expected that the Mine DesigdPlanning System will eventually be implemented in

conjunction with a Production Control and Monitoring System as previously iilustrated in

Figure 3. The Production Control System would h c t i o n in reai tirne, downloading

information and instructions to underground equipment as weU as receiving data fiom

underground sensors. The Mine Design/Planning System is not a real-time system.

Instead, the Mine DesigdPlanning System would be used for design and analysis, as well

as process simulation. The updated mine plans would be stored in the Mine Model located

in a central database server. The Production Control System would have access to the

central database server to obtain new mine planning information as well as being able to

upload survey information to update the Mine Model. The updated Mine Model would

then be available to the Mine DesigniPlannhg System for future work. This results in one

common Mine Model that is consistent and kept up to date. Both the Production Control

and Monitoring System and Mine DesigdPlanning System would have access to other

corporate systems as required. The Production Control System would likely interface with

the Mine Information Management System (MIMS) for tracking production statistics and

costs. The Mine Desigfllanning System would access the MIMS to get valuable

production statistics and unit costs for improved scheduiing and budgeting.
Figure 4 illustrated in simple form how the Mine DesigdPlanning System would interface

with the Production Control and Monitoring System, the underground environment and

the surface-based computer network.

6.3 Terminology

This section of the Requirements Documents provides definitions of al1 terms, including

acronyms, used in the project. Appendix C contains a temiinology List for this document.

6.4 Relevant Facts

These external factors rnay have an effect on the development of the System but are not

mandated requirement constraints. Some considerations include the nature of the company

itself. Does the company operate in more than one country? Ifso, the System rnay have to

support various currencies. The System rnay have to be designed with a flexible interface

capable of supporting multiple languages. There may aiso be cultural considerations.

Colours have different meaning in different cultures. An icon used in an interface design

rnay be clear to a North American user but completely obscure to an Australasian.

Does the company operate more than one mine in a mining area feeding to a common

mill? tf so, the System rnay have to be able to handle al1 the mines as one large site with

several individual deposits. Mill feed control rnay be a primary production objective.
The System rnay have to support multiple measurement systems (i-e. metric and imperial).

Mixed unit data sets are not unusual. The System rnay have to support multiple survey

grid systems. Frequently, mines will have two grids, one based on UTM coordinates and a

local grid based on the orientation of the orebody. Local grids are logical because they

simplify the orebody interpretation and mine planning process. Drawings are typicaily

produced on plans, long sections (i.e. paralie1 to the strike of the orezone) and cross-

sections (Le. perpendicular to the strike).

Other considerations inchde the technological expertise of the workforce. 1s the

workforce accustomed to using computers? 1s automation comrnon or is most of the work

done by labour?

The company rnay have specific definitions unique to the culture of the organization.

These definitions should be listed. For instance, mineral resource classifications rnay have

certain implications as to their accuracy and the quality of the reserves estimate. The

company rnay have specific ore evaluation formulas for calculating the ore value. These

formulas would consider metal grades of one or more metals, ore recovery and dilution.

Ore reserves rnay be segregated into different ranges and classifications.

The company will likely have a complex costing process for allocating indirect production

costs like tramming, crushing, shaft and hosting facilities as well as ventilation and

purnping costs to workplaces. Other costs to be allocated include overheads like support
personnel, marketing, property taxes, and corporate office charges. These wsts must be

allocated fairly to the difEerent workplaces. Incorrect allocations tend to obscure and

distort the cost picture thus making economic decisions more difncult. Cost accounts rnay

be setup by accounting on a separate extemal system. The Mine DesigdPlanning System

should be able to interface with that system to maintain consistent accounting code

numbers.

The company rnay have specific planning horizons designed to meet its production and

budgeting objectives. All planning horizons must be able to work together while providing

the necessary level of detail. The company rnay also have specific mine planning,

production practices, budgeting practices and d e t y issues to be mnsidered. The System

should be able to emulate these practices when it is logical to do so. There may also be

specific reporting considerations. Depending on the requirements of the users, reports rnay

be generic in nature to very specific.

Development and production resources rnay be allocated dierently. There rnay be

different shift schedules to consider. Work incentives (i.e. "bonusy') will have to be

included, however bonus rates can change over time.

6.5 Assumptions

It is important to identie and describe the assumptions made dunng the requirements

analysis process. Assumptions made rnay influence the System. For instance, it rnay be
assumed that the operating system will be Microsofi Widows NTm.This assumption will

influence the selection of libraries that can be used for the development process. There

may be assumptions that corne about because of corporate standards or lack thereof

There may be assumptions made on the delivery of parts of the Systems, software

components availability and suitability, software tools, etc. Assumptions may be made

about the technological environment in which the System wiU be developed or operate.

There may be assumptions made about compatibility or dependencies with extemal

systems.

6.6 Thc Scope of Work

Figure 57 illustrates the scope of work for the Mine DesigdPlanning System through a

work context diagram (not to be contirsed with an SADT context diagram). Note that the

context diagram includes more than the intended System. Unless we understand the work

that the System wili support, there is liale chance of building a product that will fit cleanly

into its environment. The adjacent systems on the context diagram indicate other subject

matter domains (systems, people and organizations) that need to be understood.

For the Mine DesigdPlanning System the adjacent systems, people and organizations are:

Mine Information Management System (MIMS)

Payroll and Benefit System
Corporate Office
Exploration Department
 The Mine's Production (or Operations) people
Regdatory Organizations

The first two are cornputer systems for accounting control, the next three are internat

departments or people within the mining organization, and the last two are regdatory

organizations specializing in labour and rnining development/production issues.

Work Partitioning

Table 8 is an event List identifjhg the business events to which the Mine DesigdPlanning

work responds. The business events are user-defineci. The response to each event

represents a portion of work that contnbutes to the total fiinctionality of the System.

These business events also provide the sub-systems that can be used as the basis for

managing detailed analysis and design.

System Boundary

Figure 58 iIlustrates graphically the business events, the users and the System boundaq

listed in Table 8 as a Use-Case diagram-

Figure 57 - Mine Design/Planning System Work Context Diagram

172
 Table 8 - Business Events Applied to Mine DaigdPIanning Work Cootext
No Even 1 IapatrnJ<Wpa
1 Exploration Dept provides gcologid i n f i i o n for designhg a d plamring mine. Gcological and G+ophysicalData
(in)
2 Exploration Dept provides a rough geologid mode1 that is fiuiha r e f d by in-fiIl drilling and Geological Model (in out)-
operationsprovideci to thc Mine Dcsinn/Plar-g.
3 The Corporate Oflice &fines its production objectives based on M d Rcfm'es hvcntory, Long-ttnn Roduction Objectives (in)
Schedule and f o r e c d maricd conditions.
4 The Cocporate Offia analyzes metal cocrsumption and production to esublh a fhxastcd dprie Meal Pria Fonmas (in)
for mineplanning purposcs
The Exploration Dept provides exploration cost data for evaluating the orebody and detcmwiingthe
mineral rescrves.
The Mine DesignlPlanningesablishesthe mineral mseavcs bascd an the acbody @and tonnage,
h Exploration Costs (in)

minng. *method metal prie. Imgimn schedule and issues it to the Caqmmc OBicc for the purpcise of
*
optunitingitscocporatestfatcgystfatcgy
The Mine DesignlPlanningcsbblishcs the long-term schedde bascd on r rleftcd produdon rate, hg-terrn SctKQlle(out)
carporatc objectives and the M d Resemes nventory and issues than to rhe Conmate OfIce to la
1 them o p h k is mining/qidon macgy.
8 1 The M k DesigniPlanningpcparrs and submit?r a Closuie Plui to ihe MNDM far the e v 4 closurr 1 Closurc Plan (out)

(m)
11 The Mine DcsigdPlamiing requins Supplies and Consumables cost data to p ~ p u is
c Sh-tcnn Supplia and Corwmubla Unit
Rodudon Scbedule and Budget Availability is used to dc(nminc whcn to ardcr supplia Cost Daia and AvaiIibility (in)
12 The M i DesigniPlanning r e q u k mining Activity Average Cost data to pepue i(s Shoit-tcrm Acivity Average Unit
Roducicn Sdwdule and Budget. Pmductivity and Coas (m)
13 The Mine DesignlPIiumingrequircs Wage Rates and bmfm to prrparr ils S b - t c n n Pmduction WagcRa&sd&ncls(in)
Budget
14 The Mine DesigniPlanningroquircs Lbour Availability to preparc its Short- Roducticm Schedule b b o u r Availability (in)
andto~ifmorrrrsourccsarcrequircd.
1S The Minc DesignlPlanningprcparrs a Short-tcrm Sctiebult and Budget for the Roduaionpeople to Short-tecm SchcQle ud Widga
J use. 1 (wt)
16 1 The Mine DesigdPlanningpcpares Fmecastd Tomuges and Grades report for use by rhe -011 1 Fmcasted Tomaga aud Grades
(out)
17 The Corporatc C3Rice approvesthe Short-tenn SchcQile and Budget so as to la promictionbcgin or Expcnditure Appmvals (in)
continue.
18 nie Mine DesigdPlarming prepares Development and s t o p Layouts f atfic Fmduction people to use in Dtvelopnmt and Layouts (out)
conjunaion with the Short-tum Schedule and Widget
19 The Minc DesigtwPlarming -prq>lrrs
. . and subMts Minc Plan Reportsto the MOL to keep thcm uadak Minc Plan R e- p m (out)
- -
of min in^ activhies.
Bwdon the Devclopmcnt and Laywts, S U ~ V ~ ~ O fian C S the Mine DesigniPlanning align the Roductim S w c y Work (in -out)
people and m u r e pro- as wcll which u used to check the pmgrcss of the Short-tcrm Scliedule as
well as calculate work inccntivcspaymnits
The Mun Design/Plamillig calculates work pmgrrss and use it to calculate Work incentivespaymmt Work incentives Calculatiorrs
for the labour fom. (out)
The M i Dcrign/Plannbgrcceives incident Rcpoots fian the Roductim -people - anci . (in)
Incidan Rtports - -
recodhvesti& t h !&rious Incidents will k rrporledto the MOL
The Mine DcsignlPllrniing calculatcs Safety Statistics and issues thcm to the MOL SIfcty Stntistic~(out)
The Mine DesigdPlamiing acquires Minoseismic and Monitoring- Data to chcck the
- - of the Microseismicand Mcmitaruia -
1 mine to mining aciivities. 1 Data(in)
25 1 The Workplace Accwnt informaticm is s t d in the MIMS and is uscd to ~ccumulatecost and 1 WcnIc~laccAccount (in)
- -
1 ezrpenditurc infinmation as mining- . I
26 1 The MIMS prcparcs production rrpoiis for both the Mine DcsignlPlanningand Carpontc Officc to use 1 Roductim Reports
. (in)
. .
in evaluahg the pmgm of the Short-tenn Sckdulc and to vaify thai Roduction Objectives are being
met.
Thc MIMS prepares production feporls for both the Mine DesigrilPlamhg and Corporatc W ~ c to c use Firimcial Reports (in)
in evaluating the pmgms of ttic Short-tenn Schedule and Ehdgct.
Figure 58 - Mine DesignlPlanning Use Case Diagram
 CELAPTER 7

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE SYSTEM

Fundonai requirements are what the Mine DesigdPlanning System must do. For clarity

of presentation, much of the detailed results of the hnctional requirements analysis are not

presented here. Instead, the fnctional requirements will be grouped under broad

categories.

The very nature of requirements requires that they be written in the form of a

specification. The use of the terms "shall" and "will" is common when preparing

specifications as they indicate a mandatory requirement. The terms "should" and "could"

imply an optional requirement that could be ornitted ifnecessary.

7.1 Overall Mine DesigdPianning System Requirements.

The System shall be able to maintain separate the current mine model and mine plan (i.e.

for production) fkom models or analyses under consideration (Le. temporary). There will

be a need to integrate a comprehensive model and plan approvaVcheckout system for

approval of changes and revisions to the mine modeVplan (Le. change control

management). Security is a concem and the current mine model or plan is not t o be

updated or replaced with a new rnine model or rnine plan unless authorized by someone

with the appropriate clearance. Revisions to the mine model or mine plan should be

logged for auditing purposes and stored for joumalling purposes. The System must be
capable of supporting multiple users, located in one or more areas that may be linked by a

communication network.

7.2 Con Systems Requirements

7.2.1 Database Engine

The database system is a critical core system of the Mine Design/Planning System. The

data generated has to be stored, manipulated and retrieved in an efficient manner. Much of

the data is spatial in nature and wil need to be accessed via the visualization system.

However, there wili be a need to be able to access the database information outside the

visualization system. The data stored within the database system wiil be accessed by ail

other applications. It is critical that this data be protected from loss or damage.

The database system shall be closely coupled with the visualization system for storing

spatial object attributes. This information shall be accessible both inside and outside of the

visualization system. However, it is expected that some of the spatially based information

will be accessible only within the visualization system.

The database system shall be flexible. It should be possible to adapt and modify easily the

database structure through the database administrator as required by the users and

application programrners. The database system should support the data dictionary concept

for making changes to the database structure. The database system s h d have a

comprehensive querying system for searching the database. The database system shall
have a comprehensive and flexible report generator for creating or modifjing reports by

the user. The database system shall operate in a multi-user, multi-tasking, distributed

client-server type networked environment. The database shall provide concurrency

control, providing selective locking capabilities to maintain control over simultaneous data

access by two or more users and to avoid deadlocks. Locking capabilities shall extend to

an individual field of a record or data object. The database shall provide comprehensive

but flexible security and authorization checking through the control of a database

adrninistrator and the use of an access control list. The database security system shall be

capable of generating an audit trail of unauthorized access.

The database system shali provide high availability to the mine desigdplanning systern.

The specified availability is 99.5% or higher. If required the database system shall be able

to roll over to a dserent cornputer system in case of software or hardware failure. The

database system shall be able to monitor and report its performance and database

transaction demands. The database system shall provide an acceptable response tirne. AU

database transactions shall be handled within a reasonable arnount of time for both average

and peak loads. The database system shali be able to generate multiple indexes to improve

searching capabilities and maintain an acceptable response time. The database shall

provide an intemal system to check for data integrity. If the data integrity is lost, the

database shall be able to remove and correct the erroneous data. The database system shall

be able to recover properly in the case of software, system, hardware or power failure.

Incomplete transactions shall be removed fiom the database, and placed into a temporary
file and the database system shall retum to its previous state. The database administrator

shall be alerted for a decision on what to do with the incomplete transactions. The

database system shall provide flexible import/export capabilities under the control of the

database administrator and as permitted by the user's privileges. The importlexport

capabilities will support a wide range of industry file formats.

7.2.2 Geometric Modeling and Visualization Engine

The mine design and planning system requires sophisticated 3-D surface/solids geometric

modeling and visualization capabilities as one of its core systems. The required

sophistication is due to the diverse nature of the minhg information. A partial list is

outlined below :

Geology or rock type (e-g.ordwaste, norite, diorite, etc.)

Geological structures and discontinuities (faults, joints, etc.)
Diamond driii information (e.g. drill hole location, assay or grade profile)
Ore grades (individual metal, metal equivalent, or caiculated NSR value)
Stope outlines (e-g.blasthole, cut-and-fill, VRM, etc.)
Development outlines (e-g. shafts, raises, drifts, ramps, levels, stations, etc.)
Installed facilities (e-g. power Iines, water pipes, compressed air lines, bacml
lines, etc.)
Survey information (e-g. points and iines)
Cavity surveying (Mah et al, 1995) (e-g. cornparison between planned and
measured, cavity progression over time or dilution estimation)
Surface topography (e.g. elevations)
Ground stresses and strains (e.g. vector data from geomechanical analyses)
 Microseismic data (e-g. event location, magnitude, energy released, t h e of
event)
Production scheduling (e-g. colour coding stopes rnined during different time
periods)
Equiprnent movernent (Le. objects)

The geometric modeling component provides drawing tools for creating and manipulating

spatidy based data. The visualization system provides tools for displayhg the data thus

transfonning it hto uifonnation. The visualization system provides tools for r e n d e ~ gand

contouring this data. The visualization system acts as an intenace to al1 the spatially based

data (e.g. geology, mine, numerical stress analysis) for querying, displayhg editing, and

saving purposes.

The geometric modeling and Msualization shall be designed and implemented using object-

oriented technology with ail graphic primitives including annotations and dimensions being

true objects. The geometric modeling and visuaization s h d be designed and implemented

for a 3-D coordinate system. The geometnc modeling system shall provide the capabilities

to create, edit, manipulate (Le. move, copy, cut, rotate, scale, and renarne), undo, Save,

retneve, delete the following graphic object entities:

Points
Lines
Splines, beziers, NURBS (Piegl, 199 1)
0 Polylines (i.e. composites of arcs and lines)
 Polygons (irregular or regular closed shapes like circles, arcs, ellipses,
squares, rectangles)
Surfaces, flat planes, polygonal meshes (Foley and Van Dam, 1982)
Solids (regular and irregular shapes, octrees)
Objects (abstract representations, e.g. a truck or a drill)
Annotations (text and notes)

The geometnc modeling system must provide an application programmer's interface (AH)

to permit complete customization of the modeling system. The API system should be

complimented with a macro language to permit the creation and execution of complex sets

of instructions for creating user-defned routines or parametric programs to aid in the

design process.

Solid objects shall be implemented using a tinear octree-encoding scheme (Kavouras,

1992; Bak, 1991; Jiang, 1998) (Le. an adaptive sub-division block modeling scheme with

arbitrary resolution) based on NURBS (Non-uniform rational B-splines) surfaces (Fisher

and Wales, 1989).

The geometric modeling system shall provide the foilowing 3-D surfacedsolids modeling

capabilities:

Create, edit, delete, store, retrieve surfaces manually or from a block model
Create, modiQ, delete, store, query block model (including Boolean union,
intersection and difference operations on blocks) fiom pre-defined or
calculated surfaces
 Create a solid frorn a user-defined polygon following a pre-defined path or
spline through space (for defining drifts, raises, ramps, s h a h and other regular
shaped objects) often referred to as extrusion or sweeping.
Create a solid from the "skinning" of consecutive polygonal sections (for use
in orebody modeling and creating irregular shaped solids)
Determine the centroid of a polygon
Measure areas of polygons
Merge two or more soiids into one solid having weighted attributes
Section or split a soiid into two or more solids have similar attributes
Detect intersections (interference checking) of solids
Detect solids located within a pre-dehed zone of influence
Calculate distance between solids
Calculate the centre of mass, volume, or surface area of solids
Convert solids to other representations (e-g. octree to B-rep)

The geometnc modeling and visualization shall provide basic computer-aided drafting

(CAD) capabilities. These capabilities shall include the following:

Extensive constructive geometry

Dimensioning
Annotations
Blends and Fillets
Trimming
Snaps and Tolerances
Cutting planes
Collision and interference detection
Projections and elevations
Measure angles and distances
 Inclusion of custom libraries and templates
Import/export capabil~tyto other CAD formats

The visualization system shall be integrated with the spatial and non-spatial database

systems. A mouse, tablet and/or a digitizer for selecting, picking, and highlighting objects

displayed on the screen shall be used as an interface to the system and shall be designed

with a WIMP interface (Le. Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers). The visudition

system shall be capable of working on one or more objects smultaneously, providing and

supporting multiple viewpoints or viewports on the screen that have full (but selectable)

associativity. A change in one viewport should result in the automatic update of the other

viewports. For pefiormance reasons, this feature should be selectable by the user. Basic

graphic transformations shall be performed dynarnically (i-e. rotation, scaling, and

translation, zooming). The system shali provide and support basic viewing controls (Le.

perspectives, shading and rendering) for the visualization of the following type of

geometric, surface and volume data:

2-D point (%y)

2-D scalar (%y, magnitude)
2-D vector (%y, magnitude, direction)
3-D point (qy,z)
3-D scalar (&y,& magnitude)
3-D vector (x, y,z, magnitude, direction)
lines
surfaces (triangulated, meshes)
volumes and solids
Support for arbitrary slicing, orthogonal slicing, and threshold slicing of objects displayed

on the screen shdl be provided as well as interpolation tools and algorithrns (local fit,

cubic splie, triangulation, and Kriging).

The visuaiization system shall support the geomechanics numerical modeling system by

providing the following capabilities:

Pre and post-processing capabilities for numerical solver

3-D mode1 import/export of models
Automatic mesh generation and adaptive mesh refinement
Creation, storage and display of static images based on numerical results for
creating animation sequences
Materials (i.e. rock type, bacldl) libraqddatabase
Displaying of vector field data (flow visuabation)

Basic presentation graphics capabilities shall include the following:

Pie charts, bar charts, x-y plots, scatter plots, line or curve graphs, histograms
Freehand sketching and painting
Input of scanned images with manipulation and processing capabilities
Integration of text and annotations

7.2.3 Simulation Engine

The System needs to integrate a simulation engine as one of the core systems. Mine

development and production consist of a series of interrelated and interdependent

processes that in turn comprise several activities requiring resources (Le. equipment,
labour, suppiies, time). The metrics used to descnbe these activities and resources are

generally in the form of statistical distributions for which simulation is very amenable.

Simulation offers one of the better ways to mode1 and analyze the complexities observed

in the desigdplanning process and in particular the planning and scheduhg work.

However, simulation can be used at ail stages of the mine Mie cycle to find answers to

complex questions as shown on Table 9. Other benefits include:

The analysis of complex interactions between syaem components where cause and
effect are not readiy apparent.
The detection of system bottlenecks caused by shortcomings in capacity or
unreliable equipment.
The determination of optimum equipment fleet and capacities.
Scenario analysis for impact on system caused by introduction of new technology.
 Table 9 - Application of Simulation to the Mine Life Cycle
Systeni Life Cvde Appcrdion
Strategic Planning Froduction requirements
Degree of automation suitable
E.vpected mine lif
JAxw versus capital intensity
Minuig Strategy Desirable mining flexibility
Mining melhod seldon
Extradon seledion
L
Operationai philosophy
Detail Design Production System Design Material handluig specrfications
Equipment selection
Manpowerrequitements
Mine layout
Production rate detemimtion
Operaiion Planning Shiftscheduling
Production planning
Equipment chedulng
W o & - i I l - p m ~levefs
Activity timing
1
EquipIImt Ipwul and +ty
Operation and Mine Operations BoienedEproblems
Maintenance Day-tO-w = M g and secluencing
preventivemaitenancescheduling
Equipment ~eliability
Quality control in erdration process
Stockpiles control
Expaiison of production capacity
Addition of eqpipment
Impaa of new technology
REconfiguring the mine

Table 10 lists some of the more wmmon questions for which mining simulation can be used to

provide m e r s (adapted nom Joseph and Mies, 1990).

Table 10 - Typical Performance Metrics Used in Mining Simulation Work

Rework rate 1 Lateness in scheduie

~ ~ p ~ S y J d e n i s
Ore -ment between stations Totalupame/down!ime
W r o c k tonnage in transit Utilization

Maintenance tnes
Travel timesempty Totalnoofmoves
Idle/downtimes Totaldistancemoved
Blocked times

Deveiopmentiproductioncrews 1 Maintenancecrews
Bortkacdra
Percentirdili;raton capacity c b ~ ~ g e ~
Primalybotunedrs c?u==i=
Potentialbottl~ Waiting tima

In mining simulation work, we are primarily interested in simulating the process of

breaking or excavating the orehock from the orebody (or workplace) and moving it either

to surface or to a place of disposal. Thus, to be truly usefl as a planning and scheduling

tool, the simulator must make it easy and quick to create, run, validate and modiQ a

process model (INCO, 2000. pers. cornm.).

To achieve this goal, the simulation engine must provide the foliowing f'unctionalities:

The simulator must be integrated with the mine planning and scheduling system.
The simuiator must extract Eom the mine spatiai model:
 The mine layout (geometry of minhg blocks, location, orientation, types of
development and s t o p and development sequence and pnority).
The ore reserves data (stope sue, tonnage and metai grades, specific gravity).
The ground (or rock mass) conditions
The haulage network conditions (degree of interference, congestion, ske of
travel headings, ore pass capacities, hoisting capacity)
The mine short-temi schedule must be described in terms of processes that the
simulator understands. The processes must have intrinsic knowledge of the activities
required for each process. Each activity must have cleariy d&ed resowce
requirernents. Each resource must have ceitain costs, productivity and reliability data
associated with it, defined as statisticd distxibutions.
The activity-based costing system
There must be d e s for assigning resources between cornpetmg activities and processes
or when axtain events occur during the simulation.
There must be a rock fkgmentation mode1 (Cl& 1987; Lizotte, 1990, 1991) that
considers rock mass conditions, explosive types and powder fctor and related impact
of muck distribution on equipment productivity.

7.2.3.1 SimulatodPlannerArchitecture

The integration of a simulator with the mine planning and scheduling system represents

one of the more cornplex components to design and implement within the integrated Mine

DesigdPlanning System. There are several reasons for this complexity as illustrated on

Figure 59. The mine network is constantly changing and evolving as rnining progresses.

Ground conditions in stopes, drifts, ore passes generdly deteriorate as the mine ages and

the overall extraction ratio increases. The available resources have certain capabilities and

Limitations. A well-designed simulator will be able to consider these factors. As well, the
simulator must have a set of rules for making decisions, allocating resources, and

optimizing production.

Mining Process Flowcharts and Required Activitia/Resources

The simulator/planner shall be designed on the concept of process flowcharts that describe

the activities and the associated resources required in every process. These processes shali

be used for defining a work schedule. Examples of rnining processes are listed in Table 11

and include drifting and raising for development work, and C&F and VRM for aoping

operations. The process flowcharts must contain the flow of pnmary activities as well as

the decisions that are used in controhg the flow. Thus, the process flowcharts describe

the simulation logic. This process description approach pennits the evaluation of

modifications to the process activities.

Table 11- Mining Processes for Use in SimulatiodPIanning Work

Productioa Procemm
Longitudinal Cut-and-FU Mining
Drifting Transverse Cut-and-Fil1 Mining
Station Cutting Longitudinal Mechanized Cut-and-Fil1 Mining
Rai sing Transverse Mechanized Cut-and-Fil1 Mining
Slashing VRM Stoping
Longitudinal Blasthole Stoping
Transverse Blasthole Stoping
Longitudinal Sublevel Caving
Transverse Sublevel Caving
Block Caving
SRM Mining
Shrinkage Mining
Room-and-Pillar Mining
Post-Mar Cut-and-Fil1 Mining
Undemit-and-Fi11 Mining
Figure 59 - General Mine Simulator-Scheduler Architectural Model
 An example of simulation logic for the C&F mung process would look as foliows:

1) Excavate access drifts or crossnits to stop (depending on whether the minuig is

longitudinal or transverse)
2) Excavate or raisebore the ventilation raises at ends of the stope
3) C&F minllig is simulated more or less k e a development heading (Le. drill, blast, load,
haul, instal ground support and services). Jumbo drills or handheld jackiegs are used to
drill off each round-
4) At the end of each sIice or cut, fil fences are built.
5) BacM is poured and dowed to cure for a preset arnount of tirne.
6) The access to the stope is adjusted and Steps 2-6 are repeated until the entire stope has
been rnined out.

The simulation logic for VRM rnining would look like this:

1) Excavate top sill Eom aiblevel (similar to dewlopment headings) using jurnbos drills
2) Excavate bottom siii fiom footwa access drift
3) Excavate footwall crossinits and drawpoints to bottom s a fiom access drift
4) Instail cablebolts support (ifrequired) fiom bottom sill
5) Drill down holes using an ITH drill fiom the top dl
6) Blast down a lift
7) Muck out the lie ushg remote LHD
8) Repeat blasting-mucking process (Steps 6-7)
9) Prepare for backfiiiing by building fl fences
10) Pour bacW and let fil cure for preset amount of t h e

While there are similarities between the two methods (i.e. both methods retreat vertically using

horizontal slices), there are many differences. DEerent drilling equipment is used. In C&F
mining, each round is drilleci and blasted individiially. h VRM, the entire stope is drilled off

prior to production blasting. In C U mining, each cut is filled prior to mining the next slice. In

VRM mining, backfiihg can only be done when the stope is rnined out. C&F mining is

considered an entry method while VRM is not. As weii, each method has diffrent equipment,

resources, productivity, dilution, recovery, and costs.

Each process contains a series of activities. Tables 12 and 13 List potential developrnent

and production activities and sub-activities that would be used in defining the mining

processes of Table 11. The metrics for simulating these activities are aiso included. It must

be noted that these simulation metrics will likely be in the form of statistical distributions.

Metncs for development activities are typicaliy set on a distance basis (Le. footage or

metreage advance or round). Knowing the length and size of the heading makes it simple

to estimate time required and costs for the work. It should be noted that it is a simple

matter to transfer the simulation metncs from footage (or metreage) to round if the

footage per round is known.

Metncs for stoping activities are based on tonnage of ore/rock. Tonnage is easily

estimated fiom the stope volume (frorn the mine spatial model) and rock mass specific

gravity (which depends on metal grades and rock type).

Table 12 - Development Activities and Simulation/Mtasureme~~t
Metrics
Primary Actirity Sub-Activity Mete
Development Drilling Jumbo Drillhg Hours per Foot (or Metre)
StoperIJackleg Driliing Cost per Fwt (or Metre)
Development Raising Alimak
Conventional
Raiseboring
1 Hom per Foot (or Mme)
Cost per Fwt (or Metre)

Dropraising
Loading Explosives Handloading H m per Foot (or Metre)
Buikloading Cost per Fwt (or Metre)
Mucking LHD MucluBg only H o m per Foot (or Metre)
( 1000 A haul) Cost per Fwt (or Metre)
instailing Ground Support m g Hours pet Foot (or Metre)
Rockbolting/Rebars/Screen Cost per Foot (or Metre)
Cablebolting
Shotcreting
Reconditionhg w g Hours per Foot (or Metre)
Rockbolting/RebadScreen Cost per Foot (or Metre)
Shotcreting
Installing Ventilation Tubing Fgid Ducting Hours per Length
Flexible Du&p.
Compressed Air Hours per Length
Water
Fil1
Installing Cables Electrical Hours per Length
Communication/Network
Installing Chutes Hours per Chute

By conside~gthese metrics and knowing the a p p r o k t e quantities hvolved, the process

flowcharts can be used for preparing the short-terrn schedule and the simulation model. For

exampIe, if a certain size drift (say 4 x 5 metres) cm be advanced ushg jurnbos at the average

rate of 0.75 metre per hou, it is possible to calculate how many hours (and thus shifls) will be

required to advance 100 metres of drift. Sirnilarly, if a siope is to be M e d off using an ITH

drill that can penetrate the rock at a given rate, it is possible to calculate how long it will take to

drill off the entire stop provided we know how long the holes are and how many holes are

needed. If the powder factor is known, the blasthole volume and the number of holes c m be
 estirnateci. With the addition of some cost metrics, we could caldate approxixnately how much

it would cost to drill off the stop.

Table 13 - Stoping Activities and Simulation/Measurement Metrics

PrSmary Activity Sub-Advity Met&
Production Drilling Jumbo DriUing Hom per Ton (or Tome)
ITH Driliing Cost per Ton (or Tome)
1 Longhole Drilling

1 Loading Explosives 1 Handloading 1 Hours per Ton (or Tome)

Installing Ground Support
1 1
Mucking
(includes Ioad and dump)
Mucking and Hauiing
LHD Mucking and Tramming
FiU Barricade Constmction
Bacffilling
Oversize Drilling and Blasting
Tramming
Conveying
Rock Crushing
I Skipping
! hd-Haul-Dump
~ulldoading Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Scaling Hom per Ton (or Tome)
Rockbolting/Rebars/Screen 1 Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Cablebolting
LHD Mucking ody Hours per Ton (or Tome)
Cost per Ton (or Tome)
LHD Mucking and Truck Hours per Ton (or Tome)
Hauling Cost per Ton (or Tome)
Hours per Barricade
Cost per Barricade
Hour per Fil1 Ton (or Tome)
CO& per Ton (or Tonne)
Drill and Blast or Hours per Ton (or Tome)
Rokbteaker Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Lmd-Haul-Dump Hours per Ton (or Tome)
Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Hom per Ton (or Tonne)
Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Hours per Ton (or Tome)
1 Cost per Ton (or Tonne)
Hours per Ton (or Tome)
Cost per Ton (or Tonne)

Associated with each activity are certain resources (i-e.equipment, labour, and supplies). For

example, bolthg and meening would require a crew of two miners, a scisson Ml,jackleg or

stoper drills, bolts and screen, compressed air, and driii water. We can associate with the

resources certain measurement metrics iike costs, productivity, availability and reliability and
use these metrics for planning and scheduling purposes. These attriiutes would be describeci

using statistical distributions for simulation purposes.

Equipment Considerations

simulation work, we are ofien interested in analyzing the complex interactions

that take place between the various pieces of equipment. The impact caused by variations

in equipment performance can be subtle and simulation can provide insight that wouid

difficult to obtain using other methods. Table 14 some potential parameters

interest when anaiyzing and comparing equipment.

Table 14 - Equipment Considentions for Simulation Work

Coiiluderation 1 Pamnccr of Inkrcst
Performance Characteristics [ Machine geometry (physicai dimensions and weight)
1 Effect of -de on travel mecd 1

cycle rimes I
Mechanical availability
Breakdown and repair characteristics
Motor horsewwer
1 Fuel wnsumption (for diesel engines)
1 Maintenance and operating costs 1
Lifelcycle costs
Equipment Reliability Causes for breakdowu
Time between failures based on opetatinp: hours
Time to wait before reoairs can start in hours
1 Average repaU time or time to fix in hours 1
-

Component reliability
Failure costs
Table 15 Iists some o f the equipment attributes or parameters required for miing

simulation work. These parameters must be described using statistical distributions. The

simulator WUbe able to work with these statistical distributions.

Table 15 - Equipment Attributes Requind for Simulation Work

Dfill M m Holus
Hours
Collar Drill Hole Hours
Penetration Rate MetxedHm or Feet/Hour
Puii Drill String Hours
Change Bit Holus
Bit Li& Metres or Feet
Mfxhnical Availabiliiiy Pmentage
Mean Time Between Failure H m
Wait T i to Repair Hours
Mean Tirne to Repair Horirs
Explosive Leader Move Hours
Hours
E%plosivesLoad Kgs or Lbs
Biasho1e Fil1 Rate K~ourorLbs/Hour
Mechanical Availability Perntage
McanTRetweenFailure H m
Wait Time to Repair Hours 4
Mean Time to Repair H m
Powder Factor Kgfonne or W o n
LHD/ TNCW Tram BucketLoedTii Hours

MoveLoaded Hours
Tuni Anwad Hopus
MechanicalAvailability .- Percentage
Mean Time Between Faiiure Heurs
Wait T i to Repair Hours
Mean Time to Repair Hours
Bucket F i Factor Peroentage
Tonnage Per Budret (Ore) Tonnes or Tons
Tonnage Fkr Bucker (Rock) Tonnes or Tons
The simulator shall be capable of ushg statisticai distniutions for defining parameters or

attributes that vary stochastically. All mining resources have perfocmance and reliability

characteristics that cm be best d e s c r i i using statistical distributions. These characteristics

include fdures, productivity, availability, t h e distniutions for loading, unloading, re-locating,

and acceleratiodspeed curves for distance travelled and so on. Statistical distniutions can dso

be applied to LHD bucket 6il factor, penetration rate for drills, muck produceci per blast and so

on. The simuiator shall be able to consider component reliability for equipment pieces. For

instance, it should be feasible to for a planner to examine the reliabii impacts of engine,

power drive, drill bit, steel, rod hanier and so on for a specific drill.

The simulator shall provide statistical and modeling tools for analyzing raw data and

determining suitable distributions. These tools would include fimng algorithm as weli as

"goodness of fit" tests. The sniktor s h d be able to d e s a i the equipment attributes for

both generic cases (e.g. the load tirne for a typical6-yd LHD) and s p d c instances (e-g. the

load time for a 6-yd Toro LHD with a 250-HP motor).

The simulation system shall be capable of spe-g dflerent equipment allocations for

different activities. Sometimes, equipment is shared betweeri development and production

actinties. For example, LHDs are fiequently used to muck a development round first and then

assigned to move some s t o p muck.

7.2.3.3 Haulage Network Simulation Requirements

The sirnulator shall be capable of extracting the haulage network model and the material

handling system from the spatial mine model (mine layout) including both existing and

proposed (or to-be-excavated) layouts and status. The simulation network shaii use the

same workplace names contained in the schedule when creating the network.

In simulation work, a mine haulage system is typidly represented by a network of nodes

comected by segments (Macaulay, 1984). Drifts and raises are broken into straight

segments with further breaks inserted at intersections ifrequired. The geometry consists of

the beginning and end point of the centerline of the bottom of the segment (although some

other location can be selected). Direction is important in indicating which direction the

drifthg or raising will proceed. Nodes not only indicate the start and end of segments, but

they can be used to indicate workplace locations, ore pass locations, and chutes among

others.

Each segment must have a unique number assigned to it for reference and be cross-referenced

to two nodes as well as information about the segment itseK typically a sequence that includes

orebody name, level information, workplace ID as weli as a description of the type of

development, and its rank. Each network n d e must have a unique number assigned to it that

is used to iden* it.

The segments shaii be clasdieci based on their material handling chacteristics (Macaulay,

1984). Active segments indicate that mechanical equipment will be used to move ordrock fkom

one location to another whereas gravdy moves ore/rock through the passive segments. Passive

segments, those where material flows by gravity are required to have a de6ined capacty (in

tenns of tonnage) since passive segments all have storage potentiai within the haulage system.

Passive segments also need to have a discharge rate specified Cui tondhour or torneshour).

The haulage network shall include both exkting and proposeci headings. The simulator must

keep track of the changes to the spatial network, adjusting dynarnicdy the network to be used

by the equipment. Specific Uiformation about heading dimensions, grades and M a g e

conditions shall be embedded within the network. This information, coupled with the mine

equipment data, wiU be used to calculate travel speeds as well as detennine potentiai travel

paths. If a heading is wide enough, two pieces of equipment shall be able to p a s one another

or one equipment piece rnay be able to overtake another (if perrnitted). The network shall

contain information on possible tumoff points where one piece of equipment can tum off and

wait while another is wming through.

Through the hauiage network and the equipment specified, the simulator shall understand the

limitations af the equipment in use. For example, an LHD can travel in a drift, dong a level or

sublevel, or along a ramp, but it can't travel dong a raise. An LHD can travel along a shafl

provided that a cage big enough to cany it exists. The simulator must know where the

equipment normal starting points are (e.g. parking areas, service areas, s t o p , load points,
dwnp points, etc.). Using the schedde, the mine planner will assign destinations and routes to

the equipment (as weil as alternates). If multiple equipment routes are possible, the snulator

should be able to select the best route using a network-solving algorithm. Selection criteria for

the best route could include minimum travel tirne or lowest unit haulage cost.

The simulator shall able to calculate travel speed for mobile equipment based on

pedormance charactenstics and travel path conditions. An LHD will travel slower with its

bucket fuli than empty, or faster going downgrade than up a rarnp, or slower through a

congested or foggy heading or a rough haulage road. The simulator must be capable of

accounting for the age of the mining equipment and the maintenance strategies used by the

Company when determinhg equiprnent performances and characteristics. Old, poorly

repaired equipment wili not operate the same as new equipment.

Table 16 lists a set of codes that the simuIator/planner shall use for descnbing the status of

a mining block or workplace as it changes during its Me.

Table 16 - PotentiaJ Mining Block Status Codes

I Status code Satus Dacription
On Stanby Waitinp:for something else to complete
AccessioIe Mining can start
Complete Mining is fished
Blocked Minine: is not possible due to block king inaccessible %

I Uneconornical 1 Mining is not possible due to inadequate economics 1

Working (Activity) Mining is proceeding and cunently performing the specined '
activity
7.2.3.4 Specific Mining Simulation Requirements

The simulator shali integrate an expert system to provide decision-making capabilities

(dispatching or production objectives) for modifjing the simulation "on the fly". Potential

dispatching or production objectives shall include:

b) -
a) Fixed dispatch (no re-allocation of equipment to another workplace unless a
breakdown occurs)
. .
tnicIdLHD utilization (truck goes to loading point or LHD goes to a draw
point where it is expected to load at the earIiest opportunity)
c) Maximize drill utilization
d) Maximize ore throughput.

The simulator shall respect the five conditions below when attempting to optirnize

development and production activities:

Equipment must be available.

Manpower must be avaiiable.
The heading or s t o p must be physically accessible.
There can be no restrictions imposed by nearby activities (adjacencies).
There can not be a workplace with a higher-priority rank (dehed in the short-tenn
schedule) that meets ail above requirements and is competing for the same resources.

The simulator will respect minimum resource (equipment and labour) requirements when

attempting to opbimize production. The simulator shali respect equipment assignments when

attempting to optimize production. For example, equipment assigned to production crews will

stay with production crews. The simulator shall be capable of respecting equipment assigned to
operate in specific work areas or zones. The information regarding specific work areas or

zones shail be contained within the equipment attributes and the spatial model.

The simulator shall respect minimum manpower requirements to c a r y out the scheduled

activities and minhg processes when attempting to opumize production. The simulator

will respect crew allocations when attempting to optimize production. Typically,

development crews are kept separate Grom production crews. This has to do with matters

of efficiency and the ease with which a miner c m be re-assigned nom one crew to another.

The simulator shall be capable of using a crew efficiency factor when it is required to

dflerentiate one crew from another. It must be noted that not all crews are equal. Some

crews are more productive than others based on experience, skilis, training or motivation.

An efficiency factor can be used to dierentiate one crew from another. This permits

comparisons between union miners and contractors or even miners fiom different

contractors (e-g. J.S. Redpath versus Dynatec).

The simulator shall respect minimum required times before starting new activities when

optimizing production. If possible, the scheduler should take advantage of adding new

activities (i.e. tasks or jobs) in a shift when time is available o r resources are idle,

particularly in development headings (where blasting at fked times may not be required).

However, there is usually a minimum amount of time required in a shift to make such a re-
assignment worthwhile. This time requirement has to do with getting the gear, setting up

and doing something useful.

The simulator shall be able to consider the tirne and advance requirements for installing

support services (Le. ventilation, piping, and cables) d u ~ development

g work. During the

development cycle, seMces will be advanced by a certain distance as long as there is

enough advance (minimum advance threshold) and idle t h e available. If no idle time is

available during the cycle, development can proceed until the total advance exceeds the

maximum advance threshold before another round can be advanced. For ventilation in

particular, there is a legal requirement to have fresh air blown a certain maximum distance

away fiom the face. Note that the advance thresholds must be at least as great as the

install length. The precedence in service installation is ventilation first, followed by

pipelines and cables last.

The simulator shall be designed to accommodate the factors listed in Table 17. The simulation

system shall be capable of specifyug a different number of shifts for different processes. For

instance, it is not unusual to carry drilhg and blasting operations on two shifis per &y while

production mucking is done using three shifts.

 -
Table 17 Other Relevant Simulation Parameters
Parameter -
Descripba Commeiit
No of S h W a y Based on miauig ac!ivities
No of Working DaysWeek Operational Decision by bhagemnt
No ofDays Simuiated Based on schedule to be simufateci
Size ofTime inmernent Baedonlevelofaocuncydesired
Sqdem Units Imperialordcunitsbut~~nsi.crent
Eneaive No ofHourdShifi Depends on travel distance, teleqxmtion, coffilunch breaks
Random Seed No. Couid be tnily randomizedor PseudO-randDmimd

The simulation system shall be capable of specifying the available number of working days per

year as well as the number and tirne duration of the M s . The scheduler shall be capable of

handling annual shutdowns for major maintenance work as well the legislative requirements for

grnualholidays (which are based on years of senice) for the workforce as well as statutory

holidays (a total of ten in Ontario). The mine planning and scheduling system shal be capable

of handling the issue of overtime rates when calculating labour costs.

The simulation systern shall be capable of considering the effective number of working hours

per shift. Most workhg shifts are 8 hours long however, they can be as long as 12 hours.

Labour laws alro have specific requirements on the length of time that a miner can stay

underground in any one day.

The simulation model shall be capable of being validated. Validation of the model shall

consist of comparing actual mean tonnage hauled per hour versus simulated. The

difference between the two values shall be within the 95% confidence interval (based on

an un-correlated paired t-test).

The user shaU be able to define the period to be simulated. Once initial conditions are set, the

simulation can proceed, accumulating the performance metrics desired by the user.

7.2.3.5 Production Delays and Equipment Downtime and Repairs

The sirnulator shdi be capable of including equipment delays and fdures in its sindation.

Delays at nodes can occur for a variety of causes:

A node is ocacpied by another piece of equipment (which rnay be operating or may be

down)
A counterpart equipment piece is not present or is down at an equipment interaction
node.
A passive segment to which a machine dumps to is full.
There is no more ordrock at a source node.

The sirnulator must check which delay condition exists when it is present and repeat this check

until the condition (i.e. cause of the delay) is removed. Delays can also o c a r in segments

(active and passive). Each roadway segment has a dock at each end to indicate the amount of

time remaining before tratnc m e n t l y in the segment wi exit. The simuiator must check the

skut and end tirne of any new piece of equipment about to enter the segment. If the segment is

ocnipied, then the equipment piece must be delayed until t is kee. The length of the trafac

delay d depend on the sub-dass ofthe roadway segment. Some segments wiii aow only one

equipment piece in the segment at a the, and some wiii d o w two-way passage with

overtaking capabiities.
The simulator shall be capable of sirnuia~gdelays caused by ground control problems or other

system Mures. Like equiprnent pieces, it is possible to define fdure distributions for:

Haulage drift failure (ground support/fall of ground failtue)

Drawpoint fdure (muck oversize)
S t o p fidure (hangingwall coliapse)
Ore and waste passes failure (plugging or collapse) (passive segments)

The simulator shall be capable of moeling equipment downtime with information Wre the

MTE3F (Mean Time Between Failure), the WTTR (Wait Time to Repair) and the MTTR

(Mean Time To Repair). The impact of s p d c component f'ailwes can be examineci in a

simiiar fashion provided data is availabie conceming the relative Wure fiequency of the

components.

The simulator shall be capable of considering the options available when a piece of equipment

M s at the work face. When a piece of equipment fails at the work f&e, it can tie up awess.

Tied up access means that development or production cornes to a hait until access is restored.

It may be cntical to restore access to the work face as quickly as possible. The downed

equipment can be repaireci at the face or towed to the shop for repairs. The decision will have

to be base on the priority of the work fce,the tirne to make repairs, the t h e it takes to free

up the work face and the towing t h e to the shop. Also, an idle work aew costs money and

does not produce. The sirnulator must be capable of deciding when a work crew shall be re-

assigned to a new workplace.

When a piece of equipment fds, the simulator shall look at the standby lia of available
equipment and make a suitable s e l d o n or allocation depending of course on the nature of the

fidure and the expected duration. It may not be worthwhile replacing an equipment piece if the

delay wiU be short (say l e s than 1/2 SM). The simulator shall look where at the iiiure has

taken place and the type of failure encwntered before deciding on a course of action. For

instance, a failure at a loading point, a dumping point or in a narrow cirifi means that no other

equipment can move to or fiom the node or segment umil the block caused by the downed

machine has been removed.

It shall be possible to asign multiple workplaces to each mobile piece of equipment in case

ore/rock runs out at one location or a breakdown in one workplace or in the system occurs.

Mobe equipment that nins out of jobs is put on standby. The simulator wlll look at job

pnorities to decide whether or not an equipment piece should be re-docated to another

workplace and at how much time to wait before the re-allocation is done. Each new job

requires the specification of a si& node, end node and tirne to travel fiom CUrCent job to next

job and to make any preparations at the load node. The shdator shall be capable of re-

assigning equipment to other workplaces when th& job is finished and are now on siandby.

7.2.3.6 Simulation Algorithm

The general steps in a mining simulation are as foliows:

 Define the schedule to be simulated, the minuig processes and activities required, the
available resources and their assignments, the production-Mage network the
statistical distributions.
Initialize aii production statistics variables.
Set the mode1 to reflect the curent work-in-progress, the resowce allocations and the
active workplaces.
Determine the MTTF, WiTR and MTTR for all equipment pieces, stopes, haulage
segments, etc as weU as ail the relevant parameters in the simulation that are defined
using statistid distributions.
Initialize for the shift.
Select the workplace with the next highest priority in the schedule. If no workplace can
be selected, the workpkces are place on a waiting status until resources are fieed up.
Check that the workplace is physicaiiy accessible and there are no restrictions as a
remit of nearby activities (adjacencies). Ifrestrictiom exist, go to step 6.
Check that suffiCient equipment and manpower is available to carry out the scheduled
activity. If resources are missing, re-aliocate thern fiom lower priority activities
otherwise go to step 6
Check the clock for determinhg which equipment has filed, is down, or has been
repaired. Re-assign resources as required. Equipment that has been repaired will have a
new MTTF, W T R and MTTR assigneci to them.
10) Determine the system status for the next incrernent (where ail equiprnent wiil be and
which activities are being pediormed, the tonnage in each stop, storage bins, skips, ore
p,- etc-)
11) Advance the master dock and update the production statistics.
12) Are we at the end of the SM?
Ifno, go to step 9, otherwise proceed to the next step.
13) Generate the shift report.
14) Are there more shifts to simulate? If yes, go to step 4, othecwise proceed to the next
sep-
15) Anaiyze the simulation results statisticay and generate the inalsimulation report.
 The sirnulator shall be able to coilate simulation r e d t s into a report suitable for analysis by the

mine planner. Table 18 lins potential simulation reports useW for mining process and

production analysis.

Table 18 - Simulation Reports

!W f T*
FbCeSs An- S u b p m s s times per deveopment heading or stope
~ Waiting time for each process
Qcie thne for development and production
Equipment utilization and a&
Maqmwer utibfon and c m
Work utikation

1 1 No of work facesand stopes accessible J

The sirnulator shaii use the visualization systern for displaying equipment movements

a d o r development/production advances during the simulation process. The animation

capabilities of the visualization system, in particular, WUbe used to displaying mining

progress over specific user-defined tirne intervals. The simulator shall provide a simulation

monitor for "step-by-step" examination of the simulation in action, history logs, and

simulation debugging.
7.2.4 Expert System Engine/Decision Support

The mine design and planning system needs to integrate an expert systeddecision support

system as one of the core systems. Mining design and planning consists of a series of

interrelated and interdependent processes. Experience plays an important role in making

selections from various options especially when data is sparse. An expert system is a way

to add "intelligence" or knowledge to the mine desigdplanning system by embedding the

experience of geologists engineers and planners within it. The expert system c m aid the

user by asking the right questions and making suggestions. The expert system can also

identi@ data gaps or areas where key or critical decision making information is rnissing.

The expert system can also control the simulation process, making changes "on the fly"

based on observed results. The a h of this control is to simulate the decision making that

would take place naturaliy during the production as conditions change. It is expected that

the expert system would be able to call on the various modules available to it for its

decision making.

For exarnple, during the mining method selection, the expert system would be able to

recommend likely mining methods based on the orebody configuration. If the mining

method is an open stoping method, the expert system could call on the empincal

Mathew's Open Stope Stability calculation for helping in the sizing of the stope. The

expert system could help in sequencing the stoping operations by integrating the

geomechanics numencal modeler. The expert system could automatically create the

necessary mode1 and execute the analysis. Based on the results, ground support strategies
could be included. These results would form the basis for a mining strategy and the

creation of a preliminary schedule. Based on estimated production requirements, the

expert system could help in selecting an equipment fleet capable of supporting this

production level. The expert system could then formulate a simulation mode1 to examine

the probability of meeting this production level and the related costs.

The expert system shall be designed on a rule-based system that supports both fonvard

and backward chaining methods. The expert system shail be able to display the logic used

in reaching a decision when requested by the user. The expert system shall provide a

sophisticated interface for the development and revision of expert system program

modules. The expert system s h d implement a naturai language interface. The

prograrnming language used in the development of the expert system shall be compatible

with the language used in developing the mine designlplanning system. The expert system

shall provide a control language or macro language for controlling the simulation system.

7.2.5 Activity-Based Costing System

The mine desigdplanning system shall implement activity-based costing as a core system

to support decision-making activities. Traditional cost accounting (TCA) methods (or

general ledger accounting) have been used by accountants to monitor and report the

financial health of an organization. K A focuses on grouping the cost items under broad

categories with the focus clearly on monitoring spending. AE3C methods differ fiom

traditional cost accounting systems by assigning the indirect or overhead costs to specific
products or processes by the identification and use of "cost drivers" (Baiden and Zanibbi,

1999). A cost driver is a measurable factor that is used to assign costs to activities and

from activities to other activities, processes or products (Martin, 1998). Activities

consume resources (Le. direct materials, direct labour, all overheads) and products

consume activities. In a mining setting, cost objects could be products, the underground

mine, the rniii, a specific project, individual stopes, or specific mining methods, etc.

Traditional costing systems monitor spending and are accounting toois. ABC systems

monitor resource consumption and are managing/decision tools (Kaplan and Cooper,

1998). This allocation represents a tmer cost picture for identifjing areas where cost

reductions could be made or in ident=g profitable stopes fiom less profitable ones.

ABC systems give visibility to how effectively resources are being used and how aU

activities contribute to the cost of a product or a process. ABC lads to activity-based

management (ABM) where an organization can identifjr activities with disproportionately

large costs and little vuhe-d to the product. Management can then seek to eliminate

these activities, replaced them or reduce their cost. ABM helps management focus on the

important issues, rethink and improve products, services, processes and market strategies

(Brimson, 1997).

Table 19 illustrates a suitable structure for an activity-based costing system for an

underground mine. Costs would be accrued for specific cost centers. A cost center could

be either a workplace (e.g. stope, drift, sh&, etc.) or an equipment piece (e-g. LHD, drill,

etc.). The cost accrued for an equipment piece could also be accrued under a workplace
cost center. Cost i t e m (e-g. supplies, power, etc.) incurred under specinc mining activities

would be accrued to the cost centers at a specific date. Because each workplace and each

equipment piece has a specific account code identification or equipment identification

number, it would become possible to determine accurately where the costs are incurred

and make better decisions.

It would be possible to determine al1 the costs for a specific stope, specinc mining method,

specific piece of equipment or class or equipment. The cost information could aiso be

related to the production data to calculate specific cost metrics liie cost per tonne of ore

moved or cost per pound of metal produced.

Cost metrics can be used for budgeting purposes and provide valuable feedback based on

actual data. Activity-based costs could also be aggregated dserently to suit the needs of a

more traditional accounting system if so desired. For instance, aii electric power costs

could be aggregated under a single cost item.

It should be noted that the items listed in Table 19 are not necessarily exhaustive.

Additional items may have to be added or some dropped. The important thing is that the

activity-based costing system must be flexible to allow customization to suit the needs of

the mine.
 Table 19 - Activity-Based Costing Structure for an Underground Mine

,
Workplaces Cost
Centera
Equipment Cwt
Ceneils
Mining or Process
Actmty
Cost Ittms
I
Stopes JacWeg Drill Surveying
Sublevels Stoper Drill . Primary Drilling

Sills Maclean Bolter Explosive Loading

1 Pillars 1 Electric-hyd. Jumbo 1 Serondaq Drillhg
Drifts ITH Drill Mucking
Level Stations TH Drill Bits Ore Haulage
Levels ITH Drill Rods ,.Rock Haula~e Compressed Air
Ramps ITHDrill Accessories Bolting and Screening Ventilation Air
Cross-cuts Top Hammer Drill Cablebolting Electrcal Power 1
Adits Longhole Drill Shotcreting Water Piping I

Pumping Stations Bulk Expbsive Loader Crushing Cableboits

Ore Passes Scissors Truck Skip Hoisting ScreedWiremesh
Waste Passes Underground Jeep Alimak Raising
Storage Bins Utiity Hoist Raise Boring
Cmher Wheeled Loader Drainage and Pumpinp:
Loading Pockets Road Grader Diamond Drilling
Drv-Chanee Rmm Forklifl Subervision

Substation Equipment Movement Small Pumps

Pump Suppties Delivery Sand Fi11
Paste Fill
Cemented Sand FiIl
i Rock
- --
- --Fill
- - -

1 1 1 Cemented Rock Fill

Diesel Fuel
Lubricating Oils
Greases
Repair Parts
Tires
Small Tools
l 1 Misc. Supplies I
One important aspect of implementing ABC wiil be the allocation of indirect and overhead

costs fairly and representatively to the cost centers. For ABC to be successfiil, it wiil

require the CO-operationof all individuals responsible for tracking costs. Although the c o a

tracking will require more work on the part of the individuals, the benefits gained wiil

more than compensate for the extra work. It is therefore critical that cost allocation

methods be as simple as possible and as clear as possible. Some cost items can sirnply be

counted as rockbolts or metered like &el or electric power. Other items may have to be

aiiocated based on engine hours or tonnage moved or pounds produced.

Activity-based costing requires the following information:

Access to the 3-D mine spatial mode1 (iink to specific objects)

A database of mine process analyses (link to specific activities)
A database for cost data storage
A way of measuring indirect costs to aiiocate them to the appropriate cost
drivers.
Alink with thesimulationmodel

7.3 Primary Systems Requirements

7.3.1 Mine Geology

The System shall provide comprehensive geological data management, data analysis and

modeling capabilities for a mono or poly-metallic deposit.

7.3.1.1 Geological Data Management

The System shall include data management to enter, edit, delete, search, queiy, report,

import and export geological information. The geological information could include:

Diamond dnlled core information

Geochemical soi1 and water samples
Geophysical idormation (resistivity, wnductivity, gravimetric, magnetic and
seismic)
Surface and underground mapping idonnation
Channel and chip samples
Geotechnical and hydrogeological information
Geomechanical (i.e. rock mass data)
Structural data (i-e.joints, faults)
Field stress data (for numericai anaiysis caiibration)
Description, color code, abbreviation, unit weight, specinc gravity, and other
properties defined by the user for pre-defined rock types

The system shall be able to manage the following types of surface and underground

mapping information:

Topographical data f e a t u ~ gpoint and contour information and including

specific surface structures such as buildings, roads, laices, rivers, streams,
utility lines, legal or property boundaries, survey points and lines, grids
Underground features like shafls, raises, drifts, stations, stopes and other
mine openings
Geological features including rock outcrops, sample locations, drilling
locations
Notes and annotations tied to specific rnapping features
7.3.1.2 Geological Exploratory Data Analysis

The System shall be able to compute interactively and display graphically the foliowuig

statistical analysis capabilities for selected variables and geological subsets:

Hstogram generation
Distribution analysis and fitting (e-g. normal, lognormal, etc.)
Scatter plots
Cross-correlation and multivariate cross-correlation
QQ plots (quantile-quantile plot) to compare the quantiles calculated on the
actuai data set versus those of a theoretical distribution
Experimental variograms in any spatial orientation

The System s h d provide the foiiowing interactive modeling capabilities:

Provide different theoretical models to fit the experimental variograrns

Linear and non-linear regression analysis and curve fitting
Tools for unfolding the rock mass before perfonning variogram analysis
Variogram modeling with geometrical a d o r zonal anisotropies
Interactive and automatic graphical fitting of variograms
Selection of variogram models (sphericai, gaussian, exponential, etc.)
Automatic fitting of direct and cross-variograms
Automatic drift identification for non-stationary variables
Automatic covariance recognition for non-stationary variables
Cross-validation of the data
7.3.1.3 Geological Modeling

The System shall provide modeling tools to transform the geologicai information into

surfiaces and solids identifjing and defining geological domains. Geological domain

delineation includes ore and waste zones and rock masses based on specifc rock types.

The definition process shall consist of displaying user-defined information on sections.

Geological information (Le. diamond driiiing core information) located on or nearby to the

section, will be displayed. The geologist, using a pointing device (Le. mouse, tablet or

digitizer) will interactively join points fiom one ciriilhole to another.

The section before and after the section currently under analysis wii be displayed to aid in

the delineation process. Each zone delineated on each section must be closed. The

geological modeler shd transform the 2-Dsections into a 3-D volume by placing a skin

joining adjacent sections using zones of a sirniiar rock type. A conversion algorithm shall

transform the volumes into cmesponding solids.

The geologicai modeler shall provide the following geological domains delineation

capabilities:

Interactive joining of boundaries based on driliing information

User-defined section names
Support "skinning" process over several consecutive sections to fonn a
sunace and transform the surface to a volume by closing the ends
Uniodintersections of surfaces to create volumes
User-defined volume names and rock type
 Use of NURB S to creatddefine susurfaces meshes
Interactive ability to refine/mod@ the surface meshes
Saving of work in progress

The geological modeler shall provide the following sods modeling capabilities:

Automatic transformation of volumes defined by the delineation process into

solids.
User-defined solid narnes
Union (merge) of two or more solids to create a new solid having weighted
properties
Intersection of two solids to define a new solid having weighed properties
Splitting of a solid using a user-dehed plane to create two new solids with
identical properties

The geological modeler shall provide the following display, report and drawing

capabilities:

Use of multiple windows to facilitate understanding and visudization of

geological domains
Printer or plotter output of any sectional (2-D)
or 3-D image as displayed on
screen to a user-defined scale
Drill-indicated ore resources (i.e. volume, tonnage and mineral grades) broken
down by section, solid, and entire deposit
7.3.1.4 Grade and Ore Reserve Estimation

The system shall be able to estimate tonnages and grades using geostatistical techniques

and the inverse distance square (TDS) method. The geostatisticai techniques implemented

shall provide for each selected variable or subset:

Variance estimation of the grades for arbitrary shaped blocks

Several Kriging models (simple, disjunctive, lognormal, indicator, etc.)
Options for Knging and CoKnging (point estimation, block estimation, drift
estimation)
Tools for analyzing the drill hole layout geostatisticdy to make
recornrnendations as where to drill so as to reduce the variance and improve
ore reserve estimates
Tools for performing orebody simulation of grades

The IDS method shall provide the following capabiiities:

a 3-D search ellipsoid capability

user-defined minimum and optimum number of points to consider in the
estimate
user-defined power factor for calculating the weight of each point

The tonnages shall be calculated using the estimated grades, block volumes and specific

gravity for the followings:

For identified geological domains or orezones

For specific stopes or group of stopes
For a specified grade cut-off
The mineral/ore reserves information shall be displayed as tonnage-grade curves.

7.3.1.5 Rock Mass Characterization

The System shall provide rock mass classification tools and incorporate them into a

comprehensive spatial database system capable of storing geomechanical data for future

use. Classification methods shall include Barton's NGI-Q (Barton et al, 1974; Barton,

1988) and Bieniawski's RMR (Bieniawski, 1988) systems.

7.3.2 Mine Design

The System shall provide comprehensive mine design tools for selecting appropriate

rnining and stoping methods, detemiinhg the location and sizing of the mine's primary

accesses, determining an adequate material handling system, exarnining broad long-term

scheduling issues, as well as estimating anticipated costs and revenues for prelirninary and

detailed economic analyses.

7.3.2.1 Mining Method Selection

The System shall implement an expert system to aid the engineer select and design an

appropriate mining method to extract the ore reserves. The mining method selection

process shall be based on geoiogical considerations, geometrical and geomechanical

parameters of the orebody as well as economic considerations as summarized in Table 20.

 Table 20 - Mining Method Seleetion Considerations
Consideration 1 Details
Geological Mineral or metal being extracted
Grade distribution (clearly defined or disseminated orezone, massive or
nuggety, geologically or grade controlled, etc)
Expected production tonnage
Expected dilution or required selectivity
Geometrical Orebody dip or inclination
Orebody width or thickness
1 1 Orebody length 1
Orebody depth
-
Orebody proximity to surface and other land users
-

Rock mass strength of footwd and hangingwall

-
Rock mass strength of orezone
Anticipated groutid support requirements 1
Econornical Production safety
Workforce ski11 level and training requirements
Development time to brinp: orebody to production
1
t

Development and production costs

Manpower and equipment requirements 1
Future closure requirements 1

The expert system shall:

Provide a database of development, production, equipment, labour and supply

costs for each mining method available (typical range, average or distribution).
Provide a database of development and production productivities for each mining
method available (typical range, average or distribution).
Earact geological, geometrical and geomechanical information fiom the orebody
model.
Make recornmendations on a suitable equipment fleet and workforce to meet the
required production rate for the mining method selected.
Provide a database of purchase, maintenance, operating costs as well as
productivity for the equipment fleet recommended.
 Provide information to aid the mine engineer in doing the necessary development
and production layout for the mining method selected while taking into account
the potential equipment fleet and clearance requirements.
Recommend an initial stope sizing and orientation based on the mining method
selected and some empirical stope stability method. The expert system shall then
recommend a mining direction and stope sequencing for the orebody. The expert
system, in conjunction with the visualization system, shall assia in creating a
stoping layout for geomechanical analysis. This layout shall then be transferred to
the geomechanics stress analysis module for stress and displacement modeling. The
resulting analysis shall be used to evaluate potential ground control problems,
evaluate dilution potential and to recommend ground support strategies to
complement the stoping method.
Assist in estimating the anticipated mining costs for the stope layout under
consideration. At this point, under the direction of the mining engineer, the stope
sizing and layout may be adjusted and the process repeated until a satisfactory
layout is obtained.

7.3.2.2 Geomechanics Stress Analysis and Modeling

The System shall provide a set of tools that include empirical, analytical and numerical

methods for calculathg stresses and displacements around the stopes, the orebodies and

the mine.

The System shdl provide an expert system to aid the engineer in performing

geomechanical anaiytical, modeling and design work. The expert system shall provide

guidance in selecting appropriate techniques based on the nature of the rock mass, the

excavation layout, and the speed of the results and the precision desired. The expert
system shall be able to aid the engineer by identifjmg gaps in the data set, and in

interpreting the results.

The System s h d provide and integrate various empirical analysis tools that include the

following:

Multiple rock mass classifkation systems (NGI-Q, RMR and GSI)

Mahew's open stope stability assessment technique (Potvin et al, 1989;
Stewart and Forsyth, 1995))
Mine pilar stability analysis (Hedley and Grant, 1972; Hoek and Brown,
1980)
Cut-and-Fill stope span estimation
Maximum span and estimated stand-up tirnes (Franklin and Palassi, 1993).

The System shall provide and integrate analytical tools that include the followings:

Stereonet analysis of joints and faults obtained fiom geologicai information

(Diederichs and Hoek, 1996).
Stability analysis of wedges based on geologicai data (Goodman and Shi,
1985; Hoek and Carvalho, 1996)

The System shall provide and integrate 3-D numerical stress analysis tools that inciude the

followings:

0 Boundary Element Mode1 or BEM (for linear-elastic constitutive models)

Finite Element Method or FEM (for non-linear elastic constitutive models)
Discrete Element Method or DEM (also referred to as Distinct Element)
 Or
Hybrid Finite/Boundary Element Model (Hoek et ai, 1992)
Hybrid Distinct/Boundary Element Model (De Lemos, 1983)

The System shall integrate the numerical stress analysis tools with the mine geological and

stope excavation model (solids) and the visualization system. Numencal results shall be

displayed using the visualization system, cornplete with r e n d e ~ gand slicing capabilities

for stresses and displacements. Stope sequencing results shall be visualized using

animation techniques. Colour-coding schernes shall be us4 to define the various rock

types, as weU as open or bacffilled stopes and for identifjhg stress and displacement

levels. The user shall be able to create and mod* the numerical model interactively (Le.

change stope sizing, rock mass properties, or stope sequencing) before s o l k g the

problem.

The numencal modeler shall be able to consider and include both the currently existing

mine excavations and the future excavations (fkom a pre-defined minhg plan) when

preparing or generating the geometncal models to be solved. The numerical rnodel shall

provide a way to control the modeling of the stope sequencing, storing and retrieving

intermediate models for analyzing different options from a given set of conditions.

The numencal modeler shall support both elastic and plastic constitutive models. The

elastic constitutive model shall include isotropic, transversely isotropic and orthotropic.
The plastic constitutive models shall include the Mohr-Coulomb, Hoek-Brown, and

ubiquitous joint models. The numencal modeler shall provide a joint mode1 supporthg

both Mohr-Coulomb and Barton-Bandis joint models. The numericd modeler will assist in

the determination of the joint properties. The numerical modeler wiii assist in determning

and setting-up the far-field stress levels and orientation. The numerical modeler shall be

able to consider the stabilizing effkcts of backnll, cablebolts, rock dowels or rock bolts,

and shotcrete on the rock mas.

7.3.2.3 Ground Control and Support Seleetion

The System shall assist in selecting appropnate ground control and support strategies that

are technically sound and as inexpensive as possible. The System shail provide decision-

support capabilities for selecting appropriate gound control and support strategies for

various ground conditions that would range from de-stressed ground to highly stressed

ground conditions while considering purpose, longevity, su~vabilityand costs.

The System shall provide a database of ground support methods that could include

rockbolts, rock dowels, cablebolts, split sets, and Swellex. The database shall contain

design information on typical strength, size, capacities (peak and residual) as well as unit

cost and installed cost.

The System shall provide a database of backtill information that would include cemented

fill, paste fill, rocffill, cemented rocffill, and sandfill. The database shall contain design
information on strength, water and cernent content as well as installed unit costs. The

System shall provide a database of surface support membranes that would include

shotcrete as well as membrane coatings as well as installed unit costs.

7.3.2.4 Primary Access

The System shail provide assistance for the preliminary selection, sizing and location of

the mine primary accesses (Le. shafts, ramps major raises, level spacing* and primary

drifts). For its analysis, the System will take into account:

the mine production rate

the type and size of equipment used
the orebody depth
the rock mass conditions
the orebody orientation and extent (horizontal and vertical)
the mine life
ventilation requirements
costs (includi~gcapital and operational costs)

The System will automatically transfer the preliminary access layout to the mine mode1

where the mining engineer will finalize the design.

7.3.2.5 Mine Feasibility Analysis and Valuation Andysis

The System shall provide a set of tools for evaluating the f&bilty and economic viability

of mining projects and shall consider the following items in its evaluation (Tapia, 1982):
 Exploration expenditures
Property purchase pnce
Permitting costs and environmental deiay period expected
Development and construction expenditures
Royalty payment schedule
Deposit size (mine life and cut-off grades detemiined fiom the spatial position
of the rnining block)
Minerals and contaminants contained in the ore (Le. grade, recovery)
Size of the mining operation being considered (tonnagdday)
Estimated capital requirements (Le. mine, miil, equipment, etc.)
Estimated operating costs (Le. development, production, maintenance,
consumables, supplies, utilities) based on the spatial position of the mining
blocks
Estimated closure costs
Transportation, smelting, refining, marketing costs
Forecasted long-term metal demand and price
Forecasted long-term infiation rate
Required yield or discount rate
Taxation

The valuation analysis shall be tied to a cost-estimating program that is based on activity-

based costing principles. The cost-estimating program could be based on a database of

average or typical costs, average cost curves (O'Hara, 1980; Camm and Smith, 1991;

O'Hara and Suboleski, 1992), andior based on detailed cost sheets, or possibly a

combination of al1 three methods.

The results of the valuation analysis shall be in the form of a spreadsheet containing al1

assumptions and listing on a yearly basis al1 expenditures and revenues as well as

presenting ail relevant economic indicators (Le. NPV, iRR, payback time, etc.). The

economic anaiysis program shall be able to support sensitivity analysis, modwng certain

parameters by some +/- percentage to analyze the impact of changes on the value of the

deposit as well as identifying the critical parameters. The economic analysis shall be

complemented with a risk analysis of al1 critical parameters to gauge the overall risk

associated with the project. Ail information used to derive both a cost estimate and an

economic analysis shall be available for auditing, verification and re-use.

7.3.2.6 Driing, Blasting and Fragmentation

The System shall provide a drilling and blasting design system capable of designing the

following work:

Drift rounds for development and tunneling work

Raise rounds for development work
Ring layouts for sublevel caving operations
Drill rounds for cut-and-fili, shrinkage operations
Blasthole layouts for stoping operations (bench blasting)
VCR blasthole layouts for vertical retreat operations (bench blasting)

The drill and blast design system shall integrate the following information in its design:
 Mine model showing the planned stoping and development layouts as well as
existing excavations
The rock breakage objectives of the production cycle (e-g. tonnage,
fragmentation, etc.)
Operating conditions (Le. development or production work, mining or
tunneling, high altitude)
Rock mass characteristics (drillability, hardness, fiacturing)
Database of explosive characteristics including costs
Database of detonators and initiation systems characteristics
Database of rock and rock mass strength and properties (static and dynamic
properties)
Database of drill equipment operating characteristics, productivity, reliability
and costs (includes drill bits, drill rods, drill depreciation, maintenance and
power)
Fragmentation model
Relationships between fiagmentation, drilling and blasting costs, muck
handling costs, crushing and processing costs.

The System shall be able to extract fiom the 3-D mine model the required stope

configuration, the rock mass information and identify critical structures (e-g. shafts,

mechanical-electricd installations, refuge stations, safety/ventilation doors) for its driliing

and blasting design. The System shall be able to design drill hole firing sequences, delays

and timings for blasting vibration reduction. The System shall be able to design trim blast

hoies and pre-splitting sequences when requested by the user. The System shali be able to

deck explosive charges where required, consider stemming where appropriate and be able

to design the firing sequence and delays.

The System shall be able to run simulations on the firing sequence to determine the

probabiliv of successf1 detonation or exceeding vibration limits. This simulation will take

into account variations in blasting delays as weU as detonation velocity of explosives used.

The results of these snuiations are to be displayed in the form of animation sequences as

well as statistical summaries. The System s h d be able to predict the expected

fi-agmentation based on rock mass conditions, explosives used and drill hoie pattern. The

fiagmentation model used by the System shail be able to be calibrated fkom fiagmentation

measurements obtained 6om scanned photographs or digital camera images.

The System shall be able to place its designs into the 3-D mine model to permit its

visualization. The System shall be able to produce its design in the form of complete

drawings that include a drill hole schedule, explosive charge layouts and firing sequence,

and a bill-of-materials for the blast (powder, detonators, boosters, detonating cord).

Consideration shall be given to the eventual direct uploading of the drill hole layout to an

automated drill.

7.3.2.7 Rock Excavation and Materiai Handling

The System shall provide a material handling design system capable of providing design

assistance in the following areas:

Ore and waste rock handling system (i.e. ore pass system, storage bin sizing,
cmsher, skip size, hoisting requirements)
Determinhg the optimum fkagmentation (Le. for drilling and biasting)
 Equipment fleet sizing (i-e.type, size and number of units required)
Estimating personnel requirements (operations, maintenance and support)
Estimating ventilation requirements
Estimating water requirements
Estimating electric power requirements
Estimating compressed air requirements
Sizing and estimating bacW requirements

The material handling design system shall integrate and consider the following information

in its designs:

The mine model complete with prirnary accesses

Mining method and stoping layout
The long-term scheduie
Integrated database of mining equipment (e-g. LHD, trucks, drills, hoists,
crushers, pumps, fans, etc.) complete with performance data, capital,
operating and maintenance costs, as weli as reliability, downtime and repair
data)

The material handling system, in particular the ordwaste rock handling system and

equipment fleet, shall be closely integrated with the simulation system. Using the

production schedule, the simuiator shall be able to create a representative model and

analyze the performance of the material handling system and its ability to meet the

required production rate. The simulator shall be able to estimate the production capacity

of the system, the probability of being able to meet this capacity, as weli as estimate the
life-cycle costs for the material handling system. The material handling system's objectives

shall be the following:

To meet the required production capacity with a 90% reliability.

To minimize the overall life-cycle costs for the matenal handling system

Life-cycle costs shall include:

Acquisition costs (Le. purchase, fieight, financing, testing)

Operating costs (i-e.fuel, lubricants, tires, operator)
Maintenance (i. e. planned and unplanned)
Ownership costs (Le. working hours, years to depreciate)
Training costs (i. e. operator and maintenance)
Supply seMce costs (Le. spares, inventory, material support)
Software and automation costs
Research and development costs
Retirement and disposal costs

The rnining equipment database shall be linked to the mine maintenance computer system

for obtaining reliability, downtime, and maintenance history and cost data.

7.3.3 Mine Planning and Scheduling

The System shall provide a comprehensive mine planning and scheduling system capable

of handling both long-tenn and short-term planning issues. These mine planning tools shall

aid the engineer in selecting and optirnizing the mine development and production

schedule whiie meeting corporate objectives and production constraints. The mine planning
and scheduling system shall irnplement algorithms to satisfjr one or more of the production

constraints and objectives listed in Table 2 1.

Table 21 - Potential Planning Constraints and Objectives

Pre-dehed mining direction

Currentiy available / accessible production stopes
Required development work
Backfill plant capacity
Hoistingkkipping capacity
Processing plant capacity
Stockpiles or storage bin capacity (ore blending)
Production Objectives
Meeting the rnining, rnilling and production constraints
Meeting production level required
Kemin~;develo~mentahead of ~roduction
~ e e p i drilling
n~ ahead of blasting
Ensuring older areas are reconditioned prior to production
Maximize the Net Present Value (NPV) of the stopes
Minimize intemediate stockpile size
Minirnize ~roductioncosts
1 Maximize production flexibility ( e . ~ extra
. stopes, extra shifts, extra resources) 1

7.3.3.1 Long-Term Scheduling

The System s h d provide a long-term scheduling system that will consider the following

information:

Anticipated daily and yearly production rate

Annual required metal production (pounds or ounces of metal)
Cut-off grade
 Mill feed requirements and constraints (mono or poly-metallic deposit)
Stope sequencing and ground control issues
Required flexibility in development and production
Forecasted metal prices
Forecasted inflation and discount rates

The long-term scheduler shall identiQ and select blocks of stopes to be rnined over a

designated time frame or over one or more horizons. The long-tenn mine schedule shall

contain the order (priority) of the development work and stoping operations to be done.

The order sha be verified for ground control issues using numerical geomechanics

analysis. Ground support issues including backnll requirements s h d be identined early in

the design process.

The long-term scheduler shall be implemented using a project management style of

interface that will display the prioritized stopes on a "GanttY'-Like chart. Using average

long-term mining productivities, a proposed production schedule of rnined tonnage and

metal grades (as well as metal pounds) wili be displayed for the time period of interest.

This proposed production schedule would be compared with a requed production

schedule (for the miil). Using the mouse, the planner could move the approximate start

and end date of any stope to change the proposed production. Once the stopes have been

scheduled to meet the production objectives, the scheduling system wouid superimpose

the required development work and display the required equipment and productivity

requuements to meet the proposed schedule.

Tonnages, grades and metal pounds shall be accumulated for consecutive time periods. As

much as is feasible, mil1 feed requirements and constraints must be adhered to and mil1

feed variations minirnized. If variations are inevitable and/or constraints are impossible to

meet, the long-term scheduler s h d examine ways to reduce these variations or rninirnize

the impacts. This could be done by the use of temporary stockpiles for blending or

changing the mining sequence of the blocks. Whatever strategies are employed, the

scheduler shdl examine the effect of these changes on the mil1 feed and ground conditions.

The long-term scheduler shail be tied to an economics or valuation analysis program.

7.3.3.2 Short-Term Mine Planning and Scheduling

The System shaii provide a short-term mine planning and scheduling system will integrate

the following infiormation:

The ore reserves and mine mode1 complete with primary accesses
Mining method (process) and stoping layout information
The long-term schedule
Production objectives and constraints
Forecasted metal pnces
Inflation rate and discount rate
A database of rnining equipment (e.g. LHD, trucks, drills, hoists, crushers,
pumps, fans, etc.) with complete performance data, capital, operating and
maintenance costs, as well as reliability, downtime and repair data)
A database of mining and development crews with data on productivity,
reliability and costs.
 A database of mining processes and activities (i.e. time and costs for d r i h g ,
blasting, mucking for both development and production work)
A database of mine layout procedures combined with a library of macros to
aid in the layout of secondary accesses to the stopes as weii as other related
development work

The short-term mine planning and scheduling system shaii be integrated within the

simulation engine for schedule validation and evaluation purposes.

There are two items of conceni when creating a vaiid work schedule: connectivity and

adjacency (INCO, 2000). ConnecfiMiyrefm to which ore or rock biocks have to be excavateci

pnor to king able to access to the m e n t minhg block. Adjaency refers to idenb'filing which

mining biocks must have no activity before being able to begin work on the auTent rnining

block (INCO, 2000). Adjacency issues arise mostly out of safty issues. It is not possible to

carry on with blasting while mucking is being done nearby. Stopes are the only materid blocks

subject to adjacency requirements. Development headings are not. A new stop c m not be

worked ifany adjacent stope is actively being mineci.

The short-tem mine planning and scheduling system shall be designed to extract Ftom the long-

term schedule the jobs that are to be done in the time period under consideration. The long-

term mine schedule contains the approximate order in which the jobs are to be accornplisheci

however the short-term mine planning and scheduling system shall implernent a more a c a w t e

algorithm for ranking the order of the required s t o p and development work. The
development ranking wouid be basecl on the assigneci stope sequence values. Each s t o p and

some development (identifid as criticai) are initiaily assigneci some rank or sequence number.

The algorithm would determine the ranking by propagating through the mine network mode1

while respecting the connectivity and adjacency rquirernents mentioned previously. Every

s t o p and drift has predecesson (to be excavated) unless it has been tagged as wmplete or is

already accessible (Le. if the development is done, then no m e r work is needed). Second,

e v q inhtructure drift (Le. main access drift) on a given level is made a predecessor to every

s t o p on the level (i-e. the main drift must be driven More stoping can even start). The user

can then r e h e the ranking or defines any other predecessor relationships.

The ranking algorithm works fiom branch to root (i-e. 6om fbthest s t o p back to the shaft)

and lwks at its imrnediate predecessors one by one. If it has a higher ranking (i-e. higher

priority) than the predecessor king exarnined does, it copies its ranking to that predecessor

and the rankings are adjusteci recursively tiom this point on. This ranking means that resouces

d be always docated preferentiaily to faces (stopes or drifts or raises) that have a higher
ranlang of execution (INCO, 2000). The finalized rank numbers are entered in the data fes for

the stopes and the development works as well as the mine schedule.

The shoit-terni planning and scheduiing system shall use a project management style of

interface ("Gantt7'-like chart) for planning and scheduling jobs. Jobs are defineci as s p d c

pieces of work that are d e s c r i i by a single process. For example, one job could be the VRM

mining of Stope 94-260 (i.e. process is VRM mining). The expansion of these processes by
considering the activities required and the typical performance metrics wiil expand the jobs

listed on the Gantt chart and produce a preliminary schedule. At this point, no consideration

has been given to meeting resource wnstraints. The short-terni mine planNng and scheduluig

ystem SMnotify the user when available resowces are king exceeded or are free. The mine

planner can now enforce the resources constraints and by considering prionties, wmectivity

and adjacency requirernents, thus shifting dong the tirne iine the diffrent jobs to be perfomed.

This shiftuig of jobs should cause the priorities to change automatically. The planner can also

chwse to re-allocate resources or b ~ ingextra resources. If possible, the planna may choose

to add extra shats or add weekend SMS

(i.e. add extra resources). The planner may choose to

add more equipment to the process to inaease total advance or production rates or substitute

more productive equipment or work crews The planner may elect to remove or add some jobs

fiom the List and adjust the schedule and the production forecast- Finally, the planner may

chwse to perform some resowce leveIling iffeasible.

The short-term planning and scheduling system shall use a colour-coding scheme for

identi-g the status of the activities (Le. proposed, active (Le. currently working),

inactive (i.e. not currently working), complete). The selection of any proposed activity will

cause the display or required resources, start and end of the activity, expected duration

and estimated costs and revenues. Selecting any active activity will cause the display of

currently assigned resources, start of the activity and estimated completion date, as well as

current costdrevenues and estimated costs/revenues to complete. Selecting any complete

activity will cause the display of assigned resources, comparison of start-end times as weli

as comparison of estimated and actud costs/revenues.

The short-term mine planning and scheduling system SU

be capable of considering the muck

expansion factor (rock expands when it is broken with expansion values ranging fkom 30% to

50%) and the rock density factor and ore density &or (ore is heavier and is usually dependent

on the metal grades).

The short-term planning and scheduling system shall be able to estirnate costs for the

period of interest, evaluate revenues, calculate the economic value of this work and

prepared detailed budgets. The short-tenn planning and schedung system shall be able to

prepare detailed reports outlining required resources, activities, costs and revenues.

The short-tenn planning and scheduling system shall be able to create detailed layout

drawings suitable for surveying and production control personnel using the mine model

and the short-tenn schedule.

7.3.4 Production Control and Monitoring

The System shall provide comprehensive production control tools to aid the mine in

ensuring that the mine plan is followed. The System shall implement production control in

the areas of surveying, ventilation and air quality control, mine monitoring and production

reporting.
7.3.4.1 Surveying and Excavation Control

The System s h d provide a survey system shall provide the folowing fnctionalities:

Direct intedace with most popular "total stations" and field data recorders
Angle and distance data reduction with standard error, averaging and
tolerance calculations
Calculation of temporary and adjusted coordinates of reduced observations
using:
a Bearing and distance method
a Angle and distance method
a Resection by angles
a Resection by distances
O Distance intersection
a Bearing intersection
Angle intersection
O Toping

The survey system shall be integrated within the spatial database system and the

visualkation system and shall be capable of downloading layouts or uploading survey

information. The survey system shall be capable of working in different coordinate systems

(local, geodetic, UTM, etc) and units. The survey system shall support cavity-rneasuring

systems (CMS).

7.3.4.2 Ventilation Analysis and Air Quality Control

The System shall provide a ventilation analysis system that will integrate the following

information:

Access to the mine mode1 as well as the short-term schedule

 A database of drift resistance (extracted corn the 3-D mine model)
A database of mine fans characteristics
A database of ventilation tubhg and ducting characteristics
Calibration information obtained fiom underground surveys
Long-term power cost forecasts

The ventilation analysis system s h d be able to extract its network from the 3-D mine

model and create a ventilation model automaticaily. The ventilation analysis system shall

be able to identify where the work areas are located as wel as areas that must be kept

ventilated adequately. Interface to and the visualization of the ventilation network shall be

done through the visualization system. Display of ventilation flows shall be done by

clicking on the corresponding network branch (i.e. drift, raise, etc.)

The ventilation analysis system shall be able t o use underground measurements fiom

senson and instrumentation to automaticaily calibrate itself and determine where the

ventilation demands are located. Where pennitted by law, the ventilation analysis shail be

able to adjust the network, including remotely controlling fans and regulators to achieve

the optimum network. The optimum network is the one that provides the required arnount

of ventilation at the required places at the minimum cost. The ventilation analysis system

shdl be able to examine and predict climatic conditions within the mine.
7.3.4.3 Mine Monitoring

The System shall integrate a mine monitoring system capable of tracking, monitoring and

storing the following type of information:

Microseismic events
Rock mass or ground stress data
IncidentIAccident reports
Ventilation and air quality readings
Pumps data
Power consumption data
Equipment "health" data
Equipment location and activity status
Hoist, skip, storage bin and ore pasdwaste pass status

The mine m o n i t o ~ gsystem s h d be capable of processing this information, analyeng it

statistically and determining if there are trends.

7.3.4.4 Production Statistics and Reporting

The System shall provide a production statistics and reporting system with the following

capabilities:

Access to the mine mode1 as wel as the short-tenn schedule

Access to the mine costing system
Access to the mine production statistics system
The production statistics and reporting system shall be able to extract cost and

productivity data for obtaining relevant metrics for planning, SCheduling and simulation.

The metncs will Vary depending on the nature of what is being measured. For instance,

mining equipment is generally concerned with reliability, operating and repair costs.

However, drilling equipment will require metrics regarding average drilling costs per foot,

advance rates (in foothour), footage drilled per bit and so on. Loading and hauling

equipment will examine costs per ton (operating and repair), tonnage moved per hour,

travel speeds and so on. For simulation purposes and to adequately represent the ranges

observed, it is required that the metrics be expressed as statistical distributions.

7.4 Data Requirements

The data requirements for the Mine DesigdPlanning System are quite extensive. DifEerent

approaches may be required depending on the preference of the Company. The data could

be stored in relationai databases as well as object-oriented databases. Most of the spatially

related data will be object-oriented in nature and quite complex particularly the surfaces

and solids data. However, it is expected that relationai databases systems will be used

when it makes sense to use them, especially when establishing links with some of the

extemal systems like the MI1MS.

Overall, the Mine DesigdPlanning System will use a variety of data models. These data

models can be separated into four primary areas:

 Mine Layouts
Scheduling
Production/Cost Tracking

Each of the above areas comprises several database components that are detailed in Tables

22 to 25. Figure 60 illustrates in a high-level fashion the various data models that will be

required as well as the data flows (major and minor) between them. These data models are

based on one or more database files and object models.

To describe these models, various modeling and diagramming techniques were used.

Appendix A contains several prelirninary data flow diagrams (DFDs) outlining a data

structure that could be implernented on a relational database system. Appendices B and E

present a set of object-oriented class diagrams (and object attributes) for implementing a

Iiiily object-oriented data system.

 -
Table 22 Mine Designfflanning Geologicai Data Components
Sub-Component Description
Diamond Drill Main source of raw, lithologid, grade and rock mass information. Basis for
Coring creating orebody models. Data provided h m surface-based drills (exploration) or
fiorn underground-based drills (orebody delineation and definition).
Borehole Important source of grade information obtained h m production dnlling
Sampling
, Geophysical Data Source of raw, deep lithological information.
, Geochemical Data Source of raw, surface-based metal information.
Rock Mapping Source of raw, surface/undergn,und rock, grades and rockmass information.
Orebody Model Synthesis of diamond driiling,
- geophysical,
- - - and rock mapping information into a
3-D spatial model. The orebody model focuses on lithdogkal domains.
Grade or Block Synthesis of diamond drill information superimposeci over the Orebody Model.
1 Mode1 1 Grades of blocks are estimated from small discrete samples using various 1
1 1 interpolation routines. Grades estimate include metai and wntaminank present 1
only, no economic values).
Rock Mass Model Synthesis of diamond drill information, rock mapping data with the Orebody
1 1 Model. The Rock Mass Mode1 contains the rock engineering characteristics. 1
-
Table 23 Mine Design/Planning Mine Layout Data Components
SubCompoaent Dereription
S w e y Data Main source of accurate 3-D based positional data. Survey information is discrete
in nahm but can be used to represent points, lines, d a c e s for locating and
defining in space any mining featre (i.e. -natural or man-made). Survey Data on
aiso include surface or topographical data.
Mine Model Main repository of spatially-based 3-D mine layout or excavation information.
Layouts include development (drifts, raises, etc.) and production (stopes) for both
the work to be done ( D e Skhedule planned or scheduled) and the actual work
done (Suwey Dota results).
Mine The Mine Infrasuucture Model contains al1 mine 3-D spatial information that is
Infrastnicture not directly related to mine excavations. This model includes water and
Model compressed air, pwer and communication distribution networks, bacMiil and
diesel fiel pipelines, etc. This model would include also the location of power
substations, pumps, vent fans, safety doors and bafnes.
Geomechanical This model is the union of the Mine Model with the Rock Mass Model. It can be
Model used to analyze the response of the mine to mining. The Geomechanicai Model
produces stresses and strains values calculateci in the tockmass surroundhg the
mine excavations or openinp.
Ore Reserves Repository of the value of the minerais. The Ore Reserves Model is the union of
Model the Mine Model with the Grade Model.
Economic Model Source of economic criteria used to assess the pmfitability in mining and
processing a given ore. Metal prices, inflation in- recovery data are p u t o f the
Economic Model,
Ventilation Model The Ventilation Model is extracted fiom the Mine Model however it includes data
like pressure losses, pressure differentials, rock temperature and other sources of
heat. m e r important and relevant data include Mine Fan data.
 -
Table 24 Mine DesigdPianning Scheduling Data Components
Sub-Component Dercriptioa
Development and The D&P Schedule is a detailed study the mine development and production
Production 1 accivities. The Schedule takes into acmunt the Equipment Data, the Labour Data,
Schedule as well as the current situation at the mines and the production objectnres. The
D M Schedule contains the Bac@ill Medule. The waste and ore Forecasts as
weil as the estimated Budget is integrated in the D&P Schedule. The D&P
Schedule answers who w i i do the work, what resources will be needed (i.e.
labour, equipment, supplies), where the work will take place, when the work will
take place (more specincally the order), and how the work will be done. The
answer to the question "why" lies in the schedule meeting the production
objectives.
Equipment Data The Equipment Data is a detailed Ming of available equipment pieces. Specific,
availability, reliability,
- operating
- and maintenance cost data are kept for each
' equipment pieas for carqing -out detailed simulation studies. Some of this
information would be extracted h m the Mine Maintenance System.
Labour Data The Labour Data is a detailed listing of available labour resources as well as rates
and benefits for different job classincations. Some of this data would originate
om the Payroll& Benefirs System.
Bacldill Schedule The B a c W Schedule is integrated with the D U Schedule. This schedule
contains the funire fil1 requirements of the mine, the estimated tonnages and
destination.
Minuig Activity The Mining Activity Data is an extensive List of development/production activities
Data encountered during the mining process. Each activity would include a time and
( cost estimate as well as equipment and labour requirements. The joining of
various Mining Activities would form a Mining Process Model.
Mining Processes The Mining Processes Model is a detailed listing of al1 activities making up a
Mode1 mining process, The models would include development and production processes.
Each model wodd be created h m the activities described in the Mining Activify
Data.
ProductivityKost The Productivity/Cost Data is a repository of average producivity and cost
Data information for the various Mining Processes Models. This data would originate
h m the statistical analysis of ABC Data. This data would include srpical cost and
productivity for cquipment and labour as well as cowumables andkPplies. This
data can be used for general simulation purposes.
Material Handling The Material Handling Model is a description of the flow of ore and waste within
Mode1 a mine. This mode1 incorporates information from the Mine Model, the D&P
Schedule, the Equipment Data.
Simulation Model The Simulation Model comprises al1 of the above models (in this table) as weli as
the Mine Model and the Ore Reserves Model.
 -
Table 25 Mine Design/Planning Production/Cost Tracking Data Components
Sub-Component Description
Daily Production This data is the daily production information accwnulated for each workplace.
Data This inclues labour, equipment and supplies on a shift-by-shift basis. This data is
accumulateci fiom shifter reports. A ninriing summary can be used to monitor
scheduled progress with actuai. The workplaces are assigneci accounting codes
taken fiom the Accountinp:Systern.
Monthly This data, collateci h m the Daily Production Data, is used as a summary of al1
Production Data expendinines, development~productionprogress and grades and tonnage produced.
This data is verifid by surveying and reconciled where appropnate with the mil1
report. The validateci data forms the month-end report. The month-end report also
contains a comparison of scheduled versus actual costs and production. This
Monthly Production Data feed information to Work incentives System. The
accumulation of this information forms the historical production record
Activity-Based The ABC Model is used to keep a detailed account of al1 expenditures for the
Costing Model activities descrii in the Mine Activity Model. The statisticai analysis of the
ABC data can be used for creating the Unit Cost Data
Unit Costs Data This data is created fmm the ABC data. It is used for estimating budgets.
Figure 60 - Mine Designnlanning System Models and Data Flows
 CHAPTER 8

NON-FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS O F THE:SYSTEM

Non-fnctionai requirements have to do with aspects of the System that are not directly

reiated to its capabilities. Non-fiinctional requirements tend to be somewhat subjective.

8.1 uLook-and-FeelHRequiremcnts

These requirements address the interface between the System and its users. Issues like

style, graphic o r text-based interface, colours, language used, degree of interaction, and

intended audience fonn the essence of these requirements.

The System shall be designed using a graphical o r visual user interface made up of

windows, icons, menus and pointers (WIMP). The intenace must adhere to relevant

industry standards and be consistent. It is expected the information will be presented

visually on the computer screen and in hardcopy format (Le. paper). The user will

interface with the System using the keyboard, the mouse and the digitizer tablet.

The dialog used in the interface must be simple and in the language of the user (Le. the

mining application domain). The interface must provide feedback to the user as to what is

happening within the System. Dangerous operations must be confirmed before execution

and there must be an "Undo" cornmand for reverting t o a previous state.

The Mine DesigdPlanning System should be designed for and appeal to the mining

professional. Therefore, the System should be conservative in appearance and professional

in its style. The interface language must be professional and never condescending. A

conversational style of language wouid be appropriate in the modules where expert

systems or decision support is implemented. Consistency in the user interface is very

important. Colour in the user interface should be used sparingly and limited to muted

colours and pastels. However, the fidl use of the colour spectrum can be used in the

visualkation system.

8.2 Usability Requirements

Usability requirements are aimed at describing how easy the System will be to use by its

intended users. The System's usability depends on the abilities of the expected users and

the complexity of the System's fnctionality. Complex systems are more difficult to use.

Usability is difficult to define but it is generally obvious when a product is unusable.

Usability is made up of several concepts that are descnbed below (Nielsen, 1993; DeGrace

and Stahl, 1993). In general, a usable system builds user confidence and trust.

Ease of Use
Ideally, the System should be easy and intuitive to use by people trained and experienced

in underground mining geology, engineering and planning. The users must be able to

understand how the System fits within their own work. The design and planning steps to

be taken by the user should be clear and consistent. The user should be able to enter and
start using the system under the guidance of the system. Simiiarly, the System should

enable the user to exit and back out of any operation without destroying information or

worse crashing the System.

Ease of Leaming
The System shail be easy for a trained mining professional (i.e. geologist, engineer,

planner) to learn. Only trained rnining professionals will be using the System. However,

some users will be accessing the System more fiequently than others. The users should not

have to re-access the documentation or have to re-learn how to use the System every time

they want to access it.

Simple and Naturai Diaiogue

The System shall use simple and naturai dialogue based on the user's language (i.e.

mining) in its user interface. Dialogues should not contain information that is irrelevant or

rarely needed. Al1 infornation should appear in a naural and logical order. The dialogue

must be expressed clearly in words, phrases, and concepts familiar to the user, rather than

in system-oriented terms.

User's Memoy Load

The System shall be designed to rniniliize the information that a user must remember from

one dialogue to another. Too much information to rernember increases the possibility that

errors will be introduced. In addition, user productivity will decrease if the user must go

back to verify which options were selected or has to wrte thern down. The System should

be designed to display appropriate ranges of values or defaults when appropnate.

Consistency

The System shall be consistent in its interface, dialogues, and use of mining terminology.

Users should not have to wonder whether difTerent words, situations, or actions mean the

same thing. If required, terrninology should be defined in a glossary.

Feedback

The System shall provide feedback to the user within a reasonable time about its current

status. Users should not have to wonder what is currently happening within the System.

Some operations can be lengthy and cause the user to wonder if the System has not

crashed. The user should confirm particularly long operations before being initiated by the

System. If possible, time to completion should be estimated and presented to the user.

Function and Process Exits

The System shail provide clearly marked exits out of most fiinctions. Ifa tiinction is a one-

way operation with no exit, then the System shail no* the user for confirmation before

proceeding. Users ofien select fiindons by mistake and shouid be ailowed to gracefully

back out of an unwanted operation or System tiinction without using an extended dialogue

or crashing the System.

Shortcuts
The System shall provide shortcuts and accelerators to speed up the interaction of the

System with expert users. The user interface for novice and expert users can be very

difEerent. Dialogues that help the novice user through an operation can be very tedious to

the expert user. Providing shortcuts and accelerators make the System more usable to
both inexpenenced and expert users. The System should keep track of the expenence level

of each user and automatically provide the desired level of user interface.

Error Messages

The System shall trap errors and provide good error messages, expressed in plain language

(Le. no error codes), precisely indicating the location and nature of the problem, and

constructively suggest a solution. Errors will occur no matter how careFuiIy programmed

the System is or the user trained. For increasing the trust in the System, it is critical that

errors are trapped and identified appropriately. The error message wiil be used by the user

in making corrections. Obscure messages only increase user frustrations and reduce user

trust in the System.

Error Prevention
The programmers shall make every effort possible to prevent errors from occurring within

the System through carefl design and prograrnmhg. It is better to prevent errors fiom

occurring in the first place than trapping them later. Error prevention can be achieved by:

Ensuring that the data entered is venfied and acceptable

Ensunng that the required resources are available (e.g. system memory)
Following good programming practices dunng development
Perfonning extensive system testing prior to releasing the System.

Help and Documentation

The System shall have help, documentation and tutonals available to the users and

maintenance progammers. Although it is better to have a System that can be used

without documentation, it may be necessary to provide help and documentation. This

information wiil be used by novice usen in leaniing the System or by more experienced

users in carrying out more complex or infiequently used operations. Documentation wiil

also be used by maintenance programmers in understanding how the System works.

8.3 Performance Requirements

Speed Rcquirements

The System does not have any critical constraints on speed because it will be used for

design and planning. There is however a need for an effctive interface between the users

and the System. This effectiveness translates to a reasonable response time between a user

action and a System's response. Areas where good response is needed are as foliows:

File loading and saving

Database quenes and data display
Rendering and contouring activities
Zoorning, rotation, and translation operations on the rendered solid models.
Surface and solid generation and manipulation including Boolean union,
intersection and difference.

File loading and saving should be done in less than one minute. Database quenes should be

quick in the order of a few seconds (thirty or less). Data should be displayed as it cornes

in. Rendering and contounng activities should be in the order of a few seconds (three or

less). Zooming, rotation and translation activities on the rendered solid models should be
nearly instantaneous, smooth and continuous. Surface and solid operations should be in

the order of a few seconds (three or less).

Other areas where computational speed will be required include numerical analysis of

stresses and strains (geomechanics). The speed performance of these operations is ditncult

to define because they are dependent of the size of the model to be solved as weU as

whether or not the model is linear-elastic. Other factors include the arnount of random

access memory (RAM) available to solve the large matrices and the efficiency of the

matrix solving aigorithms. It is expected that such problems will take om a few minutes

to several hours to solve. Such numencal problenls could be solved o&e or as a

separate process operating in a multi-tasking computer environment.

Precision Requirements
This section quantifies the desired accuracy of the results produced by the System.

1) Al1 monetary amounts must be accurate to two decimai places (dollars).

2) Surveyed distance measurements can be accurate to 3 decimal places (mm in
metric system or 1/1000&of a foot in the impenal system).
3) Surveyed angular measurements can be accurate to 1 second (degrees - minutes -
seconds).

Reliability and Availability Requirements

This section quantifies the necesary reliability of the product. This is usually expressed as
the allowable time between failures, or the total allowable failure rate. 1t also quantifies the

expected availability of the product. The System design and planning fnctions shall
achieve 95% up time. The database system shall be available 24 hours per day, 365 days

per year. This level of availability is required to ensure that the Production Control System

(an adjacent system or partner application) will have access to scheduling and production

information.

Capacity Requirements
The database system shall be capable of handling the simultaneous requests, queries data

storage and retrievals of up to 24 people.

8.4 Operational Requirements

Expected Physical Environment

The System will operate mostly in a normal office environment. The user may be sitting

down or standing up. In particular, d i g i t h g operations may require the user to be

standing up over a large digitking table that although located close to the computer may

make simultaneous operation of computer and digitizer awkward. A large computer

display will likely be required for the user to read the screen. The keyboard and mouse

may be located on or near the digitizer. The use of wireless keyboard and mouse may be

worth considering.

There is also the potential for a user to be located underground and accessing the System

remotely for information. The underground environment can be quite chaiienging with

high heat, high hwnidity, fumes, dust, dirt and noise. Environmental conditions can Vary

substantially depending on the ventilation provided. Quick transitions fiom hot to cold,
moist to dry can be expected. Any computer system used underground shall be robust, and

sealed against water and dirt. A Pen-based tablet may be worthwhile to consider.

Portability is an issue and the computer system should be small and portable. The user may

not have a place to set the computer down and may have to operate the unit while

standing.

Expected Technologicd Environment

At this time, not al1 the components makhg up the System have been defined. However, it

is expected that the foliowing pieces of hardware will be used:

Desktop workstations (minimum of three). Workstations wiil have a hi&

speed network card, very large hard drive for storage and maximum amount
of RAM possible. Wireless keyboard and mouse would be usefbl.
Large colour displays (2 1" or greater) with 3-D acceleration cards.
At least one large digitking table (possibly two) 36"x48" in sue.
One locally based black and white laser printer.
One locally based colour plotter with capabilities to plot drawings up to 36" in
width.
One locally based colour inkjet printer or area-based colour laser printer.
One database server equipped with a backup unit.
One CD-ROM bumer (DVD) for permanent backups.
A high-speed network system.
8.5 Partner Applications

The Mine Design/Planning System will require access to several extemal partner

applications for various information as tisted in Table 26. These external systems may be

either off-the-self software or custom-built depending on the requirements of the

Company. From a software maintenance viewpoint, buying off-the-shelf commercial

software is sensible provided it meets most of the requirements of the organization. In

some cases, these requirements can not be met and software must be custom-built.

Whatever approach is used is not relevant. The important thing is that it must be possible

to nk to the software, extract information to it and pass on information to it without

human intervention. If a human user is required to make the comection between the Mine

DesigdPlanning System and a partner application, then the ease of access decreases and

the overall performance of the systems degrades substantidy.

Therefore, al1 systems must provide hooks to their data files. These hooks could be in the

fom of SQL and ODBC support or some other link. For each inter-application interface,

it is required to speciQ the following items:

The data content

The physical material content
The medium that carries the interface
The fiequency of transactions
The volume of data to be transacted
Table 26 - Extenid Applications and Systems
Informatio~quired
Wage rates and benefits for various labour classes
Typical labour reiiabilities
Work days and time sheet data for labour costs
Workplace accounts and cos&
Indirects and werheads cost distributions
Supplies and consumable unit costs
Delivexy lead-times
Supply %nits on hand" and assignments
Order status
Production Conrol and Workplace production statistics
Monitoring Production rates
Current equipment assignment and stanis
Current labour assignment and status
Ore pass, storage b i skip, c ~ s h e sr t a ~
Excavation progress monitoring
Ventilation system status
Ventilation sensor data
Mining layouts updates
Mining plans and schedules updates
Microseismic ativity
Maintenance Equipment reiiability satistics
~ ~ u i p r n emaintenance
nt statistics and costs
MIMS Production statistics and costs
Mining metho productivities and costs
Mine reserves on the books
Financial pmjections
~roductionobjectives
Current milling statislics (mil1 rate, metal lbs., grades, recweries)
Ore blending requirements
Grade variatiodrecovery statistics

8.6 Maintainability and Portability Requirements

Ease of System Maintenance

The Mine DesigdPlanning System shall be designed so that it is easy to maintain. The

System will be in use for several years and represents a major investment for any rnining

Company. The System is also cornplex. It is therefore expected that the System will need

maintenance and modifications over time. Mines are constantly evolving, causing changes

in the information to be captured, manipulated and stored. In particular, reports are

expected to change as dBerent users have difEerent needs and fiequently want to monitor

specific information of concern to them. Idedly, the System should be designed to enable

the users to generate easily their own custom reports using report generators.

The System must be able to be maintained by people who will not be the original

prograrnmers. In particular, the expert system engine must be programmable by the end-

users since one of the fnctions of the expert system is to capture user knowledge and

experience.

The System shali have, as part of its programming, error detection and logging routines.

Errors identified and captured shall be logged for future troubleshooting and maintenance.

Portability Requirements

It is expected that the System will be in use for several years. It is also expected that

advancements in cornputer technology will result in faster microprocessors and better

operating systems. The System must be developed with portability in mind. The System

shall be designed in such a way as to minimize and localize system dependent tnctions. In

addition, al1 system dependent calls, procedures, etc shall be clearly identifled. The System

should be prograrnmed without using special p r o g r d n g language extensions or

features. If such extensions or features are required, then they will be clearly identified.
Programming and Coding

The System shail be designed and implemented using object-oriented pnnciples

(Mutagwaba et. al, 1992; Mutagwaba and Durucan, 1993; Mutagwaba and Hudson,

1993). The System shall be implemented using the C* programdg language and based

on a documented set of programming standards that wiU be adhered to by al1

prograrnmers.

8.7 Data Security Requirements

Confidential Aspects of the System

The information stored within the Mine Design/Planning System has great importance to

any mining company on several levels. The System contains strategic and business

information of value to the company and its competitors. Cost, grades and tonnage, and

hancial information are fiequently viewed as strategic in nature and release of this

information to competitors could be harmful. The Mine Design/Planning System is also

criticai for the day-to-day operations of the mine. The loss of the System or its data could

cause financial h m . The System represents a valuable asset to the company that must be

protected fiom loss, either accidental or malicious.

For the above reasons, security measures will be implemented to protect the System.

These security measures will cornpartmentalue the access to the database system. The

System itsef must be secured. System privileges must be set by someone other than a
user. It is recommended that a security consultant be retained to determine and set the

security requirements since this is a speciaiized field.

As a minimum, the following security requirements shall be implernented:

Server secunty rneasures shall be irnplernented to restrict access to the System.

The System shall incorporate security measures to protect the data files and its
content using an access control List (ACL) and authentication procedure.
Appropriate firewall technology shall be used if the System is accessible from
external networks.
The System shall maintain a log of user accesses.
The user access log shall be accessible only to the system manager.
Appropriate use of secure encryption technology shall be used for files requiring
this level of protection.
The database file system will implement field-level security to restrict access to
specific parts of the database where it is appropriate.
The System shall have data fde backup and restore capabilities.

File In tegrity Requirements

The System shall be designed using one database system that will be used by both the

Mine Design/Planning System and the Production Control Systern. The Mine

DesignIPlanning System shall be able to provide and update mine plan for the Production

Control System to use. In tum, the Production Control System shall update the mine plan

as production proceeds. Using one database system for both ensures that the data will be

kept up to date. Until someone with the appropriate clearance has approved a mine plan

for production, that plan will not be available to the Production Control System for
implementation. Similarly, the part of the mine plan under the irnmediate control of the

Production Control System shall be "Iocked out" of the Mine DesigdPlanniag Syaem

until released by the Production Control System.

Audit Requirements
The database system s h d have buiit-in auditing capabilities. In addition, it is

recommended that the audit people of the Company be consulted for any special auditing

requrements.

8.8 Cultural and Politicai Requirements

The Systern wiU tend to remove the boundaries that are typically found within many of mining

companies. The users of the System rnay feel that they have lost some of th& personal power

since the System wiU now contain the information required to do the mine design and planning.

With mcentralued information gorage, no one department or individuai will be the keeper of

private infiormation that was once doled out to others.

In theory, the System should be capable of providing enough idonnation so that even an

inexperienced planner can do a relatively good job.This capabiiity may make some users feel

undervalueci. This capability may also blur the ne between engineers and tedmologists.

The System,with all its capabilities in place, WUmean that fewer technical personnel should be

needed for design and planning. However, the persorne1 remaining to use the System will have
to be highly trained in computerized planning systems. This may cause problerns with union

members who may see their nmbers dwindling or theh job classification changed or

eliminated.

8.9 Legal Requiremeats

Appiicable Legal and Regulatory Requirements

The System must be designed to meet the applicable laws of the province and country

where it will operate. The System will comply with applicable labour and occupational

health and d e t y laws and regulations. The System will comply with applicable taxation

laws and regulations. The System should protect access to personal information if any is

present on the System. The System will comply with the professional engineering a* in

areas where engineering design issues, due diligence issues, protection of the public and

environment issues exist .

Applicable Standards
The System must be designed to comply with the company's engineering/production

standards and policies.

 CHAPTER 9

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

There are severai issues to be addressed and resolved before the development of any

complex software system like the one outlined in this thesis can begin. Fust, is the system

feasible? There is no point in starting a sofhware project unless we are reasonably sure of

success.

Next, is the question of open issues. These are problems not yet resolved that could have a

signincant impact on the development. A risk assessment of the project should be done at

this stage to define the problems Likely to be encountered during development. As well, a

cost and time estimate of the development effort is mandatory.

Potential development options should be exarnined to determine the best way to proceed.

A plan showing the implementation phases and tasks to be accomplished should be

prepared to identm the critical milestones to be met.

9.1 System Feasibility Assessment

An integrated computerized underground mine desigdplanning system of the scope

outlined in this thesis is technically feasible. The current state of computer technology and

previous engineering work support this conclusion. This thesis has presented various data

models and provided a functional decomposition of the mine design and planning process.
There is also substantial software technology available to support a development effort.

Numerous stand-alone software packages are already available to handle many of the

required design/planning functions. Visualkation, database, simulation and expert system

engines exist for the core systems. Severai integrated geologic data capture, analysis,

modeling .and reserve estimation software packages are available for the mining industry.

These packages also integrate mine layout design and CAD faciiities. Geomechanics

analysis programs are cornrnonly available. Similarly, driiling and blasting tools dong with

ventilation analysis packages exist on the market. There are several commercial scheduling

and planning tools as well as financial analysis and accounting tools. The overall mine

desigdplanning process, as well as the decisions that rnust be made during this process,

are understood.

The integrated underground mine desigdplanning system requires that these stand-alone

applications be joined and integrated under a cornmon user interface to make them appear

as seamless as possible. Ideally, data would tlow 6eely fiom one application to another.

There will also be several new programs to be developed in the area of decision-support

and expert systems. Mining method selection, ground control support selection, equipment

selection and scheduhg expert systems will have to be developed and integrated. With

economics driving the mine desigdplanning process, mine valuation, financial modeling,

revenues and cost estimating tools wiil have to be designed and integrated. Finally,

validation and possible optimization of the mine plan will be achieved through simulation

and optirnization tecbiques.

However, because a system is technically feasible does not imply that it is econornical and

worthwhile to create. First, a system with the kind of capability and fnctionality being

proposed would be very complex, r e q u i ~ gcarefl analysis, design, prograrnming and

testing. Second, this system would be expensive to create and will likely require

substantiai on-going maintenance. Third, the field of computer technology is conaantly

evolving. This results in potentially rapid system obsolescence as advancements occur.

Thus, the development effort requires carefl planning and design to manage and reduce

the risks.

Some of the expected development and maintenance nsks can be managed using software

engineering techniques. Software engineering goes beyond the irnplementation of good

coding practices. Software engineering is about using formai techniques for planning and

designing software that :

1s complex in scope
Meets the needs of the client
Can be planned, budgeted and scheduled properly with adequate resources
Can be programrned and coded quickly and with a minimum of errors
Can be tested for correctness and accuracy
Can be validated
Can be maintained
Can be extended
1s robust
Studies have shown that the "code-and-fix" technique of software development mns much

greater risks of cost overruns, late delivery, poor or inadequate performance, and being

error-prone and fiagile (McConnell, 1999). Approximately 25% of al1 software projects

are eventually cancelied for one reason or another. In spite of these shortcomings, the

"code-and-fix" technique is still used for many projects simply because this method tends

to show early progress. This early progress is rapidly consumed as problems with "bugs",

incompatible modules, changing specifications, etc. become more prevalent.

Planning will start with a detailed requirements analysis of the client's needs. This thesis

has outlined several high-level requirements in Chapters 5 to 7 that wl have to be fieshed

out friher before initiating a full development effort. This detailed requirements analysis

work would be followed with system specifications. Decisions will have to be made on the

programming approach (i.e. procedurai or object-onented), the programming language to

be used, the operating platform to be selected, and the programming libraries to be

utilized. A design will transform the system specifications into module specifications that

will be coded later. This work will include the design of the database system, the design of

the user interface to the System and the interfaces to the extemal systems.

9.2 System Development Issues

9.2.1 Open Issues

Open issues are essentially factors that are uncertain and may make a significant difXerence

to the System. A complex system like this one has several open issues. The choice of
operating system for the hardware is one of them. Although Whdowsm has several

advantages, namely the relatively low cost of hardware and software as well as a wealth of

development tools, training courses and software, it may not be the best platform for a

graphic-intensive solid modeling application. UNIX workstations offer more power but

generally at a higher per seat cost.

Another open issue is the database system. Should the database be relational, object-

oriented or a hybnd? The relational system is well understood, very mature and complete

with strong querying, data integrity, rollback, auditing, and reporting tools. However, the

relational system is weak when dealing with the storage of spatial information, objects and

complex data types. Object-oriented databases appear more suitable to the requirements of

the System and would likely offer a much tighter integration. However, these products

are relatively immature, not offering the same level of fnctionality as their relational

counterparts. The hybrid model, a relationai system with the ability to add new complex

data types would appear to be the best compromise. However, the hybrid model may not

be able to offer the same level of speed and integration that is possible with object-

oriented systems. Full-scale, or at a minimum, prototype testing may be required to test

the database speed and access requirements.

Surface and solid modeling are complex mathematical processes. Numerical stability of the

algorithms is cntical as well as their performance. Unfortunately, natural forms or geo-

solids are difficult to model using more traditional solid modelers Like those found in the
rnanufacturing or automotive industry. The performance and accuracy of any solid

modeler will have to be verified before developing the System. In particular, Boolean

operations like union, intersection, and difFerence will have to work properly and

accurately. These operations are essential to the mine modeling process.

9.2.2 Off-the-Shelf Solutions

A review of the capabilities of commercial mine design and planning systems shows that

there is not one off-the-shelf produa capable of handling ail or even most of the

requirements outlined in this document. At best, several commercial systems are needed to

provide some of the desired functionality.

Several commercial components and stand-alone applications are available for the

development of the System particularly in the areas of geological data anaiysis, numerical

modeling, simulation, blasting and ventilation design. It may also be possible to purchase

or obtain a license of the source code to help with the development. However, the stability

and accuracy of each potential component has to be tested before being included in the

System. There is always the risk that the Company making and supporting a component

will go out of business or disappear from the marketplace. The loss of a critical

component could endanger the long-terni maintainability of the System. There is also the

problem of rapid hardware and software evolution. Updates to a component may result in

the System not performing as originally designed. One solution to this problem is to

constrain the development effort to a specific hardware platfonn and software version.
However, a static system such as this one runs the risk of being obsolete very rapidly as

improvements come about.

9.2.3 Potential Problems Caused by System Implementation

Legacy Systems Integration

The System could substantiaily affect the installed accounting system if one already exists.

It is proposed t hat the Mine DesignlPlanning System implements an activity-based costing

(ABC) system. It is likely that the company's accountants wili not want t o abandon their

system. Thus, it is expected that two costing systems, running in parallel, will be required.

This brings the issue of reconciiiation between two systems. The System may have trouble

in accessing severai legacy systems; particularly the custom-written solutions implemented

on older mainfiame systems.

Maintenance Support

The System will require sof?ware and hardware maintenance to keep running at optimum

conditions and to fix the inevitable s o h a r e "bugs". It is likely that the companybscurrent

IT Department will not have the skills needed for doing this maintenance work. It is also

doubtfl that a third-party software support Company will be able to suppon a system as

complex as the Mine DesigdPlanning System. Due to the requirement o f hawig this

system operational for most of the tirne, the issue of adequate and timely maintenance

becomes cntical.
User Impacts

The System will also affect the existing users in several ways:

1) Job procedures will likely change, moving nom a paper-based system to a computer-
based system and wiil have to be r e - m e n .

2) Users wiU need training in the new System. The ski11 set required to operate the new
System is quite different from the current methods. Design and planning wiil be fuUy
computerized and require computer literacy and competence.

3) Some users will likely lose personal power because of the centralization of the
rnining/production information in a cornputer-based system available to ai. Some
existing user knowledge may not be as valuable or even useful. For instance, the
System would replace AutoCAD for creating drawings. For many users, AutoCAD
represents a substantial investment and a valuable ski11 that the proposed System
would make essentiaily redundant.

4) Some usen wiil likely lose their job due to the enhanced design capabilities and
productivity expected from the new System. Unions may demand job security for their
members.

Existing Data Migration

Some MNng companies have been in operation for several decades. For most existing

mines, there is usuaily an enormous amount of existing or legacy data. Much of this data,

in particular the mining layouts, will be in the form of paper or CAD drawings. There may

be detailed procedures (for design and operations) required for regulatory purposes as

well as for ensunng consistency and maintainhg safety. There are likely several databases
to be found in many microcornputers and the mainfiame. There will be much information

buried within Company reports and studies.

The task of transferring this legacy information to the new System is a daunting one at

best. It is possible to digitize the drawings and transfer the CAD fles to the new System.

However, changing 2-D CAD information into a 3-D mode1 can be a c u l t especidly if

there is conflicting or missing idormation. The task of cutting over the existing

information to the new System wiii need to be exarnined on an individual basis to

detemine what is truly necessary. It may be possible that only a part of the information

will need to be transferred.

At a minimum, the foliowing information will be needed for the new System:

The coordinate system in current use

The location and sue of ail primary accesses (i.e. shafl, ramps, raises, levels,
drifts) fiom existing drawing and computer files
The geological information including diarnond drilling data and rock mass
properties, faults, etc. fiom existing drawing and computer files
The location of al1 relevant stoping excavations including details of whether
backtill was used and what type from existing drawings and reports
The current mine plan (i.e. development and production) kom existing drawings,
computer files and reports
r Mining costs and laboudequipment productivities extracted from various reports
and databases
9.3 System Complexity Assessment

The development of an integrated Muie DesigdPlanning System will be difficult and

cornplex. Moody et al. (1997) have proposed a methodology to assess the design difnculty

and the resources required for completing a new project. As illustrated on Figure 61, the

design difficulty and the resources metncs are plotted on a x-y plane.

Resources

Figure 61 - The four regions of the Design Difliculty versus Resources Plane
(Source: Moody et al., 1997)

Moody identifies four regions based on the level of design difEiculty and the resources

required to carry a project through. Most consumer products fa11 in the low to moderate
zones on both design dficulty and resources. This zone is well within the capabilities and

resources available to most companies.

The Star Wars area represents a region that has very high design dif%iculties, where new

technology wiil need to be developed or the project complexity is extremely high. The Star

Wars area has a high research and development component. A flly robotic mine would be

an example of a Star Wars project.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World represents an area where design is not difficult

but requires enorrnous resources. This zone typically represents projects tnded by

governments since only they have enough resources to complete them.

The last area, the Moon Landing region, represents projects of both great dficulty and

high resources requirements like NASA's moon landing project of the 1960's and 70's.

Projects in the Moon Landing zone require both industry involvement and govenunent

fiinding to succeed.

The Design Difficulty assessment includes the following factors:

Design type - ranging fiom redesign of existing work to original h o v a t i v e design

to breakthrough design
Complexity of the knowledge needed for the design
Number of design steps
Quality requirements for the system o r by the developer
 Process design (includes complexity of the fabrication process and the quantities of
items to be produced)
Aggressive goals for selling price or the degree to which the system design is
driven and constrained by unit sales pnce requirements or goals

The Required Resources assessment includes:

Costs to develop the product through the first production unit.

T h e requed fiom the beginning of the effort through the fbst production unit
I&astructure required for completing the design.

To assess the desigdiiplementation complexity of the underground computerized Mine

DesigdPlanning System, each of the above items above was assigneci a subjective

optimistic, expected and pessimistic assessment score as shown in Tables 27 and 28.

The Design Difficulty and Resources assessment values are plotted in Figure 62 dong with

other potential or existing projects that were assessed by Moody. Moody d e h e s three

broad project categories according to their implementation risks using by two diagonal

lines. High technological risk projects are likely to fail for technical reasons because the

technology is simply not available to solve the problem. High political risk projects are

beyond economics and are typically implemented and cancelled for political reasons.
Table 27 - System Complexity Assessrnent - Design Diffculty

Design Dimculty
Metric Scoring Esplmation
Design Type O - 6 for cedesign or continuous improvements
7 -13 for original innovative design
14 - 15 for breakthrough
Knowledge O - 2 for common knowledge held by many
Complexity people
3- 5 for complex knowkdge held by many people
-
6 8 for cornplex knowledge held by few people
-
9 10 for cornplex or undiscovered knowledge
Design Steps O - 2 for systems with less than 50 steps
or 3 - 4 for up to 500 steps or cornponents
Components 5 - 8 for up to 10,000 steps or components
9 - 10 for greater than 10,000 steps or
components
Quaiity O -3 for developers with low emphasis on
Emphasis implementing
quality pmgrams and techniques
4 - 6 for medium emphasis
7 - 10 for high emphaas
Process O point for manufactunng operations of low
Design complexity that are designed to produce only
one system
1 point for low complexity with systems to be
sold to a srnail market
2 points for moderate complexity with systems to
be sold to small market
3 points for highly complex manufacturing with
for small market
4 points for highly cornplex manufacturing for
moderate sized market
5 points for highly cornplex manufacturing for
large market
Aggressive O - 1 point with little to no challenge due to lack
Selling Price of competition
2 - 3 for moderately chailenging pnce
requirements
4 - 5 for highly challenging sale pn with high
competition
Total Design Dinculty Score
I I

Notes: 1) Opt. = Optirnistic, Exp. = Expected, Pess. = Pessimistic assessment.

 -
Table 28 System Cornplexity Assessrnent - Resource Requirements
Resources ScoreL
Metric 1 w?F Scoring Explmation Opt. 1 Exp.
Cost of O - 15 O -2 for affordable systems
development 3 - 8 for moderately expensive systems
9 - 13 for very expensive systems that are
rarely developed
14 -15 for massively expensive systems
requiruip: major sacritices.
Time for O - 10 O for less than one month
development 1 for one to 3 months
2 for 3 to 6 months
3 for 6 to 12 months
4 - 7 for one to f i e years
8 - 9 for five to eight years
10 for more than eight years
O - 2 for common, low cost infiastnicture
3 - 5 for moderate infiastnicture require support
people
6 - 8 for large complex infiastnichire
representing a substantial portion of the total
cost
9 - 10 for massive infiastnicturerequirements
Total Resources Score
1

Notes: 1) Opt. = Optirnistic, Exp. = Expected, Pess. = Pessimistic assessment.

Interestingly, Figure 62 indicates that the complexity of the integrated Mine

DesignPlanning System is mostiy within the consumer product zone and suffers neither

fkom excessively high technological or political risk. Although the project is relatively

cornplex, techniques and resources appear available to carry it through to completion. As

a cornparison, Moody et al. (1997) stste that building the Microsofl Windows 95

operating system is the software equivalent of a Moon Landing type project, requinng

huge financial and labour resources. The Mine DesignfPlanning System is complex, but

not likely as complicated as Windows 95. This cornparison places the development effort

for the Mine Design/Planning System in perspective.

278
Figure 62 - Mine Design/Planning System Complexity Assessrnent
9.4 System Risk Assessment

A development effort for a project as complex as the creation of an integrated

computerized Mine DesignlPlanning System presents des. These risks are listed in Table

29 dong with an assessment of the seriousness, an estimate of the probability of

occurrence and an estimate of the impact on the schedule.

Table 29 - System Risk Assessment

No Pmjcctlsk Striai-of Probabityd Impact on
Bisk ocwrnncc Scheduk
1 High system complexity Kgh W h Delays
Added cosis
2 High maintenance cos& and High Medium-High N/A
diffldties
3 Buggy or unstable software Medium Delays
or components Added c0sts
4 CancelledProject High Law-Medium No completion
5 Unanticipated acceptance W h Low Delays
1 criteria 1 1 Added cos6
6 Legal ownership of software High Low Delays to
and deliverables canllation
7 Inadquate customer/users High Low Delays
involvement Added cos&
8 Hardware and software Medium-High W h NIA
obsolescence
9 Creeping user requirements Medium-High Medium-High Delays
Added costs
10 Cost overrun Medium-High Medium Added costs
11 Late delivery Medium-High Medium Delays
12 Excessive schedule pressure Medium-High Medium Delays to
canceliation
13 Friction between contractor Medium-High Medium Delays to
and client personnel cancellation
14 Design and programming Medium-High Medium Delays
complexity Added costs
15 Low quality and error-prone Medium-High Law-Medium Added costs
modules
It should be noted that it is highly likely that the development of the system wili be

contracted out or outsourced to one ore more programrning h s , thus some of these

risks are interrelated.

1) The proposed system is highly complex and wiil both difficult to develop and to
maintain. The scope of the system also requires severai specialists to develop and
maintain the system. Not only is there mine engineering information, but there is also
visualization, solid modeling, database, simulation, and expert system technology.
Experts in these areas are in demand and it will be difncult to recruit and retain these
individuals. The scope of the system also makes the maintenance learning c w e long
and steep. The loss of an expert will be costly in both tirne and money to replace. Even
if this work is contracted out to a single consulting firrn, this firm will have the same
problems as if the muiing Company had its own experts. Every strategy available to
make the system as maintainable as possible must be considered before initiating
development. Carefl and thorough planning wil be required.

2) High maintenance costs and maintenance dficulties are to be expected with this
project. This is due partly to the complex nature of the proposed system as weil as
expected development environment. A project of this sue is expected to involve many
programmers who will have difFerent coding and documenting styles. The complexity
of the System will also result in an increased potential for the introduction of defects
or bugs. Formai quality plans, prototyping, structured analysis and design techniques,
reusable designs and code fiom certified sources, as well as reviews and inspections
can help in reducing the number of defects and thus maintenance costs. Well-
documented and coded sofhvare wiU help in reducing maintenance difficulties.
3) Buggy, unstable software or components can destroy the usefulness of the System by
causing low user satisfaction and high maintenance costs. Formal software guality
testing is a pre-requisite to identiQ and correct defective software and components.
There should also be a software defect tracking system to log errors and record
corrections.

4) Canceling o f the project before its delivery is a serious risk and generally the more
complex the project the more likely it will be cancelled. Cancelled projects are
typically one year behind schedule and almost double their anticipated budget (Jones,
1994). This risk can be rnitigated with carefl planning and estimating by experienced
personnel.

5) An unanticipated acceptance cntenon refen to a new and possibly more stringent

criteria levied on the contractor by the client as a condition of product acceptance or
payrnent of fnds. This can result from the failure in establishing a criterion early in the
contract or due to fiction and hard feelings by the client that the work was not
performed satisfactorily. This risk can be removed by clearly defining what will
constitute acceptance of the product as part of the contract.

6) The risk regarding legal ownership of the software and deliverables c m be removed
entirely by clearly defining the ownership within the contract.

7) hadequate customer/user involvement can senously affect the project particularly at

the early stage when user requirements and specifications are being defined. Client
buy-in and support is critical and management must clearly cornmunicate this message
to al1 involved with the project. Failure to do so will result in missing requirements,
low user satisfaction, and a product that will not meet the needs of the organization.
8) Technological obsolescence presents a considerable risk. The computer field is weD
known for its rapid obsolescence. Over a period of five to ten years, the tirne required
to develop this system, it is expected that computer systems will have evolved frther,
providing increase capabilities. Over a period of 20 to 30 years, the s e ~ c life
e of this
system, it is expected that computer technology wiii have advanced radically. How
does a software developer or a client maintain the value of its investment over such a
tirne fiame? Technological obsolescence can be handled by fieezing the development
and operational platfonn for an indefinite period of time or by continuously
maintaining and modiwg the System to take advantage of the technology. The first
option mns the risk of leavhg the Company behind with outdated technology; the
second option means a continual expense.

9) Creeping user requirements are a definite problem with software development,

considered endemic to the process, resulting in increased development costs and
delivery delays. Rapid prototyping and joint application development (users working
with developers) can be veiy effective in mitigating this risk.

10)Cost ovemns occur for a variety of reasons ranging fiom poor initial estimating,
expanded scope of deliverables, unrealistic prograrnming productivities, faulty
components or algorithms. This risk can be mitigated by better estimating techniques
coupled with good historical cost and productivity data. Carefl selection of certified
components can also reduce some of the unknowns associated with developing a
complex application.

11) Late delivery of software can be mitigated by carefid monitoring of the development
effort, accounting and adjusting for changes in user requirements and scope of work.
Experience is dso a factor where scme programmers can be much more productive
than their counterparts. Another faitor has to do with the nature of the application
 itself New applications, with no development history, are more likely to be late that
those commonly seen in the industry.

12) Excessive schedule pressure results when the client insists on sofhware delivery within
a tirne fiame that is technically impossible. This risk is relatively comrnon and large
software projects are more susceptible. Good planning tools can help in mitigating this
risk. It is particularly important to quant@ and control the growth in new user
requirements and to adjust the schedule. Accurate historical data, in particular,
prograrnrning productivity, will help in setting good, workable schedules. Reusable
software components can dso help in controlling schedules by reducing the labour
component in programming.

13)Friction between client and contractor can originate fkom several sources including
misunderstandings, unanticipated changes in the scope of work, missed or delayed
delivery or some other point of dispute. This risk is considered endemic to the
soflware industry especially for those projects under a fixed-price agreement, as high
as 65% (Jones, 1994) for large projects. Contracts for new and uncertain kinds of
applications, where neither the client nor the contractor has much experience, are
especially prone to this risk. Low bids, poorly-defined schedules, unclear deliverables,
missed deliveries or impossible delivery dates, changing scopes, low quality can al1
cause fiction. A related risk is litigation. The use of joint application design (Le.
clients and developers working together) can mitigate this risk.

14)Design and programming complexities do present a risk mostly due t o the broad scope
of the project. The Mine DesigdPlanning System is new and wiil therefore present
technical problems. This risk can be rnitigated by formal design techniques, by the use
of domain experts who can cl- the requirements and explain the complexities
involved. The use of object-oriented techniques, with its related analysis, reusable
 design and coding technique, as well as structured analysis and design, should prove
helpfl in reducing programming complexities.

1S)Low quality and error-prone modules are somewhat related and are very important
aspects for ail major software projects and large systems. Unfortunately, the system is
highly complex and very dficult to define accurately and completely, especidy at the
early stages. There will be substantiai pressures applied on the software developer by
the client to get on with the coding. However, premature coding without forethought
on the overail system architecture may cause the system to be developed in directions
where extendibility will be diicult without major re-writes. It may be tempting to
attempt to completely define the system prior to starting design however, the more
time spent in analysis, the more tikely that the system requirements wiU change. WMe
changes in requirements are to be expected, too many changes will result in increasing
costs and project delays. Quality control methodologies can reduce the potential of
uitroducing defects and errors. These techniques include structured analysis and
design, prototyping, use of high-level and object-oriented languages, the ngorous use
of structured coding techniques for procedural languages, and the use of Total Quality
Management (TQM) (Berk and Berk, 1993) and S o h a r e Quality Assurance (SQA)
(Wallace et. al., 1992) implementations.

9.5 System Development Cost Estimate

Estimating software development costs and effort has always been a difficult issue

especially at the preliminary stages. Several empincal metrics have been published that

include "Lines of Code" (LOC) estimates, fnction point analysis, and rules-of-thumb.

These estimating methods are typically based on historical data for hopeflly similar
projeas. The Mine DesignIFlanning System project costs were estimated using all three

above-mentioned methods.

Function Point Analysis

The Mine Design/Pl&g System project costs were first estirnated manuaily using

"rules-of-thumb" metrics provided by Jones (1998). These metrics are based on the

fnction point analysis (FPA) of several hundreds software projects. Presented in 1977 by

A. J. Albrecht, then of IBM Corporation, function point counting or analysis was

developed as a software metric to masure various aspects of software development like:

The evaluation of productivity rates in fnction points per hour

The evaluation of software quality
The estimation of a software project's size (and in part, duration)
The estimation of tture software support requuernents
The estimation of system change costs
The impact of programming language seiection
The impact of using rnixed programming languages
The impact on the type of application (real-time, M I M S , systems, etc.)

FPA consists of a weighted total for the following five factors in software development

(IFPUG, 1996; Heller, 1996):

1) The types of inputs to the application

2) The types of ourpurs that lave the application
3) The types of inquiries that users cm make
 4) The types of IogicaIjiles that the application maintains
5) The types of interjaces to other applications

For obtaining a FPA estimate, Jones (1 998) classifies software projects according to:

scope (from a subroutine to a compound system)

class (individual software package to military contract)
type (non-procedural to hybrid of AI, robotics, etc)

This score, essentiaily the sum of the scope, class and type is used to calculate a fnction

point count by raising the sum to the power of 2.35. As a starting point, matching the

Mine Design/Planning System to the project classifications, the Mine Design/Planning

System will be a new system development, most likely outsourced to a contractor, and be

a hybrid of several types. Summhg the t h e classifications scores and raising this sum

(i.e. 42 = 9 +13+ 20) to the power of 2.35 yields an approximate fiindon point of 6,526.

This scoring is summarized in Table 30

Comparing the Mine DesigdPlanning System to comrnercially available software,

Microsofl Word 7 and Excel 6 have a fiinction point count of 2,500 each (Jones, 1998).

Microsofi Office Standard has a fiinction point count of 10,000 while Windows 95 has a

count of 85,000.
Table 30 - Software Project Classifications Scoring System (Jones, 19911)

1 12 1 Marketed ComrnerciaUy 12 ProessControl

- 3 Tm&
14 Embedded
15 M i l i w Contract 15 Image Processuig
16 Multimedia
17 Robotics and Automation
18 Artincial Intelligence

Jones (1998) assumes that there are approximately on average 103 Fortran statements,

128 C statements or 53 C* statements per fnction point. Because CH is speciied as the

prefened development language, the Mine Design/Planning System would have

approximately 350,000 nes of code. Jones (1998) provides mles-of-thumb for estimating

several parameters like documentation size, estimated monthly increase in user

requirements, potential defects in the system, as well as development t h e , statnng levels

and costs. These estimates are listed in Table 3 1.

Based on Jones' metrics, the Mine Design/Planning System would cost approximately

$16M t o build and take about 3 years to develop. The system would have approximately

1000 undiscovered bugs at delivery and require nine maintenance programmers to

 maintain the System. The development and delivery of this System would create several

thousand pages of documentation, manuais, etc.

Jones is quick to point out that his metncs are for approximations only and should not be

relied upon for contractuai purposes. In fact, Jones recomrnends that a detailed anaiysis be

carried out by certified point counters using automated costing prograrns.

Table 31 - Mine DesigdPlanning System Estimates

, Dercripticla
Function Points Count
Software Code Sizinp:
Page Cowit for Documentation
New Monthly Creeping User
Requirements
Potentid Life-Cycle Defect
Estimate in System
Defect Count at Delivery
Post-release Defect Repair Rates
1 Approximate Development
hedule
Program Development Staffing
Program Maintenance Staffing
Level
SeMce Life of the Application
Approx. SoftwareDevelopment
Costs based on FPA unit cost
E
- 1 Dctaiir
6,526 Classification sum raised to the 2.35 power
345,869 Approx, 53 C* statements per fnction point.
24,369 Function Point count raised to the 1.15 power.
13 1 Generally 2 to 5% per month.
58,654 Function Point count raised to the 1.25 power.
979 Approx. 1% to 15%. Note 15% is idustry nom.
8 Maintenance programmers can fix 8 bugs/month on
averaee-
1 34 1 Months. Development xhedule is fiom start of 1
formai requirements to finai delivery.
44 Function Point count divided by 150. Stafiing
includes system analysts, coders, debuggers, testers,
quaiity control, and technid writers, support staff
and management.
9 Fuoction Point count divided by 750.
9 Years. Function Point count raiseci to the 0.25
mwer.
$16,000,000 Each function point is asswned to be worth $2,500.

To estimate the potentiai range of costs, the fbnction point count for the Mine

DesignPlanning System was haived to 3,000 and doubled to 12,000. Table 32 summarizes
 the results and indicates that the System's development could cost from $7SM to S30M

and require fiom two to four years to deliver.

Table 32 - Mine DesigdPlanning System Range Analysis

Description Low-end Estimateci m$=Qd
Function Points Count 3 6,526 12,000
Software Code Sizing 159,000 345,869 636,000
Page Count for Documentation 9,970 24,369 49,097
New Monthly Creeping: User Requirements 60 13 1 240
Potential Life-Cycle Defect Estimate in 22,202 58,654 125,5%
, System
Defect Count at Delivery 450 979 1,800
Post-release Defect Repair Rates 8 8 8
Approximate Development Schedule 25 34 43
(months)
Program Development Staang Level 20 44 80
, Program Maintenance Staffing Level 4 9 16
SeM Life of the Application (y-) 7 9 10
Approx. Software Deveiopment Costs based S7,5,000 S16,, S3O,OOO,OOO
on h c t i o n point unit cost of $2,500

One item to note is the monthly requirements creep esthate as development proceeds.

Table 33 indicates that 60 to 240 new requirements could be expected (baseci on an

average of 2% new requirements per month). The cost of adding new requirements to the

application will Vary substantially depending when they occur during the development

cycle. Requirements added at design time are much less expensive then at coding or

testing stage. It is likely the development contractor wiii have a sliding cost scaie for

adding or changing requirements during the job. Creeping user requirements present a

significant nsk to the completion of any software project. In fact, Jones (1998) States that

creep rates above 5% per month make the project vimially unmanageable.
Jones (1998) also provides typical percentage breakdowns for the development effort of

projects in the 1,000 to 10,000 fnction points range. This breakdown is summarzed in

Table 33. It should be noted that coding costs (Le. actual programming) are just a fiaction

of the total costs incurred during software development, especially for large or major

software projects.

Table 33 - Costs Breakdown for Development Effort (Jones, 1998)

Dcvclopment Activity i Pcmnt8ge
Requirements Definition %Y0
Design 12%
Codinp: 22%
Testing 32%
Change Management 7%
Documentation 8%
Project Management 11%
Total 1WA

Lines of Code Metrics

Another common metric for estimating software development costs is the "Line-of-Code"

(LOC) cost metnc. Estimates around S30US per line of code have been published

@&race and Stahl, 1993). This translates to roughfy $50 per LOC. Assurning the Mine

DesigdPlanning System has 350,000 lines of code (based on the function point analysis

done previously), then the development cost of the system would be approximately $17.3

million dollars.

McComell(1999) has published a metric relating LOC with development effort. The total

effort is estimates as:

 Effort (in staff-months) = 2.45 * KLOC'-'~(where KLOC refers to the line of
code count in thousands)

For the Mine PISUiningDesign System, with its 350,000 LOC or 350 KLOC, the total

effort is estimated at 2065 staff-months. At an approximate total cost of $10,000 per staff-

month, the total development cost is estimated at $20 million dollars.

In conclusion, an accurate cost and scheduling estimate for the development of the Mine

DesigdPlanning System is dificuit at this tirne due to the prelixninary nature of the

information available. However, the project is expected to cost tens of millions (with a

cdculated range of !HOM to $30M) and take several years to complete. It is the author's

opinion that the estirnated cost range is probably low and the actual costs more likely to be

in the $60M to $100M range.

Actuai cost data for cornparison purposes is rather scarce and typically considered to be

an asset to firms engaged in software and system development. However, there is some

cost information for a somewhat related package - GOCAD. This software is a

sophisticated 3-D object-oriented earth resource modeiing package originally developed

for, and by, the petroleum industry and is somewhat similar (except for its much narrower

scope of capabilities) to the system being proposed in this thesis. The development costs

for GOCAD are estimated at $42M over a 14 year period (Source: J-C. Dulac, T-Surf,

2000, pers. cornm.). The package consists of approximately 490,000 lines of C* code (T-
Surf, 2000) representing a LOC cost of approximately $85. Considering that GOCAD

does only a fiaction of what is required fkom a mine desigdplanning qstem, development

costs in the $100M range are realistic for the proposed system.

Justwng an expenditure of tens of millions of dollars to design and develop an integrated

system fiom scratch may appear, at first glance, difcult. However, when one considers

that the capital cost for developing a new mine ranges fiom $300M to over SIB and that

the operational expenses will be several times that amount, the expeniture of even $SOM

for developing an integrated design and planning system is not prohibitive. A large rnining

Company could spread the development costs over several properties. As well, a

consortium of companies could agree to split the development coas. The actual cost of

mine design and planning errors can be very hi&. While there are few published papen

dealing with bad mine design and planning, there is no lack of anecdotal cases. While an

integrated design and planning system rnight not protect against incompetency, such a

system could have helped in many of the following cases.

Balmoral Gold Mine in Quebec was closed permanently in the late 1970's after a raise

broke into the saturated siltklay overburden. The resulting infiow of liquefied soi1 killed

eight miners and the mine was lost. A computerized mine planning system with good

bedrock profile data and accurate surveying could have prevented this tragedy.
Campbell Red Lake Mine lost potential production as a result of using an improper rnining

method in its F2 Zone. The use of shrinkage stopes in high stress ground resulted in

rockbursting conditions and the loss of high-grade ore reserves (Source: C. Pelley, 2001,

pers. comm.). The use of numencal modeling coupled with experience could have

forecasted and prevented this problem.

Gay's River Mine, a base metal mine located in Nova Scotia, had severe operational

problems that forced the eventual closure of the mine. The karst topography overlying the

deposit resulted in severe water and mud infiows into the mine workings located too close

to sunace (Source: C. Pelley, 2001, pers. comm.). These problems were essentially

caused by a modeling assumption that should have been foreseeable c o n s i d e ~ gthe

geology.

In June 1999, Kinross Gold ciosed the Macassa Mine in Kirkland Lake, Ontario (Kinross,

1999a; 1999b). According to Kinross Gold, the combination of weak gold prices and high

rnining costs made closure necessary. Some of the high mining costs were a result of the

loss of their primary production shafl, the No #3 S h d fiom an April 12, 1997 rockburst

(Kinross, 1997). This 7239 foot deep single-lift rectangular timbered shaft had been sunk

in or very close to the orezone. The loss of the shaft and the lack of mineable reserves

above the 5000-foot level made the mine uneconornical. This problem might have been

avoided had a risk analysis based on numerical modeling of ground stresses been

performed as part of the decision as to where to locate the shaft.

In 1997, Kidd Mine in Timmins, Ontario, had a major rock wedge movement within its

former open pit (Sheldon et al, 1999). With an estimated mass of 60M tonnes and a height

extending from surface to 850 metres below surface, this wedge created a major

operational and safety problem. The movement was triggered by an interaction of gravity,

adverse rockmass structures daylighting into mined out stopes and the open pit. The

resulting ground movement aEected underground operations and caused the mine to

shutdown until the problem could be assessed and safety measures implemented. This

problem rnight have been foreseeable had there been detailed rock structure mapping

infiormation avaiiable, software to analyze it, and people to recognize this potential

problem early on.

9.6 System Development Options

There does not exist at this time a single commercial package that can provide afl the

functionality described in this document. Nor is it likely that the currently existing mining

s o k a r e vendors will ever build such a system. An investment of several million dollars

and several years of work will be required to design and build this system. Few mining

software vendors have this financial strength. Therefore, it is expected that such a system

wili have to be developed privately. Several development options are possible:

1) The client can buy one or more existing stand-alone programs and develop translation
programs to join them in very looseiy integrated system.
2) The client can buy a good flexible commercial mine package and build upon it.
3) The client cm work with a rnining software developer and get them to modify their
software.
4) The client c m buy development tools and libraries and build a tightly integrated system
fiom scratch.
5) The client could form a consortium of mining companies or establish a user's group
representing the interests of those working in or for the mining industry. This
consortium or group would have the goal of developing an open data interface
standard that would aiiow data to flow easily between dserent mining applications.

Option 1 - Buy Esisting Applications and Loosely Integrate Tbem

A loosely integrated system consists of several diierent applications joined through data

interchange programs. DBerent user interfaces are likely and file management may be a

chore.

A loosely integrated system will not offer a consistent software architecture and data

mode1 and will likely meet only some of the client's needs (due to the limitation of each

component). However, this option will be much less costly to implement because existing

programs will be purchased fiom commercial vendors and customized to meet the client's

needs. One advantage of this integration approach is that the client cm purchase the best

components on the market or the preferred ones. It should be expected that the

components making up this system will be upgraded on an ad hoc basis by their vendors.

These upgrades may or may not be reversely compatible with previous versions because of

changes introduced to the data structures and could result in maintenance problems for the

client. Another issue is if one of the vendors goes out of business or seils his
company/product to another one. The product rnay dissapear fiom the market, leaving the

client locked in with a gradually aging application with no chance of upgrade. Another

disavantage may be that the client wiil be locked in on a specific hardware platform or

with specific software components, therefore unable to take advantage of new

developments because of the coas sunk in the development of the system. Over the long

term, Option 1 has little ment.

Option 2 - Client Buiids on top of an Existing Application

Option 2 has some merit because the development effort would be based on an existhg

and hopefully powerful platfam. However, the package must provide strong core systems

particularly in the area of solid modeling as well as a good programming language and a

way to integrate new functionalities. In al1 Mcelihood, a macro language will not be

sufficient to develop new applications. The programming language would have to be on

the level of C or C++ in capabilities as well as having the ability to link extemal Libraries.

Detailed specifications on the intemal data structures and hooks into these structures are

also needed for programrning purposes. New applications would need to be compiled for

speedy operation. If the development platfonn was offered as a library, it might be

possible to integrate new functionality easily. However, this approach would require the

CO-operationof the software vendor(s). This is not Likely to happen because it would make

it possible for the license holder of the platform to design and potentidy market new

mining applications in direct conflict with the software developer. However, a licensing

agreement limiting what could be done with the package could resolve this issue.
Option 3 - Contract Out Development to an Exisitng Vendor

Option 3 would be more palatable to the software vendor(s) than Option 2 because the

vendor(s) would maintain control of their product. If difZerent vendors could CO-operate

then this option has merit. The software would gain new functionaiity and become more

appealing to the mining industry. However, this option would be expensive since it is

likely that the client cornmissioning the project would have to pay a good percentage if not

al1 of the development costs. Considering the potential scope of work, the cost would

likely run in the millions of dollars. At the end, the client would have a produa that would

fit its needs but with little to no control over anything else. However, a special agreement

could be drafted between the client and vendor dictating the rights and obligations of each

Party. Possible developrnent agreement between the vendor and the client could include

the profit sharing of sales. In any case, the client must retain some intellectual property

rights should the vendor go out of business or is acquired by another b.

Option 4 - Building the System from Scratch to Achieve Tight Integration

Building the System fiom scratch should result in a tightly integrated system having a

consistent user interface and providing a seamless application (Le. there are no obvious

visible differences fiom one application t o another). Data would flow from one application

to another in its native format (Le. without the use of data translators) and file

management would be taken care automatically by the system.

A tightly integrated system offers a consistent software architecture and data mode1 and a

set of tools that could be used for al1 underground mine design, planning, tracking, and

reporting functions while fully customized to the client's needs. However, a tighly

integrated system wiU require much planning, design and programming pnor to its

implementation and therefore will be much more costly and take more tirne to develop

than a loosely integrated system. If the system is developed fiom scratch and source code

is available, it may be possible to migrate the system to improved hardware platforms that

come on the market.

Technically, Option 4 is the most chdenging one. An application could be developed

provided good commercial libraries are available. Certainiy, this option offers the moa

flexibility since the System would be tailor-made to the client's needs and modifiable as

required. The problem lies in finding the right component libraries. Software components

are likely to have bugs in them, bugs that are hidden at the onset but come out during

development.

The System could be developed fiom scratch or fkom available source code. A wealth of

code exists, good and bad, in the areas of public domain and commercial. The client would

need to hire competent programmers (this is not as simple as it sounds) or retain the

seMces of a programming contractor to develop the System. At the end, the client could

have a marketable product if it so desires.

Option 5 - Open Software Applications and Standard File Systems

This option is somewhat similar to Option 1 in that the resulting system would be loosely

integrated. The difference lies in havuig standard file formats that every open software

application would be able to access directly. The petroleum industry has implemented such

standards and specifications under POSC (Petrotechnical Open Software Corporation) for

the sharing and integration of oil exploration and production data (POSC, 1997). The idea

being that any POSC compliant software is capable of accessing this data. There are no

reasons why a similar set of specincations could not be defined for the mining industry.

Over the long-term, this approach has tremendous potential by being able to e e the data

nom the software application. The mining client would be free to buy whatever

application desired and be assured of data compatibility. The software vendon would have

a more level field, competing on the quality of their software and having access to a

potentially larger market.

Under Option 5, a user's group or consortium made up of mining companies, software

developers and acadernics would be formed to represent the interest and voice the

concens and requirements of the mining industry. This group would focus on educating

the sofhvare developers on the needs of the industry. The software industry would likely

be interested in joining such a group to gain industry exposure, contacts, and potentially

new marketing ideas. Academics would also benefit with potential research and

developrnent work.
9.7 Recommended Development Options

Any one of the above options can be implemented. However, the h a 1 selection should be

based on the company's corporate objectives. Two options are likely to have the best

chance for success. Building upon an existing mine planning package (Option 3) should

result in increased fiinctionality provided the client is willing to foot most of the

development bill. The software vendor knows his product the best and has fli access to

the source code. However, Option 4, with the client building the System fkom scratch,

offers the most flexibility and control over the design. However, it should be pointed out

that mining companies are in the mining business and not in the software development

business. This option will require that the client invest heaviIy in software development

and maintenance programmers.

Option 5, the open data standard, may prove to be the most cost effective option,

provided a standard can be agreed on, one that software vendors are willing to support.

There would be a cost for performing the requirements analysis and developing the data

model. Depending on the development approach used, by cornmittee or by an extemal

third Party, it could take a couple of years to several years before the standard would be

available. Ultimately, the open standard option would have much more influence if the

mining companies specify that the software vendors provide such fiinctionality as part of

their products.
9.8 System Components Implementation Complexity Assessment

The Mine Design/Planning System comprises several interrelated and interdependent

components. However, logical breaks rnay help in simplimng the System and permit a

phased approach to development and implementation. Table 34 lists the design and

planning tasks typically performed by geologists, engineers and planners and rates them

according to frequency of use, criticality to the System and implementation complexity.

This rating scheme provides a guide for setting up development pnorities. The availability

of commercial software packages (components) and their potential to be integrated within

the Mine DesigdPlanning System were also rated. An explanation of the rating system for

each evaluation criterion as well as obsewations follows.

Frequency of Use
Low - Once a year or less
Medium - Once a month
High - Once a week
Very High - Once a day
EOC
Outside of the core systems, there are substantial variations in the frequency of use of

rnining specific components. Mine design is generally an eady stage process that tends to

remain unchanged for long periods. For instance, once a shaft has been designed and built,

it is unlikely to be changeci. Mine planning and scheduling aaivities are done rnuch more

frequently, generally on a weekly to monthly basis (with some work done on a yearly

basis) while production control is more fiequent stiil, on a daily to weekly basis.

cf iflctZ&
Low - Systern could work without it
Useful (Medium) - System ninctionality wouid be enhance by the component
Important - Functionality would s&er substantially without this component
Criticai - System can not work effkctively or at ali without this component

There are severaI critical and important components in the Mine Design/Planning System.

The solid modeler and visualization systems as well as the database system are critical core

systems. The simulation system and the expert system engine are rated as important.

Orebody modeling, as well as short-term planning activities, and production and costs

monitoring components are rated as cntical as well. An orebody mode1 is critical because

it forms the basis for all fture mine design and planning work. Most of the other

components are rated as important or useful. Only the mining method selection is rated as

low in criticality.
Impfementution Complexity
Low - Straightforward, well-dehed process
Medium - More complicated to implement due to interrelated components
High - Extremely compiicated to implement

Implementation complexity varies substantially for ail components depending on how

much a component is interrelated to others. Some components like s w e y h g and

geological data capture are relatively simple to implement. Others, like short-terni

planning and scheduling, are highly complex due to severai factors as follows:

Cost considerations
Considerations of required and available resources
Considerations for production objectives and constraints
The optimization of the mining plan and schedule.

A vailabiiity of Commercial Componen2s

Many - There exist many (more than 10) commercial equivalents
Some - There exist a few (Iess than 10) commercial equivalents
None - There exist no (one or less) commercial equivalents

Generally, the availability of commercial components is low for Wg-specific activities.

Many activities have no real commercial equivalents (although there may be some

proprietary or research-based systems available). The core systems generally have many

commercial equivalents because these systems are meant to be general tools and can

sometimes be used to create other applications.

Integration Potential of Commercial Components
Good - There is a high Likelyhood that the component can be integrated
Fair - It may be possible to integrate the component
Poor - It is unlikely that that the component could be integrated
N/A - No rating is possible because there is no commercial equivalent available

Overdl, the integration potential of commercidy available components is poor to wtually

unlikely. Except for general software packages related to graphics, database, and expert

systems, the potential to integrate existing rnining-specific software is poor. These mining

packages were created to be stand-alone applications ahhough some offer data import-

export capabilities.

9.9 System Pre-Development Work

The work required before actual coding and prograrnming will depend on the development

approach used. The irnplementation of Option 4, where the development is done from

scratch, will be quite radically different fiom Option 1, where data translation programs

are written. However, several tasks and decisions wiil have to be performed regardless of

the development methodology selected.

First, the requirements outlined in this thesis will have to be fleshed out further and

followed with a detailed design. A set of programming and documentation standards

should be defined. There must be a comprehensive testing and software quaty program

put in place. Domain experts taken fiom the development group as well as fiom other
areas (academic, consultant, etc.) will have to be selected to form part of the testing and

quality assurance group.

An operating platform will have to be selected. Wiil the system be implernented on

Microsoft windowsm, on a UMX compter or some other system? The choice of

platform will likely dictate the choice of design libraries and components available to the

programfning team.

A selection on the database system will have to be made at this point - relational or

object-oriented or hybrid?

Any software lbrary or component will have to be thoroughly tested before being selected

as a design tool. If feasible, the vendor of the product should have resources available to

troubleshoot and fix problems identified with library components. If possible, the source

code for the library components should be acquired.

The key to the whole system is the surface/solids modeler. This component will need to be

thoroughly tested to ensure that the desired fiinctionality is available. This certification

process must be performed before any large coding effort is initiated. This component

should be tested with realistic data sets for speed, accuracy and correctness of solutions.

The basic Boolean fiinctions (i-e.union, intersection, difference, etc.) must be checked for

numencal instabilities on surfaces and solids of arbitrary complexity.

9.10 Development Phases

The design and development sequence for the Mine Desigfllannhg System should be

based on the cnticdity and fkequency of use of the sub-systems as outlined in Section 9.8.

AU sub-systems rated cntical and important (the simulation engine in particular) must be
considered during the design stage. AU cdical systems wili need to be designed and tested

first. These critical systems include the following:

The solid modeling system (core system)

The visualization system (core system)
The database system (core system)
Ail prograrnming and customization capabilities of ail critical core systems
The orebody modeler
The stope (mine) layout modeler
The short-term mine planner and economic analysis
The resource scheduler (equiprnent, labour, supplies and consumables)
The production cost estimating and tracking system
The surveying system (layout preparation and excavation boundary monitoring)

Al1 above cntical systems also have a high to very high fiequency of use and generally a

medium to high implementation complexity. An integrated system pmviding the above

capabilities will offer a high level of fnctionality and capability to any mining operation

and would have a very high fiequency of use.

The implementation of the critical systems should be foUowed with the important systems

like the sirnulation and expert systems engines, the ventilation, drilling and blasting design

sub-systems. Drilling and blasting design work, in particular, is a highly repetitious activity

that should be automated as much as possible.

The remaining components could be developed later. A small group of users should be

selected to be part of the designltesting tearn. These users wiU be training during the

prototyping and the development of the System, helping in making changes and

improvements and critically analyzing the funaionality and accuracy of the System. Once

the System is ready for implementation, these users would help with the training of other

users and provide initial system support.

9.1 1 Development Tasks

The development of the Mine DesignlPlanning System will require the successful
completion of several tasks that include:

1) The selection of a mine site to implement and test the System on.

2) The selection of a small team of mine users to provide advice and help to the system
developers and aid in functionality testing.

3) The selection of an object-onented solid modeling platfam.

4) The solid modeler will be tested for the following capabilities:

 lmporting a representative geological data set and creating a geological model
Calculating the grade and tonnage resulting from stope and geological model
intersections (Boolean intersection).
Merging two or more stopes (Boolean union) and calculating the new tonnage and
grade.
Splitting an existing stope into two or more new stopes (Boolean ciifference).
Laying out shafls, raises, levels, stations, drifts, rarnps and stopes of arbitrary
complexity.
Creating and attaching a unique object ID that can be used to Link the object to an
extemal database.

5) If the soiid modeler passes ail these tests, then the detailed design of the mine object
models can proceed. The object models must eventuaily be integrated into the
simulation engine. If the solid modeler fails these tests, then another core system will
have to be selected and re-tested.

6) The design of an appropriate database structure depending on the database

implementation method selected (i.e. relational, object-oriented or hybrid).

7) The design and implementation of an activity-based estimatingkosting system to

support development and production activities.

8) The importation of a data set fiom the selected test mine. This data set will form the
basis for future testing, verification and validation.

9) The design and implementation of an interface for exporting the solid model to a
geomechanics numencal modeler and imponing the results back into the solid modeler
(for design stope size and mining sequence).
10)The design and programrning of a mine scheduling system module. The scheduiing
-stem would use the mining sequence defined previously to define a long-term
schedule. The activity-based costing system would be used to design a cost estimating
and budgeting system.

1l)The design of a financial analysis module that incorporates the mine schedule,
production tonnage and grades, estimated metal prices and cost estimating and
budgeting system.

12) The design, implementation and testing of the short-term scheduiiisimulation engine
foliowed with the integration into the mine planner/scheduler components.

13) The design, implementation and testing of the expert system engine foliowed with the
development of various expert systems to support the System.

14)The design, implementation and testing of a drilling and blasting module.

15) The design, implementation and testing of a ventilation analysis module.

9.12 IT Systems Migration

It is obvious that a Mine Design/Planning System with the proposed scope of capabilities

will radically alter the IT (Information Technology) landscape of a mining Company. This

is especially true if the System is eventually linked to a Production Control and Monitoring

System. AU existing design and production monitoring systems have the potential to be

modiied. Particularly, the traditionai accounting system wi need to migrate towards an

activity-based costing system.

Unless directed by upper management, it is unlikely that the accounting department will

completely give up their system in favour of an ABC systern. Therefore, it is reasonable to

expect that both systems will have to run in pardel until everyone is convinced that an

ABC system is workable, accurate and of value to the Company.

There may also be changes in other extemal computer systems particdarly if production

control and monitoring is integrated. Strong links may be established between the

production and monitoring system and the warehousing, the maintenance system and the

payroll systems depending on the degree of desired integration. There may already be a

production reporting system in place that will need to be upgraded, even possibly

replaced. in many ways, production and maintenance are directly related. Production can

not proceed without equipment and equipment will not be available without being

maintained. Maintenance requires adequate time and this time requirement must be

allocated within the production schedule. Ideally, the maintenance system should keep

track of the failure rates of the equipment, the time between filure and the required repair

time and costs. This information would be used to improve future production schedules

and budgets as well as help in scheduling maintenance t h e .

Production can also be linked with the warehousing system, using the schedule for

estimating supply and consumable quantities, verifying that the supplies are available and

triggering replenishment orders when appropriate. The production system could also:
 Place orders to the warehouses for supplies to be delivered at specific workplaces
while tramferring the appropriate charges to the workplace accounts.
Monitor and record the labour costs for payroll purposes.
Administer the work incentive or bonus system.

The above discussion points to a fusion of traditionally separate computer syaems.

However, this fsion wiil cross several traditional departmental boundaries and is likely to

be met with resistance on several fionts. It will have to be stressed that this re-engineering

process wiil streamline data management within the company, resulting in operations that

are more efficient.

Migration Implementation Path

The migration process should begin with a complete analysis of the company's processes.

The objective of this analysis is to understand and d e h e clearly the objectives of the

mining company and the products that it produces. This analysis would be followed with a

process flowchart showing how the products are modified during the mining, milling and

perhaps re6ning stages. It should be clear which activities produce wealth and those who

do not. Activities that do not contribute to the wealth of the company should be modified,

possibly eliminated. However, some activities may be required for legal or reporting

purposes. The purpose of this work is to outline and define the idormation required by

each activity and at each stage as well as and the information flow between these activities

and stages.
Ideally, this idormation flow should be done for the existing situation (i.e. "as-isy') and the

proposed system (i.e. "to-be"). The flow of information should be smooth and with as

little backflow as possible. Information backflow is valuable when it is used for correcthg

a model, otherwise, it is simply inefficient rework. There must be a clear, logical reason

for collecting, storing, processing and reporting information about the processes and

productS.

This analysis and modeling work would define the critical information that is required,

who creates or wUects and maintains this iformation, and who needs this information and

why. There rnay be other questions to be answered such as the fiequency of collection, the

infiormation control and accessibility, and the retention times.

Data models that meet the information requirements would be designed next. These data

models would be implemented using a suitable CASE tool to help the system andyst in

creating and maintaining the models. A computer system and database system capable of

meeting the information requirements would have to be selected. Several issues need to be

considered at this stage. The type and quantity of data to be stored may favour a database

architecture over another. A centralized computer system with a database server may be

favoured by some, others may prefer a distributed architecture implemented over a

network. It is important to consider critical database issues like scalability, reliability and

control. A diverse computing environment (Le. several diierent computer systems,

databases and application), common in many existing minhg companies, may require a

datarnart or meta-database environment.

Eventually, the information will have to be moved to the database system. The degree of

ease with which this migration is made will depend on how clean the information is7 the

nature of the information itself, and how open the current database systems are.

It is critical that the users and stakeholders of the information be involved with this

process. These people know best what they need and the nature of the information itself.

As well, this work will require the full unconditional support of the company's

management. It is Lely that some usen will feel that they are losing control of the data.

It will be important to stress that this data represents a critical source of decision-making

information and is an essential asset to the entire Company. Co-operation will be required

by al1 to make this data migration work.

 CHAPTER 10

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK

This thesis represent the first attempt at formally describing through the use of software

engineering and systems analysis techniques the thought process that takes place when

designing and planning an underground hardrock mine.

This thesis is also about defining and describing the capabilities required fiom a cornputer

system capable of integrating al1 the necessary elements found and operations perforrned

when designing and planning an underground hardrock mine.

10.1 Original Contributions of the Research

This thesis aimed to achieve the following original contributions:

A complete description of the required or desirable elements for creating an integrated

underground hardrock rnine desigdplanning system (Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7).
A description of the problem domain, complete with the identification of relevant
factors, parameters and considerations as well as the relationships between them to
provide an encompassing look at the mine design and planning process (Chapter 4).
A detailed set of requirements and specifications for creating an integrated
computerized underground mine design and planning system. System programmers
and software developers can use this set of requirements as a starting point for
creating the system (Chapters 6, 7 and 8).
Detailed documentation, via structured graphical models of the mine design and
planning process showing inputs and outputs, controls and mechanisms. These models
 illustrate some of the decision process that take place when designing and planning as
well as the infiormation required to make such a decision and the constraints that apply
(Chapter 5, Appendices A, B, D and E).
Preliminary data models of the rnining information (DFDs and 00 models) to be used
by system programmers when developing the system (Appendices A, B, and E).
An implementation path that identifies and pnoritizes which components and
functionalities of the system should be implemented and in which sequence to show
real benefits to developing the entire system (Chapter 9).
An evaluation of the system's feasibility (Sections 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5)
A description of the fttwe research work required in creating this integrated system
(Section 10.4).
The review of fomal software engineering methods as a tool for developing complex
mining software systems.
A basis for fiiture business process improvements and for business process re-
engineering activities in mine design and planning work. An understanding of the mine
design and planning process and the factors that Muence this process represents the
first step in either improving or modifjing this process.

10.2 Scope of the Researcb

Constraints

Several constraints have lirnited the completeness of this research. Available resources,

that is time as weU as the lack in expertise in several areas, have prevented the complete

identification and definition of al1 the requirernents for the System. Although this thesis

contains several hundred requirements, a ftil and detaiied requirements document would

likely contain several thousand.

No user interface or other system interfaces have been defined. User intefiaces are

typically prototyped and require substantiai involvement from the future users. NO system

interface work was designed because it is typicaily system and application dependent.

The datdsystem models contained within the thesis are preliminary in nature. There is no
point in defining a complete data mode1 until a decision has been made on the type of

database system that wiil be used (i.e. object-oriented, relational or hybrid). Therefore, no

attempts were made to define al1 the tiinctions or methods needed to implement these data

models. The proposed System is extremely complex and will therefore require

considerable expertise to transfonn the broad requirements outlined in this theis into a

workable data and system architecture.

The proposed System calls for the development of severai expert systems, many of which

do not yet exist. The thesis made no effort to assess the research effort required to

develop these expert systems.

Generality

The System outiined in this thesis is meant to address the requirements for underground

hardrock mines. The System could be generaiized by extending it to underground coal

mines. As well, surface mine design capabilities could be made available with the addition

of pit limit optimization and road layout routines. AU other designlplanning routines with

the exception of mine ventilation could be transferable to open pit mine design. The
System could be extended further with the integration of a production control and

monitoring system as well as the inclusion of a Mine Information Management System. At

that point, the System would provide an dl-encompassing level of data integration.

The System could be used for the design of large-scale civil engineering projects like

tunnels and nuclear waste repositones. The System could be extended to modeling

geothermal and hydrogeological problems with the inclusion of suitable algorithm in the

numerical stress modeler.

10.3 Integration Bcnefits

The mine design and planning system examined in this thesis goes beyond what is

considered traditional computerized mine design and planning work. ncluded with

exploration data capture, orebody modeling, and ore reserves estimation are sophisticated

surface and solid modeling techniques, a 3-D visualization system, mining method

selection, stress and strain modeling, ground control measures evaluation, equipment

selection, ventilation analysis, scheduling and budgeting, mine valuation and optimization,

production simulation, activity-based costing, surveying, cost control and production

reporting.

The primary benefits in developing such as system would be an integrated software

architecture and data model complete with a core set of tools that could be used for all

underground mine design, planning, tracking, and reporting functions. In the future, it is
hoped that the Mine DesigdPlanning System would be linked to a Production Control and

Monitoring System that would in real-time control equipment remotely, monitor machine

health as well as track muck flow within the mine. Information gathered by the Production

Control and Monitoring System would feed back to the Design and Planning System for

improved plans, schedules and budgets.

An integrated Mine DesigdPlanning System would provide the foliowing benefits :

An integrated, object-onented design and planning environment for underground

hardrock mines.
The creation of a consistent, coherent and up-to-date database of current conditions
within the mine for more accurate and more timely plans as well as improved decision-
making and scheduiing.
The tight integration of business concems with engineering design through the
integration of simulation, engineering and database systems.
Enhanced design and planning speed and capability through an integrated suite of tools
resulting in improved engineering productivity
Potentially, a reduction in the need for skilled planning staff however, this benefit is
somewhat mitigated by an increase in system support staff
The ability to examine interrelationships between the various mine design and planning
activities (Le. the cause and effects) thus the production of more detailed and complex
analyses.
The capability to provide online advice and decision-support capabiiities to engineers
and planners for improved decision-making.
A method or fiamework for storing expert knowledge that would otherwise be lost
over time.
 Better analysis and consideration of available options via simulation and
analyticaVoptimizationtechniques.
A strong foundation for future enhancements and modifications as well as the
capability to incorporate automated rnining equipment into the process.
A basis for generalization to enterprise modeling, business process improvements and
business process re-engineering.

The justincation for developing the System wili have be made on the basis of improved

decision-making. With a development cost in the tens of miilions of dollars, the "per

ticense" cost will othenvise be too high to be acceptable to potential buyers of the system.

However, if it can be shown that better decisions can result in savings of millions of

dollars, something quite possible when one considers the substantial capital investment

required for a mining project or the annual operating budget for most mines, then the

justification to develop this system is clear. The availability of an integrated Mine

Design/Planning System would represent an extremely valuable strategic asset to any

rnining Company.

10.4 Future Work

An integrated computerized Mine Design/Planning System of the scope being proposed

offers many opportunities for future work. This thesis, outlinhg the System's feasibility,

the general requirements and preliminary data architecture, is but the first step in a lengthy

design and implementation process.

10.4.1 System Design Work

The detailed architecture of the Mine DesignIPianning System as well as the Production

Control and Monitoring System should be defined using object-oriented principles. This

work needs to be followed with the design of a comprehensive object-oriented data model,

complete with detailed classes, attributes and methods defined for each object. This data

model would build upon the work of Chapter 7 and Appendices A, B and E and

incorporate the requirements of the core systems outlined previously in this document.

This data model could form the basis for an open data architecture that eventuaUy could

be transformed into an industry-wide open data standard. This work is very important

because it could eventually enable applications to fieely communicate with one another

thus providing a greater degree of integration.

10.4.2 Domain Expertise Work

There is much work to be done in the area of expert system development. This

development work will help in achieving a greater understanding of the decision process

that takes place when designing and planning mines. The design and integration of expert

systems will bnng about greater system "intelligence". Without these expert systems, the

System will never achieve its full potential and wili at best ody provide cornputer

assistance to the mine pianner.

There is generally a lack of systematic, precisely defined, and well-understood decision-

making protocols and procedures. Although this thesis has attempted to ident@ some of

the more critical factors and considerations, it is not always clear how decisions are made.

Knowing this information is critical for creating the several expert systems that have been

identified.

The implementation of these systems will require knowledge engineering in the specific

domains and domain experts will be needed to aid the knowledge engineers in building,

testing and c e r t w g these experts systems. Expert systems couid be applied to the

following areas:

Orebody interpretation
Geostatistical modeling and interpretation
Mining method selection and nsk considerations
Stope sizing, orientation and optimization
Stope layout and sequencing
Numencal stress analysis and interpretation
Ground support strategies and optimization
Pnmary infrastructure selection, sizing and location
Production level selection and production objectives
Grade cut-off selection and grade control requirements
Drilling, blasting and fragmentation control
Mining equipment fleet selection
Equipment productivities, reliabilities and operational policy
Muck handling system selection
 Ventilation system requirements sizing, design and control
Mine project valuation, sensitivity and risk analysis
Metai pice and metal dernand forecasting
Long and short-term mine planning and scheduling
Electncal power usage optimization
Appropriate work incentives and bonus levels
Cost control and analysis interpretation

10.4.3 Studies and Research Work

There is also statistical work that needs to be done in the area of mining cost and

productivity analysis. This information is critical for the creation of the activity-based

costing system and the operation of the simulation system. These systems are identined as

core decision-making tools.

Obtaining and analyzing this information will require considerable time. Frequently, the

currently available data is inadequate and represents aggregated information. Also, to be

representative, the data may have to be accumulated for lengthy penods of time and will

have to be nonnalied.

Cost Data Analysis

Although al1 mines have an accounting system in place for tracking costs, it is generally

not amenable to good decision-making. Generaliy, too many overhead costs are

aggregated and then assigned to workplaces based on some dubious allocation method.
An activity-based costing system should help in understanding and allocating costs

properly. The design of an ABC system will require an in-depth understandiig of where

costs originates, how they are measured and how they will be allocated. There is also a

need for empirical cost curves relating the capitaVoperating costs of various facilities

based on their size for the purposes of quickly sizing and optirnizing mining facilities and

infiastructure, mine layouts, and production equipment selection.

Equipment Costs, Productivity and Reliability Data Anrilysis

This information is required for mine planning and scheduling activities and in particular,

for simulation purposes. This information wili take time to obtain and analyze. Several

factors need to be considered dependmg on the degree of simulation sophistication. For

exarnple, travel times for an LHD could be calculated based on equipment speed, road

conditions and loading. Fuel consumption could be estimated under similar operating

conditions. Other relevant simulation information includes bucket loads, bucket filling and

dumping times, as well as tumaround times for LHDs. Some of the parameters may be

iduenced by the muck fragmentation distribution. Drills would have information relating

drill bit advance to d d bit type, age, rock conditions and so on.

Labour Resources Productivities, Reliabilities and Costs Andysis

The nature of the mine scheduler being proposed requires that development and

production processes be described in term of the activities and resources that are needed.

Resources include equipment (which was discussed above), labour and supplies and
consumables. Labour, much like mining equipment, has certain productivities, reliabilities

and costs-

Supplies and Consumables Requirements and Costs Analysis

Every mining process, activity, equipment piece or labourer requires supplies and

consumables. In cut-and-fill mining, for example, rockbolts and screen are required for

each cut. Equipment requires diesel fel grease and tires. Labour requires small tools,

fiesh water, a place to change and shower. Ail these supplies and consumables have to be

provided at a cost. It is important to estimate the quantities required and their costs for

each activity.

Planning-Scheduling Algorithmic Work

Mine planning and scheduling offers great opportunity for the development of a

commercial system. There are numerous schedulers available for open pit mines however,

none of these systems are tmly applicable to underground hardrock deposits. The very few

systems available for underground mines are generally very limited in their capabilities

especially their flexibility and optirnization capabilities.

The use of genetic algontluns (Holland, 1975) for solving resource-constrained mine

scheduling problems has to be examined fiirther. Over the last decade, genetic algonthms

have seen increasing use in several applications including construction scheduling (Leu and

Yang, 1999; Haidar et al., 1999; Hegazy et al., 1999). Genetic algorithms, with their
combination of heuristics and optimization, may offer a workable solution that is more

efficient than the more traditional linear and integer programmig approaches in

optimizing complex mine scheduling problems (Denby and Schofield, 1995). The

development of optimizing algorithm wiil ultirnately provide the financial retums and

justification for developing and using the System.

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 APPENDIX A
DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS
 LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

Table A-1 . ....................................................................A-2

DFD Files and Data Stores

LIST OF FIGURES
PAGE

igure A-1 . Data Flow Mode1 1.0 .Orebody Modeling ......................................... A-5
igure A-2. Data Flow Mode1 1.1 .Geology Data Acquisition ..............................A-6
igure A-3 - Data Flow Mode1 1.2 - Geology Modeling ......................................... A-7
igure A-4 - Data Flow Mode1 1.3 - Geology Data Analysis ...................................A-8
igure A 4 - Data Flow Model 1.4 - Geological Reserves Estimation ....................A-9
igure A-6 - Data Flow Mode1 2.0 - Mine Design & Planning .............................A 4 0
igure A-7 - Data Flow Mode1 2.1 - Rock Mass Classification ............m................ A-11
igure A-8 - Data Flow Mode1 2.2 - Mining Method Selection ............................A-12
igure A-9 - Data Flow Mode1 2.3 - Primary Access Design ................................A 4 3
igure A-10 - Data Flow Mode1 2.4 - Long-Term Scheduling ..............................A-14
igure A-1 1 - Data Flow Mode1 2.5 - Economic Evaluation .................................A-15
igure A-12 - Data Flow Mode1 3.0 - Mine Planning & Scheduling ....................A 4 6
igure A-13 - Data Flow Mode1 3.1 - Mine Process Definitions ........................... A-17
igure A-14 - Data Flow Mode1 3.2 - Material Handling System .........................A 4 8
igure A 4 5 - Data Flow Mode1 3.3 - Secondary Access Design ...........................A-19
igure A-16 - Data Flow Model 3.4 - Process Productivity & Costs ....................A-20
igure A-17 - Data Flow Mode1 3.5 - Short-Term Planning ................................. A-21
gure A 4 8 - Data Flow Model 3.5.5 - Dwelopment Resources Requirements ..A-22
igure A 4 9 - Data Flow Mode13.5.6 - Production Resources Requirements .....A-23
gure A-20 - Data Flow Mode1 3.6 - Drilling & Blasting Layouts ......................A-24
gure A-21 - Data Flow Model 3.7 - Ventilation Anaiysis & Control .......,.........A-25
gure A-22 - Data Flow Mode1 4.0 - Production Control & Monitoring ............A-26
gure A-23 - Data Flow Model 5.0 - Mine Monitodng ........................................A-27
SUMMARY O F DATA FLOW MODELING

Data Flow Diagram @Fil) models are valuable at representing the important features of

an information system without being overly concemed with the process details. DFDs

can be expanded into entity-relationship diagrams (E-R Diagrams) and eventually

translated into a data structure suitable for a relational database system.

The senes of DFDs presented in this chapter (Figures A-1 to A-23) illustrates the data

fiow for various mine design and planning processes. The DFDs, based on the Gane and

Sarson notation (Gane & Sarson, 1979), were drawn using a general drawing tool called

Visio 5.0 (owned by Microsofi Corporation).

Some of the DFDs show the flow of information (using a dashed line) for use with

automated mining equipment controlled through a Mine Process Controller. The Mine

Process Controller (a component of the Production Control and Monitoring System) is a

terminator. It obtains information from the Mine DesigdPlanning System, uploads this

information to the automated equipment and receives machine status and remote sensor

data back from them. This downloaded data is processed and stored in various files (data

store) within the Mine DesigdPlanning System. An explanation o f the content for each

file or data store is summarized in Table A-1.

Table A 4 - DFD Files and Data Stores
ID No File Name File Coateat
00 1 Topopphical Features Contains topographical data in the form of nrrface contours, tessellated meshes, open and
closed polylines and point data Roads, lakes, rivers, power lines, cozltours, buildings and
other surfie-b;ised surveys are contained in this file. Some of this data will be obtained
6om d a c e - b a s & surveys, 0th- will be fiom aecial photographs, some data will be from
satellite imagery. The data oui be obained h m specific nirveys or frorn g e n d
commercial mapping sources.
002 Drill Hoie Coltars Contains diamond drill hole collar information, typically an ID no., spatial coordinatcs, hole
orientation. depth, site.
003 Drill Hole Alignmcnt
- Contains diamond tiril1 hole surveys used to correct the alignrnem of the drill hole. Long
surveys holes fiequently drift off course fiom their origuut orientation
004 Drill Hole Litholow Contains diamond drill hole rock type i n f i i o n
005 Drill Hole Stnrctural Data Contains drill hole geomechanics data like joints, fnctures, dykes for use in rock mass
classification schemes.
Drill Hole Assays Contains the diamond drill hole assav information.
Field Geochemical Data Contins gcochernical exploration da!a obtained h m surface-based samples Each sample
has a spatial location as well as a suite of assay resuhs. This information is more of use in
early c x p l d o n efforts and forms part o f a comprehensiveGIS-bascd (Gcographicai
hfannation Sydem) explorationpr&grarn
Blasthole Assay Data Contains assay daa t?km fom buik samplcs out of a production blasthole. Blastholes are
ais0 logged f a ore-waste contact positions. This i n f i i t i o n is uscd to refme thc blasting
pattern and c d i or adjust the elrpeaed grades and tonnages.
Drill ~ o l Geophysics
e Contains drill hole based gcophysics data like electrical conductivity or resistivity,
Data mametism, radar wave penetraticm diila Data is in the fonn of a continuous profile
ob6ined fkom a probe lowercd or pushed &wn a hole.
Field Geophysics Data Contains geophysics data obiained from a surface-ased exploration program. Daia is
obtained typi&aly 6om profiles walked. driven or flown ov& spccific li&. Daia fan be
magnetic, gravity, resisbnce, or scismically-based Data will corne fiom spccific
exploration program or from commercial data obtained fiom private or commacial sources.
The data is spatially-baseai wdh specific values.
LRhological Boundaries on Contains open c?r closed polylines tha defines the b o u M e s bewern diffaent lithologies
Sections or rodc types. Note that an ore-waste classification m y k applied to the lithology.
Typically, the lithology is intcrpretcd on specific sections applied to drill hole data. Note
iha Iithological boundaia are applied
-- in the broad sense. Air. watcr, backfill are al1 in
fl
Lithological Volumes Contains volumes ( d a c e s ) defmed fom lithological bounddes. These arc simply
sutface-based outiincs. These volumes (surfaces)form Iithologicai unils (of spe&c rock
type). Lithological boundarics also includc spccific sinictural feahires likejoints & dykes.
Rock mass p r o p d e s will be assigned to lithological volumes for rock mectranics numerical
modelink The intersection of lithoIonical units and mine excavations wiii define the
boundan'es for BEM numerical mode&.
Lithological Soli& Contains solids created from the lithological volumes. Thesc soli& cari be octrec-based and
formed by the intersection of the rock &s with the mine warkings. herefore, this file
also contains stope and developmcnt acccss datz The octree-based solids will be
transfotmcd into FEM mcshcs for numericd modcling.
Composited Assay Data Contains drill holc assay data tbat has bccn pocessed This means that the dam has becn
spatially correctcd for its position, the data has been dc-cluaered to remove statistid
biases, and it has becn composited into regular sized i n t d to rnake it valid fur
geostatistical andysis.
Experimental Variogram Confains raw geostatistical or variogram information. Each variogram has a spccific type of
Models variogram, orientation and search cone for specific lithological units.
Fitted Variograms Models Contains processe and modeled variogram information for each lithological unit This
informa& is ready f a use in Kriging-edmatcs.
Specific Rock Sample Contains thc individual results obtained fiom testing pieccs of rock, fiom diamond drill c a e
hperties or extracteci underground fiom the rock mas. This includes spatial position. lithological
unit (or volume) as well as popcrties.
Specific Joint Ropcrties Contains the rcsults of the analysis of raw joint & tiacture data obtained fiom the field a
bom the diamond-drillhg program. This includes spatial position & orientation as well as
ioint properties.
Avcrage Intact Rock Contains the statisticai analysis of similar pieces of rock (same lithological unit w volume).
Ropelties These properties will be used to detenninc rock mass properties for rock mechanics work
and numerical modciing.

Avcrage Joint Set Contains the statistical analysis of joints located within the same lithological unit or volume.
Orientations & Roperties These properties will bc used to d e t m i n e rock mass properties for rock mechanics work
and numcrical modeling.
 021 T_vpicalRock Roperties Contains rock properties obtained tiom extcmal sources (Le. the Merature, other mines or
sites. external reports). This data is useiid for checking the dafa obtained 6 o m the site and
offers the rock rnechanics engineer with vaiuable information for analysis, modeling and
design.
022 Lithologid Definitions Contains general definitions to describe specific rock types. Typicaily. a code will be used
(Rock Type) to describe the rock type. This files also stores typical rock type properties and descriptions
far later use in geology and rock mechanics.
023 Assay Definitions Contains general definitions to describe the assay data being acquird. This would include
1 1 assay codes, units used to describe assay values. typical range of values.
1 Coordinate Systems 1 Contains the coordinate svstems used for various data sets. A mine mav have several
024
Definitions 'coordinate syaems in use: Typically, there will be a TM qstern ref&ncing the mine to
the world There will likely aiso be a l o u l coordinate system usually aligneci with the
orebody main axes to simpiifi design and survey. This file will contain ail the translation
and rotation parameters to translate the data to and from local to global coordinate systems.
Units ( f a t or mares) will aIso be specified as part of the system.
.Mine Layouts / Mine This complex spatial file system contains d l mine layouts including support systtms like
Sequence & Long-Terrn air. water, power, etc. Also include in a stoping and developmcnt squence (created fiom
Schedulc geomechanics considerations) as well as expended mine development phases. Embedded
within the spatial layouts is the long-tenn mine schedule. This Iong-tcrm schedule f o m
the basis for the short-term mine schedule.
Conains the boundaries ( d a c e s ) dcfining each stope and mine dcvelopment wilhin the
mine as well as the long-tenn produaion/developmein schedule. Associated with each stope
will be a s a of stope attributes containing mining methad. grades & tonnages, development
& production schedute (data), badrfill type, ground uppmt rcquirements, production
priority. The layouts can be '*as proposcd" or "as excavated". The s t o p production
sequence / schedule includes start of development ( s t o p preparation), start of produdion,
end of production, start of backfilling cnd of backtllling, finai closme date. The
devclopment Iayouts include shafb & ramps, raises, levels and subtevels, stations, shops
and garages. The devefopncrd sequence / schedule infiormation is rmiinly about the date at
which a given point becomes accessible and the costs incurred for its development.
.Minhg .Method Statistics Contains typical (or avcrage) productivity, unit wsts, recovcry Yb, dilution O h figures for
(Productivities & Co*) defmed mining mahods. Note tha this inf-ion can be in the form of distributions.
Average haulage costs (based on distance and tonnage - hauled) are also included Used for
1 1 long-& schedule andmine valuation work
027 1 Far-Field Stress Equations [ Contains the equations that define the far-field stresses ihat surmund the orebody. These
1 1 are typically inthe form of 3 orthogonal equations (orientcd almg - the geojgaphA
- - - axes of
1 1 the mine. or the ihree principal str&es) with a depth below d a c e factor.
1 Rock Mriss Stress 1 Contains the results of overcoring stress cells for detcnnining stress at specific poink within
1 O28
1 Calibration Points
Ithe rock mass. This i n f ' o n is used to calibrate the mode1 and ver& that it is
representative. These stresses have a soccific location in soace' and are a result of the
1 1 imeraction of the mine excavations and the rock mass.
029 1 Geomcchanics Numerical 1 Contains a cornpiete ~eometricalrnodel of thc rock mass.- maior structurai features. mine
-
excavations (1ayoue)as well as mining sequence used in the analysis. Rock mass .
pperties are included as well as the calculated stress and displacement results (which vary
as mining progresses). This complete mode1 permits the rnodeling of various options to
determine the best option
O30 Commodity Prices Contains the prices (current or estimated) for the meial commodities k i n g extracteci.
03 1 Millin&Refuing Method Contains typical (or avaage) unit costs, recovcry %, dilution % figures for detined
Statistics miilinp.lrefming rnethads. Note ihat this information can be in the form of distributions.
032 Inflation Rate 8t Discount
Rate Forecas& Models
Contains the information for evaluatinn the econmics of a minina -
-.omiect. Inflation rates
are used to increase ca* as time progresses. Discount ratcs are used to evaluate the return
oii inveslments.
033 Roduction Objective and Contains the production objectives of the mine as well as the current output This includes
Current Tally tonnage pcr day as well as metal Ibs. per day.
034 Dcvelopment Solids Contains the octrce-encoded developmem layouts as well as development costs and tirne
requirements. The development solids aiso contain a status CO& identifiing ifthe stope is
-
under plannina development. or closure. Tbere will also k scheduline dat;r available as to
when ihe wo& will SC& how long it will l a s and when it will e n d
Average Devclopment Contains direct costs and productivity data for differcnt types of development worlc For
COSIS& Productivitics instance, a lO'x12' hcading costing so much p a rnctre or so many mare advance per day.
Stations can be costed out on a volume basis. Average haulage cos& (based on distance and
tonnage hauled) are also included Used for Iong-term schedule and mine vatuation work.

036 0verhe;ids Cost Data Contains typical overhead cost data for dculating profitability of dopes. Overhead
includes office costs, support personnel marketing costs. R&D cosls and other indirect
costs.
Stopc Soli& Formed by the Boolean union of the lithological solids with the stope layout. Stope solids
have weightcd mehl grades. tonnage, costs. ore value and forecasted revenues. equivalent
 cut-off grade (based on equivalent mctal grade and metal prces) as well as pmfitability.
The stope soli& also contain a stahis code identiSing if the stope is under planning,
&veloprnent, production, or closure. Thae will also be scheduling data available as to
when the deveIoprnent will awhen production will star& how long production will last
when backfilling will start an whcn it i i l l be completed
Short-Tem Mine Sdiedule It is formed by extracting stope and development schedutmg information for a selected t h e
period
Th complex file systern contains the description of mining processes as well as related
mining A v i t i e s (&ks) and typical requirrdresaurces (lababaUr,equipment, supplies). For
each rnining process, we can then calculate average or typical unit costs and poductivities
for detailed short-term schedule preparation and simulation work
Supplies & ~onsmables This file contains the unit costs for various supplies and consumables used in the mining
Resources activities and rnining processes. This file contains also items Iike ventilation, electrul
power. proces WC&.-compressecl air. badrfill.
h b o u r Resources This file contains al1 labour resources avaiiable for carrying out work This includes
production and developmem crews, maintenance and supp& staff; as well as pay rates,
overtime rates, average benefits, typical productivities and average reliabilities. Current and
fture w d assignmentsare contained in this file system.
Equiprnent Resources his file contains al1 equipment resources available f a carrying out work Equipment
includes both mobile and stationary equiprnent. Purchase costs. o p d n g cost~,typical
mductivities and reliabilities are includcd as well as Derformancc data and metrics are
kcluded Currcn and firmew o k asignmcnts are c o k n c d in this file .-s
~UiningAdvities This file contains for each activitv. a description of the equipmmt, labour and
supplies/consumabIes resources fequired. ach activity wili have -ous poductivities.
unit cos&, and masuring metrics for use m preparing scheulcs and budgets. Activities are
linked together to form minmg processes.
Ground Support System This file conlains the geornechanicai properties for various s o u n d support system whether
fhey be rodcbolts, cablebons. wemesh, shotacte, fill. nie information will be uscd to
select support stfategies and defuic the requirements.
Ground Support Pattems This files contains the dcails for various ground support systems. Systems could be general
(standard) or specific.
Explosives Performance This file contsins detailed specificationsof explosives f i designhg blasting layouts.
Drilling & Blasting This file contains the drilIing patterns and explosive loading layouts. The layouts can be
tayouts general (standard) of specificCO a stope a heading. For ea& layouf the is a piaimcd layout
-
-
and an actual (as-drilled) laywt
Wakplace Costs (Direcf This file contains the detailed costs incurred for each workplacc. This file is ultimately tied
Lnduccts. & Ovaheads) 10 the mine layout file.
,Mine incidents This file is a record of d e t y incidents, injuries and frtilitics in the mine.
Microscismic RC=& This file contains al1 rnicroseisrnic events recorde at the mine
Muck Flow Statistics This file s t a e s the production statistics for specific contral points in the mine by shiR day,-
month, y-. A spekfi conlrol point includk an ore pass. &orage bin, skip. cnishn.
Ventilation Surveys This file stores the ccsutts of ventilation surveys(air flow quantity and quaiity).
Testing & Inspection his file stores the schedules for equipment that must be tested and certifiai. This includes
Schedules brake test on LHDs, shaft inspections, hoist inspections. rope tests, water samples and so
m.
Ground Displacernent This file stores the displacement record for a specific point in spacc.
Monitoring
Rockbohs / cablebolts Pull This file staes the results of pull tests on ground support systems.
Tests
Rockbolt Toque Tests nUs file stores the resulis of torque test an rock anchors.
Stress Measurernents his file stores the resulis of stress measurements done underground
Laad C e l Measurements rtUs file s t a e s the results of I d measuremcnts (backfill).
Rockbursts niis file s t a e s the results of rockburst investigations.
Falls of Ground his file stores the mulis of falls of nound investidons.
Figure A-2 - Data Fiow Model 1.1 - Geology Data Acquisition
[r-
;I n p

i
 APPENDIX B
OBJECT CLASS DIAGRAMS
 LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

Table B-1 Detailed Attribute List for Jumbo Drill Object .................................... B-3
O

LIST OF FIGURES
PAGE

Figure El . Object-Oriented Mine Design & Planning Data Mode1 .....................

ES
Figure B-2 . Object-Oriented Graphie Modeling System Data Hierarchy ............
B-6
Figure E 3 . Object-Oriented Mine Excavation Data Model ....,............................
B-7
Figure B-4- Object-Oriented Mine Equipment Data Model .................................. B-8
Figure E S - Object-Oriented GcdogiciVGeomechanicaJ Data Mode1 ..................
5 9
Figure B 6 - Object-Oriented Drilling & Blasting Data Mode1 ....., ....................
E l 0
Figure B-7- Object-Oriented Mine Ventilation Data M d e l ............,..
................ El 1
Figu t e 5 8 - Object-Oriented Mine Events Data Mode1....................................... B I 2
SUMMARY O F OBJECT CLASS MODELING

Appendix A descnbed a potential data structure for a relational database system capable

of handling the data storage requirements for the Mine DesigdPlanning System. This

Appendix presents a preliminary data storage model based on object-oriented principles.

One of the pnmary requirements for the creation of the Integrated Mine Design1 Planning

System is the need to design and program the System using an object-oriented approach.

Although it is possible to design a system that ties spatial objects with a relational

database (using unique object identification numbers), there are several benefits in

integrating the database requirements within the objects themselves in a fully object-

oriented design (OOD). These benefits are a result of the basic characteristics of object-

oriented programming (OOP) languages. These characteristics are abstraction,

encapsulation (or data hiding), modularity, and inheritance (hierarchy of objects).

The use of object-based class models should simplify the creation of new objects that

have small variations from a similar class. This is especially applicable to mining

equipment that have small variations fiom one unit to another. Another application is in

replicating a complete or a partial mine model for use in sensitivity analyses or for

examining similar but slightly different options. For instance, a mine model could be

used for design and planning purposes while another is used for remrding actual

excavation layouts.
Figures B-1 to B-8 outline a preliminary object-oriented data model with Figure B-1

being the key to the model. These figures show many, but not necessarily all, of the

required object attributes. Refer to the tables located in Appendix E for a more complete

listing of attributes. It must be pointed out that objects lower in the model hierarchy

inherit the attributes of objects above. The models contained in this section were created

using this fact to simpliQ the presentation. For example, the Jumbo Drill object would

inherit attributes fiom the Equipment Superclass object, the Mobile Equipment

Superclass object, the Trackless Equipment object, and the Drills Object resulting in the

detailed attribute list shown in Table B-1.Several objects are also cross-referenced to

other objects using various unique object identification numbers o r codes. It is expected

that during the design stage that these object models (and their attributes) will be

modified and refined.

In addition, these figures do not include any of the required object methods (procedures)

that are applicable to each object. These methods will have to be outlined during the

detailed design stage.

It is expected that the final design will be a combination of relationai database systems

and object-oriented mine modeling systems. Most mining companies have invested

considerable sums in establishing relationally based accounting, maintenance and

production control database systems so are unlikely to abandon them completely in favor
 of an OODBMS. This is easily achievable as long as common cross-referencing key

fields are used to link both database systems.

-
Table B-1 Detailed Attribute List for Jumbo Drill Object

1 Equip Series ID 1
- -

1 Equipment Series ID
Equip Mnfr ID 1 Equipment manufacturer code
E a u i ~Stam Code 1 Status Code (workine. available. etc)
Equip Account No Accounting code for cost tracking
Equip Desc Description of the equipment
Equip Mode1 Equipment mode1
EquipOptions Equipment options mailable
Equip Date Purchased Date equipment was purchased ,

Equip Purchase Price PUK:tiasingP

ria
Equip Account No M i M S accounting code for cost tracking
muip Current Value Cwrent book value
Equip Replacement Cost Equipment Replacement Cost
~ q u i pService Life ( Equipment Service tife w

1 Equip Curb Wt 1 Equipment Curb Weight 1

Equip Length Equipment Length
Equip Width Equipment Width

MITR Mean T e to Repair (distribution no.)

Mean Cost to Repair Mean Cost to Repair (distribution no.)
1 Average utilization 1
- -
-

m v g Utilization
Avg Operatinp, Avail Average operathg availability
Avg Mechanid Avail Average mechanical availability
Avg Availability Usage Average availability usage
Drill Bit Diameter Drill bit diameter
DriU Bit Supplier ID ID Code to cross-referen bit supplier
Drill Steel Supplier ID ID Code to cross-referen d d l steel supplier
-
Max Drilling Depth Maximum drilling depth of drill
Cum Foota~eDrilled Cumulative footage dnlled
Avg Repair Cost per Ft Average repair costs per footage drilled
Avg Footage per Oper Hr Average footage drillai per operatinp:hour
m v g Cost p r Ft Drilleci 1 Average costs per footage drilled 1
Avg Setup T i e 1 Tirne to setup drill 1
Avg Moving T h e Time to move drill to new hole
Avg T h e to Add/Rernove Steel Length T h e it takes to addkmove drill steel length *
Avg Travel Speed Average speed at which drill travels
Avg Footage per Driii Bit Average footage that is typically achieved by a drill bit
Figure B-2 - Object-Oriented Graphie Modeling System Data Hierarchy
Figure B-8- Object-Oriented Mine Events Data Mode1
APPENDIX C
TERMINOLOGY
 Tenu Definition
A
ABC Activity-Based Costing - An accounting method where the indirect and resource
e.upendiwes are sorted according to activities and assignecl to the cost drivers of
those activities.
ABM Activity-Based Budgeting
Account A record of debits or credits against a standard corporate assigned nurnber, for
c.uamples payables.
Accuracy It is the extent to which the results of calculations approach the tme value of the
caladations and are free of emr.
Activity In simulation work or sheduling work, this is an operation of finite time duration
that alters the pmperty(s) of an entity and thus the state of the system.
API Application Rogramming Interface - A set of callable routines that a
programmer uses to interact with an application
Architecture In software, the design of application or system software that incorporates
protocols and interfaces for interacting with other pmgrams and for hiture
1 1 flexibility and expandability. A selfcontained, &d&e program would have
program logic, but not a software architecture.
Architectural High-level modeling, either of the problem domain or technical domain, whose
1 Modeling:- 1 -&lis to provide a&nmon, o v e d l vision of the domain. Architectural models
provide a base nom which detailed modeling can begin.
Artificial Intelligence
- A field of computer science research aimed at enabling computers to mimic (a
best) the processes of human experts. A &up of-relateddisciplines
h t includes vision, robotics and expert systems.
&=Y A chernical test performed on a sample of ores or minerais to detemine the
amount of valuable met& contained.
Attribute A colwnn of a relation; also called a column or field. A property in an entity or
semantic object. In simulation work, propetty or information about an entity,
used to determine the status of the entity during the simulation pexiod.
Availability Equipment term relating what percentage a piece of equipment is available for
duty. Equipment down for repairs is considered unavailable.
Automation The process of controUing industrial production processes by cornputers or
programmable "logic-controllers" with a minimum of human involvement.
B
Bacffill Material placed inside a stope to provide support to the walls W o r a working
nlatform for miners and eauinment
Backfill Schedule The sequence of activities and associateci resources by stope and other work
centres required to meet the backfill, production and development plans.
Base Metal Any non-precious metal (e.g. copper, lead, zinc, nickel, etc.).
Bedrock Solid rock forming the Earth's cnist, fiequently covered by soi1 or water.
BEM Boundary Element Method
Bit The cutting end of a driU frequently made of an ultra-hard material such as

1 Blast Pattern The distribution, quantity and sequencing of explosives h a set of holes designed
to be initiated at one time.
BIast Report Set of measurements of a single blast pertaining to its performance.
Blast Schedule The timing and signalling of blasts within a mine during a period of t h e . It is
used to ensure safety.
1 Blasthole 1 A hole drilled for purposes of blasting rather than for exploration or g e o l o s d
 information
Blasting Detonating explosives to loosen rock for excavation
Bolt See Rockbolt
Borehole Cornmon term for a drill hole.
BPI Business Process Improvement
BPR Business Process Reengineerine:
Butk Mining Any large-scale, mechanized method of mining hvolving many thousands of
tonnes of ore king brought to surface per day by a relatively few number of
miners.
C
Cable bolt A steel cable, capable of withstanding tens of tomes, cemented into a drillhole to
lend support in bloc6 ground
CAD Computer-Aided Design or Cornputer-Aided Drafting
Capital Financial resources of a company-
Capital Costs The surn of money required to bring a minhg property into production.
Generally broken into three components, fixai capital costs, variable capital
costs, and working capital.
CASE Computer-Aided System Engineering or Computer-Aided SoAware Engineering
Cash flow A measure of the fiscal strength of a business. The net of the inlow and ouflow
of cash during an a c c ~ u n t &period.
~ Does not account for depreciation or
bookkeeping write-offs that do not involve an actual cash outlay.
Caving A mining method where or is purposely caved.
Claims Assertion of a legal right to extract minerals h m a specific location.
Class In OOT programming, it is an abstract data type, grouping together objects that
can be described by the same set of attributes and manipulated by the same set of
methods (operations). Class is the geneml category while an object is a specific
instance.
- - --
. - .

Client The party that initiates a remote procedure cal1 WC). Some applications act as
both RPC client and RPC semer. See ais0 semer.
Clipping Cutiing off the outer edges or boundaries of a word, signal or image. In rendering
an image, clipping removes any objects or portions thereof that are not visible on
screen.
Collision Detection ~lgorithmsthatdetect &Esions betw&rtual objects or soli&.
Collar In muiing, the top of a shaft drill hole or borehole.
Computer-aided A method of cfeating plans, sections and oblique views of orebodies using

Concurrency A condition in which two or more transactions are processeci against the database
at the same time.
Core The long cylindrical piece of rock, about 2 cm or more in diameter, recovered by
diamond drilling.
Cost Driver Factor dictating or infuencing the volume of an activity or related activities.
Crater Cone shaped hole mude in the rock by an explosive charge placed inside
Crew In this document, refets to the number of minets to do a specific ta&
Cross-cut An horizontal level driven at a large angle or across the strike of a vein.
Cmher A machine for cnishuig rock, such as a gyratory crusher, jaw crusher or cone
cnisher.
Cut In blasting, that part of a drill round that must break out before the rest of the
holes can break; in Cut-and-FiU mining, an horizontal dice.
Cut-and-fil1 A method of stoping in which ore is removed in slices, or lifts, following which
 / the excavation is flled with rock or other waste material known as backfN, 1
before the subsequent slice is mined; the backfill sup ports the walls of the stop.
The value above which a minerai deposit becomes economic.
D
Database A selfdescribing collection of integrated records.
Data Dictionary A database about data and databases. It holds the name, type, range of values,
source, and authorization for a a a s for each data elemad-h ?he organization's
files and databases. It also indicates which application programs use that data so
that when a change in a data structure is contemplated, a Iist of afiected program
can be generated. The data dictionacy rnay be a standcalone system or an integral
part of the DBMS. Data integrity and acCUZ;Icy is better ensureci in the latter case.

I
Data Entity

Data Flow
A person, place, event, hing or wncepL Data entities are drawn on data models
and are similar to classes with the exception that they have data attributes, but do
not have functionality (methods).
In a process model, a data flow represents the movement of information, either
physical or electronic h m one source to another.
DFD Data Flow Diagram
Data Mode1 A diagram used to wmmunicate the design of a (typicaiiy relational) database.
Data models are often referred to as enti&relatiom;;hip (R)diagrams.
Data Store In a process, it is a place where information is stored, such as a database.
Data Warehouse A database designeci to support decisionmaking in an organization. It is batch
updated and can contain enormous amounts of data. The data in a data warehouse
is typically historical and static and may aiso contain numerous sununaries. It is
structureci to support a varie@ of analyses, includiag elaborate queries on large
arnounts of data that can require extensive searching.
DBMS Database Management System - A generalized software system that is used to
create, manage and protect he data used by an organization
DEM Distinct EIement Method or Discrete Element Method
Delay In simulation work, duration of time of unspecined length encountered by a part
or entity as its flows through the system.
Detailed production The sequen of activities and associated fesources by- s t o- p or some other work
schedule center to meet the production plan.
Developmcnt Underground work Cameci out for the purpose of opening up a minera1 deposit.
Includes SMsinking, crosscutting, drifting and raising.
Development Drilling to establish accurate estimates of mineral reserves.
Drilline
Development Plan The development strategy and assumptions requirecl to gain access to production
resources to meet the production plan.
Development The sequence of activities and associated resoufces by work center to meet the
Schedule production plan
Diagram A visuai representation of a problem or solution to a problem
Diamond Drill A machine-driven rotary drill with a diamond-set bit which cuts a core.
Dilution Waste or low-grade rock hat is unavoidably removed dong with the ore in the
mining process, subsequently lowering the grade of the ore.
Dip Angie of inclination of a deposit, measured fkom the horizontal.
Direct Costs See Variable Operating Costs
Disseminated Ore Ore carrying small particles of vaiuable minerals, spread more or less unifonnly
through the gangue matter, distinct h m massive ore wherein the valuable
minerals occur in almost solid form with very little waste material included.
1 Distributeci Database 1 A distributed system exists when a database or portions of a database exist on 1
System two or more cornputers.
Distribution In this document, refers to a statistical distribution ( e g normal, exponential,
lognormal, triangular). Used in simulation
Distribution No. Refers to a database table containhg the specic parameters defining various
distributions to be used in simulation work.
Drag and drop A technique in which a person uses a pointing device (typically a mouse) to
1 select an object on the &n and th& uses &e mouse i m o v the object on top 1
of another screen object.
Drawpoint An underground opening at the bottom of a s t o p through whkh broken ore is
extracted from the s t o p
Drift Primaxy or secondary horizontal or near-horizontal underground opening driven
dong the course of a vein; an underground tunnel.
Drill Hole Inforsnation pertaining to the identification complete location in 3D space, date,
time and method of creation, and data h m every drill hole.
Drilling Pattern The number, size, length and orientation of holes rquired for setting up a drill
rig for development or production driUing (see Blasting Pattern).
DnIl log A record of drilhg results compiled as the work progresses.
Drill-indicated The size and quality of a potential orebody as suggested by widely spaced
Reserves drillholes; more work is required before reserves can be classifieci as probable or
pniven.
-DTM
C
Digital Temin Modeling

Economic Forecast Projections of inflation, interest rates, operating costs, and product pnces.
Economic Mode1 Relationshipsand assumptions used to understand and calculate the monetary
parameters for determinhg proftabiiity, cash flow, etc. Cuniently part of long
range production plan
Efficiency The quality of software that uses the machine's resources economically, with a
minimum of waste.
Employee A person currently or formerly on the company's payroll.
Encapsulation In a OOP, a m e c W s m whereby the spedication and implernentationof an
object can be separateci. This is achieved if the data and the method of
implementation are hidden and only the operations are visible to the programmer.
Enterprise Modeiling The act of modeling an organization and its extemal environment h m a
business, not an information system, viewpoint
Entity In simulation, the physical components of a system that must be defined to
describe a system. Machines and equipment are referred as permanent entities
since they exist for the entire simulation period. Temporary entities, on the other
han4 enter the system, are changed by it and then exit. The process of breaking
rock to muck would be a temporary entity.
Equipment Measured operating characteristics of a piece of equipment, such as utilisation
Performance hours, reliability, mecMcal availability, speed, capacity,tonnes moved, faults,
etc.
EQuipment Specifies the particular equipment, and the number rquired to perfonn and given
Requirements function
Equipment Engineering documentation describing performance capabilities of the
Specifications equipment, and its specificparameters
Event In simulation work, instances in a mode1 in which a change occurs in the state of
1 the system (e-g. amival of an equipment to a face, dump& a load of ore down
 the pass).
Expert systems Computer software which attempts to mirnic the feasoning processes of a human
expert.
Emloration The work involved in lookine for ore.
Explosives Descriptions and performance characteristics of compounds used underground
for blastinp: rock and ore.
Extensibility In OOP, the ability of a system to define new types or classes that can be
~ILanjpulatedin exactly the same way as those withui the system.
F
Face The end of a drift, cmsscut or stope in which work is pmgressinp:.
Fault A fracture in the earth d a c e , one side of which is displauxi with respect to the
other.
FEM Finite Element Method
( Field 1 A logical group of bytes in a record. In a relational model, a synonym for
attribute,
Financial Budget A one-year financial plan used to rneasure annual financial performance.
Financial Forecast A projection of short-tenn fhkmcial resources required and e*ed results.
Financiai Plans Plans related to the management of the company's finances.
F i ~ Sequence
g Refers to the order in which a series of explosive charges are detonated in
sequence. (see Blasting Paem).
Fixed Capital Costs The part of the capital costs which are not dependent on the production rate but
only to the project itself, such as land acquisition, environmentai studies,
pennitting, outside accesses, part of d a c e facilities (builing road, etc),
feasibility studies, engineering & design expenses, detailed d a c e geological
dnliing and samphg, etc)
Fixed Operating Costs i n d as operating expenses but not dependemt on production rate.
Costs These include administrative, accouning and support labour, &op & repair
facilities, insurance, depreciation, inte& and &&, travel, offi& supplies, etc.
The quality of sofiware that allows it to be easily and effectively changed and
expanded.
Wall rock under a deposit
The size distribution of rock or ore ftagments resultine h m blastine ooerations.
G
General Costs See Overhead Expenses.
Geochemical Mode1 A 3-D representation of the location and distribution of ore indicating elements.
Geology The science concerneci with the study of the rocks that compose the Earth.
Geological Model A 3-D representation of the location and distribution of geological structures and
attitudes (faults, fractures, folds, etc.) and mineralization in the volume of
interest.. Contains such attributes as: minerai content, hydrology and rock mass
characteristics.
Geomechanical A 3-D representaion of the mechanical properties of the rock m a s used to
Mode1 u n d e k d a d predict its performance nder stress and time.
Geobhvsical Mode1 A 3-D re~resentationof various eeobhvsicai measurements and intemolations.
GIS 1 Geogmphical information System
Government Reports Reports that the Company is re~uiredto submit to government agencies
periodidy.
Grade Percentage amount of rise or fa11with respect to some horizontal distance; also
uercentaee or value of minerai.
1 Ground Stability 1 The rock parameters andior measurements which reflect the stability of rock
 - - -

adjacent to mine openings.

Ground Support Guidelines for the control of rock movement and stability adjacent to mine
openings.
GUI Craphical User interface. A gmphics-base user interface that incorporates icons,
pull--downmenus and a m o G . The G U has become the standard way users
interact with a computer. The three major GUIS are Windows, Macintosh and
Motif.
H
Hanpjngwall Wall rock above a deposit.
Headhe A stmcture erected over a &ait to support the sheave wheels for hoisting
PurPo=-
Head grade The average grade of ore fed into a mill,
Hoist The machine used for raising and iowering the cage or other conveyance in a

Index Overhead data used in a database to improve access and sotting performance.

Inheritance A characteristicof object-oriented systems whose attributes are obtained h m

m n t obiects.
Interopembility 1 The quality of soAware bat allows it to w&keasily and efficiently with other
software.
IRR Internai Rate of R e m (economic analysis technique)
Isoline, Isosurface A 2D or 3D contour in a data set where the value of a parameter remains
constant
Instance Another word for object
Integrity The extent to which software is seen as k i n g wel-integrated and has a sense of
wholeness. It aiso involves preventing access to software or data by
unauthorized people, and the extent to which the software can be protected from
virus or data fiom contamination.
I
lackleg A mining tenn for a hand-held percussion airdrill.
Jumbo
.K- 1
Kriging The process of optimizing the set of linear weighting factors applied to a set of
samples, given their positions in an area for which a variogram mode1 has k e n
obtained, such that the estimation variance of the new grade k i n g calculated is
minimized.

Lag Time Refers to the delay between haviag a piece of information and acting on it.
Layout Mining t e m explainhg how the various mine excavations (existing or proposeci)
are physically layed out in space.
Leas.-feeder Refers to a radio type communication network used in underground mine.
Level System of horizontal openings comected to a shaft; comprises an operating
horizon of a mine.
LHD Load-Haul-Dump (or scooptram). A mobile piece of mining equipment that load
broken muck in a bucket, haul it over a aven distance and dump i t
Library A set of ready-made software routines (hinctions) for programmers The routines
are nked into the program when it is compiled.
iithology A description of the rock types.
Local Area Network ( A set of computen sharing a network that d o a not include bridges or Wide Area 1
(LAM 1 Network links. 1
Location A defined point in three-dimensional space about which data is collected
Lock An indication that a table, record, class, object, and so on is reserved so that work
can be accomplished on the item king locked. Typically, a lock is established,
the work is done and the lock is removed. Locks can be read locks or mite
locks. A "read" lock lets someone or something read in the inionnation. A
"write" lock can not be tead or wrtten to until cleared.
Long Range Schedule and costs of the development advances required to access ore in three to
Development Plan five years.
Long Range Schedule, grades and tonnage of ore production for the long-term (5 to 20 years).
Production Plan
Long-term
- Schedule Long-tenu schedule means the proposeci development and production work over
1 the iong-term, typically over 5
M
Machine Program
1
to typi~alli20

A series of instructions that control the operation of a machine.

1
Maintainability A measure of how easy it is to add, remove, or modify exsting features of a
system. The easier a system is to change, the more maintainable that system is.
Manpower used for mining operations as well as
A record of manpower resources ~ n e n t l y
Allocation a list of available resources.
Manpower Schedule, skills and training requirements of personnel.
Requirements
Material Consumeci A record of the supplies used at a given location and t h e during the rnining

Material hventory 1 Laformation on the amount of available material resources available for use by
machines and people.
Material Firm and projected needs for supplies, and the amount needed to perform a given
Requirements operation
Metal Prices The selling price for the finished product sold separately for a particular
1 customer, sales volume, end use.
Message 1 In OOT technology, a message is either a request for information or a request to
do sornething.
Method In OOT programming, a method is something that an object knows what to do.
In some ways, it is similar to a procedure, except that a method is part of an

Metric 1 A measurement.
Microseismics Shock waves emanating from the rock and the rock mass breaks up under stress,
Mill Requirements A quantity and specincationof product that the m i l expects from the mine over a
aven pend of t h e . Part of production plan
Minable reserves Ore reserves that are known to be extractable using a given mining plan.
Mine Mode1 A superset of interreiated models containhg information about an operating -
mine, such as the geo-models, openings, inhmucture, etc.
Mine Plan A list of activities required to develop and ptoduce ore in a mine. The plan will
include information on the mining meth&, scheduling of acrivities, and
production of ore and waste.
A naturaily occurring homogeneous substance having dehite physical propertic
and chernical composition and, if fomed under favorable conditions, a defuiite
crvstal form.
Mineraiization 1 A masure of the de- or content and type of the minerals of interest contained
 I in rock.
Mining strate& The long-range and shortorange mining plans to be used to extract ore from a
mine in the most economical way.
MIS Management Information System
Mode1 A set of data arrangeci mathematically in such a way as to provide a usefiil
of a situation. in Gmulation work, an abmact
description andlor & p r e s e n ~ o n
representation of a system using logical a d o r mathematical reiationships and is
capable of describing ihe state of the system on an event by ment basis with the
help of entities, attributes, system variables, delays, activities and events.
Modeh g The process of reduction of the initiai data, sorting it into its most important and
relevant features, and the incorporation of hese features into a mode1 of the
situation for which the data is a measure.
Monthiy Production Specifies the targeted production (grade and tonnage) expected from the mine,
Schedule one a daily basis.
MTBF Mean Time Between Failure - how much time a piece of equipment will be able
to work More it breaks down. (used in equipmek reliabilik d y s i s )
M'Tm Mean Tinte To Repair - how much time will it take to repair a broken piece of
1 equipment once n$airs have started. (used in equipment reiiability andysis)
Muck A minhg tenn for any broken ore or waste underground-
Multiple Inheritance in OOT techology, when a class directiy inherits h m more than one class, we
say tbat we have multiple inheritance.
N
Net smelter r e m or An interest in a mining property held by the vendor on the net revenues generated
NSR fiom the sale of metal produceci by the mine.
Nde An entity in a tree.
NPV Net Present Value (economic analysis technique)
NLiRBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-spline) A type of b-spline ihat is very flexile. NZTRB
m e s can represent any sbap from a -&ai@ k e to a circle or ellipse with very
M e data. They can also be used for guiding animation paths, for approximating
data and for controliing the shapes of 3-D surfaces. NURBs are known for their
ability to control the smoothness of a curve.
O
Object In OOT programmig, an object is something that is tangible, that can be
distinctly identifiai, that has a crisply defined boundary. It is a specific instance
of a class.
A self-contaned module of data and its associated processing. Objects are the
software building blocks of object technology.
Object UUID The universal unique identifier that identifies a particular RPC object. A server
specifies a distinct object UUID for each of its RPC objects; to access a particuiar
object RPC object, a client uses the object UUID to find the server that offers the
object. See al& object, Universal unique Identifier.
Open pit A surface mine, open to daylight, such as a quarry. Also referred to as open-cut
or open-cast mine.
OODBMS Object-riented Database Management System;
A relational database manaRement system tbat has object-oriented capabilities.
OOPS Object-riented Programming System - A class of programming languages in
which independent objects perform specinc tasks.
An evolutionary form of modular programming with more formal mies that aliow
pieces of software to be reused and interchanged between programs. Major
 --

concepts are (1) encapsuatition, (2) inheribce, and (3) polymorphism

OOT Object-Oriented Technology
Operability The quality of software that makes it easy to operate. See usability.
Operating Costs Monies spent directiy or indirectly on pmducing marketable products tiom the
1 underground minefalized materials. *rating -&ts are bmken into two - fixed
- and variable.
Ore Naturally occurrig material, either in place or mined, fiom which one or more
1 mineral-laden
minerals can be re&ered at a time and a place ai a profit; valaable or economic
rock. (see Rock).
Orebody The portion of a naturally occuning concentration of materiais in or on the
earth's crust h m which a usable minemlcommodity can be economically
extracted at the time of its detemination.
Orebody Mode1 An econornic interpretation of the Geological Mode1 that outlines areas of
mineralization that can be extracted for a profit-
Orebody Modeling The definition of an orebody with respect to its size, shape, grade and other
physical parameters in such a way as to provide a mathematical W o r visual
representation of it which is of direct use in the design and planning of its
optimum extraction.
Ore Contact The location and attitude of the boundary between rock of economic value (ore)

Ore inventory ( A measure of the tonnage and grade of broken ore in process (Le. in muck piles
and storage bins).
Ore P a s Vertical or near-vertical opening through which bulk material flows downward
by gravi@.
Ore M u c t i o n A record of the tonnage and grade of ore removed h m underground
Ore Reserves The calculated tonnage and grade of mineralization which can be e m c t e d
profitably; classified according to the level of confidence that can be placed in
the data.
Outcrop The edge or surfa expression of a mineral deposit.
Overburden The valueless dirt or material overlying a deposit or the vaiueless solid outcrop of
a deposit,
Overhead Expenses Also referred to as General Costs or simply Overheads. These expenses
contribute to total produa costs but are &ically i n d as off-slte charges.
These include marketing charges as well as corporate expenses (administrative,
general accounting, central engineering & geology, legai staff, R&D, public
relations, etc).
P
Password A string presented by a principal to pmve its identity. The login fadty
aansforms this string to generate an encryption key that is used by the
Authentication Service to authenticate the principal.
Penetration Rate Drilling term relating how fast a drill bit is penetrating the rock mass.
Percent Dilution The ratio of excess waste rock produced to ore.
Persistence In OOT technology, the issue of how to store objects to permanent storage.
1 Objects need to k persistent ifthey are to be available next tirne the appication
is run.
Pillar UNnined portion of a deposit, ptoviding support to the roof or hangingwall.
Polymorphism In OOT technology, polymorphism says that an object can take any of severai
forms, and that other objects can interact with the object without having to know
what specific form it takes.
1 Portabihty 1 A meas& of how easy it is to move & application to another computer 1
1 environment ~ ~ ~ l i & teino~no n m e n t s - &Vary
~ by the configuration of both 1
their hardware and software. The easier the mm&the more
Possible reserves Vaiuable rnineralization not sampled enough to accurately estimate its tonnage
and grade, or even ver@ its existence. Also called "infened reserves".
Primacord Detonating cord (explosive).
Probable reserves Vaiuable mineralvation not sampled enough to accurately estimate the t e m of
tonnage and grade. Also d e d "indicated reserves".
Process A thing that transforms incoming &ta into one or more outgoing data flows.
Also, a set of activities tbat add value to a product.
Proces Mode1 or A diagram that shows the mwement of data within a system. Similar to a DFD
Diagram but not as rigid or dofumeniation heavy.
Production Records detajiing achial capability, production and quality results of each stope
1 as compareci to a-predete&ed standard or expected result, an production dates (
for tracability d t s .
Production Rate The rate at which ore will be mined h m the mine expresseci typically in
tonnedday or tonnedyear.
Production Scheduie A detailing of the quantity and quality of products for each s t o p necessary to
meet schedded requirements during a period of time.
Pnwen reserves Reserves that have k e n sampled extensively by closely spaced diamond drill
holes and develope by und&unl w ~ r l c & ~ s&&&t
in detail to render an
accurate estimalion of grade and tonnage. Also called " m e a s d reserves".
Powder Factor Blasting term for mass of explosive usai per ton of rock broken
Pure Inheritance 1 In OOT technology, a subclass inhexits everything fkom its superclas.
%

Queue In simulation work, the position in he system of an entity that is waiting to be

operatecl upon.
R
Raise Secondary or tertiary, vertical or near-vertical opening, driven upward h m one
level to another or to surface.
Raiseborer Piece of equipment used to bore tong circular raises.
Ram~ Secondary or tertiary inclineci opening, driven to connect levels, usually in a
downward direction. and used for haulage.
Recovery In mining, the percentage of valuable metal in the ore that is recovered by

In datab& technology, the ability for a system to handle contingencies.

Reliability It is a measure to which a program or piece of equipment can be expected to
perform its intended fnction with the precision the user requires and when the
user needs it.
Rendering In computer graphies, tuming one view of a 3-D mode1 into a 2-Ddispiay image
that in&rpor%& basic lighti& such as shading or more sophisticatedeffects that
simulate shadows, reflection and refraction. It may also include the application of
textures to the surfaces.
Requirements A document that describes the user, technical and environmental requirements for
~ k e n t an application This doaunent ptentially contains the major use&s, detailed
usease xenarios, and traditional re~uirementsfor the application as well.
Requirements documents are a deliverable of the Initial Phase and are regularly
updated during modeling. They are also updated during the Maintain and
Support Phase as bugs and enhancements are identified.
 scheduled work.
Rock Generai term used at INCO to indicate \vaste rock (i.e. no economic value). See

top, or overlying rock of an excavation.

Rockbolt Steel rods inserted in holes drilleci in the rock and anchored to help support the
rock in place-
Rockburst A sudden violent release of enerpy coniained in highly stress rock.
Rock Mass Structure The physical characteristics of a mass of rock at a pjven location in space.
Rock mechanics The study of the mechanical properties of rocks, which ncludes stress conditions
around mine openings and the ability of rocks and underground structures to
; withstand these stresses.
Rock Quality Data RQD - The physical characteristics of a sample of rock.
Rock Sample A physical sample of rock at a given location in space.
Rock Type A description of the physical and chernical characteristics of a rock samples.
Room-and-piliar A method of mining flac-lying ore deposits in which the mined- out area, or
mining rooms, are separateci by pillars of approximately the same size.

r
S
SADT Structured Analysis and Design Techniques;
Techniques developed in the late 1970sby Yourdon, DeMarco, Gane and Sarson
for applying a systematic approach Io systems analysis. It included the use of
data flow diagrams and data modeling and fostered the use of implernentaion-
11 Sample 1 independent pphical notation for documentation
1 A small portion of rock or a minerai deposit, taken so that the metal content can
be determinecl by assaying.
Scaiar A quantity that has only magnitude (e.~.temperature).
Scaling The act of removing loose slabs of rock h m the back and walls of an
underground opening, usually done with a hand-held scaling bar or with a boom-
mounted scaline hammer.
Scooptram underground vehicle used to remove and hauled broken rock. Also called
LHD for Load-Haul-Dump.
Seismic Reports A report of the location, time and magnitude of shock waves associated with rock
fracniringand movement.
Server The party that receives remote proedure cals. A given application
-- can act as
both -m & server and an RPC client, See also client.
Sets In simulation work, a collection of entities grouped logicaly or physically to
1 1 describe a state of the svstem.
Shading The proess of coloring the surfaces of an object.
Shaft A vertical or inclned excavation made h m surface which has a small cross-
section when compareci to its depth
Sheave A mininp: t e m for a large pulley.
Shift Refers to a work period of specific length.
Short-term Schedule Short-tem schedule means the proposed development and production work over
the short-term, typically over the next 2 years. -
Shotcrete The name given to concrete blown ont0 a face using compressai air.
Shrinkage stoping A stoping method wtiich uses part of the broken ore as a working platform and as
support for the w d s of the stope.
Si11 An intrusive sheet of igneous rock of roughly uniform thickness, generally
 extending over considerable lateral extent, that has been forced between the
bedding planes of existing rock.
Simulations A computenzed sequencing of a series of expected events or activities and
tabulation of the results with the events or activities.
--

A mining tenn for a selfdumpine;container for hoisting broken rock up a shaft.

Type of explosive that looks Iike a stiff gel. Relatively water-resistant,
Cornputer programs, procedures, and associated documentation and data
pertaining to the operation of a computer system-
Solid Modeling A mathematical technique for representing solid objects. Unlike wirefhme and
surface modeling, solidmodeling systemsensurethat ail d a c e s meet properly
and that the object is geometrically correct. Solid models ailow for interference
checking, which tests to see if two or more objects occupy the same space. Solid
modeling is the most complicated of the CAD techncbgies, because it simulates
an object i n t d l y and e x t e d y . Solid models can be sectioned (cut open) to
reveal their intenial features, and they can be stress tested as if they were physical
entities in the real world
The relative weight of a mineral as compared to the weight of an equal voiume of
water.
Software Quaiity Assurance. The planaed and systematic approach to the
evaluation of the quality of and adheren to sofiware product standards,
processes, and procedures. SQA includes the process of asswing that standards
and procedures are established and are followe throughout the software
acqWsition/development life cycle.
Standards Pre-approved procedures and specincations for specific minhg conditions.
Station An enlargement of a shaft made for the storage and handling of equipment and
for driving drifts at that elevation.
Stope An excavation from which ore is king or has been removed. Stopes are located
within the orebody itself and are usually separated from one another by rock
pillars which rnay consist either of ore or waste rock material.
Stope Geometry The geometry of production areas in a mine, including the size, global location,
shape and orientation.
Stope Status A description of the current conditions associated with a stop (e.g. active,
inactive, bacWed, closed, in development)
Horizontal bearing or azimuh in the plane of a vein, bed, fault, joint with respect
to the cardinal poins of the compass.
St&tured Analysis - A method for idenwng the processes needed to automate an existing:system.
Sublevel Secondary or intermediate level between main levels or horizons, usually close to
the stoping area
Subsidence The sinking, settling, or collapsing of the surface over an underground mining
operation.
In OOT technology, ifclass " B inherits h m class "A" then we say that "B" is a
-.

subclass of " A .
Supplies Consunable materials required to operate facilities and equipment.
Supplies Specifications of consumable materials required to operate facilities and
S~ecifications equipment.
Surface Modeling A mathematicai technique for representing solid-appearing objects. Surface
modeling is a more cornplex method for representing objects than wireframe
modeling, but not as sophisticatedas solid modeling. Surface modeling is widely
used in CAD (compute&ded design) for illustratic& and a r c h i t d
 renderings It is also used in 3-D animation for games and other presentations.
Although d a c e and solid models appear the same on screen, they are quite
different. Surface rnodels cannot be sliced open as can solid models. In addition,
I 1 ui W a c e modeling the object can be geornetrically incorrect; whereas, in solid
modeling, it must be correct.
Superclass In OOT technotogy, ifclass " B inherits h m class "A" then we say that " A is a
superclass of " B .
Survey R d t s Raw data gathered about an underground area indicating information such as
location, minera1 content, rock mass characteristics
System In this document, system refers to the Mine Design/PlanningSystem. It also
1 includes the suppo&ng computer hardware and opaating gs(em software.
T 1
I

Thin-Sprayed Layers 1 Refers to thin coatings sprayed on the rock face to aid in its support. This
includes shotcrete and other poly-synthetics.
Tons Broken An estimate of the total tons of ore that have k e n blasted and remain in situ.
Tons on Surface An estimate of the total tons of ore awaiting transportation to the mill.
Tons Removed to An estimate of the total tons of ore transportecl to the surface.
Surface
TOPO~~~P~Y The physicai features of the W a c e in an area.
TQM Total Quality Management is the emphasis plad on customer satisfaction, the
broad application of quality concepts, and the participation of aU employees and
sumlier to achieve beter aualitv in a ~rocuct.
Training Trairiing involves developing lesson plans and materials for operators, end users
and maintainers; providing realistic exercises, and making available sufficient
online help and diagnostic information
Tram To haul cars of ore or waste in a mine.
Transaction The record of an event in the business world.
Tree A coliection of records, entities, or other &ta structures in which each element
has at most one parent except for the top element which has no parent.
I-l I

Underground 1 Sensor data indicaiing mine characteristics n r h as humidity, seismic aaivity,

E~ivironmentalData toxic g i s content etc.
Universal Unique UUID - An identifier that is immutable and unique across space and t h e .
1 Identifier 1
Usability The quaiity of software that makes it easy or convenient to use and enables a user
to be effective in the task for which the software is intended to help.
Use Case A description of real world scenaro that a system may or may not be able to
handle.
Use Case Diagram A diagram that shows the use cases and actors for the application under
development.
Utilization Miing tenn relating how much a piece of equipment is used when it is available
1 1 for work.
v
Variable Capital The part of the capital costs which are dependent on the production rate. These
Costs include pre-production development, micng equipment and facilities, mil1 plant,
part of surface facilities @ower & water supply lines, work shops, etc),
underground geological work (dnlling, samplng), underground development
(drifts, raises, haulage system, etc).
1 Variable Operathg 1 Operatine;costs that vary according to production rate ( a h called Direct Costs).
Costs ) These hclude underground labour & supervision, direct maintenance, supplies &
1 consumables, fuel, r6Yalties,development work for production
Variogram A mode1 of the coninuity of mindization in a given area of a deposit. It is half
of the average squarecl di8lerence in value between al1 samples or points a given
disiance apart in the deposit
VCR Vertical &ter Reveat (blasting melhod & minine: method)
Vector A data set containing magnitude and direction (e-g. stress)
1

Vein 1 in gedogy, a welldehed tabular mineralized zone, which may or may not
contain orebodies.
Ventilation Mode1 An engineering model tbat describes and predicts the performance of the
ventilation system or network and its related components under potential
operating conditions.
Version Control The management of source code, bitmaps, documents and relatai files in a large
software project. Version-control software provides a database that is used to
keep track of the revisions made to a program by al1 the programmers and
dewelopers involved in i.
Using the computer to convert data into picture form. The most basic
visualization is that of tuming transaction data aad summary information into
charts and graphs. Visuaiization is used in computer-aided design (CAD) to
render screen images into 3-0 models that can viewed from all angles and which
can also be animated
VOD Velocity of Detonaiion (blasting term)
Voxel A volume of space representing the 3D equivalent of a pixel.
VRM Vertical Retreat Mining (mining methodl
-.
W 1

Wall The sides of a mine working, rock on either side of an ore body.
Wail rocks Rock units on either side of an orebody. The hangingwall and footwall rocks of
an orebody.
Waste, waste rock Non-valuable or uneconomic mineral-laden rock or rock that contains no mineral
content of any wortfi.
See Orepass
WCS World Coordinate System
White Space Blank lines in source code or document to enhance clarity and readability.
A network that includes cornputers spread amss a large geographical distance,
usually involving several cities, States or countries. Communications connections
in a WAN are typically done over modems, T l lines, or satellite hookups.
An intemal shaft (Le., does not reach Mace).
wiiiframe A see-throua view of an object.
Working Capital Sum of money to be useci for carrying out production and is meant to cover the
operating expenses for a period of one to three months (dependuig on cash flow).
Wait Time To Repair - how much time will a broken piece of equipment will
1 have to wait befok repairs can start. (used in equipment reliability analysis)
 APPENDIX D
SADT MODELS AND DEFINITIONS
 LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

Table D-1 - SADT Model Definitions. ...................................................................... D-1

-
Table D-2 - SADT Mode1 Activiy Definitions .............................m............m..m........D2
Table D-3 - SADT Model - Arrow Definitions ...................................................... D-16

LIST OF SADT DIAGRAMS

A-O Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the Underground Hard Rock Mine
A0 Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the Underground Hard Rock Mine
Al Perform Strategic Planning
A12 Create & Maintain Corpomte Strategic Plan
A2 Perfoni Long-term Planning
A21 Assess Mine Geology
A21 1 Collect the Geological Data
A2112 Collect Diamond Drilling Core Information
A21 127 Check for Cross Errors
A21 128 Correct Spatial Position of Data
A212 Andyze the Geological Data
A2122 Identifj. Geological Domains
A2123 Select & Perform Statisticai Analysis on Geological Domains
A21232 Perform Statistical Analysis
A21233 Perform Geostatistical Analysis
A21234 Interpret Statistical Results
A21235 Interpret Geostatistical Results
A213 Model the Orebody
A2131 Transform Geological Domain Solids into Block Model
A2132 Calculate Block Grades
A2134 Vaiidate Block Grade Model
A214 Assess the Mineral Inventory
A22 Design Mine Layout di Facities
A22 1 Select Production Rate
A222 Select Appropriate Mining Method(s)
A223 She up, Layout and Sequence Stopes
A2231 Geomechanics Numerical Anaiysis
A223 1 1 Assemble Rock Mass Data for Modeling
A22312 Assemble Proposed Stoping & Excavation Sequence
A22313 Select Numerical Method
 Solve with Finite Element Model for Non-Linear Elastic, Plastic, or
Dynamic Problem Domain
Establish Element Response (Stiffness Coefcients)
Solve FEM System of Equations
Solve with Boundary Element Model for Linear-Elastic Problem
Domain
Solve BEM System of Equations
Interpret Modeling Results
Sue Up & Layout Stopes
Sue Up Stopes
Calculate Stability Number N'
Select Stope Dimensions
Determine Stope Stabiiity
Calculate Stope Ore Grades
Layout Stopes
Select Pillar or Pillarless Mining
S u e Up Support Pillars
Assess Dilution Risks with Selected Stope Layout
Calculate Potential Dilution Due to Rock Mass
Calculate Potential Dilution due to Fault-Related Sloughage
Determine Stope Support Requirements
Determine Failure is Stnicturally Induced
Determine Failure Effect is Local
Determine Failure Effect is Stope-Wide
Determine Failure Effect i s MinoWide
Determine Stoping Sequence
Assess Risks of Mining Method with Proposed Stoping Design
Design Mine Excavation Support System
Design Muck Handling System
Prepare Long-term Development & Production Schedule
Evaluate Project Economics
Perfarm Short-term Planning
Prepare & Validate Detailed Schedule
Perform Plan Support & Monitoring
Provide Monitoring & Technical Support
Monitor Excavation Work (Surveying)
Design Drilling & Blasting Layout
Design Drill Hole Layout
Design Blasting Layout
Monitor Production Grades
Monitor Ground Conditions
Provide Ground Control Support
Monitor Ventilation Network
Implement Short-term Plan
Table D-1- SADT Model Definitions
Item Detriils
Model Name Mine DesignPlanning Proces
Definition The process needed for designing, planning and control an underground
1 mine h m its eariy exploration bepsnning to day-to-day production
scope The scope of this model included strategic planning, long-term planning
(or design) and short-term planning (resource analysis and scheduling).
Because available capital and financing is a constraint to this process (in
terms of quality of information but also in the type of development, Le.
decision-making), revenues and costs have k n included to complete the
pictwe. htially control was not added, but without control, there is no
feedback loop as to how well the planning is working and also without
c o n m l the oniy thing that are produceci (i.e. output) are mine plans,
drawings and reports.
Viewpoint The rnininer ~mfessional(eeoloeist, eneineer. damer)
Tirne Frame (TO-BE)
Status WORKING
hupos To define he mine design, planning and control process that takes place in
an underground hardrock mine. This model describes the desigdplanning
steps needed, the data required, and the decision variables and process.
Source This mode1 is based on the author's knowledge of mining engineering and
planning, interviews with INCO personnel, documents, reports and files
taken h m INCO's archives and cornputer systems, applicable legislation,
and the literature.
Author Name Mario A MOM
Creation Date 2000-02-08
System Last Revision Date 2000- 12-22
User Last Revision Date 2000-12-22
 -
Table D-2- SADT Mode1 Activity Definitions
Activity Name
Acquire New Production Resources
Adjust Production Rate for Other Factors
Adjust Stope Ore Grades
Allocate Committed Resources According to Plan
Analvze Potential Fragmentation ~ i s t r i b s o n
Analyze Potentiai Vibration b e l s
Analyze the Geological Data
Apply Cut-off Grade to Mineral Inventory
Apply Reserves Classifications to Mineral
Inventory
Assemble Boundary Element Contributions
Assemble Element Solution Matrix for SDecifie
Conditions
Assemble Proposed Stoping & Excavation
Sequence
Assemble Rock M a s Data for Modeling
Assess Risks of Mining Method with Proposed
Stoping Design
Assess & Adjust Stope Dimensions by Considering
Orezone Variations
Assess Dilution Risks with Selected Stope Layout
--
Assess Fit of Cross-Variogram
Analyze the Geological Data refers to examuiing
the data for trends, consistenciesand so o n
Geological analysis has a saong statisticai and
geostatistical component to it.
Refers to the process of assembling or combining ail
element contn'butions to fonn the response matrices
for the ~roblemto be solved.
Refers to obtaining the shape, location and
orientation in spce of al1 existing and fiiture
planned excavations. Minor excavations include
drifts, shafts, raises, levels and sublevels. Major
excavations are pits and stopes. In general, the
large excavations will affect the rock m a s stress
levels on a local level however, several stopes
together will aEct the entire mine including rninor
excavations.
Refer to gathering rock mass data for modeling
purposes. Sources of data include: 1) fieldwork 2)
labwork 3) the literature 4) exuerience
The Mine Engineer has to examine the geometric
variations that exist in an orebody and determine if
changes to the s t o p dimensions have to be made.
For instance, an orezone that varies considerably in
width may be difficult to mine out without
excessive dilution if the sublevel vertical distance is
large. Drills cannot follow the ordwaste contact
closely when the contact varies. This is a matter of
judgement that wiil be confirmed when economic
analyses are done on the resuiting diluteci ore.
Refers to assessing potential problems with the
select& s t o p sizing. Pmblems muid include
exessively high stopes with related driliing
accuracy problems, weak hangingwalls resulting in
excessive dilution, back problems.
 Assess Fit of Theoretical Variogram
Assess Goodness of Fit to Histogram Distribution
Assess Impact of Recovery on Ore Reserves
1 Assess lmplementation Risks with Mining Method
Assessing Mine Gcology is the process of
transforming exploration data (either fiom
prelimuiary drilling or even dehition drilling) to a
geological model. This geological model contains a
3dimensional picture of the rock mass, where the
various geological domains are located including
stmcturai data like faults, as weU as the minera1
grades that exsts.
Assess Ore &serves for Quality
Assess Pillar Stability Refers to calculahg pillar sability using the
Confinement Formula Stability Graph. The graph
compares the (Average Pillar S W C S ) vs. (Pilla
Width~Heightd o ) of the design pillar to assess
where the pillar stability fis witbin the graph.
Assess Potential for Excessive Dilution
Assess Potential for Recovew Problems
1 Assess Poteniial for Stoping Layout Roblems
I Assess Proiect Value

1 Assess the Mineral inventory

Assess Validity of Results
Assien Available Resources

Refers to the b c t i o n that d e m i the unknown at

the boundary of each boundary element The
unknown can be displacement, temperature, stress,
and strain and is calculated fiom the boundary
points defining each element.
Build & Anaiyze Ventilation Network Mode1
Calculate Experimental Variogram & Cross-
V a r i 0 ~
Calculate Rock Mass Ouatv O'
1 Calculate & Store Additional Quantities as Required
1 (Strahs, Stresses, Dispiacements, Heat Flux, etc.)
Calculate Approximate Pillar Srength
Calculate Awroximate Pillar Stress

This refers to the dilution that is built in the stoping

layout. Frequeniiy, in paricuiar, m w vein
deposit, there is a minimum mllung width to be used
by men or equipment. This required minimum
mining width causes dilution tha is accounted for in
the grade calculation
Calculate Block Rock M a s Rating &
Geomechanics Parameters
Calculate Block Grades
Calculate Block Mode1 Size ~istributionStatistics
Calcuiate Costs
Calculate Cross-plots & Correlations
Calculate Dilution Percentage (using volume of
failure zone and original s t o p volume)
Calculate Gravity Adjusunent Factor C
Calculate Joint Orientation Factor B
Calculate NPV
- - - - - -

Calculate Ore Volume, Average Ore Grade &

Calculate Potential Dilution

Caldate Potential Dilution due to Fault-Related Dilution can also occur as a result of faults located
Sloughage in the hanpjngwali or footwali.
Caiculate Potential Dilution Due to Rock Mass Stope Orientation can impact s t o p dilution due to
rock mass aualitv and l o s of confinement.
Calculate Revenues
Caldate Rock Stress Factor A'
Calculate Scatter Plots
Calculate Shape Factor S
Calculate Simple Statistics Calculate Simple Statistics refers to calculating
statistical parabeters ke mean, average, var&ce,
standard deviation, number of samples.

Caiculate Stope Hydraulic Radius ( p ~ e r i m e t e r )

Calculate Stope New Average Ore Grade
Calculate Stow Ore Grades
Calculate Stope Volume
Calculate Using Inverse Distance Square (IDS)
Method
Calculate Using Nearest Neighbour Method
(polygonal or Voronoi)
Calculate Volume Difference & Average Specific This is the merence in volumes between the stope
Gravity and the ore zone within the stope.
Check for Gros Errors Check for Gros E m s means checking for e m r s in
data entry or inconsistencies in the data set.
Check Results Against Calibration Data
Collect Geophysical Information Collect Geophysics Information refers to collecting
surface geophysics data Typical geophysical data
includes seismics, magnetics, resistivity,ground
penetrating radar, and gravity. This type of data is
frequently obtained on a somewhat regular grid
pattern, sometimes only in 2D but sometimes in 3D.
Seismics and Ground Penetrating Radar usually
give a 3D picture with data obtained at various
- -
depths.
Collect Borehole or Bulk Sample Information Collect Borehole or Bulk Samples refer to
coilecting a disturbed sample from driliing
operatio&. These couid be chips or g o G d up rock
samples taken from production drilling underground
or fiom air-track or rotary drilling done h m
1 Activity Name
Collect Diamond Drilling Core information
Collect Geochemical information
Collect Swface Mapping information
CoUect the Geoloeicai Data
Compare Assay Values with ~ y p i Ranges
d
Compare Drill Hole Lengths Between Data Sets
Compare Ore Lithologies with Assay Values
Commsite Assavs for Varioexam Calculations
Compute Selected Values inside the Domain
Consider S t o p Shape Factor on Hydraulic Radius
Correct Diamond Drilling Data Using Correction
Data
Correct Spatial Position of Data
Create & Maintain Corporate Strategic Plan
Create Standards, WorWJob Procedures
Define Block Mode1 -- --
Define Convergence Criteria
Define Geologicai Grid System
Activity Definith
surface.
Collect Diamond Drilling Core Information refers to
al1 information obtaind from coring operations
where an u n d i e samplc of the rock is
obtained. Diamond drilling is the most common
~ sarn~les.
method of retrievine d e e rock
c o l k t Geohemid Data refers to collecthg
geological information based on geochemisy.
Soi1 and water samples are frequently coiiected and
analyzed for trace elements. Frequently, indicator
elements can be used to locate more significant
mineralization Geochemical data is frequently
collected using: GIS Technology.
Collect Surface Mapping Information fefers to
collecting al1 infarmation h m surface work. This
includes topographical data (surface elevation),
surveys, and location of roads, streams, rivers and
lakes. Surface mapping includes surface showing
trenching and channel work. There can also be joint
mapping.
- -
Refers to caiculating other values h m the
boundaq element solution set BEM is Merent
Erom 0 t h methods in that the other output of
interest may be selected after the anaiysis is
complete (if the solution set is stored).
Correct Spatial Position of Data refers making or
caldating the assays, lithography, and rock
daa tme spatial position by using the Drill Hole
Correction Data.
Create & Maintain the Corporate Strategic Plan
means looking at al1 aspects for the long-term
Mability of the company. Strategic Planning
involves several areas including marketing,
finances, organintion (people and its management),
production (operations) and for some large rnining
companies, Research an Development (W).
Define Geological Grid System refers to defning a
@d system for transforming information from one
&stem to another. ~ r e q u e dlocal
~ , gridsi or even

-.
Define Ore Reserves Classincations
Defme Variogram Search Cone Angle
Describe Far-Field Stresses & Orientations
Describe Stoping Sequence
Design Blasting Layout
Design Drill Hole Layout
Design Drilinp: & Blasting Layout
Design Horizontal Muck Transport System
Design Main Ventilation System
Desien Mine Excavation Smbort Svstem
Design Muck Fragmentation Sizing
Design Muck Handihg System
Desien Piliarless Sto~ineLavout
Design ~&&&y tope Access
Design Stope & Piliar Layout
Design Tie-In & Detonation Sequence
Design Vertical Muck Transport System
NTS grid systems are used for surveying diamond
driiling operations The data grid, aithough useful
during the exploration phase, may not be usefd
h m the point of view of analysis, design and
planning. The data is therefore transfomied to a
new system.
Refers to the boundary conditions that will be
applied to the model. These far-field stresses are
regionally based and are affecteci by major
geological structures.
Refers to the sequence or the order of precedence
chat will be used-to create the required-mine
excavations. The sequencing is important for the
proper control of rock mass stresses, so as to shed
thern away h m the stopes aad towards the
Refers to hauling the muck h m the stope or
development heading horizontally to some dump
Refers to determinhg the size of the broken muck.
Muck sinng is important in selecting compatible
mucking and muck hauling systems. For instance,
bulk mining produoes large muck that can be
effectively handied by large L m s . Fine muck, like
development muck, can be handled by smaller
LHDs and aiso mucking machines, slushers, rocker
loaders and so on. The Mining Methoci tends to
control the d t i n e muck size.
Refers to the movement of muck (ore and waste) in
the vertical direction Ramp design 1s more a
matter of location, size and steepness (referred to as
grade). Shaft design tends to be more complex with
combined or separate cage/skips, multi-
compartment shafts, single or double d m hoists,
single or multi loading pockets, supplies and labour
hoisting- requirements,
- internai equipment
movement, production tonnaRe to be handled, and
 Activity Definition
system flexibility (for friture capacity e.vpansion).
Ordwaste pass design depends on muck size,
ground conditions i d r6uired system flexibility.
( Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the Underground
Hard Rock Mine
Determine Mine P r h a q Access(es) Refers to locating the shaft(s) anci camp@)surface
--
position and orebody point(s) of entry.
Determine Development & production Schedule
Detennine Development/ Production Meiod
1 Sequence
Determine Distance of Fault to Stope Wall
Determine Drill Equipment Capabilities & Capabilities and limitations refer to the ability of a
drill to driii a certain width or reach a certain height,
or be able to drill a certain length (while rernaining
sufficientlyaccurate). For longhole and ITH drills,
drillhole deviation can be a key cause of dilution or
poor (Le. coarse and large) fragmentation The
decision process is cornplex.
Determine Failure Effect is Mine-Wide
Determine Failure Effect is Local

1 Determine
Production Rate
Intersection of Fauit with Stope
Determine Key Delivery Dates & Milestones
Determine h e i Layouts Refers to locating the spatial position of the primary
levels in relation to the orebody. The layout will
depend on the position of the mine p r i q access
points to the orebody (either shaA or rarnp) as well
k the orientation ad shape of the orebody.
Determine Level Spacings Refers to determining the distance between primary
r
levels hot sublevels~.
Determine Local Support System Required
Determine Mine-wide Support System Required
Determine Mining Direction
1 Determine No of Stope Required to Meet
Production Rate
Determine Ore & Host Rock Relative Rock
Strenghs
Determine Orebodv Size

1 Determine Required No of Mining Horizons

1 Determine Required Resources
 M v i t y Name
Determine Resomes Reauired
Determine Stope Stability
1 Determine Stop Support Requirements
1 Determine Stope-Wide Support System Required
I Determine Stouine Seauence
Determine Suitable hdinin~Method(s)
Determine Which Elements are Yielding or Failing
& Adjust Properties
Discretize the Boundary of Each Geological Refers to subdividing the problem domain into a

1
number of boundaries.
Discretize the Problem Domain Refers to subdividing the problem domain into a
number of f i t e sub-domains or finite elements,
=ch of simple geometry. This is lkquently
referred to a mesh cfeation.
1 Dimlav Renilts for Selected Parameter
Display Selected ~ithologicalInformation
Distribute Explosive to Achieve Desired Powder
1 Factor

Entef Lithological Data means entering al1 rock type

information The typical record includes Drill Hole
ID,Litho From Depth, Litho To Depth, Rock Type
Code, as well as a detailed geological description.
There can be other fields of Wonnation like colour,
alteration, minefaljzation and so o n
Enter Assay Data Enter Assay Daia means entering aii grade
idormation The typicai assay k d inclues Drill
Hole ID, Assay From Deph, Assay To Depth, and
one or more assay values.
Enter Borehole Geophysics Data means entering al1
geophysics data done within the botehole. The
typical record includes Lhill Hole ID,From Deptb,
To Depth, and a set of variables ihat could
include.. ..
Enter Collar Data Enter Collar Data refers to entering collar
information about a particular drii hole. Collar
information ypically included as a minimum drill
hole ID, easting, northing, elevation, dip and
anmuth.
Enter Drill hole Corrections Data refers to drill hole
alignment tests. Al1 drill holes deviate to some
extent so it is important to detect and measure these
deviations. Drill hole corrections information
typically includes Drill Hole ID, depth of test, new
dip, and new azimuth values.

i
Enter Primary Access Layout (optional) Refers to the primary access points to the mine.
This includes the main &ail, main ventilation
raises, main levels and stations. Generally, the
p h a r y accesses are built to a higher level of
quali(y to e n w e a long-service liTe, generally the
Enter Rock Mass Data
Enter Secondary Access Layout (optional)
Enter Stoping Layout
Establish Element Response (~ti&iGs
Coefficients)
Establish Initial Conditions
Establish the Response Ma& for the Roblem
Domain
Estunate CostsiRevenues and Confirm Schedule
--- --
Estimate impact of Variation & Potential to Correct
Evaluate Project Economics
Evaluate Risks & Sensitivity
Examine & Correct Data for Clusters
Examine Block Grade Variances & Classify
Examine Blocks for Misshg Estimate
Examine C o r d o n Data for Abnormal Values
EauamineExtent of Rock Mass Failure (Shear &
Tende) Around Stopes Due to Orientation to Far-
Field Sigma1 Principal Stress
Examine Ore Grade Characteristics & Required
Selectivitv
- - - - - - - .
Examine Orebody Uniformity
Enter Rock Mass Data means entering al1 rock
geomechanical and/or suctural information. The
typical record includes Drill Hole ID, From Depth,
To Depth, RQD, Joints, Faults, rock strength, RMR,
and so on.
Refers to the tentative future excavation plans for
minor excavations like sublevels, drifts, raises,
ramps, and orepasses. in most cases, it is the local
excavation work requred to access the s t o p from
the primary access points. The semice Ise of
secondary accesses is usualiy much shorter,
generaily just a few years.
Refers to describing the tentative stoping work, the
size, location and orientation of the stopes including
backfilling. This is referred to as the stoping layout
Refers to the process of describiag how each finite
element will respond to extemai influences. in solid
mechanics, this is refened to as caiculating the
stianess matrix K. This stianess matrix is related to
the deformation modulus of the rock m a s and ties
the stress and strain toeether.
Refers to the process of assembling the response of
each finite element into a whole that will describe
the behaviour of the entire region. Applied to the
boundary of thk region will be fai-field stresses or
boundary conditions that will be eventuafiy, through
the solution process will be transfened to each
element.
Evaluation of the Mine Economics is critical to
assessing the financial retums fiom developing the
deposit. This evaluation is based on the long-terrn
~chedule,as well as forecasted metal prices. The
predicted ROI is compared to a target value to judge
the investment value of the project-
Activitv Name
-
Examine Tonnage Grade Distribution Curve
E.xploration/ReservesObjectives
Financial Objectives
Fit Cross-Variopam
Fit Distribution to Histoeram
Fit Theoretical Variogram Mode1
Generate Histogram
Cmmechanics Numerical Analysis
Grass Root Exploration & Property Purchasing
IdentifY Cause of Grade Variations
Identif) Covariance in Non-stationary Variables
IdentifY Currently Active Stopes
Iden- Currently Active Work Areas
Identifir Drift in Non-sationaty Variables
Activitv Detibition
The Exploration/Reserves ~ b j e c t i ~ t hwill
a t meet
the Comrate Obiectives.
The Financial Objectives that billm&t the
Comrate biectives.
The use of numerical methods for solving rock
mechanics problems.
Grass Root Exploration & Property Purchasing is
generaiiy part of a company's Strategic Planning.
This exploration is outside of Operatiom. A
company may choose to do grass roots exploration,
obtain an exploration option on a promising finci,
get hvolve in a parnership or buy a g d property.
The selection of one or more of these goals will
depend on the Corporate Objectives of the
company, the Available Capital and Finances and
the opportunities that present themse~ves,

Implement & Monitor Scheduled ~ e v e l o p m e n t ~

Work
Implement & Monitor Scheduied Production Workp
Im~lement& Monitor Short-term Plan
Improve Schedule Using GAs & Valiate Through
Simulation
Inspect DriUing & Loading Work
Inspect Muck Fragmentation
Install& Monitor Ground Movement Monitors &
TDR Cables
Install& Monitor Load/Stress Cells
Install& Monitor Microseismic Systems
Integrate Al1 Risks Assessments & Make
Adiustments if Reauired
Interpret Geostatistical Results
Interpret Modehg Results Refers to displaying the numerical modeling results
and hterpreting t h e a These resuts include strains,
suesses, displacements, factors of safety, yielded or
f ~ l e dzones, zones unda tension and so o n
--

Interpret Statistical Results

Investigate Fa11 of Ground Incident
Investi~ateG r o d Suomrt Failure incident
Investigate Rock Bursting Incident
-
, Activity Niune
Layout Drill Holes
Layout Stopes
Layout Stoping Sequence
Locate & Desien Cut or Slot
Maintain Corporate F i c e s Maintainhg Corporate Finances means keeping
track of all financiai rnatters regarding the Company.
This includes ownership issues, capital or cash on
hancl, loans and debt management, paying a.xes,
selling products and thus generating revenues and
keeping the "books".
Make ~li&&-~lastic FM ~ n a l 5 o ~roblem
f
Marketing Objectives The Marketing Objectives that will meet the
Corporate Objectives-

M-g Fans, Doors es Se6ngs

ModifY Stiffiiess Ma& for Yielded Elements
1 Monitor Development Advance
Monitor Excavation Work (Sweying)
Monitor Ground Conditions
Monitor Production Grades
Monitor Roduction Stoping
Monitor UN^ Costs & Resouces Productivities
1 Monitor Ventiiation Netwodc
Obtain Average Stope Grades
Obtain Current Fan Doors & Baffle Settines
Obtain ~ S & i n gMine ~xcavationEkundanes
Obtain Geological Domains & Structures
Obtain Geologicai Domains Rock Mass Parameters
Obtain Known Stress Points for Model Calibration
Operations Objectives
Refer to obtaining ail currently existing mine
excavations- This could be limited to onIy stopes
but could include minor excavations like drifts,
raises, shafts, etc.
Refers to obtaining the boundaries of al1 geological
domains or rock niese can include ore
zones, hangngwall and footwail only or be more
extensive. Also included are all major faults, dykes,
joints (structures) that break up the rock m a s but
have a definite influence on the analysis.
Refets to obtaiing representative geological and
rock mass parameters and propexties. This can be
obtained from fieldwork, the lab, the litmature or
other sources. This a h include rock m a s
behaviour We: 1) linear elastic 2) elasto-plastic 3)
elastic-brittle
Refers to obtaining localized stress data for
calibrating the numerical mcQi. This UiTomtion
is usually obtained h m stress cells placed in the
nidc mass. A comrnon method is the CSIRO stress
ce11 based on the overcoring method.
The Operations Obiectives tha will meet the
Activity Name
Perfom & Monitor Unscheduled Maintenance
Work
Perform Geostatisticai Analysis
Perform Long-term
- Planning-
) de&sionsthat will sustain the long-tm viability of
I equipment f l e t as well as the necessary
Perform Plan Support & Monitoring
I the Short-Term Plan. It is cal1 Production Control
Perform Short-term Planning
Perform Statistical Anaiysis
Pertorm Strategic Planning
Place Skin Over Cross-sections to Create Solid
Plot Values on Stope Stability Graph & Examine
Prepare & Validate Detailed Schedule
Prepare Development Layout
Prepare Long-Term Development & Production
Schedule
Prepare Production Layout
Provide Monitoring & Technical Support
Activitv Definition
Corporate Objectives.
Preparing the Long-term Plan means making the
the mining project. Under l o n g - t h plan coma the
ore reserves, the mining and extraction methods, the
expectecl production rate and mine Iife, the required
infiastructure to support the mine. Decisions made
here can aEect the mine for its entire Me.
Production Control involves the implementation of
because it involves the control of resources to
implement the plan.
Preparing the Short-Term Plan means looking at the
issues to produce sucessfully over a shortduration
horizon (ranging from one to five years). Short-
t e m Planning involves m a h g sure resources
(labour, equipment, supplies) & available in
diicient quantties to implement the development
and minuig plan Short-term Planning also means
looking at budgets and forecasts, getting approvals
to proceed and Wizing the mine design and plans.
Strategic Planning refers to al1 the activities that a
company performs to enhance its long-tem
viability. This involves selecting venture areas,
knowing the market and the cornpetitors, predicting
long-tenn demand and revenues, looking for the
optimum allocation of financial resources, looking
at long-term growth but making sure short-term
cash flow is SUBcient, market skue desires, making
the right investment d&isions. Strategic Pl-g -
means determining if the company is equity-driven
versus profit-driven
The Preparation of Long-Term Development &
Production Schedule is the process of definhg how
the ore deposit wiU be developed and mined over
the long-tem The preparation of this long-term
plan is fundamental to proper economic a d y s i s
since it is the best way to capture the time value of
money, looking at when expenditures wili occur and
when-revenues-will come 6.
Acivitv Name Activitv Definition
Provide Ground Control S u ~ m r t - --- - -

Provide Safety ~ra&g

R&D Objectives Research & Development Objectives that will meet
the Corporate Objectives. Note that not al1 mining
firms wiil have an active R&D Department
Generaily, the major frms do. Howevcr, rnost
firmsdo engage consultants to help them with
technical or even business ~roblems.
Read Nela Set of Conditions
Review Minine Plans
Save Solid & IdentifL Geological Domain
Search for Open Exploration Drill Holes
Select Appropriate Mining Method(s)
Select Complementary Mucking Equipment Mucking equipment should be selected to
complement the resuitig: fragmentation sizing.
Select Parameter of Interest to Display
Select Powder Factor
Select & Perform Statistical Analysis on Geological
Domains
Select a Fundamental Solution to the Goveming Refers to selecting a fndamental solution for
Differential Equation satisfying the goveming differential equation
exactly.
Select a Variation or interpolation Function for the Refers to the fiindion that descfl'bes the unknown
F i t e Eiements inside each finite element. The unknown can be
displacement, temperature, stress, and strain and is
calculated from the nodal points d e k g each
element.
Select Appropriate Grade Conrol Strategy
Select Backfill
Select Backfill Strate-
Select Bulk Explosive
Select Cablebolts
Select Failure Critenon for the Geological Domains Refers to selecting a rock mass failure aiterion.
This could include: 1) Mohr-Coulomb 2) Hoek-
Brown 3) ~ r u c k e r - h g e r
Select Geological Domain
Select Gnd Cross-section
Select Grouted Rebars
Select Hole Diameter
Select Kriging Methods
Select Lithologies to Display
Select Mechanical Bolts
Select Natural Caving Strategy
Select Numerical Method Refers to selecting a numerical appropriate for the
problem to be solved. Each method has strengths
and weaknesses. Choosing a method is usually a
rompromise berneen ease of creating the model,
qxed of obtaining a solution and accucacy of the
- -
results.
Select Ore Zones forProduction
Select Preliminary Pillar Dimensions & Orientation
Select Production Rate
Select Production Stoping Area
Select Shotcretd Surface Covering
Select Solution Algorithm
Select Stope Dimensions
Select Stope Layout tobe Designecl
Select Suitable Production Drilling Equipment This refers to selecting suitable production drills for
the stope. Drills often control stope dimensions.
For instance, ITH drilling accuracy set an upper
limit on stope height, drill jumb mach will set a
limit of cut&fiii slice thickness or stope width.
Likely drill candidates would be selscted based on
1 experience and manufacturer's speciflcations.
Select Support Prop
Select Sweiiex b l t
Select Theoretical Variogram Model
Select to Let Stope Cave
Select Variogram Direction
Select Wiremesh
Set Colour CodedRanges for Assay Grades and Refers to defining according to Company standards
Lithology the colours to be used for rock lithology, grade
ranges (rock, low, medium and high-grade ore), as
well as numeric ranges. This information wiil be
used by the visualization system to aid the user in
seeing the data, determine patterns and so on.
Set One or More Stope Dimension(s) Based on
Drl Selected
Set Remaining Stope Dimensions Based on Mineral The Orebody wiU frequently define one or more of
Inventory Model Dimensions the stope dimensional parameters baseci on the
Mining Method seiected. Stopes generally have 2
kinds of orientation. Stopes can be longitudinal
(long dimension foilowing strike of orebody) or
transversal (long dimension set to width of
orebody). The selection will be based on the width
of the ore zone and the mining method used.
Layout stopes
Size ~ p - &
Size Up Stopes Approximate stope dimensions can be determined
using Mahew's Open Stope Stability Graph
Size Up Support Pillars Refers to determining the size of the support piliars
to be used in the mining method. Note: support
pillars can be orientai vertically between Stage 1
stopes or horizontally between stopes (e-g. cutBtfil1
stoping). In some rnining method, in particular,
pst-pillar cutBtfill, the pillars must be designed to
fail rlatively eariy in the stopiq process.
Size up, Layout, and Sequence Stopes
Solve BEM System of Equations Refers to solving thc set of equations. Depending
on the BEM method implemented, different
 Ach'ntv DeCinition
solutions will be implemented.

Refers to the process of solving the set of equation

describing the region and each h i t e element.
Finite element matrices are generally sparse and

s
require special algorithm to solve them efficientiy,
particularly when iheir size is considered.
Solve System of Equations Reirs to solving the set of equation Note that
unlike a finte element ma& that is sparse but
large, the boundary element matsix is fdly
populated but smaller (due to a 1-D reduction).
Overail, it is questionable if FEM or BEM yields a
faster solution.
Solve with Boundary Element Model for Linear- Refers to using the Boundary Element Method for
Elastic Problem Domain solving complex numerical problems in solid
mechanics.

Refers to using the Finite Element Method for

Elastic, Plastic, or Dynamic Problem Domain solving complex numerical problems in solid
mechancs.
Store Numerical Results for Later Processing
Trace Out Lithological
- interfaces for Defned
Cross-section
Track Costs
Transform Diamond Drillhg Data to New Gnd Transfocm Diamond Drillhg Data to New Grid
System System is the process of changing information fiom
one grid system to another.
Transform Geological
- Domain Solids into Block
Model
Troubleshoot Ground Froblems
Validate BIock Grade Model
 Table D-3 - SADT Model - Arrow Definitions
Armw Name
3D ModelingNisualization Technology
I
Accounting Technology
Active Stopes
Active Work Areas
Allocated Labour, Equipmenk Supplies,
1 As-Excavate Mine Lavout Drawines
Assigned Resources
L
Assigned Work Priorities
I
Assumed BEM Variation
Available Capital and Financing
1 Available Production Resoufces
1 Average Pillar Strength
Armw Defimition
3D Modeling Technology refers to mathematical techniques
for representing surfaces and solid objects in 3D. Unlike
wire frame and surface modelig, solid modeling systems
ensure that all surfaces meet properly and that the object is
geometrically correct. Solid models allow for interference
checking, which tests to see if two or more objects occupy
the same space. Solid modeling is the most complicated of
the CAD technologies, because it simulates an object
i n t e d l y and externally. Solid models can be sectioned (cut
open) to reveal their interna1 features, and they can be stress
tested as if they were physical entities in the real world.
Accounting Technology refers to techniques and tools used
by accountants to keep track of assets and Liabilities and thus
produce a balance sheet. In general, it includes the
traditional accounting methods but could also include
activity-based costing (ABC). Accountiag Technology also
includes accounting sohare and databases.
Active stopes are either in development or in production (or
soon to be).
Active Work Areas are where mining development and
production is currently taking place. Mining activities are
king Camed out in these areas.
This arrow refers to production resources needed to do either
development or production mining
An Approved Budget has been approved by Management.
The Approved Budget will meet the Production Objectives
and Targets, the Revenue Objectives and thus the Corporate
Objectives.
Assigned resources cefers to labour, equipmen, supplies,
consumables, power, water, compressai air assigneci to a
workplace and activity.
Refers to priorities assigneci to specific mining activities
carriecl out as part of the development and rnining processes.
Higher priority activities must be accomplished before lower
priority advities can cake place.
Refers to the mathematical equations used to d e s c n i the
stress variation withh a b o G w element mode1
formulation
Available Capital and F i c h g is a consbauit that affects
the entire mine design, planning and production process.
Available Capital means the cash on hand that a company
has to implement its objectives. Financing refers to the
ability of a company to raise capital through the stock market
or obtain loaus and debenhues from financial institutions.
Financing could also refer to the potential of the company to
interest investors or joint partners.
Atroff Namc
Average Pillar Stress
Bacidil1 Support Requirements
BEM Equation Set
BEM Fundamental Solution
Block Grade Model
Block Grade Model Refinements
Block Model Refinements - -

Block Model Statistics

Boimdaw Elements
Calculated Nmv Ore Volume Grade
Calculated Ore volume & Grade
DfTerences
Calculated Ore Volume, Grade & S.G.
Caiculated Stope Volume
Checked Diamond DriUing Data Checked Diamond Drillhg Data refers to &ta that has been
entered into the geologicai database and checked for gros
data entry errors.
~la&inedBlock ~rades
Classifiecl Mineral inventory

Company Engineering Standards The Company Engineering Standards refer to a set of d e s ,

----
Company Geology Standards
Company Maintenance Procedures
Combanv WorWJob Procedures
Convergence Criteria
Corporate Laws & Regulations
Corporate Objectives
Correcteci Diamond Drilling Data
Cost Control
Cost Scheduie
Cos& & Expenditures Tracking Standards
Costs & Expenses
procedures, analysis and design methods used to store,
manioulate. Drocess and Dresent corn- information.
Corporate Laws & Regulations reguiate the behaviour of
corporations and companies. These laws involve the
financial reporting aspects but couid also include Seanties
laws and Taxation laws.
Corporate Objectives are a constraint to the Mine Design,
Planning and Prouctioti process. Corporate Objectives will
dictate the desired level of economic r e m acceptable, the
production level wanted, whether or not market share is
important Corporate Objectives will define the long-tenn
objectives and strategy of the company. For insance, what
kind of minerais do they want to mine, the exploration
policies they desire and so on
Costs & Expenses are an output of the Mine Design,
Planning and Roduction process. Although there are costs
associateci with exploration, feasibility studies and so on.,
most of the cos& in a mining project corne from the
development and production phases of the mine. Costs
include labour, supplies, equipment, consumables, energy,
taxes, dividends, interest payments and so o n
Arrow Name
Cunent Conditions
Cunent Mine Mode1 Refers to the most up-todate model of al1 existing
excavations. This model does not include hiture planned
- -
excavations.
Cut or Slot ~ e s i i
Database Technology Database Technology is aii the computer technology related
to the storage of information The storage of geological data
is a strong database application Database Technology can
also include GIS (or Geographical Information System)
Technology. GIS provides a sophisticated analysis and
visualidon svstem cou~iedwith a database WStem.
De-clustered Assay Data
Defind Block Model
Defined Geoloeical Grid Svstem
&ed Variogram Cone Angle
Defined Variogram Direction
Development & Roduction Selections
Dwelopment Layout Drawings
Development/RoductionSequence
--

Diamond Drill Core Data

Difncult Ground Condition & incidents
Distributed Explosive Charges This refers to the spatial layout of the bu& charges in each
blasthole. Note (hat each blasthole is not n e c e d y charged
with explosives. The charges may be decked. There may
also be stemming (inert material) used. DiEerent explosives
may be used depending on iis purpose. For instance, special
explosives may be used for pre-shearing walls for a clean
break.
Drifts & Crosscuts Sizing
Drill Eaui~rncntCambilities & Limitations
B r ~ o l eDiameter
Drill Hole Layout Drawings
Drill Hole Sbacine
Drill ffole Spatial Layout
Driliing & Blasting Control

Drilling/Loading inspection Reports

Economic Evaluation Criteria
Economic Evaluation Technology
Element Remonse Matrix
ncoded Block Model
Equation Solution Set
The Economic Evauation Critena refers to the desirable
ROI Le. Retum on Investment) for a project. This target can
be used to evaluate whether or not a project should pmeed.
Economic Evaluation Technology refers to tools, methods
and techniques for evaluating the hvestment benefits of a
project. This evaluation requins costing estimahg tmls, as
well as a schedule of predicted expenses and revenues.
There may also be intangible costs and benefits to evaluate,
some with no appmnt &nornic benefits or costs.
ArrorvNimte
Equipment & Labour Resources
Productivities/Reliabilities
Equipment Dimensions
Equilibriurn Matrix Results
Estimated Airfows, Velocity & Directions
Estimateci Production Resources
Requirernents
Excavation Control
Excessive or Unacceptable Dilution
Excessive or unacceptable Ore Recovery
Losses
Excessive Vibration Levels
--
Existing Mine Excavations
-
Experimental Cross-Variogram
Experimental Histogmn
Exploration Daia
ExploratiodAquisition Approval Request
Exploration/Acquisition Costs
ExploratiodReserves Policy
Explosive Properies
Failure Criterion
Failure Zone Extent
Fa11 of Ground Incident
Fall of Ground incident Report
Far-Field Stresses & Orientations
A m w Defmition .
Refers to the possibility that there are too much explosive
charge detonated at once or the rock mass encourages the
concentration of blasting seismic waves that are detrimental
to man-made structures located too close to the blast and
thus need to be protected. Excessive vi'brations could also
cause rock mass deterioration or excessive ore dilution or
overbreak.
&fer to all currently existing mine excavations. This could
be limited to only stopes but could include minor
excavations like raises, shah. etc.
Exploration Data is all the geological data required to
evduate a mineralization 'Ibis &volves generally diamond
drillhg information but couid alo involve geochemical and
geophysid data as well. Some properties have an extensive
hisGG of exploration, others a r s p i k z .
The Exploration.Acquisition Appmal Request is a pmcess
whereby a promiring new pmpa<y is approved for funher
exploration or acquisition
ExploratiodAcquisitionCosts are cost hcurred for doing -
exploration work or buying options and properties.
The Corporae Policy for acquiring new mineral reserves
either through active exploration or rtiroughoptions or
buying existing, undeveloped, semi, or even hilly developed
properties.
Al1 explosives have unique properties that must be
considered when designing a blast These properties include
bulk strength, bulk density, relative strength, cost per lbs,
velocity of detonation, sensitivity, minimum hole diameter,
water resistance and so on.
Refers to a set of drawings showing the blastholes as well as
al1 the charge layouts, stemming, delays, detonators, primers,
and tie-in sequence.
The boundary conditions that will be applied to the model.

FEM Analysis Results
Finite Element Matxix
Finite Elernent Mesh
, Fitted Cross-Variogram
Fitted Histogram Distribution
Fitted ~ h = Vario-
Forecasted Metal Demand & Price
Forecasted Metal Prias
Forecasting
- Technology
--
Fragmentation Adjustments
Fragmentation Reports
Funding
Further Selections
Geological Data Display Standards
Geological Data Emrs
Geological Domains & Stnictures
Geological Domains Statistics &
1 Geological Faults
Geomechanical Parameter of Interest
Geomechanics Analysis Results
Geostatistical Analysis Results
Geostatistid Analysis Technology
GIS Database Technoiogv
by major geological S U U ~ .
1
1 Forecasted Metal Demand & Rice is a function of
Marketing. This forecasting is to predict what demand will
exist in both short-term and long-term f i i ~ u e for
s the metals
king produced as well as the price that is expected. This
information, always critical and unfortunately uncertai, is
required for plannin~purposes.
Forecasted Metal Rice is required for evaluation pirposes. It
will be used duriug the enginee~g& planning phases to
predict revenues generated h m mining, - -processing and
&ling the produ& to markets.
Forecasting Technology refers to all the tools, methods and
techniques-mailableto help ntake informeci decisions. In
Strategic Planning, Forecasting Technology will be used to
analyze statisticai information, identiIjl trends, make
correlations There are also tools and techniques for making
decisions when there are several objectives, sorne of them
even conflicting
Refers to making changes to the e-qlosivepowder factor,
charge layout & distribution or explosive selection so as to
improve the rock m a s fragmentation.
Monies that have been approved and allocated for fiinding
R&D, operations, or new exploration/acquisitionsprojects.
Refers to the boundaries of al1 geological domains or rock
types. These can include ore zones, hangingwall and
footwall only or be more extensive. Also included are al1
major faults, dykes,joints (stnictures) that break up the rock
ma& but have a definite influence on the analysis. -
1
Refers specifically to the results of geomechanicai modeling
and analyses. These results could be one run or multiple
computer nuis to examine a stoping sequence.
f GIS Database Techoiow refers to eeoera~hicalinformation
 Arrow Defikition
systems used to keep track of various data sets located on
surface.
Govenunent Reports
Grade Control
Grade Vanation Cause(s)
Grade Variation Correction Poteniial
Grade Variations 1
Grass Root Exploration Data
Ground Controi
Ground Movement Data
Ground Problems --

Ground Support ~ailurexcident

Ground Support Failure Incident Report
Ground Support Requirements
Historical Cost Data
Historical Unit Cost Data
Historical Unit Roductivity Data
Hydrauiic Radius Stope Area / Stope Perheter
Identifieci Geological Domains
Inadequate Fragmentation
Inadequate Ventilation
Incorrect Modeling Results Refers to numerical results that are incorrect due to: 1) poor
alibration 2) improper rock m a s properties and parameters
3) incorrect sele&on of a numericd &&le1
Incorrect Solids
Insufficient Geological information
Intermediate Numerical Results
Intermediate Stress Results
Key Dates & Milestone Changes
Key Delivery Dates & Milestones Key delivery dates and milestones refers to specific dates

l when a given amount of work is accomplished This could

include the completion of a given amount of development so
as to provide needed access to a stoping area
Knowledge & Experience Knowledge & Experience is a constraint that also a e c t s the
mine design, planning and production process. Knowledge
& Experience are valuable assets if available because they
pexmit better decisions. A shortcoming in Knowledge &
Experience may mean hat sub-optimal solutions are
implemented. For insrance, a low-grade complex deposit
may be beyond the skills of a small, young inexperienced
company to develop. Multi-metallic deposits or hose with
difcult contaminants may require special technical "know-
how" to mine successfully. Kiiowlege and Experience of
the work force also impacts the mining. M o u s practices
and experience will frequentlydictate which mining method
wiil be used. A sophisticatedwork force will not like to do
heavy manual labour. Similarly, an unsophisticated work
force may not be able to use and repair complex mechanical
or automateci equipment. The level of technology must be
matched to the skills of the work force.
Knowledge & E.xperience in Evaluating
Mineral Proiects
Knowledge & E.uperience in Geology Knowledge & Experience in Geology is required to analyze
complex geological data in order to make out sense of it.
Knowledge & ~ x p e r i e n hd h e Design
Knowledge & Expenence in Numerical Refers to the knowledge and experience acquired as a d t s
Anaiysis of doing geomechanical or rock mechanics work. This work
involves numerical models to represent and anaiyze the
complex nature of these pmble&.
Knowledge & Expenence in Preparing
Schedules
Laws & Regulations Laws & Regulations consiraineci the mine design & planning
process in various ways. The Ministry of Labour under the
Occupational Health & Safety has paxticular importance in
the mine design and production.
Level Layouts Refers to the spatial position of the primary levels in relation
to the orebody.
Level Spacing
Load/Stress Data
Long-term Plan Long-tenn Plan refets tothe development and production
that will take place over the long-term, generatly five years
or more. Long-terrn can also means for the entire mine Iife.
Long-term Plan & Closur~h Report
Long-term Plan Adjustments
Long-term Plan Update Long-term Plan Upates means adjustmenis to the schedule,
grades and tonnage of ore production, development for the
next 5 years or more,
Long-term Production Schedule
Maintenance Costs
Market Economics Market Economics afXsthe entue design, planning and
production process. Market Economics affect the pice of
the mineral commodities king mined as weU as the demand
for a product. Low demand means that prices will have to
drop if there is excess production capacity.
Microseismic Data
Mine Plans & Work Schedules
Mineral Exploration ~ e c h n o l o i Minerai Exploration ~ec~hnology means al1 the tools
available to explore, discover and assess the rock mass for
mindizatio& and its economic potentiai and value.
Mineral inventory Mode1 The Minerai Inventory Model is based on the Orebody
Model but includes: 1) cut-off grade 2) estimated dilution
(totai) 3) estimated recovery (total) These factors are
important for calculatin~Lhe mine valuation
Mineral Inventory with Applied Cut-
Mining Laws & Regulations Mining Laws & Regulations refers to the legisbtion that
regulates mining acivities. These laws & regdations apply
to labour and occupational health, mine exploration,
development, operation and closure, environmental control,
treatment and discharge of waste.
Mining Method
Mining Method Adjustrnents
Mining Method Report
Mining Method Risks
min in^ Method Selection Parameters
Muck Fragmentation Sizing
Muck Handling System Refers to al1 the components required to extract the broken
rock (Le. muck) from the development heading or s t o p to its
final destination ( e g . underground as fill, or on d a c e as
processing ore or waste rock to be dumped or processed.
Muck Hading Equipment
Muck PassingMoisting System
Muckine Eauiument - -

Mdti-Stage Pillar Mining

New Technology New Technology is any new technology that is used in the
Company to reduce cos& and/or make processes more
efficient. New Technology could also involve the
dwelopment of new producs that could change the demand
for the metal.
Newlv Acauired ~roduction~ e s o u r z
Next stop in^ Sequence
No. of Working Horizons Required
NPV Results
Numerical Analysis Results
Numerical Results Refers to the calculation results obtained fiom
Geomechanical Numerical Analysis. Numerical Resuits
typically include stresses, strains, and displacements.
Depending on the mode1 selected, the failure criterion
chosen, and the type of problem being solved, th= may
other results of interest These could include a failure zone,
factor of safety and so on.
Open Exploration Drill Hole Waminp
Operation Costs & Revenues The Costs and Revenues generated h m the mining
Operations The Revenues come fiom the Product Sales and
the Costs are the expenses incurred for labour, supplies,
equipmen, energy, local taues, etc.
Operations Budget Approval
Ore Reserve Classifications
Orebodv Denth
&body Dip
Orebody Grade Characteristics
Orebody Model The Orebody Model is the graphical representation of the
Geological Domains. The Orebody Model therefore
includes: 1) lithology 2) structural faults, joints, gouge
zones 3) the mineralized zones and the barren zones 4) the
mades in the mieralized zones
Orebody Rock Mass Strengths
Orebadv Shabe
Orebody Size
Orebody Uniformity
Parameter Distilav
Pillar Dimensions & Orientation
Planncd Mine Mode1
Poor Framentation
Poor or Non-convergence
Poor Recovery Risks
Potentiai U n ~ i ~ ~ . Dilution
ned
Primary Access Layout
Processed Geological Data
Production Costs
Production Costs
Production Layout Drawings
Production Objectives S Targets
Production Rate
Production Rate Adjustments
Production &sources
Production Zones
Proposeci Stoping Layout
Re-combine Assav Data
Required No of Working Stopes
Required Resources
Resource Allocation Changes
Resource Assignment Changes
Resources Shortfails
Revenue Objectives
The Mine Modelis a superset of interrelateci models
containing incormation about an operating mine, nich as the
geo-models (geological& rock mass), openings (excavations
which include access), infrastnicture(for supporthg the
excavation process), etc.
- -
% --
Refers to the primary access points to the mine. This
includes the main shaft, main ventilation raises, main levels
and stations.
--
Processed ~ e o l o $ dData refers to all uiformation required
for doing geological analysis, interpretation and modeling.
This information has been entered, checked for errors,
validated and is in a form ready to be used by geological
analysis tools. This data consists of one or more type of
-- -
Production Objectives & Targets represent what the
Operations must produced to fiilnll the Revenue Objectives
and thus the Corporate Objectives.
-
-
The Production Rate is the rate at which ore will be mined
from the mine expressed typically in tonnes/day or
tonnes/year It may be necessary to adjust this rate based on
circumtances. The production rate is a fimction of ore
reserves, unit value of the ore, bancing capabilities of the
owner or corporation, and the mining cost. Changes in
production rates will affect the time distribution of
expenditures and revenues thus changing the economic value
of the deposit.
Production Resources includes labour, equipment, power,
water, compressed air, supplies & consumables used in the
production pnicess.
---
Required Resoutce~means the labour, equipmen, supplies
& consumibles rquired to cany out the short-term plan.
Required tesources will depend on the mining method used.
- -
Revenue Objectives represent the desired level of revenues
required to & e t the corporate Objectives
 Rock Burst incident Report
Rock Bursting incident
Rock M a s Data
Rock Mass Model
Rock Mass Parameters & Roperties
1 Rock Mass Stability Number
1 Rock Reinforcement
Safety Trainrg
Schedule Chan~eS
Schedde Modifications & Resowce
Secondary Access Layout
1 Secondary Access Modifications
1 Selected Bulk Explosive
Selected Cross-section
Selected Cutloff Grade
Selected Discount Rate
Selected Powder Factor
Refers to the assembly of information for numerical analysis
of rock masses. ~his-includes: 1) geological domains
structures 2) urrent and future excavations 3) rock mass
properties and behaviour 4) far-field stress or boundary
conditions 5) caiibration points 6) rock mass failure
------ - --
Rock M a s Model refers to the geomechanical properties of
the rock mass. The Rock Mass Model is based on the
Geological Domains information obtained duxng the
creation of the Orebody Model. The Rock Mass Model
includes the ore zones, the host rock (hangingwall8t
fwtwalls), significant faults and dykes and information
about the major joint sets.
Refers to representative geological and rock mass parameters
and properties. This can be obtained fiom fieldwork, the iab,
the literature or other sources.
Scheduling & Optunization Technology refers to tools,
methods and techniques for scheduling muiing activities.
There should be an optimum schedule for any given set of
circumstances however obtainng that optimum schedule
may or may not be simple or even feasble.
Refers to the tentative future excavation plans for minor
excavations like sublevels, drifts, raises, ramps, and
orepases. In most cases, it is the local excavation work
required to access the stope h m the primary access points.
Bulk explosives are the primary explosives used to fiagrnent
the rock mas.
Powder Factor is a typical metric used to evaluate
consurnpfion and effectiveness of bulk explosives in
hgmenting a rock mas. It is usually measured as Ibs. of
explosives / ton of rock or kgdtonne.

Strateeic Plan Undate
Stress Calibration Points
SupeMsion Knowledge & Experience
Suumrt Piliar Sizin~!
Surface Topographicai Data
Taxation Laws
Taxation Regime
Technical Support
Technology
Temporary Cross-sections
Temporary Selections
Temporaq Solids
Tentative Mine Access Layout
Tentative Stoping Plan
Theoretical Recovery %
Tie-in Sequence
towards the abutments of the mine.
Refers to the localized stress data for calibraihg the
numerical model. This information is usually obtained from
stress lls placed in the rock mas. A common method is
the CSIRO stress U based on the overcoring methoci-
Tauation Laws are ail the laws describing the taxes to be
collecteci and paid to the jurisdictions under which the
corporation or company operates. In Ontario, there are both
provincial and federal taxes to be paid on profits realized,
sales taxes (GST and PST on purchases), as well as property
taxes. There are ais0 tax exemptions depending where the
tax was incurred For instance, there is no sales tax on
eq iipment purchased for production Because the company
is an employer, the company has to coliect and remit income
tax on al1 its employees.
Taxation Regne is a ansiraint that wiU aJTect how a
company will operate in a jurisdiction. High taxes will
essentially drive companies to other places where taxes are
lower. Simiiarly, attractive tax write-offs, tax deferments or
hoiidays wili attract mining companies. The Taxation
Regime may impact how and when a mine is developed.
Taxes affect the coxporate bottom line directly.
Technology is a critical mechanian in the Mine Design,
Planning and Production process. Tcchnology impacts the
level and quality of information that can be modeled, the
ease at which alternative solutions may be compared, the
mining and extraction method that can be implemented and
ultimately the economic value of the deposit.
Refers to the tentative friture excavation plans for minor
excavations ke sublevels, dntts,raises, kmPs,orepasses,
stations, levels, and shafts.
Refers to the tentative mine fiiture excavation plans. This
generally refers to the major excavations (i.e. &opes). This
would include the location and size of the excavations as
well as the sequence of these excavations.
The tie-in sequen refers to all explosive accessories used
to detonate the main or bulk explosive. These include
delays, detonators, boosters, primers, detonating cord,
initiation systems as well as the actuai connection sequence.
Blasts are alwavs initiateci outward fiom an open or fiee
 Arrow Defimition
face. Each charge is detonated in sequence. An out of
sequence detonation may niin a bl&due to cut-offs or out-
of-sequence detonations.
Tonnes & Grade Requirements Tonnage & Grade Requirements refer to the Production
Objectives & Targets for the mine. These can be set by
either the mine operator, mine owner or corporation. The
critical concept is that tonnages x grade d e f i the quantity
of metal to be producecl and sold to market to generate
/ revenues and &ver costs.
Total S t o p Dilution %
Transformeci Diamond Dnlling Data
Typical Resource Requirements
Unacceptable Pillar Stability
Unacceptable P i k Stress
Unbudgeted Costs & Poor Resource

Underground Survey Data

Unscheduled Equipment Break-Down
Validated BIock Mode1 .- -
, Variation Function

Ventilation Control
Ventilation Control Settings
Ventilation Network . . .-

Ventilation Network Calibration Data

Ventilation Network Modifications
Ventilation Network Sizing Adjustments
Ventilation System
Verified & Calibrateci Numerical Results
Refers to making changes to the dimensions of the mine
prhary accesses (i.e. shafts,ramps, levels, drifts, and raises)
so as to reduce fictional losses in the ventilation system.
Ventilation System includes fans, motors, housings, as well
as ventilation control doors & banles, ducting and secondary
fans.
..

Work Priority Changes

1 Yielded Elements 1
JSED AT: AUTHOR. Mano A Morin READER DATE 1 CONTER
PROJECT lntegrated Cornputerued U Mine
1 DwgnPlann~n~
1 RECOMMENDED 1 - 8 TOP
I
1 1

NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION 1
Conrd (Consbalnb) Market
Economics

Corparate
Objectives
Available
Capital
and
Financing

Inputs
I eslgn, Plan, Support
and Monltor tha
Mine Plans B Work Schedules
b

1
Exploiation Data
Underqiound
Hald Rock Mlna Government Reporls
b
A0

-
Purpose To document the processes
performedas part of
underground hardrock mine
design and planning.

-
Viewpoint Mining Professionals
Production

(e.g. mine geologist,

engineer 6 planner)

NODE: TITLE: NUMBER:

Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the
A-O Underground Hard Rock Mine
USEO AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Morin REAOER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: Integrated Computerued U Mine
I

I
1
~esignl~lannin~
1 RECOMMENDED 1 9
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 PUBLICATION 1 1 A-O
Mining Laws &
Min~ngLaws 6 Regulations Aegulations
Corporate Law 8
Knowledge8 Expenence
1 +
T 7

Regime I I

1 Perform
Strategic
Planning fiquipment 6 Labour
Resourcee
Productnrities/Reliab~I~t~
Mining
Method
Report

-Exploi stirnated ~roduhio R soi irce s fieqr irei i f

Grass F oot
Explora on roundb bu^ xir Ra qui s r !nt I Historical
Data Cost Data

-
4
Strategic Plan Updife
. - 1
wvwvvwqvwv
Perlom
Short-lermPlan 1
Prodt ion Resources Shart-tenn
30
Planning
TechnOIW Techndqy

Operations Budget
Apprwal
Newh/ Acquired
Production 1
3D ModelingNibualkationTechnology
P
L
TPchnology Short-Term Plan Updates
JODE: TITLE,
Design, Plan, Support and Monitor the NUMBER:

A0 Underground Hard Rock Mine 7

JSED AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Morin DATE. 2/8/00 WORKING READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT. lntegrated Computerued U Mine REV. 12/21/00 DRAn
0
DesigWlanning
RECOMMENDED rn
NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A0 - 0

Knowledge 8

Rock Mass Model e r Meta1

Assess
+ &n''Pany Knowledge 8 Economic
)rebody Mode
MineGeology S- Engineering Erperience Evaluation
Exploration Standards in Prepanng
/ Cneria
Schedules in Selected
r r r r r 4XPlanned Mine Model w

~ine
ml CU~.OI
Grade
Muck Handling System
* Proje :ts
1
b
Design Mine
Mining Method
-
Model
Layout 8
Ventilation System
1 \ +
Facillies Prouction Rate

Requirements
L
A C

m b

Long-termPlan Updti P - r du :tio r R wurct s Reql irernents

Production Rate
Adjust menls

ModelingNwalation Optimkation
Technolm
- -et Technology
r 1 I 1
y luation
L
-.
Long-termPlan Adlustments
IODE:
TITLE: Perfon Long-term Planning NUMBER:

A2
USED AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE COMEXT
PROJECT. Integrated Computerued U Mine O
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED

0,
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A21 1 O

Company
Geotogy
Standards

Transformeci
Checked Diamond
Diamond Drilling Data

NODE: NUMBER'
Collect Diamond Drilling Core Information
A21 12 7
JSEO AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJET: lntegrated Cornputeriml U Mine REV; 6/26/00 DRAFT
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION

Company Geology Standards

Diamond
Drill Core 7 *
-Data

Geological Data Errors

Lengths Between
i
r r b
Data Sets L
w 9

NUMBER:
Check for Gross Errors
JSED AT AUMOR Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT tntegraled Computenzed U Mine
DesignPlanning
Cb
RECOMMENDEO O

NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 9 10 PUBLICATiON A2112 %O=

Company
Geology
Standards

Checked Diamond
Dnlling Data

Deiined
Geological Grid
Define Geological Systern
Grid System

r Ttan6formed Diarnond Dnlling

Correcteci Dlamond Dnlling Data Transform Data
Correct Diamond Drilling Data
Diamond Dnlling Data
Using Correction Data b
lo New Grid System

Al A3
1

NODE: TITLE: NUMBER:

Correct Spatial Position of Data
A21 328 I
USED AT: ATHOR: Mario A Morin 1 READER DATE 1 CONTEXr
PROJECT. lnlegrated Computenzed U Mine
I u
.11
RECOMMENDED I m-u
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A212

Save Solid 8 ldenlty

Geological Domain

Identify Geological Domains

TITLE:

1 NUMBER:
 --

USED AT: AUTHOR Mano A Morin READER DATE ~ N T E N -

PROJECT htegraledCornputerueci U Mine
De'--"'-----
riyivriaririiiiy
1 1 RECOMMENDED 1
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
-- -

Select Geological Selected GeologicalDomain

Damain

Pefform Resuits lnterpret

Statistical Statislical
Analysis Resuns

I - Geostatlstical
Anaiysis

i
m ---.-
lnterpret
Li-.:--,
Geological
Domains
Statistics 8
Geostalislics

Further Seleciions 1

IODE:
Select & Perform Statistical Analysis on
A2123 Geological Domains I
JSEO AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT.
PROJECT: lntegrated Cornputerued U Mine
O
DesignfPlanning 0
RECOMMENDEO
O O
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A21 23

JODE NUMBER.
,

TITE; Perform Statistical Analysis

A2 1232
USED AT AUTHOR Mano A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT lntegrated Computerued U Mine
O
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED 0 0
III
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 PUBLICATION A2123

Selectcd Geological Domain

Knmiedge 8
Experiencein

Defined Variogra n Direction

3

Defined Variogram h n e Angle

Search Cone
Angle +

Pt-Examine
* +
Calculate
Geostatistical
Anaipis
ProcessedGeological Data Experimental Results
Vanogram66 , b
Calculations Cross-Variograrns

a
A5
.r
\
~e-clistered
Assay Data ~e-combinecl
Assay Data

JODE TlTLE
Perform Geostatistical Analysis NUMBER

A21233
I
USED AT, AUTHOR. Mario A Morin REAOER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated Computerized U Mine
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED
rn a
NOTES- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 O
PUBLICATION A213

ldentfied Geological Domains

Encode Geology Encoded Block Model

into BIock Model

A2

T T a t e -
r ~ ~ o cModel
lc
b
Solid
Modeltng I
Technology
Calculate
Block Model

Statistics
JModel Statistics

I Block Model Refinements

1

3D
Database Technology ModelingNisualuntion
Technology

JODE
Transform Geological Domain Sotids into Block
A2131 Model 7
USED AT: AUMOR. Mario A Morin
PROJECT: lnlegrated Computerued U Mme
DesigniPlanning

NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Knowledge 8
Expenence in '
REV

Validated Block Mode1

6121100 DRAFT
RECOMMENDED
PUBLICATION
READER

Geological Domains Slalistics 8 Geoslalislics

*
DATE CONTEXT.

A21 3
O
- 0
13

'I
Geology

*
b
Processeci '
. 3
Geological
Data
v
b
Cakxlate Using
1
Nearest Neighbour Block Grade Model
Method (polygonal or r
Voronoi)
Al

1
b Calculate Using
Inverse Distance
A
Square (IDS) Melhod
P b
A2

b
9 t 9
L

B
I

Block Grade Model tefinements

b Select
Kriging
Methods
C J
1 II
m

1 d
Geostatistical Analpls Technology

JODE : TlnE: NUMBER:

Calculate Bock Grades
A2132
I
USED AT AUMOR Mano A Monn READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT lntegrated Computenzed U Mine
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED
O 0
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION
1
A213

Block Grade Mode1 Knowledge 8 Experience in Geology

1

Examine
-
Tonnage Grade Mineral lnventory Mode1
DistnbulionCurve

(ODE: TITLE: NUMBER.

Validate Block Grade Model
JSEO AT: AUTHOR. Mario A Morin READER DATE COMEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated Computerued U Mine
a
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED = O
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A22 0

Production
Rate

Determine Suitable
Excessiveor Unacceptable Ore R e m y Losses Minlng Melhod(6)
I
Mining Method Adjustments

UODE' TITLE:
Select Appropriate Mining Method(s) NUMBER.

A222
I
 1
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USED AT AUTHOR. Mano A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated ComputerizedU Mine
DesignIPlanning , D
RECOMMENDED
NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A223
Knowledge 5 Experiencein
Mine k i g n
Rock Mass
Knowledge 5
Ewperience in
Numerical
Analysis
Assemble Rock
Mass Data for Rock Mass Data
Modeling

Geomechanics
Anaiysis
Results

JODE: TITLE: Geomechanics Numerical Analysis NUMBER.

A223 1
 Numerlcal
al Domaina 8 Structures Analvsis

Data

JODE. 'IRE: NUMBER'

Assemble Rock Mass Data for Modeling
A2231 1
 USE0 AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT.
PROJECT: lntegrated Campuerued U Mine

1 [NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 [ 1 PUBLICATION 1 ( A2231

Numerical Resulls

-
l 1 T ~ E :
Select Numerical Method 1 NUMBER:
-
-
 --
USED AT. ATHOR Mario A Monn DATE 7 i k 0 ~ W O R K % Z G READER DATE CONTEXT

, PROJECT lntegrated Computerued U Mine

Des~gnlPlanning
REV 11115100 DRAFT
1
RECOMMENDED 1
=0 -
1 PUBLICATION 1 1~22313

Knowledge 8 Experience
in Numerical Anaipis
Rock Mass 1
Data
-

Domains 8
Exisiting
ine
Excavations
1 Rock Mas6
Failure
Crnerion
Parameten
a
8 Sequence Discrelue the or Interpolation Properties Far-Field
m Problem Domain Stresses 8
the Finle Elements Onentations

T
- Al A2 Element
Response
Matfin
L
Stoping Sequence

14
Establlsh Element
Finie Response
Element (StdTness CoMicients]
Mesh
Numerical
Results

30 1 J
MadelingNisualuation
Technology
Nex Sloping Sequence

Solve with Finite Element Model for Non-Linear

Elastic, Plastic, or Dynamic Problem Domain 1
USED AT: AUTHOR: Mano A Morin READER DATE COMEXT

-
PROJECT. lntegaled Computerued U Mine

NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
1 RECOMMENDED
1 PUBLICATION
1
I
I
1
100
A223131
-
O c
Stoping Sequence
Rock Mars
Variation Paramelers
Function 8
Properties

Establish Current Conditions

Initial Conditions

Nert
m.--:--

C
aroping
Read Nert
Sequence
set of
CondRions

Assemble Element
Solution Matrii Elernenf Response Malnx
b for Specfied b
Finie Element Mesh Conditions
A3
1

-
hIODE: NuMeEu:
TIRE: Establish Element Response (Stiffness
- A2231313 Coefficients) I
USED AT: AUMOR. Mario A Morin
PROJECT: lntegrated Computerued U Mine
DesigWianning

NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

eological
Domains 8
Structures
C
DATE: 719100
REV: 11115100
WORKING
DRA^
RECOMMENDED
PUBLICATION

Knowledge 8 Enperience in Numerical Analpis

READER DATE CONTEXT

A22313
-
Far-Field Stresses
Orientations

Stoping
Plan a
Sequencc

Select a
Fundamental
Solution to the E M Fundamental Sc IL
Gmrning
Dflerential
Assumed BEM Equation W
Variation
A3
v

u
Assemble

Etement
Contributions
Numerical

S o h BEM Sy6tem
i-, of Equations

Nexi Stoping Sequerice

VODE : TITLE. NUMBER:

Solve with Boundary Element Mode! for
A223132 Linear-Elastic Problem Domain I
USED AT: AUTHOR: Maflo A Morin READER DATE COMEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated Computerued U Mine REV. 1213100 DRAFT
DesigniPlanning O
RECOMMENDED
O n 1
- NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A22321 0

S t o p Dimensions Shape Factor KnowledgeCI Mining Rock Mass

Exprience in Mine Method Stability Nurnber
Design

I Calculate S t o p
Hydraulic Radius
(AreHerimeter)

Hydraulic Radius
Consider Stope
Shape Factor
on Hydraulic Radius

- 1 Stope
Hydraulic Radius Plot Values on Dimensions
Stope Stabilw
Graph 8 Examine
S t o p sizinpW
Adjustments

3D ModelingNisualualion
Tec hnology

-
hIODE: TITE:
Determine Stope Stability NUMBER:

-
A223214 I
USED AT A W O R Mano A Morin DATE. 7/5/00 WORKING READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT Integcated Computerued U Mine
DesignPtanning O
RECOMMENDED 0-
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 PUBLICATION
1

1 A22321
-a rn

I Mineral
lnventow

IODE: TITLE:
Calculate Stope Ore Grades NUMBER.

A223215 I
USED AT AUTHOR Mario A Monn READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT lntegraled Cornputerued U Mine
~esi~nl~ianning
RECOMMENDED
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLlCATlON A2232 0
Mineral lnventory Mining Method
1
I
Knowiedge 6
MMel
Experience In
Mine Design
Production Rate
I
*

Reqi red No O Working Stapes

- P r o med Tentative Mine

Sto W LaV' ~ c c e Laye
s

Excessive or
Unacceptable

Stope Layout
P

Theoretical Rec very %

i

Unacceptable Ore
Recmry Losses
-
NUMBER:
NODE:
TITLE: Layout Stopes
-
-
USE0 AT AUMOR Mario A Monn DATE 714100 REAOER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT lntegrated CornputeruedU Mine REV 11115MO DRAn
[3esignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED -O
D
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 PUBLICATION A223225 0

Rock Mass Model Proposed Stoping Layout (nowledge 8 Experience rn Mine Design

FEM Anaipis Results

b
r Examine EMeot of
Rock Mass
7

Failure (Shear 8 Tensile)

Around Stopes Due to -
Orientationto Far-FieldSigma1
PrinicipalStress

- L
A1

Failure Zone Eictenl

1
7 Calculate Dilution

(using volume of tailure

zone and original s t o p volume)

NUMBER
Calculate Potential Dilution Due to Rock Mass
 -
USED AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT. lntegrated Computered U Mine
DesigniPlanning

NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
REV 72/3/00 DRAn
RECOMMENDEO
PUBLlCATlON
: =O
A2232
Planned
Mine 1 Mining Method
KnMedge 8
Experience in Mine
Rock hjgn
Mass
Model

l-
Geomechanics
Anaipis Results 1

Determine
Failure is
Stress
lnduced

TITLE: Determine Stope Support Requirements NUMBER:

USE0 AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Monn REAOER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT. lntegrated Computerized U Mine
DesignlPlannlng
RECOMMENDED
m
-0
- NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A223231
Knowledge 8 Rock Mass Model Company
Experience in Mine
Planned Mine
Standards

Geornechanlcs

Ground

-
1JODE: TIRE
Determine Failure Effect is Local NUMBER:

- A223231 1 I
 -
-

USED AT: AUTHOR: Mario A Morin DATE: 6R9iO WORKING READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT. lntegrated CornputerizedU Mine REV: 12/3/00 DRAFT
Design/iJlanning 0
RECOMMENDED
NOTES' 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -0
PUBLICATION A223231
Knowledge 6
Experience in Mine Selecled Company Engineering
Design surtace Rock
Ground Standards
Topographical Mass
Data Model

Determine
Stope-Wide
Support Systern
Required
Analysis
Resutts
Select to Let
Stope Cave -

Select
Cableboit8

NODE : TlTLE : NUMBER.

Detemine Failure Effect is Stope-Wide
A223231 2
I
JSED AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Monn READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegratedCornputerued U Mine
DeslgniPlanning n
RECOMMENDED O
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A223231
=
Knowledge 8
Experience in Mine
Design 1
1 phical cal Data
Planned Mine
Mode1

7
4
Determine
+I 1 Mass 1
Mine-mde
Support System n
Geornechanics Required
Analysis
Resuns - Al

Selected Ground
Support System

Ground Suppoit Requiremerg

I O
Select
Backfill
Strategy
~4"irernents
w
I
A3
w

ModelingrVisualizationTechnology 1
TllLE:
Determine Failure Effect is Mine-Wide NUMBER:
 Knowledge 6 Experience Rock Mas6 Model
in Mine Design
T i

Mining Method
Mining Method
-- Mintng Melhod Risks
7

b r
Assess lJotential
for Recovery
Problems
- Poor Recovery Risl18

A2

'1
)r
A Assesfi Polential
Planned ~ i r l e for Stoplng Layout
Problems
I-- Stop Laput Risks

A3 '1 1
bxluction Rate Adjustments
lntegrate AII
Risks Asseaments

-
i
8 Make
'1
4 AsreuRisla L 1 Adjustrnenls 1
Required
wih Proposed ining Method Adjustments
Geomechanlcs Analysis Results
-. -
A
L
,
v Stop L
v
Stoping Sequence
* Sequence
A4
Stop
Sequence
Rlsks
A5

9 L
& 3

3D ModelingNisualization Technology
JOE:
Assess Risks of Mining Method with Proposed
A2234 Stoping Design I
USED AT: AUTHOR. Mario A Morin REAOER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegraled CornputerizedU Mine
DesignlPlanning
=
RECOMMENDED 1
, -
O
- NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1PUBLlCATlON A224
O
0
Mining Method Mining L a w 8 tnowledge 8

I Regulations xperlence rn Mine

hign

ComPlementW Mucking Equlpment

Mucking 7 rn 3
Equiprnent

- A2
w w
Orebody Model Design Drins 8 Cross-cutsSuing
'
. 0 Horizontal b
Production Rate
Muck Transport
Systern
Muck Hauling lquip nent 1
1 A3
Muck

k
w v Passingkloisiir g
Design Vertical Swern Muck Handling Systeb
Muck Transpoit
Systern Shans 8 Rarnps Suing
D b
A4

'JODE:
Tm: Design Muck Handling System NUMBER:

A2241
 AUMOR: Mario A Morin
PROJECT. lntegrated Computenzed U Mine
DesignlPlanning

NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A2 -0

Planned Tonnes Grade BackflII Mining Melhod

Mine Require nents SWpor Ground Support
Requir menta Reauirements
P
Knowledge 8
Long-terni Historical Unil
Production Ewperience in
Plan ProductMty
Rale Preparing
Updale
/ Schedules
b for Produdion

%toping
Sequence
Determine
Secluence Changes
Prauction equence
1
7
Method
Long-terni Plan Adjudments
Sequence

I
A2 i

h
Ist~matedProduction Resources
bquiremenls
Schedule Changes evelopment 8
l Production
Schedule
Long-term
?roduction Schedule

ProduclionRale

Schduling 8
Optirnization Technology

ODE: NUMBER:
TIRE, Prepare Long-Temi Development &
A23 Production Schedule I
USED AT AUTHOR: Mano A Morin 1 READER
1
DATE 1 CONTEXr
PROJECT lntegrated Computenzed U Mine - . .. . 1 n

IRECoMMENDEo
I
I l -n
Historical Forecasted Long-term
Unit Cost Knowledge 8
Metal Production
Data Scheule Experience in
Evaluating Mineral Economic
Projects Evaluatton
Crileria

I Calculate I I I I
Selecie
Dimunt
Calculate Revenue Rate
Revenues Schedule

Calculate
1 NPV
NPV Results

L
Cost Schedule
*

Long-termPlan

DatabaseTechnology

Economic
Evaluation
Technology

JODE: TITLE:
Evaluate Project Economics NUMBER:
USED AT AUMOR Mano A Morin DATE 218100 WORKING READER DATE C O M E m
PROJECT IntegratedComputerizd U Mine REV 1213flO DRAFT
DesigrilPlanning 0
RECOMMENDED 0
NOTES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLtCATlON A0 O

Ava''able
Production
Resources
~ong-terrnPlan
&%gI 1
Muck

I
Estimateci
Production
Resources
Requirements
StoPW
SWence
Pi luctic
O O~M
Ti ets
Historical
Cost
Data
Forecasted
Melal
Prices

- Knm
Mining
Laws 8
Equipment E~P Regulations
Dimensions ind
port
Toni i 81C uIreI
emel

iiIRie

1-TermPlan
ates Long term Plan Update
Prepare 8
Validate Repurces Shortfalls
elailed mitleci Resources
L Schedule
Secondary Short-term Plan
Access
Modmcatlons Operations

3D
Modelin[ Nisualuatlon

A L Short-term Plan Refinements

1
(1 Sirnulalion
Technology ' Databasa Technology

NUMBER
TITLE. Perform Short-term Planning
USEDAT
l AUTHOR Mario A Morin
PROJECT Inlegrated Computerued U Mine
~esi~nl~lanning
RECOMMENDED
READER
-
DATE CONTEXT

NOTES, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A0

I
Knowledge 8 Appr'J=d
Ewpenence Budget

Production
Resources b
N ~ Y
Acquirea
Knowledge 8 Production
Enpenence Resources
Commctted
Resources

-
Resources According
Allocaled Labour,
to Plan
Equipment,
Supplies,
Ventilation,
1 Water, etc Gmrnment Reports

* Provide
Monitoring
Company Maintenance Procedures
Costs 8 Expenditures Tracking Standards
U Technical
Suppart
r b Short-Term Plan

- A2
lmplement 8 Monitor
Short-lermPlan

Technical

TITLE: NUMBER:
Perform Plan Support 8 Monitoring
I
 USED AT: AUTHOR, Mario A Morin DATE: 6/26/00 WORKING [ READER
I 1 PROJECT. lntegrated Computerued U Mine REV: 12/3/00 1 1 DRAR I
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A4 0
Short-lem Plan

COS~S 8
Expenditures
Tracking
Standards

W0WJob Procedures

Ornicul Grouni CondRion 8 Incidt nt6 Monitor Ground

Company Procedures
W0rWJ0b
Procedures
Monitor Ventilation
Cost Control

Unbudgetedi hts 8 Poor R e m -ce tilization Technical Support

Hilorical Unit Cast Data,
Production Costs Product~ties
'
Historical Unn Productiwty Data ,
3D ModelingNisualization A
A A
A6
'r
ab
Technology
I
JODE : TITLE: Provide Monitoring & Technical Support NUMBER.

A42
USED AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Monn
PROJECT. lntegrated Computer'uedU Mine 1

1 RECOMMENDEO
I

1 PUBLICATION
I

1
I

1
READER
-- 7='l
DATE CONTEXT

A42
u
-
O
O

1 Short-lem Plan

Planned
Mine
Model Excavation
n Develcprnenl b l o p nent Layout Dramngs Control
u ~ayout r b

Al
w
7
Prepare
b
b
Production
Layout
. Production Layout Drawir 2s
d

A2
Government

1
9
Reports
Monior As.Encavate Mine b
b
Development Layout Drawings
Advance Underground ~ U W QDala
3
A3
9
f
w
Monitor f
Production
+ b Stoping
Short-Term Plan
Updates
F

a A4 Underground
.survqi Data

30
ModelingNisualization
Technology

1 NODE:

A421
Monitor Excavation Work (Surveying) NUMBER.

I
USED AT: AiJTHOR Mario A Monn READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT. lntegrated Computerued U Mine
DesigniPlanning
RECOMMENDED
El
=
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A422
Knowledge 8 Experience

f-6
Rock
L
Fragmentation
Adjustments 1 Selected
Drill Hole
Powder Factor Spatial
Laput

1
d Mine Mode1

Ixploslves
.oading
.ayout
lrawings
Vibration Levels

1 Explmm Propifies 1 1 1Levels

~x&ssive Vibmtig 1 Distribution %

ModelingNisualiiation - A6
lnadequate Fragmentation 2

IODE:
TIRE. Design Blasting Layout NUMBER:

A4222
USED AT A W O R : Mano A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated Computenzed U Mlne REV' 11/15/00 DRAFT
DesignPlanning Lb
RECOMMENDED 'b (=1
NOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A42 O

IShort-ten Plan
Method
)Rock
Mess
Model

Pl~ned
Mine Model
3
Stop Grades

Grade Variations A2

L Grade Variations

m
Estimate Impact of
Variation 8 Potential Grade
I
I 10 Correct

NODE: TllLE: NUMBER:

Monitor Production Grades
USE0 AT AIiTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE CONTEXT
PROJECT: lntegrated Computerued U Mine REV: 12/3/00 DRAFT
DesignlPlanning %
RECOMMENDED %

,
---

1 ( PUBLICATION I A42 O

Short-term Plan Knowiedge 8 Experience

1
1
v

Actw
Work

-
Inadequafe Areas

w 1
Measure Airflows 8
Contaminant Levels
-- Government Reports

ln ~ e ~ocations
y Ventilaticn Network Calibrafion Data
$
A2

Obtain Cunent Fan,

Doors 8 Bame

Ventilalion
Plzned Mine Model P V Modihi 2m,k by Control
Build 8 AnaMe irectlons
u Changing, Adding , b
Ventilation Network
Modnying Fans, Doon,
Mdel
8 Bames Setings

-I

Ventilation Network Modifications

1

JOM;
Monitor Ventilation Network 1 NUMBER:
USE D AT. AUTHOR: Mario A Morin READER DATE COMEXT.
PROJECT: IntegratedComputerued U Mine
DesignlPlanning
RECOMMENDED
NOTES. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PUBLICATION A4 O -
Short-termPlan

I
Company WorWJob
Procedures
Company
Maintenance
Procedures 11 Supe~sion
Knowledge 8
Experience
Approved
Budget Costs B
Expenditures
Tracking
Standards
ri Mining
Law 8
Regulations

Technical
support ', -
l Problem

R
k 0

Development f Developmenb Costs Short-Tel Plan

Work '
I Updales
b
Al 3
-- -UnM;heduled
Equipment
Break-Down 1
lmplement 8 Monitor

7
Scheduled
ProductionWork Produclion Costs
r
A2 1
b
w w * v *
4 Perform & Monitor
Uncheduled
Maintenance
A Work
b
Allmted Labour, A3
Equipment,
SUPP~W Maintenance Cosls
Ventilation, Water, Costs
etc.

Database Technolq
k
NODE: TITLE.
lmplement & Monitor Short-term Plan NUMBER:

A44 I
 APPENDM E
OBJECT MODEL ATTRIBUTES
 LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table E-1- Accessories (Blasting) Object Attributes .............................................. E-3

Table E-2- Air Coolen (Ventilation Network) Object Attributes .........................
E-3
Table E-3 - Air Heaters (Ventilation Network) Object Attributes .........................
E-3
Table E-4 - Air Pipelines Object Attributes ............................................................
E-3
Table E-5 Alimak Rzise Climbers Object Attributes ..........................................
E-4
........................................................
O

Tabk E-6 - ANFO Loader Object Amibute E-4

Table E-7 BackM Object Attributes .....................................................................
E-4
.........................
O

Tabk E-8 - Baffle/Door (Ventilation Network) Object Attributes E-4

Table E-9 .Battery Objeet Attributes
Table E-10 Belt Object Attnbutcs
O
......................................................................
E-5
..........................................................................
E-5
.......................................................

Table E-11 .Blasthole Stope Objeet Attributes E-5

Table E-12- Blasting Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes ..........................
E-5
Table E-13- Boosters (Explosives Accessones) Object Attributes .........................
E-5
Table E-14 - Branches (Ventilation Network) Object Attributes ...........................
E-6
Table E-15 - Bulk Explosives Object Attnbutes ......,.............................................
E-6
Table E-16 - Cables ( h e r Distribution Equipment) Object Attributes ..............
E-6
Table E-17- Cablebolts Object Attributes ...............................................................
E-7
Tabk E-18 Cages Object Attributes.
O ......................................................................
E-7
Table E-19 - Cavity Surveys Objeet Atbibutes ....................................................... E-7
Table E-20 - Chemicd Spills (Unusual Events) Object Attributes .........................
E-8
Table E-21 .Chutes Objcet Attribut- ..................................................................
E-8
Table E-22 Circular Section Shaft-Raise Object Attributes .................................
E-8
..........................................................
O

Table E-23 Cornpresson Object Attributes

O E-8
Table E-24 .Conveyors O b j e t Attributes ............................................................... E-9
Table E-25 Crushers Object Attributes ................................................................. E-9
......................................................
O

Table E-26 Cmsher Room Object Attributes

O E-9
Tahk E-27 .Cut-and-Fill Object Attributcs ............................................................ E-9
Table E-28 - Detonating Cords (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes E-10........
Table E-29 - Detonaton (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes ...................
E-10
Table E-30 - Diainoad Drillhole Core Sampng Object Attributes .....................
E-10
Table E-31 .Diamond Drills Object Attributes .................................................... E-10
Table E-32 Diesel Power Object Attributes .........................................................
E-11
..........................................................
O

Table E-33 .Draw Point Object Attributes E-11

Table E-34 - Drilling & Blasting Patterns Object Attributes ..............................
E-11
Table E-35 Drls Object Attributes .....................................................................
E-12
...............................................................
O

Table E-36 - Drillhole Object Attributes E-13

Table E-37 - Drillhole Surveys Object Attributes .................................................
E-13
 Table E-38 .Drums (Hoists) Object Attributes .....................................................
E-13
Table E-39 Dump Point Object Attribut- ..................................................... E-14
......................
O

Table E-40 . Elastic (Rock Constitutive Model) Object AMibutes E-14

Table E-41- Elastic-Plastic (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes ..........
E-14
Table E-42 - Electric Detonators (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes .....
E-14
Table E-43 .Electric Power Object Attributes ................................................ E-14
Table E-44 - Equipment Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes ...................
E-14
Table E-45 .Equipment Superclass Objmt ...................................................... E-15
Table E-46 - Events Object Attribut- ...................................................................
E-16
Table E-47 - Exploration Drilling Object Attributes ............................................
E-16
Table E-48 - Explosives (Blasting) O b j a t Attributes ...........................................
E-17
Table E-49 Explosive Loaden Object Attributes ................................................
E-17
......
O

Table E-50 - Fali of Ground (Rock Mass Related Events) Objeet Attributes E-17
Table E-51 .Fans Object Attribut- ..,............... ...................................................
E-18
Table E-52 Fans Bladcs Settings Object AMibutes
O .............................................
E-18
Table E-53 - Far-Field V d u a Constant Method (Rock Mass Stresses) Object
Attributes ......................................................................................................... E-19
Table E-5& Far-Field Values Gravitational Method (Rock Mass Stresses) Object
Attributes ......................................................................................................... E-19
Table E-55 - Fatdity (Unusual Events) Object Attnbutes.................................... E-20
Table E-56 - Feeder (Crusbers/Conveyors) Object Attributes .............................
E-20
Table E-57 - Fil1 Pipelines Object Attributes ........................................................
E-20
Table E-58 - Fuel Pipelines Object AMibuta .......................................................
E-20
Table E-59 Fuel Trucks Object Attributes .......................................................... E-20
..........
O

Table E-60 - Fuse Detonaton (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes E-21

Table E 4 1 Garage-Serviring Object Attnbutcs ..................................................
E-21
.....................................................................
O

Table E-62 .Gates Object Attribut- E-21

Table E-63 Graders Object Attributes ................................................................
E-21
.......................................

Table E-64 - Gmundwater Sampling Objcet Attributes E-22

Table E-65 Ground Support Object Attributes ................................................... E-22
...........................................................
O

Table E-66 - Band Tools Object Attributes E-22

Table E-67 Eau1 Road Object Attnbutes............................................................. E-23
.......................
O

Table E-68 - Heat Measurements (Rock Mus) Object Attributes E-23

Table E-6% Eoek-Brown Failure (Rock Miss) Object Attributes .......................
E-23
Table E-70 Hoists Object Attributes ....................................................................
E-24
.................................................
O

Table E-71 - Idler (Conveyon) Object Aaributes E-24

Table E-72 - Injury (Unusud Events) Object Attributes .....................................
E-24
Table E-73 - Intact Rock Samples Object AQributcs ............................................
E24
Table E-74 - Isotropie (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes ..................
E-25
Table E-75 .ITHs Drills Object Attributes ............................................................
E-25
Table E-76 - Jack Leg Drills Object Attributes..................................................... E-25
Tabk E-77 Jeeps Object Attributes
O .....................................................................
E-25
Table E-78 . Joint Measurements (Individual) Assessments Object Attributes E-26 ..
Table E-79 . Joint Set (Family) Assessments Object Attributes E-26 ...........................
Table E-80 .Jumbo Drills Object Attributes .........................................................
E-27
Table E-81 .Large Diameter Blasthole Stope Object Attributes E-27 ..........................
Tabk E-82 Level Objeet Aitributes .....................................................................
E-27
.....................................................................
O

Table E-83 .LHDs Object Attributes E-28

Tabk E-84 - Loaded (Drillhole) Object Attributes ...............................................
E-29
Table E-85 .Loading Chute Object Attributes ......................................................
E-29
Table E-86 .Loading Pockets Object Attributes ..........................*...........*............
E-29
Table E-87 .Locomotives Object Attributes ..........................................................
E-29
Tabie EM) .Longhole Drills Object Attributes ..................................................
EH)
Table E-89 - Material Displacements (Falls of Ground) Object Amibutes E-30 .........
Table E-90 .Mine Object Athibutes ...................................................................... E-30
Table E-91 .Mine Development Object Attributes ...............................................
E-31
Table E-92 .Mine Excavation Object Attributes ..................................................
E-32
Table E-93 - Mine Surveys Object Attributes ...............I...................................... E-32
Table E-94 - Mineralization Assays Object Attribut- .........................................
E-33
Tabk E-95 .Mobile Equipment Superclass Objcct .........,....................................
E-33
Table E-96- Mohr-Coulomb Failure Object Attributes .........................................
E-33
Table E-97 .Moton Object Attributes ..............-.... E-34
.....................................
. . . . . . . . .m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table E-98- Moton (Compressed Air) Objcct Attributcs E-34

Table E-99 .Motors (Diesel) Object Attributes .....................................................
E-34
.
Table E-100 Moton (Ekctric) Objcet Attributes ................................................E-34
Table E-101 .Nodes (Ventilation Network) Objeet Attributes E-35 .............................
Table E-102 - NONELS (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes E-35 ...................
Table E-103 - Open BIasthoIes (Cut-boles) O b j e t Atthbuta E-35 ..............................
Table E-104 .Orebody Object Attributes ..............................................................
E-35
Table E-105 - OrdWaste Pass O b j e t Atihbutes ..................................................
E-36
-
Table E-106 Orthotropic (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes E-36 ...........
-
Table E-107 Other Equipment Superclass Object Attributes E-37 ............................
Table E-108 .Personnel Objcct Attributes ............................................................
E-37
Table E l 0 9 - Photos Object Anributes .................................................................
E37
Table E-110 .Pipeline Object Attributes ...............................................................
E-37
Table E - l l l - Planned Events (Sampling, Inspections) Object Attributes E-38 ...........
Table E-112 - Point Value (Stress Measuremeiits) Object Attributes E-38 ..................
Table E-113 - Power Distribution Equipment Object Ataibutes E-38 .........................
Table E-114 .Primay or Capital Development Object Attributes E-38 ......................
Table E-115 - Primary Explosives (Blasting) Object Aaributes E-38 ...........................
Table E-116 - Primers Explosives Accessorics Object Attributes E-39 .........................
Table E-117 - Production Drilling Object Attributes ...........................................
E-39
Table E-118 - Pulley Object Attributes ..................................................................
E-39
Table E-119.Pumps Object Attributes .................................................................
E-40

E .iii
Table E-120 Pump Station Object AMibutes ,. ...................................................
E-40
.............................................................
O

Table E-121 Rail Cars Object Atthbute

O E-40
Table E-122 Rail Lines Object Attributes. ...........................................................E-40
..........................................................
O

Table E-123 Rail Trams Object Attributes

O E-41
Table E-124.Raise Object Attributes . .................................................................. E-41
Table E-125.Raiseborer Object Attributes ..........................................................
E-42
Table E-126 Raise/Rock Pass Object Attfibutes ..................................................
E-42
.........................................................
O

Table E-127 RampIDrift Object Attributes E-42

..............................
O

Table E-128- Reciprocating Cornpressors Object Attributes E-43

Table E-129 Rectangular Section Shaft-Raise Objeet Attributes .......................
E-43
................................
O

Table E-130 Refuge/Lunchroom Station Object Attributes

O E-43
Table E-131 Remuck Station Object Attributes . ................................................ .
E-43
................................................
O

Table E-132-Rockbolts/Rebars Object Attributes E-44

Table E-133- Rockburst Events Object Attributes .........................................
E-45
Table E-134- Rock Lithology (Drill Core Sampling) Object Attributes ..............
E-46
Table E-135- Rock Mass Object Attributes ..........................................................
E-46
Table E-136- Rock Mass Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes .................
E-48
Table E-137- Rock Mass Related Events Object Attributes ................................
E-48
Table E-138 Rock Pass Object Attribut= ............................................................
E-48
.........................................................
O

Table E-139.Rock Pass Object Attributts... E-49

Table E-140 Rock Quality Assessrnent Objert Attributcr
O ..................................
E-49
Table E-141 Roof Bolters Object Attribut- . .......................................................E-49
.................................................
O

Table E-142- Ropes (Hoists) Object Attributes E-49

Table E-143 Scaiers Object Atthbutes
O .................................................................
E-50
Table E-144 Scissors Lifts Object Attnbutcs ............................................ E-50
..........................................W..
O

Table E-145- Scrapers/Slushen Object Attributes E-50

Table E-146- Screw Cornpressors Object Attributes ...........................................
E-50
Tabk E-147.Secondary Blasting Drills Object Attributes.. .................................
E-50
Table E-148= Secondary or Operating Development Object Attributes . .............E-50
Table E-149.Secondary Blasting Chamber Object Attributes ............................
E-51
Table E-150- Segment Object A t t r i b ~ t E-51~ ~
Table E-151.Shaft Object Attributes. ...................................................................E-51
Table E-152.Shaft Compartment Object Attributes ...........................................
E-52
Table E-153 Sbaft Station Object Attributea . ......................................................E-52
..................................................
O

Table E-154 Sheaves (Hoists) Object Attributes

O E-52
Table E-155 Shop Objcct Attributes . ................................................................... E-52
..........................................................
O

Table E-156 Shotcreters Object Attributes

O E-53
Table E-157 Skips Object Attributes .
O ..................................................................E-53
Table E-158- Skip Dumps Objcrt Attnbutes. ....................................................... E-53
Table E-159- Stationay Equipment Superclass Object Aaributes. .............m...... E-53
Table 5160 .Station/Facility Object Attributes ...................................................
E-54
Table E-161- Stemming (Blasting) Object Attributes ..........................................
E-54
Table E-162 .Stope Object Attributes ...................................................................
E-54
Table E-163 . Stoper Drills Objcrt Amibutes .......................................................
E-56
Table E-164 - Storage Bins Objeet Attributes .......................................................
E-56
.
Table E-165 Storage-Warehouse Station Object Attributes ...............................
E-56
Table E-166 - Stress Measunments (Rock Mars) Object Attributes ...................
E-57
Table E-167 Sublevel Object Attributes .........................................................
E-57
....................................
O

.
Table E-168 Sublevel Stoping/CavingObject Attributes E-57
Table E-169 Sump Cleanen Object Attributes
O ..................................................
E-58
Table E-170 Sump Station Object Attributes ...................................................... E-58
................................................
O

Table E-171 Support Vehicles Object Attribut- E-58

...........................................
O

Table E-172 - Suwey Instruments Object Attribut- E-58

Table E-173 - Suwey Plugs Object Attributes ...................................................... E-59
Table E-174 - Switchgear (Power Distribution Equipment) Object Attributes E-59 ...
Table E-175 Thin-liner Sprayers Object Attributcs .........................................
E-60
...................................................
O

Table E-176 .Track Switchw Object Attribut- E-60

Table E l 7 7 Tracked Equipment Object Attributes ...........................................
E-60
.........................................
O

Table E-178 .Tracklss Equipment Object Attributes E-60

,.
Table E-179 Tractors Object Attributes .......................................................... E-60
O

Table E-180 - Transformers m e r Distribution Equipment) Object AttributcsE-61

Table E-181 Transformer-Switchgear Station Objeet Attribut- ..,.........e..... .. E-61
..........
O

Table E-182 - Transvenely (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attribut- E-61

Table E-183 Trolley Power Object Attribut- m
..l.m
.m
.m
. me .... .................... E-61
..,. ..........................................................
O

Table E-184 .Tmcks Object Amibutes E-62

Table E-185 - Tuggers Object Attributes ...........................................................
E-62
Table E-186 - Viscoplastic (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes ............
E-62
Table E-187 VCR Stope Objcet Attributes ......................................................
E-63
..........................................
O

Table E-188 - Ventilation Nehvork Object Amibuta E-63

Table E-189 - Ubiquitous Joint Model Objcet Attributes ...................................
E-63
Table E-190 - Underground Fire (Unusual Events) Objcrt Attributes ................
E-63
Table E-191 - Unusual Events Object Attributes .............................................
E-64
-
Table E-192 Water Pipelines Object Attnbuta.0 ................................................
E-64
NOTES ON OBJECT CLASS ATTRIBUTES

This appendix includes a set of tables that list the attributes for the object classes defined

in Appendix B. To reduce the length of these tables only the new attributes pertinent to

a specific object have been listed and that the attribute list includes also al1 the attributes

fkom object classes located higher up within the hierarchy. It is recommended that the

reader uses the object class figures of Appendix B as a guide to understanding the class

hierarchy and deteminhg what is the full attnbute list for each object.

Some objects have no attributes other than those inhented fiom higher up objects. The

difference between these objects and others objects having similar attributes lies in the

methods or procedures (which have not been defined in this research). The definition of

these methods has left as funire research to be done as part of the design stage.
III
 o-a

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VIN lWW3 ~ 61alaldu~o3PIIY*OIS
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VIN
 -
Table E-9 Battery Object Attributes
Att ribute Deacdptioa Data Type Units
Battey Lifc Life of the battcry Decimal Hoiirs
Charging Timc Time to fully recharge bat~ery Dcci mal Hours

-
Table E-10 Belt Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Unito
Belt Widh Width of thc bclt Decimal Inchcs or min.

Table E-l1 - Blasthole Stope Object Attributes

Attribute Demcnption Data Tyge Units
Slicc No. Cunent Slice under mining lntcgcr NIA
Slicc Thickness Slie Thickness Dccimal Ft or m.
Draw Point ID No. Draw Point whcre muck is extractcd Intcger N/A

Table E-12 - Blasting Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units

Table E-13 - Boosters (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes

, Attribute Description Data Type Unita
Booster Type Booster Type Character NIA A
Boostcr Weight Booster Weight Decimal Lbs or Kgs.
 Table E-14 - Branches (Ventilation Nehvork) Object Attributes
. Atnbute Dellcription Data Type Units
, Stari Node ID Object Nodc ID no at bcginning of segment Integer NIA
End Node ID Object Node ID no at end of segment Intcger Ton or Tonne
1 Branch Type 1 DriA, raise, ramp, stop, ducting 1 Charactcr ( NIA 1
1 Branch Helpht 1 Interna1 lengh of cagc 1 Dccimal 1 Ft. or ni. 1
Branch Width Intemal Height of cage Decimal Ft. or in,
Branch Lcngth Description of rope condition Decimal Ft. or in.
Friction Factor per Unit Length Date of last inspection Decimal
Total Air Flow Requirements Minimum air flow required in this branch (based on cquipment HP) Deciinal Cfs or cms
Min Air Velocity Requirements Minimum air velocity required in his branch (based on equipment Dccimal FVsec or mlscc
speed)
Actual Air Flow Actual air flow in the branch Decimal Cfs or cms
Actual Air Velocity Rcquirements Actua air velocity in the branch Dccimal FtJscc or mlscc
Air Flow Direction Air Flow Direction (positive down branch, negative up branch) Character NIA
Pressure Losses Calculated air pressure tosses in the branch Dccimal Psi or kPa
BaMdDoor Exist 1s t h e a baffle or a door installed in this branch (yesho) Character NIA

Table E-15 - Bulk Explosives Object Attributes

Attilibute Description Data Tvne Units
Buik Strength Buk S~rengih Dccimal
Bulk Density Bulk Dcnsity Decimal
Sensitivity Sensitiviiy (minimum hole sizc for full VOD) Decinial
Placement Method Placement Method Code (poured, pumpe, pneumatically placed) Characler N/A

Table E-16 - Cibles (Power Distribution Equipinent) Object Attributes

Attdbure -rbescription Daia Type Units
Cable Description Cable Description Charactcr NIA
Voltage Rating Voltage Rating Integcr Volts
 Table E- 17- Cablebolts Object Attributes
. Attribute De~ription Data Type Units
Cable Diameter Ciible Diamctcr Dccimal Inchcs or min.
Cable Length Cable Lcngth ~ccimal ' Ft or m,
Cable Modulus Cable Modulus Dccimal Psi or MPa
Cable Type Cable Type Character NIA
No of Cables No of Cables Integer NIA
Peak Capacity per Cable Peak Capacity per Cable Dccimal Ton or MN
Residual Ca~acitv Residual Ca~acitv Decimal Ton or MN
1 Cable Pre-tensionine 1 Cable Pre-tensionine 1 Dccimal 1 Ton or MN 1
Grout Strcngth Grout Strength Decimal Psi or MPa
Cable Pattern Spacing Cable Pattern Spacing Dccimal Ft or m.
Avg Time to Install Avg Time to lnstall Decimal Seconds
Ave Cost to Suo~lv& Insiall Dccimal C h .S h t i

-
Table E-18 Cages Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Personnel Capacity No of people chat c m be loaded Integer NIA
Decimal Ton or Tonne
Cagc Width Intenial width of cage Decimal Fi. or ni.
Cage Lenglh Intemal lenm of cage Dcciinal Ft, or m.
Cage Height Intemal Height of cage Decimal Fi. or m.
1 Hoist Condition 1 Description of ropc condition -
1 Charac~er 1 NIA _]
Last Inspection Date Date of last inspection Date NIA
Inspection Ccrtificate No Inspection Certificate No Chctcr NIA

-
Table E-19 Cavity Surveys Object Attributes
_C__ I__) -
'Xttnbute Dexription Data Tvpe Units
 Table E-20 - Chemical Spills (Unusual Events) Object Attributes
- Attribute Description Data Type Units
Chernical Descri~tion Chcmical Descri~tion Character NIA
Chemical ID No. Chemical ID No. Character NIA
L
Quantity Spilled 1 Quantity Spilled Dccimal Gal or litrcs

-
Table E-21 Chutes Object Attnbutes
1 Attribute 1 Deireription 1 DPtaType 1 Units 1
Chute Type Description of gate Characier NIA
Chute Width Gate Width Decimal Ft or ni.
Chute Height Gate Height Decimal Ft. or m.
Chute Opration Automatic, Manual, Remote Charactcr NIA
Chutc Control Type Motive power (air cylinder, hydraulic, mechanical) Character NIA
Chute Ground Clearance Distance from floor to bottom of chute Decimal Ft. or m.
Chute Wall Clearance Distance from walls to side of chute Decimal Ft. or m.

-
Table E-22 Circular Section Shaft-Raise Object Attributes
Atribute Dedption Data Type Units
Shaf? Diameter Diameter of shaft or raise Decimal Ft or m.
Lining Type L i ~ n description
g Character NIA
Linine Thickness
--
Linine thickness Dccimal Ft or in.

-
Tabk E-23 Cornpressors Object Attributes

, MO^ Horsepower Horsepower Rcquired Decimal HPor kW

Comprcssor Type Description of comprcssor Character NIA
Outlet Pressure Pressure Decimal Psi or klBA
Outlet Volume Flow rate out f compressor Decimal Cfs or cms
L
*ration Type Automatic, Manual, Remotc Charactcr NIA 1
 -
Table E-24 Conveyora Object Attributes
Attribute kscription Data Type Units
Travel Speed Travcl spce of thc belt Dccimal Fi/scc or m/scc
~ o 6 g ~ ee%ur
r Tonnage movcd per hour Decimal Tonlhr or TonncAir
Maximum Particlc Sizc Largest piece of muck that can bc conveyed Dccimal lnchcs or mm.
Motor Horse~owcr Motor Horse~ower Decimal HP or kW.

-
Table E-25 Crushers Object Attributes
--

Attnbute Demription Data Type Units

Crusher Type Type of crusher (conc, jaw) Charactcr NIA
Tonnage Per Hour Tonnage crushed per hour Dccimal Ton/hr or TonneAu
1 Inlet F d Size 1 Lar~est~ieceof muck that can bc fed in the cmsher 1 Dccimal 1 Inches or mm. 1
Oulet Size Largcst piece of muck to come out of the cnishcr Decimal Inchcs or mm.
Motor Horsepower Motor Horsepower Dccimal HP or kW.

-
Table E-26 Crusher Room Object Attributes
1 Descdption
7

Atribute Data Type Unitm

l
Table E-27 - Cut-and-FiIl Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Cut ID No. Current cut object ID No. Intcger NIA
Cut Height Cul Height Decimal FI or m,
Cut Width Cut Width Decimal Ft or m.
 Table E-28 - Detonating Cords (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes
Atribute Description Data Type Units

Table E-29 - Detonators (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes

1 Attribue 1 Description 1 Data Type 1 Units 1
Detonator Type Detonator Type Character NIA
Dctonator Nominal Dclav Detonator Delav Dccimal Milli-seconds
1 Detonator Delav Disiribution ID No. 1 Distribution 1D No. 1 Cliaracter 1 N/A 1

Table E-30- Diamond Drillhok C o n Sampling Object Attributes

Attribue Description Data Type Units
Dnllhole Core Diameter Codc Drillhole Corc Diameter Code Charactcr N/A
1 Drillhole verburden Tluckncss 1 Overburdcn thickness 1 Decimal 1 Ft or ni. 1
1 Drillhole verburden Type Code 1 Code describing ype of overburden observed 1 Characier 1 NIA 1
Drillholc Cemcnted Flag Was the Dnllhole Cemented after completion (yedno) Logical NIA
Drillhole Logged By User ID No Drillhole was logged by whom? Character NIA ,
1 Drillhole Notes 1 Drillhole Notes 1 Charactcr 1 NIA 1

Table E-31- Diamond Drills Object Attributes

, Anribute Deiicription Data Typc Units
Core Size Code to indicate si= of corc (BO.AX. etc) Charactcr NIA
1 Core Barre1 T m 1 Descri~tionof core barre1 used 1 Character 1 NIA 1
 -
Table E-32 Diesel Power Object Attributes
Aitribute 1 Description Data Type Uaitv
Avg Fuel Consumption ) Fuel consumption of diesel engine pcr opcrating hour Decimal Galhr or litres/hr

-
Table E-33 Draw Point Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units

Tabk E-34 - Drilling & Blasting Patterns Object Attributes

I

Attribute Description Data Type Units

Drilling Pattern ID No. Drilling pattern ID No. (specific to a stop, mining mclhod, etc) Character NIA
Drilling Pattern Type Code Code to classify pattern used (rings, staggere layouts, development) Character NIA

Period
Fragmentation Distribution ID No. Cross-reference ID No. to a fragmentation distribution Character NIA
 -
Table E-35 Drills Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Uniis
Drill Bit Diameter Drill bit diameter Decimal lnchcs or inm.
DriU Bit Supplier ID ID Code to cross-refcrencc bit supplier Dccimal NIA
Drill Steel Supplier ID ID Code to cross-referme drill steel supplier Decimal NIA
Max Drilling Depth Maximum drillhg depth of drill Decimal Ft or m.
Cum Footage Drilled Cumulative footagc drilled Decimal Ft or m.
1 Avg Repair Cost per Ft 1 Average repair cosls per footage drilled 1 Decimal $/fi pr $/m 1

1 Drill Steel Redacement Cosl 1 Drill Steel Rc~lacementCost Cdn. $ 1

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Table E-39 - Dump Point Object Attributes
Atttibute kscdption Data Tyw Units

Table E-40 - Elastic (Rock Con~titutiveModel) Object Attributes

Attribute 1 Delicnption Data Type Units
1

Table E-41 - Elastic-Plastic (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes

Attibute Deserietion Data Type Units

Table E-42 - Electric Detonators (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes

Atribute Description Data Type Units

-
Table E-43 Electric Power Object Attributes
Attnbute Dewnption 1 0ata ~ y p e Units
Operating Voltage Oprating Voltage 1 Dccimal Volts
Power Type ACDC, single phase, riple-phase, etc. Charactcr N/A
Current Requirements Cwrent Requirements Decimal Amps

Table E-44- Equipment Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units
Total Equipment Horsepower Al1 equipment contributing heat to the mine Dccimal HP or kW
Table E-46 - Events Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Event ID No. Event ID No. Character NIA
Event Location Event Location Cliaracter NIA
Point Object ID No. Spatial location of evcnt lntcger NIA
Event Date Event Date Date NIA
Evcnt Time Event Tirne Time NIA
Event Type Event Type Character NIA
Chervation Takcn bv User ID Observation Taken bv User ID Charactcr NIA
Workplacc Description Workplace Description Charactcr NIA
Mining Method in Use Mining Method in Use Charactcr NIA
Event Details Event Details Character NIA
Action Required Action Rcquircd Character NIA
Action Taken Action Taken Character NIA
Action Taken By Action Taken By Character NIA
Action Taken on Date Action Taken on Date Date NIA
Photos Taken Flag Photos Taken Flag Character NIA A

Table E-47 - Exploration Drilling Object Attributes

. Attribute Description Data Tyw Units
Exploration Program ID No. Explcrration Program ID No. for cross-referencing Character NIA
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VIN law~qf) apo3 mm?~sisau lalefi muelsisau i a l e ~
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m
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swn aW.=l=a . ~ o ! ~ d p a, a alw~uv.
 -
Table E-51 Fans Object Attributes
1 Atributc 1 Description 1 DataTypc 1 Units 1
Motor Horsepower Horsepowcr Rcquired Decimal HP or kW 1
Fan Housing Type Fan Housing Type Character NIA
Fan Diameter Diameter of Fan Blades Decimal Ft, or m.
Fan T m Twe of Fan Used Chamcter NIA
Fan Pressure-Flow Curves Pressure-Flow Curvc Dccimal
Operation Type Automatic, Manual, Remote Character NIA
Reversible Operation Flag Can air flow direction b rcvcrsed (yedno) Chanclet NIA

Table E-52 - Fans Blades Settings Object Attributes

Attribute Delicription Data Type , Units
Blade Pitch BIade Pitch Dccimal Dcmcs
Blade Pitch Control Automatic, Manual, Remote Decimal Ft. or m.
Fan Pressure-Flow Curvc Pressure-Flow Curve for Blade Pitch Setting Decimal
Eiciencv Efficiency at Particular Blade Pitch Dccimal %
 Table E-55- Fatality (Unusual Events) Object Attributes
1 Attribute 1 Durription 1 DataTypc 1 Units 1
~ e r s o i eKillcd
l ID No. Personnel Injured ID No, Character N/A
Faaiity Details Fataliy Details Character NIA
- Fataiity Cause Fataiity Cause Character NIA

Table E-56- Feeder (Crushers/Conveyors) Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units
Feeder T m Feedcr T m Character N/A
1 Feeder Capacity 1 Feeder Capacity 1 Decimal 1 Tonlhr or tonnclhr 1

Table E-57- Fill Pipelines Object Attributes

- P . -
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Fil1 Pressure Fill Pressure Decimal Psi or kPA
Fil1 Type Type of fi11 Character NIA

Table E-58- Fuel Pipelines Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Unib

Table E-59- Fuel Trucks Object Attributes

&tribute Pebcriptiou Data Type Units
Fuel Storage Capacity Fuel storage tank capacity Decimal Gallons or litres
Cuneni Fuel Rernaining in Tank Current Fuel Remining in Tank Dccimal Gallons or litres
 Table E-60- Fuse Detonators (Explosives Accessories) Object Attributes
1
. Attribute Description Dota Type Units
Fuse Length Fuse Lcngth Decimal Ft or m.
Fuse Burning Time Fuse Buming Time before detonation Dccimal seconds

Table E-61- Garage-Servicing Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units

-
Table E-62 Gates Object Attributes
1
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Gate Type Description of gate Character NIA
Gate Width Gate Width Decimal Ft or m,
Gare Height Gate Height Decimal Ft. or m.
Gate Operation Automatic, Manual, Remote Character NIA
Gate Control Type Motive power (air cylinder, hydraulic, mechanical) Character NIA

Table E-63 - Graders Object Attributes

Attnbue Description Data Type Unis
Blade Width Width of the blade used by tlic grader Decimal FI or m.
Length Graded per Oper Hour Distance graded per operating hour Dccimal FI or m.
 Table E-64- Groundwater Sampling Object Attributes
. Attnbute Descdption Data Type Units
Sample ID No Samplc ID No Character NIA
Sample Point Elcvation Coordinatc Samplc Point Elevation Coordinatc Dccimal Ft. or m.
Sainple Point Easiing Coordinate Sample Point Easting Coordinate Decimal Fi. or m.
Sample Point Northin~Coordinat Sample Point Northing Coordinate Decimal Ft. or m.
, Test Reference ID No. Cross Reference to swific rewrt or test Character NIA
1 Minerai Content Analvsis Rcsults 1 Mineral Content Analvsis Results 1 Decimal 1 various 1

Table E-65- Ground Support Object Attributes

Support Y -Sp;rcing 1 Vcnicai spacing of support Decimal FI. or m.

Screcn Present Flag Was wirescrcen mcsh used?(ycs or no) Logical NIA
Screen Type Description code for mesh used Character NIA
Ground Sumort as aer Desim Flag Yes or No Loaical 1 NIA

Table E-66- Band Tools Object Attributes

Atttibule Description DataType ' Units
 VIN

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VIN ~ a ~ q 3 ON QI aidwes ON a1 ~ I ~ W = S
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 -
Table E-70 Hoists Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Hoist Type Description of hoist type (single or double drums, koepe, etc) Charactcr NIA
Hoisl Conlrols Type Description of controls used Character NIA
Hoisting Spced Hoisting speed or rope speed Dccimal Ft/scc or m/scc
Timc to Aceleratc to Full S W Code to indicate road conditions (for simulation work) Decimal Seconds
Time for Normal Stop Code to indicate road conditions (for simulation work) Deciinal Seconds
Hoist Condition Description of ropc condition Character NIA
Last Inspection Date Date of last inspection Date NIA
Inspection Cerificatc No 1 Inspection Certificate No Character - NIA

Table E-71- ldler (Conveyors) Object Attributes

1 Attribute 1 Delicnption 1 DataType 1 Units 1

Table E-72 - Injury (Unusual Events) Object Attributes

_m__l____..

Attribute Description Data Type Units

Personnel lnjured ID No. Personnel Injutcd ID No. Character NIA
1 Iniury Details 1 Injury Dctails 1 Character 1 N/A 1
1 lniurv Cause 1 Iniurv Cause - --
1 Charactcr 1
- --
N/A --
1
-

lnjury Compcnsable Flag Injury Compensablc Flag (ycdno)? ~ogical - NIA

Injury Medical Aid Flag Injury Medical Aid Flag (yeslno)? Logical NIA
lnjury Lost Time Flag (yedno)? Logical NIA

Table E-73 - Intact Rock Simples Object Attributes

1 Attribute 1 Derription 1 DataTm 1 Units 1
1 Constitutive Mode1 1 Constitutive Failure Mode1 1 Integer 1 NIA 1
Table E-74- Isotropie (Rock Constitutive Model) Object Attributes
Attribute Deacnption Data Type Units
Young's Modulus Young's Modulus (E) Decimal Psi or MPa
Poisson's Ratio Poisson's Ratio (u) Dccimal O- 1
Elastic Bulk Modulus Elastic Bulk Modulus (K) Decimal Psi or MPa
Elastic Shear Modulus Elastic Shcar Modulus (G) Decimal Psi or MPs

-
Table E-75 ITHs Drills Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Compressor Equip ID Equipment ID No for he drill cornpressor Intcgcr NIA

Table E-76- Jack k g Drills Object Attributes

Attribute ' Denuiptioa Data Type Units
Minimum Operating Air Pressure Air pressure require to operate Dccimal Psi. or MPa
Minimum Air Volume Air volume rcquired to opcrate Dccimal Cfs or cms

-
Table E-77 Jeeps Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Uaits
 Table E-78- Joint Measurements (Individual) Assessments Object Attributes
1 Aribute 1 Description 1 Data Type 1 Units 1
Joint ID No. Rcference number to the joint Charactcr NIA
Measurement Elevation Coordinatc Spatial position of the joint measurement (clevation) Decimal Ft or ni.
Mcasuremeni Easting Coordinate Spatial position of hc joint mcasurcment (casting) Decimal Ft or m.
Measurement Northing Coordinate Spatial position of the joint measurcment (northing) Dccimal Ft or m.
Calc Normal Stress Calcuiatcd Normal Stress (a,) Decimal Psi or MPa
Calc Shear Strcss Calcuhted Shear Stress (a,) Decimal Psi or MPa
Calc FOS against Slip Calculated Factor cf Safety against Slip Decimal N/A (<=O)

Table E-79- Joint Set (Family) Assessments Object Attributes

Atribue Description Data Type Units
Joint ID No. Rcference numbcr to rhe joint x t or farnily Character NIA
Fracture Frequency Diameter of the pilot hole Decimal Ft or m.
Dip Angle Raiseborer diameter Dccimal Ft or m.
Dip Direction Azimuh Power requirements Decimal HP or kW
Ja Hvdraulic Svstcin pull in^ Camcitv (Force a ~ ~ l i to
e dcutters Decimal Lbs or N
1 Jrc 1 Descri~tionof the cutter uscd 1 Character 1 NIA 1
1 Jr 1 Weight of the machine (for hoisting pwgoses) Decimal 1 Lbs or Kgs 1
Shear Stiffncss Shear Stiffness Decimal
Normal Stiffness Normal Stiffness Decimal
1 Inflling Material Description 1 Infilling Material Description 1 Character ( NIA 1
1 InfiIline Materia! Thickness 1 Infillinn Material Thickness 1 Decimal 1 Inches or inm. 1
1 Idlling Material Solubility ( InfiUing Material Solubility 1 Decimal 1 1
Dilation Angle Dilation Angle Decimal Dcgrccs
Aperture Aperture Decimal Inches or mm.
Trace Length Trace Length Dccimal Ft or m.
Peak Friction Angle Peak Friction Anale Dccimal Dearccs
Residual Friction Angle Residual Friction Angle Decimal Dcgrccs
Joint Tensile Strength Joint Tensile Strength Decimal Psi or MPa
Cohesion Cohcsion Dccimal Psi or MPa
Table E-80 - Jumbo Drills Object Attributes
Attnbnte Description Data Type Units
No of Booms No of drill booms (1 to 3) Integcr NIA
Vertical Reach Maximum height that a drill boom cm reach Decimal Ft or in.
Horizontai Rach Maximum offset that l d boom can reach Decimal Ft or m.
Drill Steel Length L e n a of drill steel (determines depth of round) Decimal Ft or m.

-
Table E-81 Large Diameter Blasthole Stope Object Attributes
Attribute 1 Dneription
Verticai Slice ID No. 1 Current Slice bcin~,Minc NIA

-
Table E-82 Level Object Attributes
- P

Attribue Description Data Type Units

Levcl Name Namc of the levcl Character NIA
B a t No. Bcat No. Cross-reference Characicr NIA
 -
Table E-83 LHDs Object Attributes
Dedption Data Type Units
Bucket capacity of LHD (scoop) Decimal Cubic fcct or mctrcs
Bucket Fill Factor Bucket Fill Factor (distribution no,) lntcgcr Unitlcss
1 Cumulative Tonnaee Moved Cumulative tonnage moved by truck Decimal Tons or tonncs
Average repair costs pcr ton movcd Dccimal $/ton pr $/tonne
Average tonnage rnoved per opcrating hour Decimal Tons or tonncs
Average operating costs per ton moved Decimal $/ton pr $/tome
Time to load tmck box Decimal scconds
Time to dump load Decimal seconds
I Timc n d e d to turn truck around Dccimal seconds
[ Avg Travel Specd h d e 1 Average spccd at which LHD travels when fully loaded 1 Decimal 1 Ft/scc or mfsec 1
Avg Travel Spcc Empty Average spee at which LHD travels when cmpty ~ecim3 Ft/scc or mlsc
Empty Grade-Speed C w e C w c describing LHD spced wlren empty for various grades Decimal Ft/scc-O/o or ndscc-%
Loaded Grade-Saeed C w e Curve describinn LI-ID s w d when loaded for various eradcs Decimal Ft/scc-% or mkc-%
Minimum Tuming Radius Minimum Tming Radius Decimal Ft or metrcs
Optimum Travcl Distance Optimum Travel Distance Dcimal Ft or mctres
Maximum Travel Distancc Maximum Travel Distance Decimal FI or inetses
 Table E-84 - Loaded (Drillhole) Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Holed Decked Flag 1s the blasthole deked (ycsfno)? Logical NIA
Charge Sequence Used Charge Sequence Used Charactcr NIA
Detonator Position Detonator Position Charactcr NIA
Explosive Column Height Explosive Column Height Decimal Ft or in.
Slcmming Column Height .. Stemming Column Height Dccimal Ft or m.
Loading Date Timc Stamp Loading Date Timc Stamp Date NIA
Loading Crew ID No. Loading Crew ID No. for cross-rcferencing Character NIA
Loading Equip ID No. Loading Equip ID No. for cross-referencing Character NIA

-
Table E-85 Loading Chute Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units

-
-
Table E-86 Loading Pockets Object Attributes
1
. Attribute bcription Data Type Units
Pocket Level Name or description Character N/A
Pocket Levcl Elevation Elevation of floor Decimal Ft or in.

-
Table E-87 Locomotives Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Tvpe Units
Load-Acceleration C w e C w e describing acccleration vs. load being pulled Decimal Kg-dsec2 or Ibs-
fVsec2
Load-Deceleration Curve C w c describing deceleration vs. load king stopped Decimal Kg-dsec2 or Ibs-
ftlsec2
1 ~ & i m u mpulling capacity 1 1 1
--

r~axpullingCap Decirnal Lbs. or kg.

 -
Table E-88 Longhole Drills Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units

Table E-89 - Material Displacements (Falls of Ground) Object Attributes

Attribute Descnption Data Type Units
Point Obicct ID No Smtial location of dis~lacedmaterial Character NIA
Material Displad From Material Displaccd From Whcrc (walls, back, pillar, floor, etc) Character NIA
Chher Arca Details Details about the displacernent Character NIA
Material Dishced Tonnam Estimate Material Dis~lacdTonnage Estimate Dccimal Tons or tomes
Note: An event may have multiple material displacements, particularly for rockbursts.

-
Table E-90 Mine Object Attributes
' Atrribute ] Descriptioa D a t a~ y p c Units
Mine Name Name of the mine Chamcter NIA
Mine ID No Mine ID No Intcecr 2 NIA
Mine Address Street or mailing address to the mine Character NIA
Mine Telephone Mine main telephone numbcr Character NIA
Minc Fax Mine main fax number Charactcr NIA
 Table E-91-Mine Development Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Develo~mentSegment Name Seament Name Character NIA

1 Developrnent Lcngth Development

- Length Decimal Fct or Mctrcs
! Material Tvoe Code Ore or Waste rock Character NIA
Disiancc to haul ore muck Dccimal Feet or Metres
) Mucking Distance to Waste Pass
- -
Distance to haul waste muck Decimal Ft or Metrcs
ore P a s ID No Ore Pass ID where ore is hauled to Charactcr NIA
Waste Pass ID No Waste Pass ID where \vaste rock is haule to Charactcr NIA
Plannecl Stari Date of Development Date whcn the development work is planned to start, Datc NIA
Planned End Date of Development Date when the development work is planned to end (bc completcd). Date NIA
Actual Scart Date of Development Date when the development work actually started. Date NIA
Actual End Date of Dcvelopment Date when the development work actually endcd. Date NIA
No of Piwlines Number of pipelines inside object (fluids and air) lntcger NIA
1 Surface Rouahncss Surface rouhess of excavation for ventilation work Decimal ---

Volume of ventilation air flowing in excavation Decimal cfs or cms

Velocitv of ventilation air flowina in excavation Decimal FVsec or m./scc
Aifflow Direction Direction of ventilation air flowing in excavation 1 Logical 1 O = up, 1 = down 1
1 Total Cost per Unit Advance 1 Total Cost per Unit Advance 1 Decimal 1 Cdn $IR or $Im I
Time per Unit Advance Time per Unit Advance Decimal Cdn $IR or $/m
Development Drilling Costs Development Drilling Costs (cumulative) Decimal Cdn. $
Development Blasting Costs Devclopment Blasting Costs (cumulative) Decimal Cdn. $
Development Mucking Costs Development Mucking Costs (cumulative) Decimal Cdn. $
Development Ground Suppori Costs Development Ground Support Costs (cumulative) Decimal Cdn. $
1 Development hiliing Time 1 Development Dnlling Time (cumulative) 1 Decimal 1 Hours 1
1 Development Blasting Time 1 Dcvelopment Blasing Time (cumulative) 1 ~ccimal 1 Hours
Dcvelopment Mucking Time Development Mucking Time (cumulative) Dccimal Hours
Development Ground Support Install Development Ground Support lnstall Time (cumulative) Decimal Hours
Time

-
Table E-92 Mine Excavation Object Attributes
Atribute Desrription Data Type Units
Object ID No. Unique 1D No. to identiS, the excavation Integer NIA
Workplace ID No Name assiplned to the excavation by lnco Character NIA
Object Name Name of the excavation Charactet NIA
Object Description Gencral description of he excavation Character NIA
Object Colour Assign colour code to the excavation Integcr NIA
Object Purpose Purpose of this excavation Character NIA
bject Volume Volume of the excavation Daimal Cubic rnetrcs or yd,
Rank Ranking for the excavation of this object (for scheduling-simulation) lnteger NIA
Accounting Systcm Code No. 1nco's accounting system No. for cross-referencing Charactcr NIA
Ground Support Systcm Code Ground support system code used in the excavation Integer NIA

Table E-93 - Mine Surveys Object Attributes

A# ribute Description Data Type Units
Survey Job Date Date of the swvey Date NIA
Survcv Job No Survev iob no, Character NIA
S w e y Party ID No Survey party or crew no. Clmcter NIA
Mine Level Mine Level Character NIA
Work~iaccID No Wotk~laceID No Character NIA
 Table E-94 - Mineralization Assays Object Attributes
-

, Attribute Description Data T s Units

Assay Test Reference ID No. Drillhole ID No, Clmctcr NIA
Measured Nickel Grde Measured Nickel Grade in thc assav Dccimal Pcrcciit
1 Masurcd C o ~ mGrade
r 1 Measured C o ~ mGrade
r in the assav 1 Dccimal 1 Pcrccnt 1
1 Mcasured Cobalt Grade 1 Mcasured Cobalt Grade in Ihc assay 1 Decirnal 1 Percent 1
Measured Gold Grade Measured Gold Grade in the assay Decimal Pcrccnt
Mcasure Silver Grade Measured Silver Grade in the assay Dccimal Percent
Measured Platinum Grade Measured Platinum Grade in the assay Decimal Perccnt
Measurcd Palladium Grade Measured Palladium Grade in the assay Deci mal Pcrccnt
Measurcd Suiphur Grade Measurcd Sulphur Grade in the assay Decimal Percent
Measured NiPo Ratio Measured NiPo Ratio in the assav Decimal Pcrccnt

Table E-95 - Mobile Equipment Superclasfi Object

Attribute Description Data Typ Unit8
Eauio fiP Horscmwer of the engine Dccimal HP or kW.

Current Oberatine Level 1 Current hratinp! Level 1 Charactcr 1 NIA 1

Table E-96-Mohr-Coulomb Failure Object Attributes

Attribute Dewription Data Type Units
Cohesion Cohcsion (C) Decimal Psi or MPa
Dilation Angle Dilation Angle (\y) Decimal Degrecs
Friction Angle Friction Angle (Phi) Decimal Dcgrees
Tensile Strength Tensile Strength (O,) Decimal Psi or MPa
WMW$ pupaa sis03 J ~ M 3O ~~3 3 l i!un
3 sis03 ~afiod3 y w l g )!un
sdwv l~!=a siuauia~!nbayl u a m 3 siuaura~!nb~ luarma
V/N la1343 '31a'm?qd-ald~'aseqd ~@u!s' 3 ~ 3 ~ %JaMOd
SIIOA ~w=a ~ ~ W I OaAu g m a d ~ a m p %U!IWW
~
VIN J W - ~ adAJ,~U!SIIOHJOlOty a d A ~ U ! S ~ O l010~y
H
n
sl!~ 1 WLw a uo!v@jua 1 ~~'WJNV
j
i
SC-B
 Table E-105- OreNaste Pass Object Attributes
Attdbute Dewription Data Type Units
Section Type Circular or Rectangular Character NIA
Material Type Code Ore, waste, fil1
Dip or Inclination Dip of pass (up is positive, down is negative) Decimal Dcgrces
Pass From Levcl Raisc starts at level Charactcr NIA ,
From Elevation Coordinate Elevation of starine ~ o i n t Dccimal Fi or m.
From Easting Coordinate 1 Easting coordinate of starting point
' From Nonhing Coordinate Northing coordinatc of starting point 1
P a s To h e l Raise ends at lcvcl C haracter NIA
To Elevation Coordinate Elevation of end point 1 lecimal Ft or m.
To Easing Coordinate Easting coordinate of end point 1
To Norlhina Coordinate Northin~:coordinate of end mint 1 -- --

Max Storage Capacity Maximum storage capacity of pass Decimil Cubic ft or m

Currcnt Available Storagc Currcnt Available Storage Dccimal Cubic ft or m

Table E-106 - Orthotropic (Rock Constitutive Mode!) Object Attributes

Attribute 1 Description Data Type Units
Dir x-plane Normal Direction of x-plane normal Decimal Dcgrccs
Dip x-planc Normal Dip of x-ptane normal Decimal Degrces
x-plane Young's Modulus Young's Modulus in x-plane (Ex) Decimal Psi or MPa
y-plane Young's Modulus
, Young's Modulus in y-plane (EJ Decimal Psi or MPa
z-plane Young's Modulus Young's Modulus in z-plane(E3 Decimal Psi or MPa
x-plane Poisson's Ratio Poisson's ratio in x-plane (ox ) Decimal 0- 1
y-plane Poisson's Ratio Poisson's ratio in y-plane (o, ) Decimal O- I
z-plane Poisson's Ratio Poisson's ratio in z-dane (u, 1 Decimal 0-1
1 Elastic Shear Modulus ( Elastic Shear Modulus (G) 1 Decimal Psi or MPa 1
 Table E-107- Other Equipment Superclass Object Attributes
( Attdbute 11 ennption (
I
DataType 11 Units
II
I I 1

-
Tabk E-IO8 Personnel Object Attributes
Attnbute Description Data Type 1 Units
- -- I
Personnel
- - ---- D No
- -- - . ID No- of the- erso
- - -
.- - -on
- - - Intceer
.- -- 1 I
NIA
Personnel Name Name of the person Character NIA
Job Description Job description Character NIA
Job Descripiion Code Code to cross-referencejob IOpay sale Character NIA

Table E-109- Photos Object Attributes

- P

. Attribute Description Data Type Units

Photo ID Photo ID (uniaue ID Code) Charactcr N/A
1 Photo Comments 1 Photo Comments 1 Character 1 NIA

-
Tabk E-110 Pipeline Object Attributes
Attributc hwription Data Type Unitai
Pipeline Description General description of the pipeline Character NIA

1 Pipe ~ 1 Code IO indicate how much wcar has takcn place 1

--

& SWus
r Code 1 Clmcter 1 NIA
 Table E-1 11 - Ptanned Events (Sampling, Inspections) Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type 1 Unita
1

Table E-112 - Point Value (Stress Measurements) Object Attributes

Attribute ewnption Data Type Units
Point Elevation Coordinate Samde Point Elevation Coordinate Dccimal Ft. or m. --

Point Easting Coordinaic Samplc Point Easting Coordinatc Dccimal Ft, or m.

Point Northing Coordinate Sample Point Norihing Coordinate Decimal Ft. or rn,
Test Referencc ID No. Cross Reference to smific rc~ortor test Characler NIA

Table E-113 - Power Distribution Equipment Object Attributes

Attribute DeacrSptioa Data Tyw Units

Table E-114 - Primary or Capital Development Object Attributes

Attribute kscription Data Type Units
Object CAR No. Capitai Authonzation Rcquest code no. for cross-referencing lnteger NIA

Table E-115 - Primary Explosives (Blasting) Object Attributes

, Attribute I)csnption Data Type Units
Explosives Type Description (bulk or for trimming) Character NIA
Fumes Release Category Fumes Release Catcgory Character NIA
 Table E-116 - Primers Explosives Accessories Object Attributes
+ Attritute Deocnption Data Type Units
Primer Type Primer Type Charactcr NIA
Primer Weight Primer Weight Decimal Lbs or Kgs,

Table E-117 - Production Drilling Object Attributes

1 Attribute 1k~~d~lion -
1 DataTvae 1 -
Units
-
1
Drillhole Pattern ID No. Drillhole Pattern ID No. for cross-referencingto specific workplacc charactcrP NIA
Drillhole Blindtpen Flag 1s drillhole opcning into excavation or is it blind? Logical NIA
Drillholc Plug Depth Drillhole plug depth (if requircd) Decimal Ft or m.
Drillhole Burdcn Drillhole burden Decimal Ft or m.
Drillhole Wet Flag 1s the dnllholc wet (yedno)? Logical NIA
Drillhole Position Verified Flag Was he dnllhole surveyed for correct alignment (yedno)? Logical NIA
Drillhole To Be Coaded Flag 1s ihe drillhole to be loaded for blasting (yeslno)? Logical NIA
Drillhole Sample Flag Was he drillhok sample (yeslno)? Logical NIA

Table El 18 - Pulley Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units
Pulley Diameter Piilley Diameter Decimal Inchcs or inm.
 VIN 1 3 1 3 ~ 3 y 3 w JO uogpuo:, qy=p 01 apo3 apo3 s u o y ~ u yo 3~q ,
-luJO ~eutpaa sy3ea l p uaafilaq %u!3~c& ~ U P M SWU
sql law!=a mn =YI!W l @ ! a ~43El.L
sl!~n aw~
wa q ~ d u ~1 w s)'"ww

3 ajoura8 '[miug-q 'qmuojny XQu o p ~

3 a u n a fio[&amssa~d ahin3 hol&aJnssald
3 duind JO )no JIU M O ~ J aumlor\ l a w o
 -
Table E-123 Rail Trams Object Attributes
1 Attribute 1 Description 1 Data Type 1 Units 1
No of Rail Car per Tram No of Rail Car per Tram lnteger NIA
Car Type Used in Tram Code Code to describe the car uscd in the tram Integer NIA
Maximum Tonnage per Trip Maximum tonnage that can be haule by the tram Dccimal Tons or toiuics

Avg Repair Cost per Ton Movcd Average repair costs per ton movcd Decimal $/ton pr $/tonne
Avg Tonnage per Oper Hr Average tonnage moved per operating how Dccimal Tons or tonnes
Avg Oper Cost pet Ton Moved Average opcrating costs per ton moved Decimal $/ton pr $/tonne
AVELOadin~Time Time to load tram Decimal seconds

Operation Type 1 Automatic, Manual, Remote 1

-
Table E-124 Raise Object Attributes
Attribute Dcncription Data Type Units
No of Compartments Total no. of compartmcnts Intcger NIA
smi8aa l~!ma (a~!le#au s! w o p ' a ~ q s o dSI dn).sa JO d!a u o p q a q 10d!a
.UJO )A lw!=a i u p d pua JO a m p m ;lu!wo~ alWPJoo3 a u W 0 0.L ~
UI JO )d I W I ~ ~ )u!od pua JO aleulpiom %uyseg ~ m ! p ~ wWW33 OJ,
*W 10 I~J reuwa i u p d pua JO u o y e q a aimiq1w3 u o ~ i e q OJ, a
VIN l a i m q ~ l a q i e q u a as!^ PhalOJ, =!QI
lu 10I~J lw=a ~ u p 8d ~ ~JO)a l sm l p m %u!quo~ aieupi003 %UWON WOJJ
'UJO i b ~ leuyma iu~o% d u ! p ~ JO
s aiewpioo3 %upseg aieu!pioo3 'iluyseg u ~ o q
'ui 101~ leiupaa lu@ %u!WlsJO U O ! W ~ ( a aleuyp~oo3u o t r e q a WOIJ
VIN lWW3 , p a l ie s ms as!^ l a ~ uqr o i a~ s g
VIN lala-3 (alsefi g 310) ssed qm JO a s j w U O ! I ~
w n Wa 'wW"'W 1 aInq~W
wnqpuv a~alqossvd >IJOW~S!QI~ZI-a
atqu -
 Table E-128 - Reciprocating Cornpressors Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Unitv

Table E-129 - Rectangular Section Shaft-Raise Object Attributes

Attribute 1 Dcccription Data Type 1 Units
S M Dimensions 1 Dimensions of shaft Dccimal 1 Ft or rn.
1 S M Orientation 1 Orientation of long-axis relative to Ini north 1 Deci inal 1 Dcgrccs 1
1 Lining Type 1 Lining descriplion
- -

Chmcter 1 NIA 1
1 Lining Thickness 1 Lining (hickness
- - -

Decimal I Ft or in.

-
Table E-130 RefugE-Lunchroom Station Object Altributes
1 Descdption Units

-
Table E l 3 1 Remuck Station Object Attributes
Attnbute Description Data Type Units
 WU$ 'W3 leuipaa llelsulq hlddns 01 1so3~ A V llttisul Alddns 01 1so3%AV
spuoms louipaa [lasu101a w l ~~ A V Ilelsu1 01 a q , %AV
'U JO id pui!q-~ 8 u p a s UJaIlEd lloa aupeds utaiied lpa
v/N l~gol (OUPIC) PlnoJD 1lOa PWJ~) ilo~
NPU JO uoL lawpaa %u!uo!sual-a~dlloa Yu!uo~sual-aqqoa
NW JO W, leurpaa S!=~QImP!sa JQ!~MOlenP!sall
10uol ~~urpaa 4!3de3 P d wd
edyY JO !Sd leurp~a Wv"' lI08 s n l n p o ~lloa
'lu JO I.J pupaa rl)auu~lloa yiguul 1109
-UNI JO sayml p!ma m w q a ipa ~ a m q qoa a
sr!un 'wa uopdpw ~ ~ J u v
 Tabk E-133- Rockburst Events Object Attributes
, Attdbute Description Data Type Units
Burst Event Hcard Where Whcn was the Previous Blast Time in the ara Date NIA
No of Subscquent Bursts Excavation Damaplcd Flag (yeslno)? Intcgcr NIA
Mamitude of First Burst Mamitude of First Burst Decimal Richter
1 Maenitude of Lareest Burst 1 Maenitude of Lareest Burst 1 Decimal 1 Richter 1
No of Events with Magnitude < 1 No of Evcnts with Magnitude cl Integer NIA
No of Events with Magnitude 1-2 No of Events with Magnitude 1-2 Intcger NIA
No of Events wih Mamitude 2-3 No of Events wih Mamitude 2-3 Intc~er NIA
No of Events with Magnitude >3 No of Evcnts wih Magnitude >3 Intcger NIA
Damage to Mine Structure Details Damage to Minc Siructure Details Charactcr NIA
Raikburst Mechanism Rockburst Mechanism Code Character NIA
Rockburst Containment Code Rockburst Coniainment Code Character NIA
Rock Proneness to Bursting Code Rock Proneness to Bursting Code Charactcr NIA
Failure Extends Bevond Suomrt Flae Failure Extends Bevond S u ~ m rFlae
t (vcs/no)? Loeical NIA
1 Support Effectiveness Comments 1 Support Effectivencss Comments 1 Charactcr 1 NIA 1
 Table E-134- Rock Lithology (Drill Core Sampling) Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
Ftom Depfli Drillhole ID No. Character N/ A
To Depth Drillhole Core Diameter Code Charactcr NIA
From Elevation Coordinate Corc starts from Elevation Coordinate Dccimal Ft or m.
From Easting Coordinate Core starts fiom Easting Coordinate Dccimal Ft or m.

From Easting Coordinate Core ends at Easting Coordiwte Decimal Ft or in.

From Nonhine Coordinate Core ends at Northinei Coordinate Decimal Ft or in.
1 Rock Litholoev Code 1 Litholoeiv Code to describe rock t w 1 Charactcr 1 NIA 1
1 Rock Lithology Notes 1 Detailed Rock Lithology Notes & Comments 1 Characier 1 NIA

Table E-135- Rock Mass Object Attributes

Attribute Pcscriptioa Data Type Units
Spatial Object ID No Spatial Object ID No Inteplcr NIA
Spatial Object Volume Spatial Object Volume Decimal Cubic ft or m,
Rock Mass Name Rock Mass Namc (footwall, hangingwall, orezonc, dyke, etc) Character NIA
Rock Mans T m Litholorzical descn~tion Character NIA
1 OreMraste Cla&cation Code 1 O r N a s t c Ciassification Code 1 Character 1 NIA 1
Estimated Nickel Grade Estimated Nickel Grade Decimal Percent
Estimated Copper Grade Estimated Coppcr Grade Decimal Percent
Estimated Cobalt Grade Estimated Cobalt Grade Decimal Pcrcent
Estimated Gold Grade Estimated Gold Grade 1 Decimal Percent
Estimated Silver Grade Esiimate Silver Grade 1 Decimal Percent
Estimated Platinum Grade Estimate-Platinum Grade 1 Decimal Percent
Estimated Palladium Grade Estimated Palladium Grade Dccimal Percent
Estimated Sulphur Grade Estimate Sulphur Grade Dccimal Percent
Estimated NiPo Ratio Estimated NPo Ratio Decimal Percent
Rock Mass Unit Weight Rock Mass Unit Weight Decimal Lbs/fl3 or kNlm3
Rock Mass Dcnsity Rock Mass Density (p) Decimal NIA
Rock Mass Specific Gravity Rock Mass Specific Gravity (SG) Decimal NIA
Rock Mass Porosity Rock Mass Porosity Decimal
 Table E-136- Rock Mass Heat Load (Ventilation) Object Attributes
Atnbute Description Data Type Units
Temperature Rock mass background temperature at given dcpth Dccimal Dcgrces F or C
Temperatutc Gradient Amount rock niass tcmpcrature incrcascd wiih dcpth Dccitnal Dcgrccs F/ft or Chn
Open Surface Area Amount of exposcd walls contributing heat to mine nctwork Decimil Square ft or in.

Table E-137 - Rock Mass Related Events Object Attributes

Event Failure Mode Comment Evcnt Failur Mode Comment Character NIA
Stress Fracluring Observe Flag Stress Fracturing Observed Flag (yedno) Logical N/A
Stress Fracturing Location Stress Fracturing Location Character N/A
Stress Fracturing Details Stress Fracturing Details Character N/A
Materiai Dispiad Flag Material Displaed Flag (yeslno)? Logical NIA
Material Dis~iacedDescri~tion Material Dis~lacedDescfi~tion Characier NIA
Ground Support Present FIag Ground Support Present Fag (ycdno)? Logical NIA
Failure Extends Bevond SUDDOIIFIae Failure Extends Bevond S u ~ ~ oFlae
r fvcdno)? Loeical NIA
1 Su~portEffectiveness Comments 1 Sunwrt Effectiveness Comments 1 Charactcr 1 NIA 1

Table E-138- Rock Pass Object Attributes

P 1

Attribute Description Dpta Type Units

Rock Pass Type Ore or Waste Character NIA
Rock Pass Storage Tonnage Rock storage capacity of pass Dccimal Tons or tomes
 -
Table E-139 Rock Pass Object Attributes
1Attdbute Description 1 DataTypc ( Units 1
1 Rock Pass Type 1 Ore or Waste 1 Character 1 NIA 1
1 Rock Pass Storage Tonnage ( Rock storage capacity of pass 1 Dccimal 1 Tons or tonncs 1

-
Table E-140 Rock Quality Assessrnent Object Attributes
Attribute 1 Depcription Data Type Units
Test Referencc ID Code Cross Refcrencing code to somc assessrnent report Character N/A

Table E-141-Roof Bolten Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Unitir
Max Reach Maximum reach of bolter Dccimal Ft. or m.
No of Bolts Instailed per Oper Hr No of bolts typically installed pcr operating hour Dccimal Bolts/liour
Bolt Length Lcngth of bolts installed Dccimal Ft. or m.

Table E-142- Ropes (Hoists) Object Attributes

. Attribute Dcncription Data Type Units
Rom Diameter Diameter of the hoist rorx Dccimal lnches or mm
Rope Type Descriptions of rope construction Character NIA
Rom Rated Camcitv Maximum o~erat ina ca~acitv Dccimal Lbs or N
Rope Breaking Capacity Maximum strength Decimal Lbs or N
Rope Condition Description of rope condition Charactcr NIA
Last Inspection Date Date of last inspection Date NIA
Inspection Certifiate No Inspection Ccrcificate No Character NIA
 -
Table E-143 Scalers Object Attributes
---

~tthbute Description Data Type Units

Max Scaling Rach Maximum reach of the scalcr Decimal FI. or m.
Area Scalcd per Opcr Hour Average a r a typically scalcd per hou Dccimal Square ft or m.

Table E-144- Scissors Lifts Object Attributes

-
Attribute Descdption Data Type Units
Plalforrn Rcach Maximum Hcight platform an rcach abovc ground Decimal Ft or m.

Table E-145 - Scrapers/Slushen Object Attributes

Attribute escriptioa Data Type Units
Scraper Capacity Volume capacity of scraper Dccimal Cubic ft or ni
Tonnage per Hour Tonnage per operating hour Deci mal T o n h or tonnehr
Travel Distance Distance from load point to dump point Decimal Ft or in.

Table E-146- Screw Cornpressors Object Attributes

11 Unita

-
Table E-147 Secondary Blasting Drills Object Attributes
-.. . .~

.Attribue Dewiption Data Type Units

-
Table E-148 Secondary or Operating Development Object Attributes
1 Description 1 1
Attribute
1 I
Datanpc
I
Units
I
I 'ui JO ld I p~ma I
 -
Table E-156 Shotcreters Object Attributes
, Attnbute Description Data Type Units
Shotcrete Storage Capacity Storagc tank capacity Dccimal Lbs or Kgs.
Current Shotcrcte Rcmaining in Tank Current shotcrete remaining in Tank Decimal Lbs or Kgs.
spray in^ Rate Rate at which shotcretc is pumpcd out Dccimal Lbslscc or Kgdscc
A r a Covered uer Hour Area S D K ~ V ber
C ~ omrating hour Decimal Sauarc fi or m.
Thickness Applicd Sliotcrete thickness applied Decimal lnches or rnin.
Max Rcach Maximum reach of spraying nozzle Decimal Ft. or m.

-
Table E-157 Skips Object Attributes
Atribute Description Data Type Units
Skip Design Type Description of skip Dccimal NIA
Skip Capacity Tonnage capacity of skip Decimal Ton or Tonne
ski^ Travel S d Travel s c w d UD & down shafi Decimal Ftlscc or d s c c
1 Travel Distance 1 Distance from loadin~rm k e t to ski^ d u m ~ 1 Decimal 1 Ft. or m. 1
1 Loadine!Time 1 Time to load ski0 -
1 Dccimal 1 --
Seconds 1
Dumping Time Time to dump load Decimal Seconds
Operation Automatic, Manual, Remote Charactcr NIA

-
Table E-158 Skip Dumps Object Attributes
rrrrrrrr, 1

Aributc Desrnption Data Type Units

Dump Type Dump type Character NIA
Skip Dump Elevation Elevation of dump floor Decimal Ft or m.

Table E-159- Statioaary Equipment Superclass Object Attributes

Attribate Description Data Type Unib
 'ON irraa
L

VIN lai3e~'q) alu!~uaraja~-sson 'ON lm8

VIN ia'6alu1 ialnpap Aq pau%!sse S u o y 'ON @oud Mois
VIN 131343 (puop ~ O luawdola~ap)
M uop3npoid ioj ]ou JO alqyssme s! adois s n l Al!l!q!ssa%v
~ adoas
VIN 1313-3 (313 ' p o p 'luauidola~apiapun '8upnpo1d 'a~!pu! adols snlws uo!13npid adols
VIN

1 VIN

VIN J3WW3 Iu![!~gluo!ia~sa q 01 ou auoydap~ 'ON auoqdqa~

VIN Jal3W3 '31a 'dwns 'doqs 'asnoyan~'a8en 'laymd %uqeol'uogqs ~ W~!I!w
L
lela*l uo~~e~uasaida~ ayi ioj pasn svfi p~losxalduim 10aldw!s v peyns-Alod io pllos iqnay
'UI JO IJ 10w!ma W I O ~e JO 3sn ~q !3~J/uol)ifl~ JO U O P ~ IWIMS
I 13arqg lulod
swn ~ L .w
L a , uo!W=a , aawwv .
 aiea '(paialdwo3a@ pua 01 p a q d s! ~ O aM~ l l i f l qa q uayfi awa %u!llyq~e
~JOM JO ma pua pauue~d
1 aiea w i s oi pautqd SI yofi 3q1lrypeq a q u a q aies~ ~ J O~Aq e a ms p q d
~ ~ pJOpawa
\I awa p p u a Alp?n131?~ O uopnpwd
M ayl uayM alaa q i o uo!~npo~d
~ JO aaea pua IWV
ales p w s IClpnl3t! IJOM uo!pnpoid arl) uaqfi a)ea l i o uo!impoid
~ JO aiea ms ~ P V

VIN Jan43 'auop YJOM uo!13npoid 'buqla%u! A)![mgu3 a q JO uo!tduxaa 4!lW!J3

VIN J W E J ~ ~ oi padwnp s! y m ai~ail^~ iaqlunu a[ ssad a ~ o <u:ssed a i 0
*tu10 'ad I E U I I ~ ~ ssw ay) oi m w ! a au!ympu ssed ay) oi mutsp!a 8ugmy
VIN ia8alu1 au!UW II16'4PW JoJ JWmN ln3 'ON in3
'W 10 *id 1 ~ 3 3 ~ 1 (SHB 'PNA ' i 1 ! 6 ' 4 ~JOJ)
~ ssainl3!u =!IS ssaw!rll, =!IS
'UI10 id
 Stope B a c ~ l l e dSatus Code 1s stop to be backfilled (yes or no) Logical N/A
Fil1 Code If stop is backfilled, enter code for type of fiIl Cliaracter N/A
Drill Pattern ID No. Drill pattern no used for drilling off stop lnteger N/A
Stow Drilline Costs Stobe Drilline Costs (cumulative) Decimal Cdn. S
ltope Blasting Costs Stope Blasting Costs (cumulative) Dc mai 1 Cdn. S 1
ltope Mucking Costs Stope Mucking Costs (cumulative) Dec
;topeBackfilling Costs Stope Backfilling Costs (cumulative) Dec
ltope Ground Support Costs Stope Ground Support Costs (cumulative) Dcc Cdn. $
;tope Drilling Time Stop Drilling Time (cumulative) Dec mal Hours
;tope Blasting Timc Stop Blasting Time (cumulative) Dec mal Hours
;topeMucking Timc Stop Mucking Time (cumulative) Dc ,mai 1 Hours 1
5 Stope Backfilling Time (cumulative) Dec mal Hours
;topeGround Suppor Install Time Stope Ground Support Install Time (cumulative) Dec ,mal Hours

Table E-163- Stoper Drills Object Attributes

*
Attrlbutc k~~~C/ptioll Data Type Units
Minimum Opcrating Air Pressure Air pressure required to operate Decimal Psi. or MPa
1 Minimum Air Volume 1 Air volume requircd to operate 1 Decimal 1 Cfs or cms 1

Table E-164- Storage Bins Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units
Storage Capacity Storage Capacity Decimal Cubic fcct or m
Current Volume Available Current volume availabl Decimal Cubic feet or rn

-
Table E-165 Storage-Warehouse Station Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Type Units
 ts-a

VIN laifalu] a3eld s 3 ~%u~ymu

) aJaqfi palqns 'ON 01WVPS ~~!v~MI
*utJO IJ l~!=a sau!yw~mIaAalqns uaam~q Su!~irdsp ~ ~ a r \ %u!~WS P!WlIJAalqnS
'ut JO )J l~!=a sauyaium IaAaIqns uaafiaaq ;lir!~?dspluozuo~ %u!3@ @ruozuo~~a~alqns
i wn *a w a uo!~du=a slww
 -
Table E-175 Thin-liner Sprayers Object Attributes
1 Attribute 1 hnptioii ( DataType 1 bits I
Liner Storage Capacily Liner material storage tank capacity Decimal Lbs or Kgs.
Cment Shotcrete Remaining in Tank Current material remaining in Tank Dccimal Lbs or Kgs.
S~ravineRate Rate at which material is oumDcd out Deciinal Lbdsec or K~dscc
Area Covercd per Hour Area sprayed per opcrating hour Decimal Square fi or m.
Thickncss Applicd Thickness applied Dccimal Inches or inni. -,

( Max Reach ( Maximum reach of spraying nozzle 1 Dccimal 1 Ft. or m. 1

-
Table E-176 Track Switches Object Attributes
Attribute Description 1 Data Type Uaits
pration Type Automatic, Manual, Rernotc 1 Character N/A

-
Table E-177 Tracked Equipment Object Attributes
, Attribute Descdption 1 DataTvpc Units
1

-
Table E-178 Trackless Equipment Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data Tvpe Units

-
Table E-179 Tracton Object Attributes
Atdbute Description Data Type Units
Max Puiling Cap Maximum pulling capacity Dccimal Lbs, or kg.
 - - .- .- . - 7

3 x q q 3 w p q 01a q , a~1.1, Su!Peol ~ A v

1 paA0l. uoi lad slsm %upmadoa % u M y FAOH UOJ, id I S O ~ lad0 ~ A V
1 moy 8u11eiadoiad p a ~ o wa%euuo~ a8uanv JH iadg ixl aiieuuo~%AV
3. p3AOW UOI rad SIS03 i!I?daJ ~ % E J ~ A v PAON UOJ, lad 1903 ~!i.dq
%AV
1 y ~ n rAq
l p ~ o a'baniol
w a~gqniiin3 p a ~ o t ya%mnio.~a~pepurn3
1 ('OU UO!WQ!JIS~)) JOW~ xoa J013EJ 1114 X 0 8
1 y m l JO b p e d m xoa 4 ~ 1 . d ~xoa
3
fa i q ~ d ~ = a ~awwv
 Table E-187 - VCR Stope Object Attributes
Attribute Description Data T y p Units
Horizontal Slicc ID No. Current slice bcine mincd Dccimal Ft or m.

Table E-188 - Ventilation Network Object Attributes

Attnbute Description Data Type
Account Code lnco Accountin~rCode for ventilation Charactcr
1 Total Ventilation Costs ber Hour
Total Heating Cosis pcr Hour
.
1 Total Ventilation Cost ber &ratine Hour
Y

Total Heating Cost per Opcrating Hour

1 Dccimal
Decimal
1 $/hr 1
$nir
Total Cooling Costs per Hour Total Cooling Cost per Operating Hour Dccimal $/hr
Total Airilow lnto Mine Total Ventilation Air Flow Pushed into Network Decimal Cfs or crns
Air Humiditv Level Air Humiditv Lcvel Decimal %
1 Air Tem~eraturch e l 1 Air Tem~eratureLevel 1 Decimal 1 Dcnrccs For C 1
1 Dew Point Temperature 1 Dew Point Tempcrature l Decimal
-- -- - -- -

Degrccs F or C 1
- --

Table E-189 - Ubipuitous Joint Model Object Attributes

P

Attribute Data Tvw Units

Table E-190 - Underground Fire (Unusual Events) Object Attributes

Attribute Description Data Type Units
Fire Location Fire Location Charactcr NIA
Charactcr NIA
Firc Initiated Bv Firc Initiaid Bv Charactcr NIA
 Table E-191- Unusual Events Object Attributes
Attnbute Description Data Type Units
Unusual Event Type Uiiusual Event Type (Burst, fa11 of ground, firc, spill, etc) Character NIA
Event Primary Cause Event Primary Cause Character NIA
Event Secondam Cause Event Sccondan, Causc Cha~dctct NIA
Location Relativc to Event Personnel Lacation Rclativc to Evcnt Character , NIA
Per wmel Injured Flag tyedno)? Logical N/A
Personnel Working in A r a Flag (yeslno)? Logical NIA
Arca Access Restricted Flag (yeslno)? Logical NIA
Perso~elDistance to Event Decimal Ft or m.
LRisic Level io Personnel Code 1 Risk kvel to Personnel Code (cg. ni!, low, med, hi&) 1 Logical 1 NIA 1

Table E-192- Water Pipelines Object Attributes

Attribute Dcscnption Data Type Units
Water Pressure Water Pressure Decimal Psi or kPa