TUTORIAL ON Surpac

Dr. DHEERAJ KUMAR

Associate Professor
Department of Mining Engineering
INDIAN SCHOOL OF MINES, DHANBAD

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Table of Contents ................................................................................................................. 3

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Licensing Surpac ................................................................................................................... 5
2. Surpac GUI .......................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Surpac Data Types ............................................................................................................................. 8
4. String Concept .................................................................................................................................... 9
5. Range Concept ..................................................................................................................................12
6. Importing File To Surpac...............................................................................................................13
6.1 From One File .............................................................................................................. 13, 28
6.2 From Many File .......................................................................................... 13, 29
7. Basic mouse function ..................................................................................................... 14
8. Creating File ......................................................................................................................................14
8.1 With Information ................................................................................................................14
8.2 Without Information..........................................................................................................15
9. Digital Terrain Model .....................................................................................................................31
9.1 Contouring ...........................................................................................................................38
9.2 Sectioning .............................................................................................................................43
9.3 Draping .................................................................................................................................51
9.4 Volume Calculation ............................................................................................................54
9.5 Intersection...........................................................................................................................60
10. Geological Database ........................................................................................................................62
10.1 Bore Hole Log......................................................................................................................77
10.2 Audit Of Database...............................................................................................................80
10.3 Reports ...................................................................................................................................92
10.4 Database Editing .............................................................................................................. 100
11. Sectioning ........................................................................................................................................ 104
12. Solid Modeling ............................................................................................................................... 118
12.1 Validation ........................................................................................................................... 122
13. Block Model ................................................................................................................................... 136
13.1 Estimation And Composition ....................................................................................... 143
14. Basic Statistics ................................................................................................................................ 144
14.1 Estimation.......................................................................................................................... 151
15. Slice Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 162
16. Pit Design ........................................................................................................................................ 165
17. Plotting ............................................................................................................................................ 171
18. Survey Database ..............................................................................................................174

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 INTRODUCTION

Surpac

Surpac is the world’s most popular, efficient and user friendly geology
and mine planning software, supporting open pit and underground
operations and exploration projects in more than 110 countries. The
software delivers efficiency and accuracy through ease-of-use, powerful
3D graphics, and workflow automation that can be aligned to company
and mine-specific processes and data flows.
Surpac heeds to all the requirements of geologists, surveyors, and mining
engineers in the resource sector and is flexible enough to be suitable for
every commodity, orebody, and mining method. Its multilingual
capabilities allow global companies to support a common solution across
their operations.

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 REQUIREMENTS TO RUN SURPAC

LICENSING SURPAC

There are three kinds of license issued/purchased/available:-

1) None
2) Local
3) Network
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1) None: Free of cost, used for viewing purpose only.

2) Local: A licensing dongle is issued by Gemcom which enables ‘single user’

facility.

3) Network: A dongle is issued that enables a system to act as a server which in

turn issues license to multiple users. The number of users can vary up to the
purchased limit.

SURPAC GUI

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 TITLE BAR: - Shows version of surpac in use, working directory and path

of working directory.

 MENU BAR: - Encapsulates options and their sub-options for functions like

File, Display and View etc.

 TOOL BAR: - Includes the shortcut options for all the functions and sub-

functions present in the MENU bar.

 GRAPHICAL PANE: The ongoing work/process/display is displayed on

this black “3-D” workspace. On scrolling in over the pane the (X, Y, Z) co-

ordinates of the point directly below the pointer is displayed in the “STATUS

BAR”.

 NAVIGATOR: - All the folders and files can be browsed and selected via

this window.”WORKING DIRECTORY” is set by choosing the same option

via this navigator window.

 PROPERTIES AND VIEW PANE: - It displays the properties of file/folder

selected via the navigator window. View pane shows the specifications of the

particular property of the file/folder.

 LAYERS PANE: - It shows all the layers being put to use along with the

current active/working layer. Layers can be hide/deleted/activated and vice-

versa using the functions given in the layers pane.

 MESSAGE WINDOW: - It shows all the steps being taken and

errors/success of the function/process being done.

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 COMMAND CHOOSER: - It allows user to input shortcut commands for

fast working.

 STATUS BAR : - It Shows :-

1) Co-ordinates of the pointer

2) Current string file

3) Angle

SURPAC DATATYPES

Files generally created in Surpac: -

Data type Extension

String file .str

DTM file .dtm
Geological database .ddb
Survey database .sdb
Block model .mdl
Plot file .dwf
Macros file .tcl
Plug inns file .dxf (AutoCAD)
Style file .ssi

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 INTRODUCTORY WORK FLOW

STRING CONCEPT
 The most common file format used for storing information in Surpac is a
String file. A string file contains coordinate information for one or more
points, as well as optional descriptive information for each point.
 A string file can store up to 100 descriptions for a single point and can take
626 letters for each description.

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 STRING HIERARCHY
 Points > Segments > String

All points in a string file are grouped into segments, which are further grouped
into strings.

A string file is a sequence of three dimensional coordinates delineating some

physical feature.

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 STRING STRUCTURE

1) Right click on the string file

2) Select “edit”, notepad opens, interpret the data as:-

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 RANGE CONCEPT

To display particular strings/segments/points range handling concept is as follows:

(To differentiate between different strings specific color is allotted to each string
number which can be visualized in the “LEGEND TAB”.)

• ENABLES TO SEE DIFFERENT

DISPLAY STYLES.
• MODIFICATION OF DISPLAY
CAN BE DONE HERE.

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 IMPORTING OF FILE TO SURPAC

Surpac does not accept excel/word (raw data) files so the raw data should be
converted to the formats acceptable. Ex: .csv
Go to 1) save as
2) In save as type option select “CSV (comma delimited)”
There are 2 ways of importing a .csv file namely:
1) Data from one file: All points are connected or stored in one string
number/file. So one can’t differentiate between different land features like
pit and boundary will appear same.
2) Data from many file: points are already specified a particular string
number, hence different features are connected via different string.

The process to import is displayed in the following picture:

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 BASIC MOUSE FUNCTIONS
 To move a data on graphical pane –click on scroll keeping it pressed drag to
desired position.
 For rotation press and hold Left mouse button and move
 To Zoom IN/OUT whole figure/work press and hold Right mouse button and
move to and fro.
 For zooming a particular point, bring the cursor at the point and scroll in/out.

CREATING A FILE
There are two ways to create a file in surpac:

1) With information: If co-ordinates of points, angle with some reference

line…etc. is correctly known, and is used to create file.

2) Without information: when points, lines are created randomly by cursor

selection.

1) CREATING FILE WITH INFORMATION

Go to
 CREAT in the menu bar
 Points
 Select the corresponding option of information available regarding the
point/line.
 Entre the information available regarding the point/line
 Apply and get the point/line.

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 2) CREATING FILE WITHOUT INFORMATION

Go to * CREAT >> Digitise >> New point

Now click on the desired position to get a point, press “Esc” to deactivate the
command.

There are more options in digitize and create >> point Tab that can be used to
create file (point, line...Etc) demonstrated as follows: -

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16
TO START/REACTIVATE/CLOSE/ A SEGMENT WITHIN A STRING:

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TO DISPLAY STRING/SEGMENT/POINT NUMBERS

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USEFUL SHORTCUT TOOLS

TO CREATE A NEW STRING WITHIN A LAYER

Go to create >> Digitise >> properties >> window pops up.

Change the string number to get a new string, now work is stored in the specified
string observable from the change in string color.

The short cut is present in the toolbar:

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 If any previous string/segment is needed to be REACTIVATED

Go to create >> Digitise >> Reactivate segment/string >> click on the concerned
segment/string.
Now work will be saved in this string/segment.

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 To MERGE two files

Select both the files using Ctrl >> holding the Ctrl drag and drop both files in
the graphical pane.

Both files will be merged in a same/common layer.

Want to display a particular set of strings/segment

Go to Display >> Hide strings/segments >> in a layer >> Use the range concept.

Editing/inserting/deleating/reversing/snapping/renumbering/rearranging
points/segments/strings:

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22
 SNAPPING OPTIONS

If snap to point/plane mode is selected any selected point on/outside the work
boundary is digitized it Surpac identifies the nearest point/segment on the Active
string/segment/work and marks the points at this point, eliminating the labor of
laying /digitizing points exactly by Zooming or any other process. This mode is
very useful during ore body modeling and pit designing.

TO INQUIRE POINT/SEGMENT/STRING PROPERTIES

(Co-ordinates, bearing, angle, distance etc)

Go to Inquire >> point/segment/string properties

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 TO CHANGE/MODIFY PROPERTIES OF
POINTS/SEGMENTS/STRING

Go to Edit >> segment >> math’s >> click on segment to apply

Using point/segment/string math’s one can transform between
points/segments/strings/co-ordinate

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 TO SMOOTHEN A TRACE/STRING:

Go to Edit >> string >> smooth >> window pops up

Now entre the desired strings/segments to be smoothened using Range concept,

further entre the number of intermediate points to be used to smoothen the curve,
by this entry Surpac will put intermediate points between two consecutive points
and then join thus smoothening the curve/trace/string.

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 CREATING A CIRCLE

Create >> circle by drag >>click on the desired point and drag to digitise the
circle >> entre the radius, arc distance(lesser the arc distance more smoother
the circle will be).

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 IMPORTING DATA(ADVANCE/FULL PROCESS)

Go to file >> select it and save it in .csv format to the working directory >> right
click on the working directory folder and refresh to get the .csv file.

Importing for making a string file

File >> import >> data from one file/data from many file >> window pops

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 IMPORTING FROM ONE FILE

Browse the file >> give a name to the output string file >> if the output file name
ends with numbers then entre the no. of numbers in the ID >> give the desired
string number >> apply >> window pops >> entre the column from which Y, X
, Z, any description will be imported >> apply and close

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 IMPORTING FROM MANY FILE

It is neede to keep the corresponding string numbers as a description and is asked

to be entered.

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 Right click on Toolbar >> scale &transparency, to increase the z scale.

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 DIGITAL TERRAIN MODEL (DTM)

DTM CONCEPT

 A DTM surface is a set of triangles which represent a surface

 To create a DTM a relative string file is must
 Even to view a DTM in Surpac window its string file must exist
 Any editing in the string file after making DTM results loosing the DTM, the
DTM is to be created again

DTM DEPENDENCIES

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DTM

DTM HIERARCHY
Object(1-32000) ----As Strings
Trisolation ---- As Segments
Triangle

WORKFLOW

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Two methods: -

1) GRAPHICS BASED METHOD

(You must display your string file on the graphics; DTM is displayed as soon as
it is being created)

2) FILE BASED METHOD

(String file need not to be displayed on the screen, DTM is formed and saved into
a file; one has the opportunity to declare Spot Heights, Break Lines)

1. GRAPHICS-BASED METHOD
1. Open string file in graphic pane
2. Surface > Create DTM from a layer

POP UP
 APPLY

(If there are crossovers then zoom in, move points or break the segment to
remove it, then repeat the process from starting)

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 3. Save as

POP UP
 Apply

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POP UP
 yes

2. File-Based Method

1. Reset graphics
2. Surfaces > DTM File functions > Create DTM from string file

POP UP

 Browse the .str file

 Apply

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Report popup

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 1. (DTM is created & the log file opens in your default text editor.

Open saved .dtm file.

APPLICATIONS OF DTM

DTM
CONTOU SECTIO DTM TO VOLUME
DTM CALCULA

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 CONTOURING

A) GRAPHICS-BASED METHOD

1. Open dtm in graphic pane

2. Surfaces > Contouring > Contour DTM in layer.

POP UP
 Select interval Or Select range

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3. Active the layer > Save the layer by clicking right.

4. Open the saved str file.

5. (To know z values )

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 Display > points > attributes

POP UP
 Desc field number > z
 Apply

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B) FILE BASED METHOD

1. Open dtm file

2. Surfaces > contouring > begin contouring

POP UP
 Apply

POP UP
 continue

3. Surfaces > contouring > contouring area > define extents

POP UP
 calculate grid mesh size > click
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

4. Contouring > Estimate grid values > by triangulations

POP UP
 Browse .str file
 Field > z
 UNTICK constraint
 UNTICK ignore data from outside
 Apply

POP UP
 UNTICK constrain interpolation
 Apply

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 5. Contouring > contour grid

POP UP
 give a name
 Apply
(It will create a layer)

POP UP
 TICK smooth contour

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 POP UP
 overwrite > yes

6. Save the layer.

DTM SECTIONING

1. Parallel to Section Axis Line

2. Perpendicular to Section Axis Line
3. Oblique to Section Axis Line

Two methods
A. From DTM
B. With center line

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A) FROM DTM (perpendicular)

1. Open dtm file

2. Create > section axis using mouse

POP UP
 Make y coordinates same.
 Apply

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3. Save the dtm with different name.

4. Open saved .str file in notepad.

5. Reset graphics and open saved dtm in graphic pane

6. Surface > create section from DTM

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POP UP
 by interval
 give interval in y- axis
 give a layer name
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

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7. Right click in right split screen > save

(To make the plane of str to the plane of dtm)

8. Reset

9. Open dtm

10.Inquire > report layer extent

11. Reset

12.Open saved str

13. Inquire > report layer extent

14. File tools > string maths

POP UP
 Browse the str file
 Name a new file
 Relate coordinates of dtm (field) with str (expression)
 Apply

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15. Reset

16. Open the dtm & str file.

(For parallel section with section line choose range in step 6 & parallel to axis)
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B) CENTER LINE METHOD

1. Open dtm file.

2. Create > section axis by mouse

(Draw an oblique section axis by mouse)

3. Save the dtm file with a new name

4. Create a new layer as center line

5. Open str file of dtm in notepad

6. Activate it and create two points > by coordinate > give coordinates from
.not file

7. Surface > create sections with center line

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POP UP
 Width either side let 75
 Section spacing let 10
 Define a layer
 Coordinate > click real world
 Apply

8. Save right side screen

9. Open saved str file

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 DTM DRAPPING

(To check profile about a line)

1. Open a dtm file

2. Make a new layer

3. Digitize a line (it is in X-Y plane)

4. Edit > segment > normalize segment

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POP UP

5. Select segment and then press esc

6. Surface > drape string over a dtm

7. Select string

POP UP
 Apply

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8. Save the file

9. Open it. (Undulated line is shown)

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 VOLUME CALCULATION

A. Cut & fill

B. Net volume

A) CUT & FILL:

(It calculates cut and fill volume with respect to a boundary)

1. Open initial dtm

2. Click edge on and then face off.

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3. Create a new layer

4. Snap mode > point

(The selected point will take position at dtm triangles)

5. Digitize a boundary inside dtm edge

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6. Zoom in and see if any point is outside of dtm there is then move in.

7. Save the new layer

8. Surface > volume > cut & fill between dtm

POP UP
 1st dtm > initial
 2nd dtm > final
 Boundary string > saved layer
 Click detailed report
 Report by elevation > give range
 Apply

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9. Report POP UP.

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B) NET VOLUME

(It calculates volume of initial & datum and final & datum, then net volume= 2nd
– 1st)

1. Surface > volumes > net volumes between dtms

POP UP

 1st dtm > initial

 2nd dtm > final
 Dtm field > z
 Use a boundary string > click
 Detailed report > click
 Report by elevation > click
Give a range
 Apply

POP UP
 give a name
 Apply

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POP UP
 give a name
 Apply

Report POP UP

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(You can see that surface to surface volume in net volume is equal to cut & fill
volume)

DTM/ DTM INTERSECTION

1. Open topo.dtm and pit.dtm in graphic pane

2. Surface > clip or intersect dtms > lower triangles of two dtms

POP UP
 give a layer name
 Apply

3. Click on topo dtm

4. And then pit dtm

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TO CREATE SOLID BY INTERSECTION OF 2 DTMS

1. Surface > clip or intersect > create solids by intersecting 2 dtms

(Then same process as before, solid will be found)

2. Surface > volume > report volume of solids

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 GEOLOGICAL DATABASE

Two steps

1. Define the structure of Database

 Type of database
 No. of optional tables
 Optional fields and their types

2. Import data

 Which raw files are going to be imported

 Column no. of fields in .csv file
 You get information about errors

Different types of COMPOSITES

 Downhole composite
 Grade wise composite
 By geological constraints
 Elevation composite
 Graphical composite

Step 1

1. Open all .csv files in Excel (as collar, survey, assay, geology)

2. Database > Database > open/new

POP UP
 Give Database name let here ‘ism’
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

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POP UP
 TICK calculated

(As data is in interval so need to calculate for each depth)

POP UP
 fill optional tables

 Assay
 Geology
 Apply

POP UP
 fill optional fields for all tables
 Assay > 1. Fe > real > nulls tick > length =10
 Assay > 2. Sio2 > real > nulls tick > length =10
 Assay > 3. Al2o3 > real > nulls tick > length =10
 Geology > lcode > character> tick nulls > mixed case
 Apply

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(Length means max. no. of digits in real value no.)
(Physical means depend upon field data not on any equation)
(By ticking nulls, the null values in .csv is ignored)

Now ism.ddb and ism.mdb are created & ism.ddb is connected automatically.

Step 2

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1. Database > database > import data

POP UP
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

POP UP
 Exclude translation & styles
 Apply

POP UP
 view respective .csv file and fill column no in front of brackets
 exclude samp id in both geology and assay
 Apply

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POP UP
 in text file name > browse respective .csv file
 load type> insert
(As we are inserting values if updating then choose update)
 Apply

Report POP UP > 1 error in each due to header record

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 TO DISPLAY DRILL HOLE

1. click on ism in status bar > display drill holes

POP UP
 Apply

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POP UP
 Apply

TO SHOW DATA ON DRILL HOLES

1. Database > display > drill holes

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POP UP
 Collar styles
 Label orientation > centered
 Field > 1. Hole id & position > collar
 Field > 2. Max_depth & position > eoh means ‘end of hole’

 Labels
 Fill as follows

 Depth markers > tick

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 Apply

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 DISPLAY BY COLOURS

Let 0-50 % of fe =waste display by BLUE color

And 50-70 % of fe = ore display by RED color

1. ism > drillhole display style

POP UP
 assay > fe > right click > get min –max range
Give range 0-50 and color blue

 assay > fe > right click > add new style

Give range 50-70 and color red

 Apply

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72
 COLOR OF BOREHOLES

(According to % of fe)

1. Ism > display drillholes

POP UP
 geology pattern
 Table- assay
 Field- fe

POP UP
 Apply

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 DISPLAY LCODE

1. Ism > drillhole display style > geology

2. lcode > right click > get field codes

 Click on 0 and change all one by one i.e. graphic color, pattern, etc.
 similarly for all 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

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  Apply

3. ism > display drillholes

POP UP
 geology pattern
 Table- geology
 Field- lcode
 Position > left
 Offset > 1
 Apply

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76
 BOREHOLE LOG

1. Database > display > edit drill hole

2. Select the hole of intrest

POP UP
 table> assay & field > fe > add
 table> assay & field > fe > add
 table> geology & field > lcode > add
 table> geology & field > lcode > add
 table> assay & field > sio2 > add
 table> assay & field > al2o3 > add

 print graphical log

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POP UP
 assay/fe > column type> lithology (for color)
 assay/fe > column type> description (for value)
 geology/lcode > column type> lithology (for color)
 geology/lcode > column type> description (for value)
 assay/sio2 > column type> description (for value)
 assay/al2o3 > column type> description (for value)
 Apply

POP UP
 Title > give a title
 Apply

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POP UP
 Apply

3. Open saved dhlog_0.dwf file

(It shows all values with respective color about selected drill hole)

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 AUDIT OF DATABASE

1. Database > database > audit

POP UP
 Report file > give a name let ‘audit’
 Tick on all audit options
 Check tables for valid collar IDs
 Check for missing intervals
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

Report POP UP

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(If blank report then no errors in data)

Here there is error in B32 details.

2. Open assay.csv in excel & see B32.

3. Database > edit > edit table

POP UP
 Select table > assay
 Apply

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POP UP
 Field name > hole_id
 Operator > =
 Constraint value > B32

 Apply

POP UP
 correct it and then Apply

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Similarly in step 3 for geology table.

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Again perform audit > blank report

CONSTRAINT DISPLAY

1. Database > display > add new constraint

 POP UP
 Field name > hole_id
 Operator > =
 Constraint value > B32

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(Only B32 will be shown)

Similarly >= and other constraint can be added.

To remove constraint

2. Database > display > remove last constraint

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 Macros (.tcl)

It is used to save work flow.

Very commonly use for geological database.
.tcl – tool command language

1. Reset
2. Click on start/end recording tool

(It will create .tcl file and green button start blinking means recording)

3. Perform a working.

4. Reset

5. Open .tcl file

(You can see your work)

SURPAC WORK AREA (.swa)

(To save all boreholes)

When boreholes are showing

1. File > save > graphic workspace

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POP UP
 give a name
 Apply

.swa file is saved.

2. Open it

(You see database is connected)

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 TOPOGRAPHY DTM OF BOREHOLE COLLARS

Workflow
Step-1: - Create a string file connecting all collars
Step-2: - Create dtm from it.

Step-1

1. Database > extract > drill hole layout

POP UP

 Location > let ‘dh_location’

 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

88
2. Open saved .str file
(This string is connecting all collars)

Step-2

1. Surface > create dtm from a layer

POP UP
 TICK Perform break line test
 Apply

89
(In message window > dtm cannot form as many break lines are found
We need to go by stop height as in file based method)

2. Surface > dtm file function

POP UP
 Browse the file
 Tick > any spot height string
 Give large range so that all points fall in it.
 Apply

90
Report POP UP

(Dtm is created successfully)

91
3. Open saved dtm

REPORTS
1. Database > report > drill hole log

POP UP
 File name let ‘drill_hole_log’
 Define tables as assay, geology etc
 Define corresponding optional fields as wanted in report

92
  Apply

Report POP UP

2. Database > report > drill hole listing

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POP UP
 Name let dh_listing_report
 Table name > which you want to give in the report (collar is already there)
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

94
POP UP
 Apply

Report POP UP

95
3. Database > report > collar summary

POP UP
 give a name & Apply

96
 POP UP
 Apply

Report POP UP

4. Database > report > database summary

POP UP
 give a name
 Apply

97
Repot popup

5. Database > report > database extents

POP UP
 give a name
 Apply

98
Report POP UP

Similarly other reports can be made.

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 DATABASE EDITING

TO ADD/ REMOVE FIELDS

Let we want to add a field which is about waste and ore part.

1. Database > database > administration > create fields

POP UP
 Table > assay
 Name > mat_type
 Type > character
 Apply

2. Database > edit > field maths

POP UP

 Table name > assay

 Result field > mat_type
 Expression > iif(fe>=50,”ORE”,”WASTE”)
 TICK continue on errors
 TICK output error message
 Apply

100
POP UP
 Apply

(In message window field is added successfully)

3. Database > edit > view table

POP UP
 Select table name > assay
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

101
Assay popup

(To display mat_type process is same as previous)

4. Ism > display drill hole

POP UP
 Labels
 Assay
 Field > Let ‘mat_type’
 Apply

102
103
 SECTIONING

(FOR SOLID MODELLING)

1. Connect to database or open .swa file

2. Open dh_location.dtm i.e. topography

3. Inquire > report layer extents

(It is required to know extent because we start sectioning either from min. or max.)

4. Database > section > define

POP UP
 Section definition methods > let northing as by it sectioning is better
 TICK sectioning planes
 Distance forward of planes > 50
 Distance backward of planes > 50
 Section by > interval
 Step distance > 100

 Northing > -800 i.e. minimum

 TICK section objects
 Apply

104
For next section

105
5. Database > section > next

DIGITISING

(MAKING POSSIBLE BOUNDARY OF ORE & WASTE)

Let for waste str no. = 2 and for ore str no. = 1

@ -800 N

1.* Display > section > grid

106
By which we can digitize upto finite distance estimation from bore hole.
Let assume that from borehole ore region + 50 and -50 distance in X-axis is also
having ore.

1. Create a new layer let -800n

2. Digitize by zoom in/out and follow the segment for the ore region with str no.
1

3. In status bar > click on str = 1 and make it string 2 for waste region.

107
4. Digitize by zoom in/out and follow the segment for the waste region with str
no. 2

5. Save the layer -800n

6. Click next in tool bar or database > section > next

7. Repeat the process for all sections and create -700n, -600n, …., 300n, 400n

108
8. Reset

9. Select all string file and drag in the graphic pane.

10. Save main layer as name ‘all_sections’

109
(All segments should be in same direction)

To check direction

11. File tools > string summary

POP UP
 Location > browse
 Apply

POP UP
 Give a name
 Apply

Report POP UP

110
(See all directions > none
Because there is no direction of lines as in Y-X plane all are lines)
We need to change the plane Y-X to Z-X to
1. Know the directions
2. Change all direction in one direction i.e. clockwise/anticlockwise
Then we change the plane Z-X in previous plane Y-X

12. File tools > string maths

POP UP
 Browse the all_section.str
 Give name to new str file let all_section1

111
  Apply

13. Open saved file.

(Check directions)

14. File tools > string summary

112
POP UP
 Location > browse
 Apply

POP UP
 Give a name
 Apply

Report POP UP

113
(Now we change string direction)

15. File tools > string maths

POP UP
 Browse the all_section1.str
 Give name to new str file let all_section2

 Apply

114
16. Reset

17. Open saved file.

115
 SEPARATE ORE AND WASTE STRINGS

1. Open all_section2.str

2. Save file
 File name > ore
 String range > 1
 Apply

Similarly for waste

3. Save file
 File name > waste
 String range > 2
 Apply

(Now reset graphics and open ore.str and waste.str)

116
117
 SOLID MODELLING
Workflow

(Make a new folder named solid and copy ore.str and waste.str to it and make it
working directory)

1. Open ore.str

2. Solid > triangulate > between segment

POP UP
 Object > 1
 Trisolation > 1
 Apply

3. Click on each trisolation one by one

118
(The ends are open and it is a void)
(Now we expand both ends by let 50 m as ore region is possible there)

4. Solid > triangulate > extrude & triangulate a segment

5. Click on end segment

POP UP
 Object id > 1
 TICK Triangulate end segment
 Direction to copy segment > forward
 Copy segment by > perpendicular to segment plane
 Distance > 50
 Slope > 90

119
6. Esc

7. Solid > triangulate > extrude & triangulate a segment

8. Click on end segment

POP UP
 Object id > 1
 TICK Triangulate end segment
 Direction to copy segment > forward
 Copy segment by > perpendicular to segment plane
 Distance > -50
 Slope > 90

9. Then click on another end segment

120
Now it is a solid.

(As we created excluded parts, they have different triangulation no.)

10. Inquire > triangle properties

11. Click on excluded segments one by one

(In message window you see they have trisolation no. different than 1)

12. Esc

13. Solid > edit > trisolation > renumber

14. Click on excluded segments and make trisolation =1

121
15. Now again check by inquire > triangle properties

(If all same then step 16. Or step 13)

VALIDATION
1. Solid >validation > validate object

POP UP
 Report file name > let ‘ore_valid’
 Set valid object to > solid
 Apply

122
Report POP UP
(If invalid in report then check 3dm, if it is open means having holes and green
lining as highlight color for this problem)

2. Solid > triangulate > inside a segment

POP UP
 Object > 1
 Triangulate > 1
 Apply

3. Select the segment

4. Esc

(This end is closed)

Otherwise in surpac 6.3, it auto correct the solids

5. Solid > validation > validate object

POP UP
 Report file name > let ‘ore_valid’
 Set valid object to > solid
 TICK attempt to auto correct
 Apply

Report POP UP , it is valid.

123
In other version of surpac

6. Validation > set object to solid or void

POP UP
 Object range > 1
 TICK solid
 Apply
(Then validate again)

7. Save ore.dtm 3DM file

(To calculate ore volume)

8. Solid > solid tools > report volume of solids

POP UP
 Give a name
 Apply

(You can report volume in terms of interval and elevation range also)

Report POP UP

124
Now for waste.str

1. Open ore.dtm and waste.str

(You can see patches. some patches can be made by joining 2-3 waste segments
but some can only be made from individuals segments)

2. Hide ore.dtm in layer to see waste.str

125
Here there are seven patches.

For individual segments to make patch we need two points on center line

1. Inquire > point properties

2. Click on segment which make individually patch

(In message window it’ segment no. is shown)

126
3. Display > hide strings > in a layer

POP UP
 String range > 2
 Segment range > a,b;c,d
(Such that only that segment can be shown)
Here segment no = 12 so

127
4. Show the ore.dtm and See segment mid-point coordinate by moving mouse
curser and note it from status bar. As her x= 47, z =834 and for y click Y-Z or X-
Y plane and see a line whose y = 300

5. To create centerline two points

Create > point > by coordinate
X= 47, z= 834 and give y= 250 and 350 for making two points at 50 m distance
from both sides of center point

128
6. Solid > triangulate > segment to a point
Then follow the command in command chooser.

7. Save the 3DM file.

Repeat the process for all segments from by which individually trisolation can
be made
129
 For segments who can be joined to make a trisolation

1. Inquire segment no. of any two segments which can be joined and hide all
other

2. Create centerline points of both segments

3. Solid > triangulate between segments

130
 Click on both segments

If error shows that due to duplicate points (distance < 0.05 m) cannot be
triangulated then

Edit > segment > clean

POP UP
 Function > duplicate points
 Action > remove
 Apply

Now repeate the process 3

131
4. Solid > triangulate > segment to a point

Click on outside point and then segment boundary

Then again select other outside point and nearest segment boundary

Save this triangulation as 3DM

Similarly make other trisolation

5. Open all saved trisolations and save main layer and name the file as Waste.dtm

132
Now we need to outer sect/intersect the solid
Here waste part is being outer-sected

1. Open ore.dtm & waste.dtm

2. Solid > solid tools > outer sect solids

POP UP
 Graphic layer name > let ‘outer1’
 Object no. > let 3
 Apply

Perform work as per message window

3. Select outersected trisolation > waste part

4. Select outersecting trisolation > ore part

133
5. Save this 3DM as outer1.dtm

6. Reset

7. Open outer1.dtm

134
Similarly perform the procedure to make all outers

8. Select all outer and open in graphic pane and then save main layer as
waste_modified.dtm

135
 BLOCK MODEL

TO CREATE AN EMPTY BLOCK MODEL

1. Block model > block model > new

POP UP
 Name > test
 Apply

POP UP
 Apply

POP UP
 TICK get extents from string file
 Browse ore.str
(MIN & MAX. x,y,z range is obtained)
Increase range 50 in both sides

 User block size as per burden, spacing and bench height

Let x=25, y=25, z=10
 Sub blocking > standard
 Choose one forth
 Apply

136
POP UP
 Apply

Now test.mdl is connected.

2. Click on text in status bar & save

3. Click on text > display

POP UP
 Apply

137
 ADD NEW ATTRIBUTES

1. Block model > attributes > new

POP UP
 Attributes > fe
 Type > real
 Decimals > 2
 Background value > -1
Background value is initial assumed value of block which is not part of ore
and display waste part
Means fe < 50 which is waste will display background value = -1
 Apply

138
2. Test > save

ORE BODY FROM BLOCK MODEL

1. Click on text > new constraint

POP UP
 Constraint type > 3DM
 Browse > ore.dtm
 TICK inside
 TICK Keep blocks partially in the constraint
 Save constraint to > ore
 Add
 Apply

Ore body is formed by blocks and ore.con is saved.

139
 TO SHOW ORE BODY IN A INTERVAL

Let we want to see ore body from z= 700 to z=8oo

1. Test > new constraint

POP UP
 Constraint type > z plane
 Z = 700
 TICK above
 Add

140
Now a) constraint value is added

 Z = 800
 UNTICK above
 Add
Now b) constraint value is added

 Apply

141
 DISPLAY BLOCKS BELOW TOPOGRAPHY

1. Test > new constraint

POP UP
 Constraint type > DTM
 Browse > topo.dtm
 UNTICK above
 Add

142
 ESTIMATION & COMPOSITION

For estimation we require a string file for grade of fe.

Compositing means making samples of equal length.

1. Connect to database ism.ddb

2. Database > composite > downhole

POP UP
 Location > let ‘dh_composite’
 Composite length > let 1
 Determine composite length by > fixed length
 Min. % of samples to be included > 75
(Means if leftover length at the end of borehole is greater than .75 it will be in
string no. 1 and if less than .75 then string no. 2)
 Define the zone selection method > no selection
 Table name > assay
 Field name > fe
 Apply

143
3. Open saved string file in notepad

Basic statistics involved and available in SURPAC

Firstly Connect the drill hole database >> create another composite file (database
>> composite >> down hole >> give name >> write field to be composited ex.
Fe, Sio2 >> apply >>apply)

Go to Database >> analysis >> Basic statistics window (>> click on File >> load
data from string/block model file >> browse the string/block model file >> give
a name say Fe >> entre number of bins

The data should be represented into say 20 >> if want to focus/vision on certain
particular area “go to the advance tab” otherwise tick the negative block option,
so that even negative values can be incorporated in the analysis >> Apply.

144
Can display grids to go to display >> display/hide grids

145
Can get the following statistical representations:

146
147
148
149
To merge two distributions on one graph as a X/Y

 Go to display XY scatter diagram >> window pops, specify the X & Y

variables >> apply.

150
After merging both plots one can view the co-ordinates (here the Fe, Sio2
composition) of the curser point

TO GET A REPORT

Go to statistics >> report >> give a name >> apply

Now, check the value of co-efficient of variation in the report, if the value is
LESS than 1(say 0.13) otherwise the other methods will be used as stated during
the block modeling section, ISD (inverse square distance) method will be used
for estimation of block model with attributes already added.

FOR ESTIMATION

Connect the Block model >> go to >> Block model >> estimation >> Inverse
distance >>window pops,
Data source type string, browse the string file, tick constraint data, enter sting
range, browse the attributes to be estimated say Fe, sample, give number of
samples in an ellipsoid of estimation >> enter constraint window, in constraint
type select “constraint” browse the .con file >> add >> apply >> search
parameters window >> entre max & min no. of samples/search radius major:
minor=1, major: semi-major=1, can see a preview of the ellipsoid by clicking on
ellipsoid visualize >> apply >> in the next window ISD power “2” in the XYZ
enter 3 in each >> apply and get a report.

151
152
153
Save the block model
TO VIEW ATTRIBUTES

Go to block model >> attributes >> view attributes for one block

For adding/deleting new attributes say specific gravity (s.g)

Go to Block model >> attributes >> new/delete >> give name, type and all >> apply

154
Now to assign a value to this attribute

Go to block model >> estimation >> assign value and tick the constraint
interpolation option >> browse the attribute and enter the value >> apply >> enter
constraint window pops add the ore.con file >> apply >> save block model.

155
Now check attribute and “s.g” will be seen too.

TO COLOR THE BLOCK MODEL AS PER ORE GRADE

Go to block model on the status bar >> color by attribute >> browse the attribute
according to which the coloring has to be done >> click on the Scan to get the
color scheme, one can even edit the scheme >> apply

156
One can further add constraint to display a particular grade of ore with a particular
color and compute the volume of the same.

Go to block model(status bar) >> new constraint >> window pops enter the
constraint type as Block, Fe >= say 50 >> add, 2nd constraint as ore.con >> apply.

157
 Now to calculate the area of ore above a particular grade:

We need to use the Partial percentage method to calculate the volume for that let
add another attribute say PP.

Go to block model >> estimation >> partial percentage >> window pops,
constraint type 3DM, browse PP, precision 3, browse ore.dtm, tick the Inside
option >> apply >> save the block model.

158
Now go to block model >> block model >> report >> give name, check the
constraint option >> apply >> browse the attribute say Fe, check the vol.
adjustment option, select PP, in density adjustment select s.g (specific gravity),
if want to get bench wise/between particular heights/R.L use grouping attribute
and add the attribute say Z and limit say 650, 900, 10 add another say Fe and
limit say 50,70,5 etc..>> Constraint window select constraint in type and browse
ore.con >> apply and get a report of bench wise and grade wise volume.

Block model >> block model >> export >> block centroid and dimension to
string file >> choose format, check constraint report, give name, output block
attribute tick some option and browse Fe >> constraint window again add ore.con
>> apply and get the string file.

159
160
161
 CREATING DTM FROM A BLOCK MODEL

Block model >> export >> block surfaces to dtm

SLICE PLAN
Block model >> section >> create >> choose perpendicular to that axis in which
one can find more symmetry/succession of no. of holes say perpendicular to z
axis, range, click on define to get total no. of sections that will be created >>
apply.

162
One can classify the ore as per grade and can have it displayed via:
First add new attribute.

Block model >> attribute >> math >> browse the ore.str file, tick constraint option,
in the expression write function as per the cutoff grade for ex-
iif(Fe>=65,”HG”,iif(Fe<65 & Fe>=60,”MG”iif(Fe<60 &
Fe>=55,”LG”,iif(Fe<55 & Fe>=50,”VLG”,”WASTE”)))) >> apply >> add the
constraint as constraint type for ore.con >> apply.

163
 PIT DESIGN
Required information: -
 Pit base
 Bench height
 Berm width
 Bench gradient
 Ramp details – ramp position, ramp gradient, ramp width, ramp direction.

Open the lowest R.L slice plane >> take a new layer >> choose snap to plane mode
(>> create >> digitise >> toggle plane mode >> click on three positions in the
graphical pane in a triangular fashion, this automatics selects the snap to plane

164
 mode) >> digitise the pit base >> save

Now open the pit base >> digitise point markers >> select two consecutive points to
start the ramp and separate them by the ramp width distance

165
Design >> pit design >> set slope gradient >> select the angle option and enter
70.
Design >> pit design >> new ramp >> select the inner point followed by the
second one, ramp name, string, ramp direction, gradient, check the centre of the
ramp option >> apply

166
Design >> expand segment >> by bench height >> select the pit base, enter the
bench height, check up, expand >> apply

Design >> expand segment >> by Berm width >> select the required segment,
enter the berm width, gradient >> apply

167
Open the next slice plane and check whether all of ore is well inside the expanded
base, if not move the boundary points except the ramp points to enclose the entire
ore.

168
 Repeat the above process for all the slices and the pit will be all done and
prepared.

If direction of ramp is to be changed then while expanding the pit by berm width
check the add switchback option and enter the turning radius.

169
Now can create the DTM of the pit and get a true visualization of how the pit will
appear on the surface.

170
 PLOTTING
Surpac enables taking a plot of whatever present in the graphical pane
irrespective of the plane and orientation of the work.

Open the file >> plotting >> auto plot >>enter the preferred sheet size, adjust the
sheet layouts such as scale, orientation etc... (Keep the work in XY plane) >>
apply >> in the plotting window for putting symbols/text etc... Create >> choose
the options.

For taking plot of DTM plotting >> auto plot >> enter all the sheet details but in
plot data contents options select Raster data render surfaces >> apply.

 One can create one’s own title block in the plotting sheets plotting first
create an empty structure
 go to plotting sheet setup >> modify the sheet as needed by the options on
the menu bar of this plotting window >> apply

171
 Now go to Drawing areas >> new >> browse the file, give a name >> apply

 grids >> new >> give grid ID >> apply

 Title block >> new >> give id, browse the plot sheet >> give the offsets as
per need following a co-ordinate system, create the horizontal/vertical lines for
title and other heads (>> create >> horizontal/vertical/text >> apply) >> save.

172
Now to plot/import the work on the prepared plot sheet structure go to plotting
>> auto plot >> browse the sheet, grid, border, title block all that has been created
in the above step >> apply.

173
 SURVEY DATABASE

Go to survey >> survey database >> new >> give name >> apply >> add the
survey station information tab >> apply >> get all information >> apply

An empty database is created now to import the files:

Survey >> station >> insert record >> apply >> apply >> insert the values, level
area (STNC), copy Y value and paste, in station type Surface, add rows and insert
other station ID and information >> apply.

Survey >> data recorder >> select SOKKIA.SDR33 >> select data recorder
function >> browse file >> apply >>apply >> string file is created along with
database.

So a string file can be created by importing raw data directly from the total station
and other equipments.
Survey >> station >> display station from database >> select level area in the
field type >> apply >> apply.

174
This shows the stations from the database.
To create a plan map:
Go to plotting >> map >> new map >> browse the .str file, fill all the other heads
>> apply

175
Plotting >> process >> browse the file edited/modified/created in the last step,
enter the XY intervals, scale, sheet size and fill all the other heads >> apply >>
give title >> apply >> enter the grid interval X& Y >> apply.

176
177