Micro Mine Overview

Copyright Micromine
MICROMINE Overview

Document Version 3.1. February 2007

MICROMINE Overview
Page 2 of 47 Copyright Micromine.
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Micromine Pty Ltd will not accept any liability arising from the use of the software or any
other software product mentioned in this document; nor for any technical or editorial
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The mention of any other computer software product within this document does not
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Copyright

Micromine Pty Ltd is the owner of the software, and of all icons and logos within the
software, together with all soft and hardcopy documentation. This document contains
information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied or
reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Micromine Pty Ltd.
@ Copyright, September 2007 Micromine Pty Ltd.

Trademark Acknowledgment
MICROMINE is a trademark of Micromine Pty Ltd. Other brands and product names
mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

Micromine Pty Ltd
174 Hampden Rd
Nedlands WA 6009
Perth
Australia
Tel: + 61 8 9423 9000
Fax:+ 61 8 9423 9001
Email:mm@micromine.com.au
www:http://www.micromine.com

MICROMINE Overview
Copyright Micromine Page i
Table of Contents
MICROMINE Overview..........................................................................5
User Interface ......................................................................................................... 5
Form Sets .......................................................................................................... 5
File Editor........................................................................................................... 6
Filters................................................................................................................ 7
Colour files ......................................................................................................... 8
Hatch files.......................................................................................................... 9
Symbols............................................................................................................. 9
Vizex............................................................................................................... 10
Online Help....................................................................................................... 11
Data Input and Export ............................................................................................. 12
Keyboard ......................................................................................................... 12
Text Files ......................................................................................................... 12
ODBC.............................................................................................................. 13
Digitising.......................................................................................................... 13
DXF................................................................................................................. 13
Other............................................................................................................... 13
Data Validation...................................................................................................... 13
Look Up Tables.................................................................................................. 14
Validate Field Content......................................................................................... 14
Drill Hole Validation............................................................................................ 15
3D Viewer ........................................................................................................ 15
Data Processing................................................................................................. 15
File Calculations ................................................................................................ 16
Merging ........................................................................................................... 16
Gridding........................................................................................................... 16
Drill Holes ........................................................................................................ 17
Digital Terrain Model (DTM)................................................................................. 17
Coordinate Transformation.................................................................................. 18
Assigning ......................................................................................................... 18
Strings............................................................................................................. 18
Data Visualisation.................................................................................................. 19
Points.............................................................................................................. 19
Strings............................................................................................................. 21
Outlines ........................................................................................................... 22
Drill Holes ........................................................................................................ 23
Grids ............................................................................................................... 26
OBMs............................................................................................................... 27
Wireframes....................................................................................................... 29
Data Presentation .................................................................................................. 30
Images ............................................................................................................ 30
Hardcopy ......................................................................................................... 30
PDF................................................................................................................. 31
VRML............................................................................................................... 31
Fly Through...................................................................................................... 32
Surveying............................................................................................................ 32
Download Data Recorders ................................................................................... 32
Calculations...................................................................................................... 32
MICROMINE Overview
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String Edit........................................................................................................ 33
Volumes........................................................................................................... 33
Statistics ............................................................................................................. 33
Quality Control .................................................................................................. 34
Distribution....................................................................................................... 34
Decomposition .................................................................................................. 34
Geostatistics ........................................................................................................ 35
Semi Variograms ............................................................................................... 35
Trend Surface Analysis ....................................................................................... 36
Cross Validation ................................................................................................ 36
Variogram Surfaces............................................................................................ 36
Modelling............................................................................................................. 37
Polygonal ......................................................................................................... 37
Build and Edit Wireframes ................................................................................... 37
Block............................................................................................................... 38
Seam .............................................................................................................. 39
Pit Optimisation................................................................................................. 40
Model Reporting ................................................................................................ 40
Grade Control ....................................................................................................... 40
Blast Hole Patterns ............................................................................................ 41
Mine Design ......................................................................................................... 42
Pit Design......................................................................................................... 42
Underground Design .......................................................................................... 43
Ring Design...................................................................................................... 44
Macros................................................................................................................ 45
How Macros Work.............................................................................................. 45
Toolbox............................................................................................................ 47

MICROMINE Overview
Copyright Micromine Page 5 of 47
MICROMINE Overview
MICROMINE was developed in 1987 as a software package for exploration geologists,
and was one of the first products of its kind to run on a personal computer. For the first
time, geologists were able to analyse the data they had collected in the field.
By the early 1990s, MICROMINE was recognised as a technological leader and regarded
as an easy to use, functional and robust package. A commitment to continuous
improvement has meant that it has now become a total mining package, with
capabilities ranging from data import to mine design.
The real strength of MICROMINE is its ability to convert raw data into information. Not
all data is valuable, often it is out of date or irrelevant. MICROMINE combines an
extensive range of data validation and processing tools, with the data modelling and
visualisation tools needed to identify and present relevant information.
When that information is used to improve an organisation's existing knowledge and
understanding of its mineral resources, such as helping someone to understand where
to find the next major discovery, or providing the know-how to beat sliding metal
prices, a real high yield return can be achieved.
MICROMINE's functionality is arranged around a suite of modules, enabling users to
tailor a package to suit their specific needs. The core module is an application in its own
right, with import, data entry, editing, validation, processing, visualisation, presentation
and export capabilities.
MICROMINE is a fully integrated system, and not a cluster of separate utilities. You can
extend the power of your system at any time by adding new modules.
User Interface
The success of a product like MICROMINE depends on its ease-of-use. MICROMINE's
powerful yet intuitive interface enables users to produce results efficiently and easily.
Given the transient nature of the workforce in the resources sector, usability contributes
greatly to MICROMINE's low Total Cost of Ownership. Here are some of the features that
make the MICROMINE user interface the best in the business:
Form Sets
Most functions require the user to define a set of control parameters in a form. In
MICROMINE this is done using form sets. Parameters are usually selected from a valid
list of options and default values are provided. For example, when a new file is selected,
default field names are presented to the user.
These and other timesaving features have been built into each form. When opened, a
form defaults to the last values used. The contents of a form can be saved as a form set
for later re-use.
MICROMINE Overview
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Typically, users will share the same local or global form sets, but may also have their
own personal form sets. Once the concept of forms and form Sets is understood, a user
has effectively learnt how to run most of the functions in MICROMINE.
File Editor
The MICROMINE File Editor uses a spreadsheet-style interface to create and maintain
MICROMINE Data Files. In addition to the editing facilities found in many databases, it is
optimised for geological and field data entry, and includes many powerful functions.
MICROMINE Data Files are ASCII (text) files with a simple header followed by equal
length data records. The uncomplicated format of these files has meant that they have
become a de facto standard in the industry.
As well as providing standard editing functions (Cut, Paste, Insert, Delete, Sort, Find,
Replace) the MICROMINE File Editor also provides the following features:
A colour file can be applied to a field
A set of nested look-up tables can be attached to a field
Calculation functions can be used to change the content of specific cells
Data from another file can be merged or appended
MICROMINE Overview

Filters
Whenever a function reads data, a filter can be attached to the input file. Previously
saved filters can be selected, or it is a simple matter to set up a new one.
Filters combine a group of conditional statements to determine which records the
process will use. Selection criteria can be combined so that a filter can be set to process
only those records where Tenement = E62/99 and Date Drilled > 19920819 (see
example below).
This allows a wide range of data manipulations to be carried out easily and efficiently.

MICROMINE Overview

Colour files
The effective use of Colour is an important aid to visualisation. In MICROMINE you can
easily associate numeric ranges or text values with particular colours. Once defined, a
Colour Set can be used by any display function.

MICROMINE Overview
Hatch files
Hatching (of polygons or alongside a drill hole trace) is another way to make your data
more meaningful. Hatch Sets work in the same way as Colour Sets (see above) and
because the hatch patterns are based on True Type Fonts, they are fast and flexible.
MICROMINE comes with a complete set of geological hatch patterns based on the AGSO
and USGS standards. New patterns can be added on request.

Symbols
Like Hatching, Symbols use True Type Font technology to give maximum control over
colour, style and size. On a display, symbols are plotted at point locations and can also
be used to display such things as North points and logos.

MICROMINE Overview

A huge range of symbols is bundled with MICROMINE. New symbols can be added on
request.
Vizex
The Visual Explorer (Vizex) graphical interface provides an efficient and fully interactive
way to display all types of data from points to images.
Each object that is loaded into the display can be controlled using the Object Manager.
The Object Manager can be used to arrange the data sets you want to see in a layered
display. Each layer in the display can be edited interactively using the Vizex Graphic
Editor.

Multiple datasets can be viewed simultaneously, in plan and section view, simply by
opening a new window.
MICROMINE Overview

Online Help
Online help is available with Index and Search facilities and each form has context
MICROMINE Overview

sensitive help.

Context sensitive help applies to the individual parameters in a form, as well as to the
form (function) itself.
Clicking on a Help button on a form displays an overview of the function. Users
unfamiliar with a particular function can learn about it quickly and easily.
Hard copy manuals are also available and the content is accessible in PDF format
directly from the Help menu.
Data Input and Export
Keyboard
MICROMINE's spreadsheet-style File Editor can be used to enter data. A number of
built-in functions are provided to speed up data entry.
For example, in an interval file you can set the SAMPLE field to increment by 1, the
HOLE field to replicate, the FROM field to equal TO field value on the previous record
and the TO field to increment by 2.
A new record that applies all these conditions can be entered with a single keystroke.
There is also a special function to input drill hole information. This creates the Collar,
Survey and Interval files in a single operation.
Text Files
There are facilities within MICROMINE to import data from any type of text file, ranging
from comma or tab-delimited file formats to downloaded magnetic data that has header
information interspersed with the data readings themselves.
Data from text files can be imported as a new file, appended to an existing file, or
merged into an existing file.
To merge data there must be a key field, which is common to both the text file and the
MICROMINE Overview
existing MICROMINE file, that can be used to determine matching records. Merging
assay lab results into an interval file, based on sample number, is a typical use of this
method.
In addition to the merge import option described above, a separate merge function,
specifically designed to import data from assay lab files (in either SIF or comma-
delimited format), is provided.
ODBC
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) is an interface that allows applications to access
data in Database Management Systems (DBMS) such as SQL Server, Access, Oracle and
Excel.
Using ODBC as a method of reading from, or writing to, external databases relies on the
appropriate ODBC Driver being installed on your system. The Windows Control Panel
provides the means to create a Data Source that configures the driver to suit your
needs.
Once a Data Source is in place (and this only needs to be done once) MICROMINE can
interface with the DBMS. There are two ways of making the data in an external
database accessible to MICROMINE.
1. Import the data into a MICROMINE file. The original database and the new
MICROMINE file are now completely independent
2. Link to the external database. The data is available to all MICROMINE functions
as a read-only file. Modifications to the original database are reflected when
the data is accessed from MICROMINE.
ODBC functionality can also be used to export data to an external DBMS.
Digitising
MICROMINE includes specialised functions to import Point, Line, Polygon and Profile data
using a digitiser. Attribute information can be conveniently entered at the same time
(for example, sample numbers can be written to a field that automatically increments)
and digitiser buttons can be mapped to tasks such as closing the current polygon. The
data is displayed as it is entered and the display can show background information.
DXF
DXF is an interchange format developed by AutoCad. The import process works with
text and line data independently, so MICROMINE will independently extract information
into two separate files. Specific layers and objects can be excluded during the import
process.
Any plot generated in MICROMINE can be output as a DXF file so that it can be used in
other applications. MICROMINE can also export any XY(Z) data set into DXF format.
Other
Total Station: MICROMINE includes a special function that can be configured to
download and process data collected by a surveyor's total station.
GPS: A computer running MICROMINE can be connected to a GPS receiver so that the
coordinates can be downloaded in real time.
Laboratory Samples: A comprehensive process is provided to import data from (not so
standard) laboratory SIF files.
Wireframes: MICROMINE can directly import Vulcan wireframes and can also import
wireframes exported as 3D Faces in DXF files. It can also handle separate (text) Point
and Triangle files.
Data Validation
Quality Control is a managerial concept normally associated with manufacturing and the
MICROMINE Overview

provision of good and services, but the quality assurance of your data is just as
important.
Ignoring the need to safeguard the integrity and completeness of your data will end up
costing you dollars (hindsight has proved this on many occasions).
Some of the benefits of "getting it right first time" are:
Decreased data collection costs (fewer mistakes have to be corrected and less
time is spent reworking as a result).
Improved productivity.
Greater confidence in the accuracy and reliability of information obtained from
data.
Containment of risk
It is important to ensure that appropriate criteria for data quality have been established
prior to collating data. Identify the requirements for the entry of your operation-critical
data, whether the values entered will be mandatory and/or unique, or fall within
acceptable ranges of variation.
This will allow automatic checks to be included at the data collection point so that
potential errors can be detected, identified, and hopefully resolved or recollected. As
well as providing safeguards that prevent incorrect data from being entered in the first
place, MICROMINE has many ways of verifying existing data.
Look Up Tables
A good way to enforce validation during the data entry process is to attach user-defined
Lookup Tables to fields.

Lookup Tables support multiple levels of nesting and can be used for data entry as well
as a validation tool.
Validate Field Content
MICROMINE contains a generalised validation function, which compares the contents of
a field against allowable values and data ranges. Minimum and maximum values can be
defined for Numeric fields, while the content of character fields can be compared against
a check file containing a list of valid codes. The validation results are written to a report
file.
Another useful validation function parses the contents of a specified field and reports on
the unique values contained in that field.
MICROMINE Overview
Drill Hole Validation
MICROMINE has specialised checking for drillhole information. Drill Hole Validation
reports on intervals that are missing, overlap or extend past the bottom of the hole.
There are also warnings for things such as missing data, unlikely survey values, and
inconsistencies between the collar, survey and assay files.
If topographical information for the drilling region is available, then a Digital Terrain
Model (DTM) can be generated and the Z values entered in the collar file can be
compared to the DTM, or alternatively the Z values for the holes can be generated from
the DTM, especially in early exploration.
3D Viewer
Displaying data to visibly check for spatial errors and colour coding the data to highlight
unexpected values is one of the most effective validation methods.
Being able to zoom to the data extents, quickly indicates if there are any "outliers".
Displaying gridded models or DTMs in 3D (using MICROMINE's 3D Viewer or the Vizex
display environment) makes unlikely Z values stand out. Similarly, gross errors in a set
of profile data are immediately identified.

In the picture above the topography is shown as a partially transparent Digital Terrain
Model (DTM) and, together with the drill hole traces, is displayed in the 3D Viewer.
Clearly 2 of the drill holes have an incorrect collar RL.
Data Processing
Raw data should not be modified in any way (without very good reason). To do so is to
compromise the integrity of the data. However, in most cases, in order to extract
information from raw data, some processing of the data is required.
This is well illustrated by the case of a surveyor using his total station to do a stockpile
pickup. The measurements that are downloaded from the data recorder are of little use
MICROMINE Overview

until coordinates of the observed points are calculated. These can be used to generate a
DTM, which, in turn, can provide a stockpile volume.
Similarly, drill hole collar, survey and assay data becomes more valuable when
displayed as a colour-coded trace. Now, outlines representing mineralisation can be
digitised and used as the basis for modelling.
Later on, you might change the shape of one of your outlines (an interpretation based
on available information). However, you would be unlikely to change the raw data itself
(a collar location, or a downhole survey) unless the original measurement had been
repeated.
File Calculations
MICROMINE provides over 30 mathematical functions that can be used to calculate new
values based on existing data. Often the calculations will be very simple.
Filters allow the user to modify only part of the file. Not having this type of facility
available as part of the software package can become very frustrating. Other useful
processing utilities in MICROMINE are:
Generating text values from numerical data ranges or vice versa. For example,
you can use this to assign SG values to a field depending on the lithology code
for that record.
Calculating (weighted) averages of sample replicates and other data.
Splitting and joining fields.
Extracting unique values in a file.
Extracting the minimum, maximum, average or sum associated with a group of
records.
Using collar and survey information, the 3D coordinates for downhole data,
trenches, sample lines and drill hole traces can be generated.
Merging
Merging data from one file into another based on matching values in a key field is an
extremely powerful tool. When a value is written to the Target file there is an option to
flag that record allowing you to track "missing" samples (those not flagged) or compare
the content of different files.
There is also a special drill hole merge function that allows the user to establish "rules"
governing how intervals will match. This allows you to write (say) lithology codes into
an assay file where the intervals do not match.
Gridding
This process generates a grid of blocks or cells, and each cell is assigned an estimated
value of a numeric attribute. There is a choice of five different algorithms to generate
these estimates: Inverse Distance Power; Anisotropic Inverse Distance Power; Kriging
(seven semi-variogram models available); Minimum Curvature and Nearest Neighbour.
There are also controls on the grid density and the search ellipse size and shape. Trends
can be removed directly or using semi-variogram models.
Contour strings can also be generated and the grid can be converted to a DTM.
MICROMINE Overview

Drill Holes
MICROMINE can perform a wide variety of drill hole related calculations. For example:
numeric extractions on various fields, calculating true thickness, intersections and seam
thickness, and Plane Of Vein conversions.
The coordinates of the drill hole trace, interval mid points, and upper and lower surfaces
can be generated. Regular or irregular sample intervals can be composited by downhole,
bench (RL), Easting or Northing interval. Additionally, a constant field (typically
Lithology) can be specified to force a new composite whenever the value in the field
changes.
It is also possible to use the values in a grade field to determine the compositing rules.
A set of conditions can be specified to determine exactly how this will occur, with control
over the cutoff grade, the amount and nature of internal waste, and minimum
composite length.
Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
DTMs are similar to grids in the sense that they produce a surface from a set of data
points. The essential difference is that DTMs have only a single solution, because the
XYZ values of each point used to generate the surface are honoured. DTMs are used to
model exact data, typically topography such as stockpiles, pits and natural ground
surface.
MICROMINE DTMs use the proven Delaunay Triangulation to generate a set of triangles
connecting each point, in a data file, to its natural neighbours. A closed boundary can be
used to restrict the triangulation. Features, such as the crest and toes of benches, can
be identified as "breaklines", and the function will prevent lines in the triangulation from
intersecting or crossing these strings. Once a DTM has been created, you can:
Contour the Z values of the surface.
Calculate volumes between DTMs, or a DTM and a plane.
Calculate the Z values for a file containing points with known X and Y
MICROMINE Overview

coordinates.
Report whether points in a file are above, below or outside a DTM
Calculate thickness from DTMs representing the top and bottom of a seam.
Coordinate Transformation
Location, or position, is a fundamental requirement when dealing with mineral
resources. When we use an X and Y value to describe the position of a point on the
earth's surface, they are in terms of some mathematically defined reference grid. There
are two fundamental types of coordinates:
Geographic: The X and Y values are known as Longitudes and Latitudes. The units of
measurement are degrees and they are referenced to a spheroid, which is a
mathematical surface representing the shape of the earth. Unfortunately the earth is
not an exact spheroid, so each country or continent has used a spheroid that provides a
"best fit" in their region. Clarke, Bessel, Australian National, and GDA94 are some
examples. Even the same spheroid can be shifted, relative to the earth's centre. The
reference systems for geographic coordinates are known as Geodetic Datums.
Plane: The X and Y values are known as East and North. These coordinates are the
projection of a spheroid onto a flat surface. Different types of projections are available,
but the most common map projection is called Transverse Mercator (TM). One of the
properties of a TM projection is that the scale is constant along any north-south grid
line.
A variety called Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM - which includes the map grid of
Australia) is a uniform worldwide projection that has gained great acceptance as a
standard for national mapping systems.
One thing common to all plane coordinate systems is the definition of an origin point,
where both the East and North value are zero. Sometimes the projection defines a false
easting and northing.
Local: There are times when an arbitrary local grid is used. It is common in mineral
exploration to align a grid parallel to the strike of the ore body.
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers use data that is broadcast from orbiting
satellites to calculate latitudes and longitudes in terms of the WGS84 datum, which uses
a spheroid that best fits the earth's surface as a whole. Today there is a trend for
countries to use this same spheroid as the basis for their National Geodetic Datum.
MICROMINE provides the tools to convert between all the commonly used coordinate
systems. Typically sectional interpretation, gridding and modelling are done using a
local (plane) grid system. It is important to be able to relate this to tenement
boundaries, which are generally defined in terms of a regional or national grid system.
On some occasions it will be necessary to convert between different Geodetic Datums.
This can all be done using MICROMINE's Grid Transformation functions. It is also easy to
generate hardcopy plots with multiple grids.
Assigning
One of MICROMINE's most versatile functions is being able to assign properties to points
that lie inside (or outside) a polygon or solid. Attributes commonly defined in this
manner are Grade, SG or simply a flag value, which will subsequently be used as a
means to filter the data. In block modelling, for example, it is necessary to remove all
blocks that are outside the wireframe representing the ore body. Points can also be
assigned against a DTM to separate those above and below the surface.
Strings
Strings are groups of neighbouring points that have a common attribute. When
displayed, strings are equivalent to lines. Contours, road centre-lines and boundaries
are all examples of strings. MICROMINE contains many functions that either manipulate
or generate strings. Some examples are:
Removing redundant points.
Smoothing strings by fitting a B-spline curve to them.
MICROMINE Overview
Setting the same X and Y coordinates to points that are close together
Converting a set of geological section outlines into an equivalent set of plan
outlines.
Generating a set of profiles from a contour file.
Producing cross-sections through underground workings such as declines and
drifts based on files containing strings representing floors, backs or both.
Data Visualisation
The key to finding out more about your data, particularly inter-relationships and trends,
is to view it spatially.
Although the mineralised zones to be located and mined are three-dimensional entities,
many of the techniques used to understand the data that has been collected use
essentially two-dimensional solutions.
MICROMINE has the visualisation tools necessary to work through these tried and
proven methods, but also provides 3D capabilities allowing the user to see the "bigger
picture".
Some of the 2D displays that can be used to add value to your data are:
Cross Sections and Long Sections
Plan Projections
Stereo Nets
Ternary Diagrams
Pies and Symbols
Contour Grids
Drill hole Logs
Statistical Graphs
The Vizex interface allows layers of 2D data to be displayed together. Data types
(objects) include Images, CAD files, GIS files, Outlines, Contour Grids, Points, Strings,
Profiles and Drill Holes.
When you move into the third dimension you can continue to use these same objects,
but will find that two additional representations are very useful. They are surfaces and
solids, the three-dimensional equivalent of open and closed strings.
The MICROMINE 3D Viewer environment is ideal for visualizing shapes, surface and
solids. It has comprehensive wireframing tools and puts data in a very compelling three-
dimensional spatial context (promoting it from raw data to information), therefore
leveraging the potential payback.
It is a tool you must use to present your geological interpretations.
Points
Point locations can be displayed using symbols and annotations. The user can select the
type, colour, size and rotation of the symbol. Multiple values can be displayed around
each data point and their colour, position and size can also be controlled.
Colour, rotation, symbol type and size attributes can be specified by values from
nominated fields in the file. For example, soil samples could be colour coded according
to their Cu value, sized in proportion to the Pb value, with the Zn value (separately
colour coded) as the annotation.
MICROMINE Overview

Specialised point displays include:
Pie Diagrams: Display up to eight variables as pie wedges at data points. The
radius of each pie can be varied in proportion to the value being displayed or
by using a series of discrete sizes.
Ternary Diagrams: Show relationships between three variables. Data may be
colour and symbol coded.
Stereographic Projections: Both Schmidt and Wulff stereograms can be
displayed.
Spider Plots: Indicate the relationships between multiple elements.
MICROMINE Overview

Of course points can also be displayed in the 3D viewer, making it easy to include
topography into the equation.
Strings
Strings are displayed as lines and can be identified by colour, line weight and line type.

MICROMINE includes comprehensive, interactive editing facilities. Strings can be
MICROMINE Overview

displayed in 3D using either Vizex or the 3D viewer.

Strings can also be used to represent magnetic surveys or multi element soil samples by
displaying stacked profiles along section lines.
Outlines
Outlines (closed polygonal shapes) can be digitised over any display. They are typically
used to draw boundaries such as ore zones or tenements. These can then be used to
flag data points that are inside (or outside) the shape, or to calculate areas, volumes
and grades.

MICROMINE Overview

Sectional interpretations of mineralised zones are the building blocks used to generate a
solid representation of the ore body.
Outlines have interactive editing facilities and the ability to snap points to sample
boundaries on drill holes.
The 3D Viewer provides the environment to build and edit wireframes. It also has a
facility to display outlines as solid objects by projecting the shape onto parallel planes
either side of the section and then using these to automatically construct a temporary
wireframe.

a) Outlines, drill holes and transparent topography. b) Same scene with "solid" outlines
Drill Holes
There are a number of functions to analyse drill hole data in section, plan, or hole by
hole. These displays can also handle data such as underground channel sampling or
trenches.
Drill hole traces can be viewed in any orientation with clipping planes positioned either
MICROMINE Overview

side of the section. The line representing the trace can be colour coded by using a
numeric or character field in any associated interval file. The collar and end of hole can
be annotated using various options and further detail on either side of the trace can
include:
Depth
Distance from the section
Multiple text values, individually colour coded
Symbols
Bar and line graphs.
Hatching with complete control over offset, width, pattern and colour
Lines representing the apparent dip of a structure

In many cases the display can also include background data such as seams, faults and
outcrops, images, outlines and gridded surfaces.
In MICROMINE you can also display stacked sections. These find their application in
alluvial and grade control operations. A plan on the drill hole collar locations is produced
with the Z (downhole) axis hinged into the plane of the display. This allows many
sections to be viewed at one time.
MICROMINE Overview

The drill hole log function presents single drill holes with assays, histograms and colour
and/or hatch coded lithology. Average grades over intervals can be defined graphically
and the results written to a separate file. This output file can be displayed later to show
intersection intervals. Alternatively codes defining the intervals can be written back to
the source data. This is particularly useful with alluvial or coal intervals where it may not
be possible to define data using a geological model.

Displaying structural information is also very easy. Apparent dip can be interactively
MICROMINE Overview

displayed in any orientation given that the input file has Hole, Depth, Alpha and Beta (or
TrueDip and DipDirection) fields. If the structural feature is defined in the file, then this
information can be used to colour code the lines.

Grids
When point data is gridded or contoured, the results can be saved in a grid file. These
files then can then be used as a background layer in other functions. Data is
traditionally modelled in plan orientation, but MICROMINE supports sectional gridding
and the output can be a useful guide when interpreting mineralised zones.
In Vizex, multiple grid files can be loaded. If they overlap you will only see one file at a
time, but you can quickly change which grid file is visible.

The 3D Viewer has a feature to adjust the Z values of any object loaded into the scene.
This allows several grid files to be layered above each other providing a powerful tool to
MICROMINE Overview
establish trends and relationships that might exists between the different elements that
have been modelled.

OBMs
Ore Body Models can be difficult to visualise as a whole because the outer blocks "hide"
the inner blocks. Since the blocks can be colour coded by any of their attributes (such
as grade) it is useful to be able to view interior blocks. One way to handle this is to
display the model as a set of separate levels (or sections). In 2D this is the only sensible
way to view the data. When OBMs are displayed in Vizex, there is an option to show
only the blocks intersecting the current Z plane. This is particularly useful in pit design
where you automatically see the blocks associated with the present working level.
When you rotate the view in this mode, the Block Model is displayed as three orthogonal
planes, allowing you to see inside the Block Model. The planes will shift interactively
as you pan.
MICROMINE Overview

In the 3D Viewer there are some other options.
There is a function that generates "grade shells" from the OBM. A grade shell
is a wireframe within which all blocks have a grade above a specified value.
Generating a set of grade shells, and then displaying them with transparency,
provides a intuitive way to understand the physical extents of the ore body.
Clipping planes can be defined to match the block centres and you can then
quickly click through the levels (or sections) of the model.
Using filters to define two intersecting planes of blocks gives a good impression
of the model. Combining this with one or more grade shells is an excellent
visualisation technique.

The model can be viewed as a set of points representing the block centres.
MICROMINE Overview
This is a fast and effective way of viewing the model since internal "blocks" are
no longer completely hidden.
Wireframes
Although surfaces and solids are generated for different purposes, they are both defined
as a network of triangles. The forms used to set the display parameters for wireframes
apply to both types. Although the logical place to look at a wireframe is in the 3D
Viewer, some 2D displays show the intersection of the wireframe with the Z plane of the
view. Using interactive drill hole sections, the top and bottom surfaces of a seam can be
defined and the area between them (for the current section) can be hatched.
In the 3D Viewer wireframes can be colour coded against the Z value (generally
elevation) and there are also transparency and smoothness controls. Additionally an
image can be "pressed" or draped onto the wireframe. If the image is a georeferenced
aerial photo it can significantly enhance the value of the display. When the image is not
georeferenced, it effectively provides a texture to the surface. Try any of the Windows
wallpapers to see the effect of this.

String files can be used to generate a 3D display. Simply associate a profile type and
offset values with a string representing the centre-line of (say) a drive or shaft to
produce a realistic representation.

MICROMINE Overview

Data Presentation
The way information is presented should reflect the confidence you have in it.
MICROMINE provides a range of high quality presentation methods. The plotting
facilities are particularly powerful, flexible and configurable.
Images
Displays can be output to the clipboard, printer or an image file. This is a simple way to
enhance reports, or other documents, whenever scale is not critical.
Hardcopy
MICROMINE's Plot Editor handles scaled hardcopy output. It can be configured to
produce extremely complex plans, but is simple to use on a day-to-day basis.
Any display generated by MICROMINE can be written to a plot file, which is the input
used by the Plot Editor. The user can choose a suitable layout, scale, and paper size and
add title information, grids, legends and north points. As well as sending the output to
any Windows compatible printer or plotter, a variety of formats such as PRN, DXF and
EMF allow plots to be transferred to off line devices or to other programs.
The Plot Editor enables the user to define sheet size, scale, grid type and spacing,
rotation, label and symbol size factors. Interactive screen editing allows new labels to be
added and existing labels to be edited individually or as groups using tagging
commands. Labels can be moved, modified, resized or rotated; their colour may also be
changed.
All plots are made up of a series of "frames", which are placed within the defined plot
area. In most cases only two frames are required, one for the data (the Master Plot)
and one for the title information. A combination of frames is called a Layout.
MICROMINE provides a large number of predefined layouts which are suitable for most
users' requirements. Minor modifications to these standard layouts are easily carried out
- for example adding the company logo to the title frame.
Apart from the Master Plot and Title frames, additional frame types are available and
can be placed anywhere in the plot area:
MICROMINE Overview
Text frames - are used for putting notes or other text information on the plot.
The text is entered in a special data file.
Legend frames:- contain a legend explaining the symbols, colours or hatches
used on the plot.
Table frames:- display data from any MICROMINE file in a tabular form.
Plot frames:- allow additional plots to be shown on the same sheet of paper.
This might be something like a locality plan or you may simply want to place
multiple plots of the same type on a single sheet of paper.
Picture frames:- contain any image file.
Grid frames:- overlay a second grid that can be defined in terms of the
coordinates used by the master plot.
Graticule frames :- overlay a geographic grid (latitudes and longitudes) that
can be defined in terms of the coordinates used by the master plot.
Symbol frames:- display any True Type Font character. MICROMINE provides
several symbol fonts. Since there is an option to rotate the symbol with the
plot, this is an ideal way to add North points.
Complex frames:- allow the user to combine text and line work.
Empty frames:- contain no data and can be used to place an outline around
other frames.
PDF
Most of us are aware of the free Acrobat reader that allows us to view documents in PDF
format. Purchasing the full version of Acrobat installs a PDF writer as a Windows printer
driver, allowing you to generate PDF files from the MICROMINE Plot Editor. This
provides a truly portable means of distributing or archiving plots.
VRML
You may be aware that HTML is the current language of the Internet. It's what tells web
browser such as Netscape and Explorer how to show the files that are on web sites.
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is the HTML equivalent for showing scenes on
the Internet in three dimensions. You will need a special browser, but these are
available as plug ins to Netscape and Explorer.
Any scene in MICROMINE's 3D Viewer can be saved as a VRML file, which can then be
viewed by anyone with a VRML browser.

MICROMINE Overview

A VRML file saved from MICROMINE's 3D Viewer and displayed in the Cortona
VRMLClient.
Fly Through
The 3D Viewer also has "fly through" capability. The user can interactively select any
number of viewpoints as a flight path. The player will then automatically move between
the selected viewpoints, effectively providing a controlled animation. New viewpoints
can be inserted and the time frame for the "flight" can be adjusted. This is an
impressive presentation tool.
Surveying
MICROMINE's surveying functions can import from a data recorder and perform
reduction, adjustment and volume calculations. Strings and points can be edited
interactively.
Download Data Recorders
MICROMINE provides the facility to import raw survey observations from any data
recorder capable of outputting information in a text format. The raw information can
come directly from the data recorder, using a serial cable connection, or it can be read
from a file that has previously been exported by the data recorder. MICROMINE has the
provision to store the names and coordinates of fixed stations and can use this file to
calculate the coordinates of the observed points as the raw data is being downloaded.
Calculations
MICROMINE performs a wide range of survey calculations:
Radial observations from known points.
Reduces rounds of angles and EDM, stadia, RDS and subtense bar
measurements.
MICROMINE Overview
Traverse adjustment.
Calculate coordinates using offsets from a centre line.
Calculate and report the bearing and distances from a known control station(s)
to a set of coordinated points.
The bearing and distance between any two points.
String Edit
The Vizex interface includes a powerful string editor, with insert, delete, move, join,
query, snap, follow and undo facilities. Editing is possible in plan or section view, with
both views available at the same time.
Zooming and panning are fast and the zoom to extents option can be very useful. At
any time the display can be viewed in 3D either in the edit window, or the 3D Viewer.
At any time the points being edited can be used to generate a wireframe. If a string is
selected during this process it will be used to restrict the triangulation.

Volumes
MICROMINE can calculate volumes using either cross sections or Digital Terrain Models
(DTMs). Nowadays DTMs are a proven technology and the convenience and accuracy
they provide makes them the most popular method for determining volumes. Having an
easy way of viewing the DTMs being used in the calculations is a useful validation tool.
Volumes can be calculated using a DTM and a horizontal plane or 2 DTMs. The latter
method has the option of defining 2 horizontal planes, thereby restricting the volume
calculation to a specific bench.
Statistics
An important basic issue in most geological, geophysical and geochemical maps is that
they are attempting to represent natural phenomena. These are deterministic in
MICROMINE Overview

character, must be physically measured, using techniques which are often subject to
error, often seem sporadic and fragmented in form, and more importantly can exhibit
different shapes and distributions at different scales.
Many well-tested statistical methods are used routinely in the analysis of geochemical
and geophysical data. They range from simple and descriptive statistics, through to
complex multi-variate methods such as cluster and factor analysis.
By studying the natural groupings of characteristics present in the data, Statistics can
be used to determine the selection of an optimum mode of data presentation.
Quality Control
Tracking the accuracy and precision of analytical data, such as mineralogical assays, is a
cornerstone of good sampling practice.
Whenever samples are dispatched to an assay laboratory for analysis, it is customary
for a number of quality control samples (such as blanks and standards) to also be
submitted. Because these additional samples have known values, any deviation from
those values are of interest to the geoscientist.
MICROMINE's Shewhart Control and Cumulative Sum Charts provide a graphical way of
summarising this deviation. For each batch of analyses, the Shewhart Control Chart
plots deviation from the expected (standard) value on the Y-axis, whereas the
Cumulative Sum Chart plots the on-going cumulative deviation from the expected value.
The Shewhart Chart is therefore useful for tracking analytical error on a batch-by-batch
basis, whereas the Cumulative Sum Chart is useful for tracking long-term bias.
If the analyses were perfect, all batches would plot as a horizontal line at the expected
value. However, in practice the batches will exhibit some scatter about that horizontal
line. Some of this scatter will represent normal random errors associated with the
particular analytical method, whereas significant deviations from the expected value
may represent some sort of systematic error that requires intervention or correction.
MICROMINE allows the user to determine the thresholds beyond which any particular
batch will require some form of action or decision.
Distribution
The histogram is a common method for displaying the probability distribution of a
numeric variable. A histogram is simply a bar graph where the number of occurrences of
each value determines the height of each bar. MICROMINE provides a Distribution
Statistics function that supports enhanced histogram plotting. Cumulative frequency and
probability plots are also supported, and a summary panel listing the various statistical
parameters is provided. Additionally, the mean and standard deviation, and a standard
normal curve based on these values, can be plotted over the raw data. Histogram
values can be taken directly from the raw data, or in the case of positively skewed data
such as gold assays, a natural log transformation can be applied prior to plotting.
Decomposition
By their nature, geoscientific data often represent samples collected from a mixture of
environments such as mixed regolith environments, different rock types, or ore and
waste zones. These mixtures can often be spatially resolved by drawing on additional
information such as a regolith map or geological interpretation. However, the numeric
distinction between ore and waste is sometimes subtle, and the geologist should resist
the temptation to simply apply an "economic" threshold, since these can vary according
to external market forces.
Plotting assay data as a histogram will usually reveal the difference between ore and
waste, since the histogram will exhibit a 'multi-modal' distribution consisting of two or
more distinct peaks. MICROMINE's Decomposition function provides a graphical means
of quantitatively determining the threshold between the various populations. This
function is most readily used by displaying the raw data on a probability plot. In this
display the value and probability axes are transposed, the probability axis is distorted so
the standard normal curve displays as a straight line, and the data are displayed as a
line rather than bar graph. Consequently, any change of slope in the line signifies the
threshold between two populations.
MICROMINE Overview
When using the Decomposition function, the user simply clicks on each change of slope
or breakpoint; MICROMINE then calculates and displays the statistical parameters for
each of the identified populations, and superimposes the populations on the raw data.
Once the parameters have been calculated, they can be saved as a colour set, which
can be applied to all subsequent displays where the numeric values are appropriate.
Geostatistics
Geostatistics is a collection of statistical functions used in geo-sciences. These methods
describe spatial correlation of grades. Correlation is then allowed for in the weighting for
block estimation.
MICROMINE has a powerful set of geostatistical tools, including the Semi-variogram,
Trend Surface, Cross Validation and Variogram Surface functions.
Semi Variograms
Earth science data typically exhibit some degree of spatial dependence, which is the
tendency for two nearby samples to be more similar in value than two distant ones. For
example, two localities 1km apart are more likely to have similar annual rainfall than
two localities separated by 100km. Similarly, two adjacent drill samples are more likely
to return a similar assay value than two from opposite ends of the drill hole.
Suppose, for a given drill hole, an earth scientist were to measure the squared
difference in assay value between all pairs of adjacent samples along the hole, and then
calculate the sum of those squares. Now suppose they calculated the sum of squared
differences between every second sample, then every third, and so on. If they were to
plot the sum of squared differences (divided by the number of pairs) against the sample
"spacing", starting at one for adjacent samples, they would probably see a graph similar
to the one shown below.
The graph depicts a Semi Variogram, which is a convenient method for displaying the
degree of spatial dependence within a data set.

Theoretically, at a distance of zero the difference between sample values should also be
zero, but in practice sampling errors and small-scale variability will produce a positive y-
intercept value, which is known as the nugget. The graph increases to a maximum
value, referred to as the sill, at a distance known as the range. If the graph is
MICROMINE Overview

horizontal, it indicates a process with no spatial dependence. This concept can be
extended from this one-dimensional drill hole example, to two and three dimensions.
MICROMINE's Semi Variograms function provides a variety of display and analytical
tools. Semi variograms can be plotted from raw, or variously pre-processed data, and
they support omnidirectional, directional, and downhole modes. The function allows for
multiple passes through the same data, with varying tolerances in distance and, in the
case of directional semi variograms, direction. Output can be written to file and
graphically displayed on screen.
Once displayed, a semi variogram can be modelled using a variety of theoretical
models. All standard semi variogram models, including Hole Effect and Paddington Mix,
are supported, and each can consist of up to four components if required. Anisotropic
models are also supported. The modelling process is interactive within MICROMINE, and
involves choosing a model and then using a series of spin controls to vary the nugget,
range, and sill until a suitable fit between the theoretical and actual curves is achieved.
The model is then saved as a form set for later use in the Kriging process.
Trend Surface Analysis
Occasionally a semi variogram will not exhibit a distinct range and sill, but will instead
continue to show an increase with distance. Whenever this occurs, it implies a trend or
drift in the data, or in other words a slow, large-scale directional change in the expected
value over the study area. The Trend Surface Analysis function is designed to detect and
remove trends from the data set.
The Trend Surface Analysis function performs a polynomial trend surface analysis using
the least squares method. It calculates a contour grid using the raw data, and then fits
a planar, quadratic, and cubic surface to the contoured data. The choice of best fit from
the three surfaces is left to the user. In addition to the contour display, Trend Surface
Analysis calculates a set of statistics that can help decide which surface best fits the
data. Output from the function, including residuals, is saved to file.
Cross Validation
Choosing a suitable trend model is often a complicated process, because it is difficult to
judge the relative contributions of trend (Trend Surface Analysis) and local variation
(Semi Variogram). However, the decision can be quantified somewhat by performing
cross validation.
Cross validation compares the measured value for a point with the estimated value for
the same location, and is a way of testing the validity of a model prior to using it for
Kriging estimation. The estimate is performed by using the desired semi variogram and
trend model, with the point under investigation temporarily deleted from the data set.
The difference between the estimated and actual values can be studied in order to
evaluate the overall model, and suggest corrections or adjustments if required.
When Cross Validation is run, MICROMINE calculates and graphically displays the
standard error for each point. Data values that differ markedly from their modelled
values are easily identified using this method.
Variogram Surfaces
In an unfamiliar area, the direction and magnitude of anisotropy (the directional effects
on the spatial dependence of data) may be unknown.

Because the manual analysis of numerous variogram orientations is a tedious and error-
prone process, MICROMINE provides a Variogram Surfaces function which can be used
to investigate and display potential anisotropy.

The Variogram Surfaces function allows for the rapid visual assessment of multiple
directional variograms. First, a variogram model file is produced, with a fan of
orientations covering a 180 arc, and with a constant lag and number of intervals.

Once the variogram model is calculated, the Variogram Surface function generates an
interpolated surface through the calculated data points. The user can control the degree
MICROMINE Overview
of tension in this surface, and can colour it using a standard colour set.

Once the surface is generated, an elongated zone of relatively low gamma values will
usually reveal the direction of maximum anisotropy. The overall variance can also be
overlaid as a contour line if desired.

Modelling
Polygonal
A polygonal model represents the computerised version of a traditional paper-based
model. In the paper-based approach, the geologist first draws cross-sections for each
line of drilling and interprets the ore outlines onto each section. He or she then uses a
planimeter to estimate the area of each ore outline. Multiplying this area by the
thickness of each section generates a volume; multiplying this by the specific gravity of
the rock generates a tonnage. The overall sum of the sectional tonnages represents the
total tonnage of the deposit. Finally, the weighted average of the assays within the ore
outlines is calculated, which provides the overall grade of the deposit.
MICROMINE's Polygonal Section Estimate module essentially follows this workflow, but
all stages are completed on-screen, eliminating the requirement for paper plots. The
Polygonal Section Estimate, also known as a Geological Model, splits the input assay
database into separate files representing each section in the model, which significantly
improves speed of use when dealing with large databases. There are also a number of
enhancements, including a variety of snapping tools, the ability to create transform (or
oblique) models, and the ability to accommodate off-section drilling by snapping
outlines to true 3D drill hole intervals. The calculation and reporting functionality is fully
automated, and utilities include generating plan flitches from sectional interpretations
and generating outlines from surfaces.
Build and Edit Wireframes
Wireframes are three-dimensional objects composed of many individual triangular
facets, and can either represent open surfaces, such as fault planes, or closed solids like
ore envelopes or geological units. Once created, wireframes form the basis of numerous
MICROMINE functions, including assigning attributes to 3D coordinate points contained
within them, and various volume/tonnage/grade calculations.

MICROMINE Overview

Wireframes can be constructed from several MICROMINE file types, although strings and
outlines are most commonly used. The strings or outlines are created in other
MICROMINE functions such as Polygonal Section Estimate or Complex Interactive
Display. However, once these are loaded into the Wireframe Editor they can be edited
further if required. There are several pre-defined wireframe types, which encompass
most of the natural features found in a resource project, such as DTM surfaces, ore
grade envelopes, and pit shells. The different types are functionally identical, and vary
only by the attributes allocated to each. Wireframe types and attributes are fully user
configurable. Additionally, wireframe sets allow individual wireframes to be grouped
together and treated as a single object.
The Wireframe Editor operates solely within the 3D Viewer. Construction of a wireframe
involves progressively working from section-to-section, selecting the strings that define
a particular object. As each new string is selected, MICROMINE constructs the wireframe
by linking the current string to the previous one. If the wireframe is simple, this is all
that is required to create the wireframe. However, there will be occasions where the
wireframe will not form correctly, and tie-lines are required to assist the triangulation
algorithm. Three different triangulation methods can be used in the construction
process. Validation of each step is carried out on the fly. Additionally, the wireframe
editor provides a suite of utilities for closing ends, basic string manipulation, and saving
created or modified objects.
Existing wireframes can be edited by deleting the affected triangles and re-building the
wireframe. This technique is useful when the inclusion of additional drilling invalidates
an existing interpretation, thus requiring re-interpretation of the updated cross-sections.
It is also possible to edit strings within the Wireframe Editor. Individual strings can be
copied, moved, re-scaled, and deleted. Strings can also be saved, reversed, joined (two
strings), closed (if open), or split. Within a particular string, points can be moved,
inserted, and deleted. These functions make it easy to produce additional strings
between existing drilling sections, for example to close off the end of an ore body or to
build a bifurcation.
Block
Although it is possible to estimate ore body grade by simply averaging the assay grades
that fall within the appropriate ore body, this method is prone to error because it does
not account for the spatial continuity of grades between samples. In order to fully
MICROMINE Overview
estimate the grade distribution of an ore deposit, a block model is required. An ore body
model (OBM) is simply a rectangular body made up of layers of equal size blocks. Each
block is defined by the coordinates of its centroid and its dimensions, and is further
attributed with an estimated grade and other information about its environment.
MICROMINE provides a variety of 2D and 3D block interpolation methods, the simplest
of which is the Inverse Distance Weighted method. When this function is run, it
"positions" a data search ellipsoid at a block centroid and estimates the block grade
using the sample points that fall within the ellipsoid. The weighting applied to each
sample point is based on the distance between the point and the block centroid-distant
points receive a lower weighting than nearby points, thus the name Inverse Distance
Weighted. The estimated grade is written to that block and the process continues with
the next block in the model. Up to 10 different parameters can be estimated using this
method, and the user has full control over the block dimensions, the size, shape and
orientation of the ellipsoid, the weighting factor, and the number of points to be
considered at each block centroid.
MICROMINE provides a variant of the Inverse Distance Weighted method, known as
Anisotropic IDP, which accounts for the elongated shape of the search ellipsoid. Instead
of calculating the weighting factor based on the absolute distance between the grid
centroid and sample point, Anisotropic IDP calculates the weighting based on the
proportion of distance from the block centroid to the edge of the search ellipsoid.
MICROMINE also supports all common Kriging methods for grade interpolation, including
Ordinary, Universal, Indicator, Rank, and Multiple Indicator Kriging. Instead of
estimating grade based on distance, these methods make use of progressively more
complex geostatistical models to provide a grade estimate.
Kriging offers a number of significant advantages over the inverse distance methods.
Most notably, Kriging accounts for spatial autocorrelation between samples, whereas the
inverse distance methods do not. Additionally, Kriging not only estimates the grade, but
also the variance and standard error of each grid cell, which again the inverse distance
methods do not. However, the inverse distance methods are suitable for simple grade
estimations where the geostatistics are not known or not required.
Clustering of high-grade sample points is an undesirable side effect of most geological
sampling programmes. During a typical drilling programme, only the anomalous grades
are targeted for infill drilling, whereas low grades usually remain sparsely drilled.
Several phases of infill drilling can result in many closely spaced high-grade assays,
surrounded by widely spaced low-grade assays. These "clusters" of high-grade assays
can overwhelm the interpolation process, producing an unrealistically high-grade
estimate. The effect of clustering can be minimised in MICROMINE by splitting the
search ellipsoid into sectors, which is analogous to cutting a pie into wedges. Each
sector is free to search for its own sample points, which reduces the biasing effect of
clustered high-grade data.
Seam
A gridded seam model (GSM) is used for estimating grade in alluvial, seam, or tabular,
flat lying deposits, or thin, tabular, vein-like deposits. A GSM is conceptually similar to a
standard block model, with two notable exceptions. Firstly, unlike a block model, each
block in a GSM can have a variable height. Thus, the blocks in a layer describe the
thickness (shape) and extent of a deposit such as a coal seam. Secondly, a GSM
supports the concept of a sparse model, wherein only the layers of interest are
modelled. Layers between the seams, such as interburden or overburden, are excluded
from the model.
Setting up a GSM within MICROMINE is slightly different from setting up a 3D block
model. Prior to grade interpolation, the input data must be split into material files,
where each file contains the assay data corresponding to a particular seam. The
individual files are then interpolated separately using a standard Inverse Distance
Weighted model. This method allows interpolation to proceed for each seam without
having the adjoining seams affect the final grade estimate. From this point onwards, a
GSM can be treated the same as a standard block model, although MICROMINE does
provide some additional reporting and conversion utilities that apply only to the GSM
data structure.
MICROMINE Overview

Pit Optimisation
The Pit Optimisation functions provide an interface between MICROMINE and external
optimisation software applications. Ore Body Model (OBM) files, generated in
MICROMINE, can be converted into the formats required by these external applications.
The actual optimisation is performed outside MICROMINE, but the results generated by
the optimisation process can be imported back into MICROMINE OBM files, using the 3D
to MM, 4D to MM, and 4X to MM functions.
Model Reporting
MICROMINE provides a variety of two- and three-dimensional reporting functions that
work on point files, block models, or drill hole interval files. However, most users apply
the 3D functions, namely Block Model Report and Polygonal Wireframe Estimate | Grade
Tonnage Report. The Block Model Report function, which takes an OBM or GSM as its
input, reports on interpolated grades, and should be used whenever an accurate grade
tonnage report is required. In comparison, the Wireframe Estimate | Grade Tonnage
Report function simply calculates the weighted average grade of all assays that fall
within the chosen wireframe.
When using Block Model Report, all records in the file are considered, so they must be
appropriately flagged and filtered prior to reporting (flagging is usually done by using
Modelling | Assign | Wireframes). Up to five different fields from the input file can be
simultaneously reported. The function will account for varying specific gravity from one
block to the next, and can produce individual reports for different materials, such as
oxide, transitional, and sulphide ore. A block factor option provides a weighting factor
for reporting on partial blocks. The user specifies the output grade ranges with either a
colour set or cutoff set, which results in a separate report for each grade range. If a
cutoff set is used, the report order can be reversed so that the highest grades are
reported first, which is useful for plotting standard grade-tonnage curves.
Conversely, the Polygonal Wireframe Estimate | Grade Tonnage Report function takes
either 3D points or drill hole interval data as its input. These data are compared with the
desired wireframe or wireframe set to determine whether they lie within our outside the
wireframe. Those grades falling within the wireframe are subjected to either a simple or
length weighted average calculation to determine the overall grade. No grade
interpolation takes place.
The Polygonal Section Estimate | Grade Tonnage Report function works in a similar
manner but only compares 2D assay data with a 2D outline file. This function relies on
having previously created a polygonal section estimate model.
The Point Sample Grades function calculates and reports average grade estimates above
and below a cutoff grade and reports them by interval. This is useful when different
estimates, calculated using different cutoff grades, are needed. The input for this
function must be a block model or other file with coordinates in the plane in which the
data lies.
Mining Block Grades calculates grade estimates inside mining outlines based on a block
model and reports estimates by the pre-defined intervals. The block model must be
constrained by one or more outline files. A sub-blocking process is applied to accurately
define the portion of the blocks within each outline. The portion of each block within an
outline can be written to a block factor field in the input data file.
Grades Within Outlines calculates weighted grade estimates for any field in a data file.
Because this function is not restricted to using drill hole data, it can be more widely
applied than the Polygonal Section Estimate | Grade Tonnage Report function.
Grade Control
This mine-planning tool allows the user to integrate different data types and
interactively evaluate the volumes, tonnages and grades within existing or new outlines.
From the display you can calculate volumes and tonnes, based on the grades of the
material within existing or new outlines you create. By adjusting the shape of the
outlines and re-calculating volumes and tonnages in an iterative process, you can
MICROMINE Overview
develop a grade control plan.
The input files can contain data points or can block model reserves. In either case there
are checks to see if values are inside or outside selected outlines.

Positive and negative tagging is available so that the area of one outline contained
within another can be ignored or calculated as required. Factors such as thickness of ore
zone and specific gravity can be selected interactively. The areas, volumes, tonnages
and grades within selected outlines are either reported on screen or written to a data
file.
Blast Hole Patterns
This function creates a drill hole collar file from a basic rectangular blast pattern that
you specify. The blast hole spacing is user defined and the rectangle can be rotated to
any bearing. Holes may be in a square or diamond pattern, with a nominated azimuth
and dip. They can also be restricted to an outline to create a non-rectangular blast
pattern.
At the same time an assay file can be created with regular or irregular sampling.
Suitable assay fields can be included in the file so that it is ready for the subsequent
entry of values.
MICROMINE Overview

Mine Design
MICROMINE provides a suite of tools in the Vizex environment to simplify both open pit
and underground design.
Pit Design
This function provides a graphical method of generating an open pit or stockpile,
complete with haul roads.
Default values are defined for the berm height, width and slope. Additionally different
regions of the pit can be assigned their own width and slope parameters. The design
tools provide an automated way of generating the haul road and crest and toe strings
for the next bench. Manual changes, using the standard string edit functions, can be
carried out at any stage. All parts of the design process have an undo facility.

Because the pit design uses the Vizex environment, any related data can be displayed.
In particular, block models have a feature that automatically shows only those blocks at
the current design level. At any time the pit design can be wireframed and viewed in
3D, without leaving Vizex.
Once the Pit Design has completely broken through the topography, Boolean functions
can be used to intersect the pit with the natural surface.
MICROMINE Overview

Pit design intersected with the topography. The OBM is also displayed. The original
ground surface above the pit is shown as a transparent surface.
Underground Design
Strings are digitised using the Vizex editor. It is possible to design drives, roads and
other underground features by defining the inclination (Degrees, Percents and "1 in").
Curves are generated by setting the radius, inclination and angle The snapping function
is used to connect different types of strings or designing drives.
When all strings are digitised they can be converted to wireframes. You can define:
The cross-sectional shape of the wireframe - its profile.
The dimensions of that shape.
The position of the wireframe with respect to the string.
You can optionally use fields in the input file to control the Width, Height, and X and Y
offsets of the string segments. Once the wireframes have been generated, the Boolean
functions can be used to tidy up intersections.

MICROMINE Overview

The form used by the
wireframe Boolean function
contains interactive images
that change depending on
the options chosen. This
clearly illustrates the result
of the operation.

Ring Design
MICROMINE Ring Design functionality provides for the interactive design, editing and
display of underground blasthole layouts. Designs suitable for any stoping method can
be generated, taking into account the characteristics of the area being excavated, and
the physical limitations of drill rigs.
Ring Design data is organised in a Ring database format which contains one or more
drives which can be loaded in the same display layer. Wireframe models representing
drives can be sliced at any orientation to produce strings that can be used in the hole
design procedure.
A Ring database is used to store:
Parameters and ring data associated with each drive. This will include drive
points and references to wireframes used to model the drive.
Parameters and drillhole data associated with the rings on each drive
MICROMINE Overview

Macros
MICROMINE provides an extremely powerful facility to perform repetitive or lengthy
tasks, automate complex tasks and help with regular report generation. Probably the
most popular use for macros is generating and plotting sections. Other common
operations are assigning outlines and calculating ore reserves. The advantage of
running a series of related functions as a macro is that if your data or interpretation
changes a new result can be calculated "at the push of a button".
How Macros Work
The forms that are used to define a set of control parameters, by all MICROMINE
functions, are also used to run a macro. Simply save the parameters you want to use as
a form set and then select the process and the saved form set using the Macro Editor.
Now run the macro - it is that simple.
The Macro Editor is automatically invoked when you open or create a macro file. It has
all the functionality of a normal database editor and comes with some additional
features to easily select processes and saved forms. In fact the forms can be set up and
saved from within the Macro Editor.
MICROMINE Overview

Each record in the macro file represents a process and form set. Running a macro is the
same as manually using the menu system to navigate to each function, loading a saved
form set and clicking the OK button.

Advanced Features
For experienced users there are a number of powerful features associated with macros:
Putting a question mark as a parameter in a form will pause the macro
allowing you to enter an appropriate value.
Putting a percent sign as a parameter (%1 to %15) will automatically
substitute the value from the equivalent field in the macro file. For example if
Right click on button
to open selected form
Left click on button to
select saved formset
Click on Process
button to display a
nested list replicating
the menu system
MICROMINE Overview
you want to generate 20 section plots, and the one thing that changes is the
section value (1200N, 1400N, 1600N etc), then you only need to save one
form with the section value defined as a substitution parameter.
You can call a macro from another macro and set up global aliases, for
variables like section values, that can be referenced by both macros.
Toolbox
The MICROMINE Toolbox is a library of predefined macros, which provide a way to run
useful processes that are not available as a single function. It is intended that the
Toolbox project will evolve as more processes are added and updates will be available
from the MICROMINE Web site. Users are encouraged to suggest new functionality to be
included in the toolbox.

Micro Mine Overview

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