How the 3D block models are built?

Stockpile Block Modelling

R
Written by René
Updated over a week ago


Summary:

The Stockpile and Inventory Optimization app uses a physics engine that automatically ingests and processes fleet management data (FMS), GPS coordinates, and topographical surveys to create a full 3D block model of each stockpile, similar to an insitu ore control model. Each stockpile model contains all available variables requested for the site, such as volumes, density, grades for all minerals (not just ore), hardness, recovery etc. The models are created on a daily basis and can be updated at any timeframe that new survey data is available. Each model is created in csv format which is easily uploaded into Geological modeling tools and Mine planning tools.

Modeling approach:

  • Stockpiles are defined on grids with configurable cell sizes based on site preferences (e.g., 3.25m x 3.25 m).

  • Each part of the grid contains a column with a known height.

  • The columns contain lists with the heights of each “batch” added to them. These:

    • are modified to reflect what happens in the stockpile

    • track the Batch IDs of material and assigned properties

  • Each column has a maximum slope so that when the material is dumped/reclaimed past a specified slope (and height), the material “moves” to its neighboring columns.

  • The material continues to be added/removed under the aforementioned conditions

  • Survey scans are used to validate the model.

    • The model uses AI to “shape” itself to the scan

In case there are dozers providing GPS data, then:

- Paddock dumps:

  • GPS dozer movement (x,y,z) is used to modify the stockpile model.

  • The data is processed at regular intervals ( incl: dump and reclaim data)

  • Model neither adding or removing material

    • only modifying the spatial distribution of material and properties of the current model state.

  • Model uses the vertical columns in the configurable grid (e.g 3.25mx3.25m).

    • each column includes the surface heights

  • Dozer movements are triangulated and the material model modifies the material heights and properties within the vertical columns.

    - Pushing over bulkhead:

  • Similar to the Paddock dumps but reliant on the vertical offset of the original surface.

In general, dozing movements are tracked by dozer id and filtered to only account for movements within the defined boundaries. The Model can additionally be modified using scans surveys.

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