Surpac Block - Modelling Tutorial

BLOCK MODELLING
_______________________________________________________________
FILES USED................................................................................................................................................. 3
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................................ 3
FLOWCHART FOR SIMPLE USE OF BLOCK MODELLING ............................................................................... 4
Model Space.......................................................................................................................................... 5
User Block Size ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Sub-blocking ......................................................................................................................................... 5
None...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Standard Sub blocking .......................................................................................................................... 5
Variable Sub Blocking .......................................................................................................................... 6
Attributes............................................................................................................................................... 6
Constraints............................................................................................................................................ 6
Sub-celled Block Model ........................................................................................................................ 6
BLOCKS AND ATTRIBUTES ................................................................................................................... 8
CONSTRAINTS ........................................................................................................................................... 9
ESTIMATION ............................................................................................................................................ 10
ANISOTROPY ELLIPSOID PARAMETERS ........................................................................................ 11
CREATING BLOCK MODEL ................................................................................................................. 14
CREATING MODEL ATTRIBUTES...................................................................................................... 21
CONSTRAINTS WITHIN A BLOCK MODEL ..................................................................................... 24
FILLING THE BLOCK MODEL ............................................................................................................ 25
ASSIGN VALUE ........................................................................................................................................ 26
INVERSE DISTANCE............................................................................................................................... 27
BLOCK MODEL REPORTING .............................................................................................................. 33
CALCULATED ATTRIBUTES ............................................................................................................... 37
PARTIAL PERCENTAGE REPORTING .............................................................................................. 39
MODEL RE_BLOCKING ........................................................................................................................ 45
BASIC ACTIVITY..................................................................................................................................... 48
1. Add the attribute gold_nn to the block model............................................................................. 50
2. Add the attribute sg to the block model. ..................................................................................... 50
3. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 2.5 to all blocks
below the topography topo1.dtm. ................................................................................................... 50
4. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 2.9 to all block
in the solid ore body ore1.dtm. ....................................................................................................... 51
4.
Fill the gold_nn attribute with Nearest Neighbour estimation method................................. 52
6. Create a Block Model Report and report the following:................................................................. 55
Average weighted gold grade.................................................................................................... 55
Average weighted specific gravity............................................................................................. 55
Tonnage (multiplication factor = sg) ........................................................................................ 55
Organized by bench (0,250,10) ................................................................................................. 55
Choose one of the available formats (.csv; .not; .htm; .rtf; .pdf)............................................... 55
Constrain the report to all block within the solid ore1.dtm. ................................................. 55
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ADVANCED BLOCK MODELLING TUTORIAL ............................................................................... 58

1. Open the database DB1.DDB and display the drill holes determine extents and become
familiar with the dataset. .................................................................................................................... 61
2. Create an empty block model, ensuring to cover the area required totally. ................................... 62
3. Export the centroid points to a string file and validate the model area.......................................... 63
4. Create a graphical constraint of the qpy1.dtm & bif1.dtm and validate the user block size of your
new block model.................................................................................................................................. 64
5. Add the attribute gold to the block model................................................................................... 66
6. Add the attribute sg to the block model. ..................................................................................... 66
7. Add the attribute gold_cut to the block model. ........................................................................... 66
8. Add the attribute orecat to the block model................................................................................ 67
9. Create and save a constraint file for: ............................................................................................. 68
Inside qpy1.dtm save as qpy1.con ............................................................................................ 68
Inside bif1.dtm save as bif1.con .............................................................................................. 68
Inside sand1.dtm save as sand1.con......................................................................................... 68
Combination of all above save as qpy_bif_sand.con................................................................. 68

10. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 0.00 to all
blocks above the topography topo1.dtm. ........................................................................................ 69
blocks below the topography topo1.dtm and above weath_ew1.dtm.......................................... 70
blocks below weath_ew1.dtm and above weath_fresh.dtm. ....................................................... 70
blocks below weath_fresh.dtm. ...................................................................................................... 70
14. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 2.9 to all blocks
in the ore solid bif1.dtm.................................................................................................................. 70
15. Remove all graphical constraints and then constrain the block model below the topo1.dtm. ...... 71
16. Fill the Gold attribute with the Inverse Distance2 estimation method ..................................... 72
17. Create a Block Model and Report the following:.......................................................................... 78
Average weighted gold grade.................................................................................................... 78
Average weighted specific gravity............................................................................................. 78
Tonnage (multiplication factor = SG) ....................................................................................... 78
Organized by bench (800,1000,10) ........................................................................................... 78
Choose one of the available formats (.csv; .not; .htm; .rtf; .pdf)............................................... 78
Constraints: Inside ore 3DM (bif1.dtm, qpy1.dtm,sand.dtm) .................................................... 78
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BLOCK MODELLING
OBJECTIVES
To become familiar with Surpacs Block Modelling module and the concept of
block modelling.
To learn to fill a block model from drillhole data from the geological database.
To learn to constrain a block model to filter out specific blocks.
To learn to report volume, tonnage, & grade from a block model.
FILES USED
Files used in this lab exercise are found in the following folder:
C:\GEOLOGY|BLOCKMODEL\DATA
C:\GEOLOGY|BLOCKMODEL\ADVANCED_BM (for the advanced tutorial)
DISCUSSION
The Block Model is a form of spatially-referenced database that provides a means for modelling a
3-D body from point and interval data such as drillhole sample data, however it is interpolated
values rather than true measurements.It is a method of estimating volume, tonnage, and average
grade of a 3-D body from sparse drill data.
Previous history of block model had limitations to the block size and the resolution was restricted
to 512 blocks. Ver 5, the block model now has no limitations and is restricted only by your
computer hardware.
A Block Model consists of cells of a specified size which at the core of the block centre contain a
a centroid at which all the data is stored in an attribute ie. Grade, sg, rock type. This centroid
point is what all data is reported on. If you constrain your data, ie by pit design, the centroid point
must lie within the constraint to be used within the calculation.
The effect of this on volumes if you have large parent sized blocks. Generally the law of
averages mean that the volume should be relatively accurate, however that is not always the
case with some particular deposit geometries. This is where sub-blocking and partial modeling
can further refines your volume and reporting values.
Partial modeling checks the percentage of the centroid and writes this percentage of the block
inside to an attribute. This gives you a more refined volume for reporting.
Discuss:
Block Size
What will the model be used for
Sub-blocking governed by~1/4 of drill spacing
Effect on Data Integrity
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Flowchart for Simple Use of Block Modelling
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The Block Model comprises of a number of components.

Model Space
3D coordinates spatially define the model extents.
Minimum Northing (Y), Easting (X) and Elevation (Z).
Maximum Northing (Y), Easting (X) and Elevation (Z).
User Block Size
Schematic diagram showing how a block model space is defined.
Block size used for interpolation and reporting.

Sub-blocking
Sub blocking is a method used by the Surpac block model to allow greater precision when
applying geometric constraints (surfaces, solid models etc) to the model. Allowing sub blocking
allows the model to divide a user block (defined above) into smaller blocks, which will then be
used in calculations. All calculations are performed relative to the User block Centroid.
None
No sub-blocking is applied to the model. The largest and smallest interpolated block is the User
Block.
Standard Sub blocking
Standard sub blocking simply divides the parent block in half in all three dimensions. This creates
8 child blocks (always). This method of sub blocking is used widely when your deposit does not
need smaller blocks in one (or two) particular directions.
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Variable Sub Blocking

Variable sub blocking allows you to stop sub blocking in one or two directions, while still
progressing in the other directions. For example, if you have a user block size of 8x8x8m,
standard sub blocking will allow minimum block sizes of 4x4x4, 2x2x2 and 1x1x1 (etc). However,
using variable sub blocking, it is possible to have minimum block sizes of 4x4x2, 4x4x1, or even
4x2x1. This method allows you to get much finer resolution in one direction, without having to
create potentially large numbers of blocks in the other two directions.
This method of sub blocking is particularly useful when modelling thin-seam deposits, as you can
effectively model the "thin" direction, while still having fairly large blocks in the other two
directions. This saves a lot of memory by creating a smaller number of blocks, but still manages
to model the resource very well.
Attributes
The properties of the model space that are to be modelled are termed attributes. These attributes
may be nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio measurements expressed as numeric or character data.
Attributes may also be calculated from the values in other attribute fields, for reporting and
visualising.
Constraints
This is the engine of the block model. Constraints are the logical combinations of spatial
operators and objects that may be used to control the selection of blocks from which information
may be retrieved and/or into which interpolations may be made.
Sub-celled Block Model
A user block size is specified.
A minimum block size is specified.
When applying constraints, Surpac applies a centroid rule. Blocks are sub-celled along the egde
of the constraint. If the centroid of the parent or of the sub-block is inside a constraint, the entire
sub-block or parent block cell volume is reported, or a value is interpolated.
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Schematic diagram showing a constrained block model with parent blocks and sub-blocks
NOTE: when Surpac is estimating values for a sub-celled block, the value is estimated on the
original parent centroid and assigned to the sub-celled inside the constraint.
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Blocks and Attributes

Records in the Block Model are related to blocks. These are cuboid partitions of the modeled
space and are created dynamically according to the operations performed on the Block Model.
Each block contains attributes for each of the properties to be modeled. The properties or
attributes may contain numeric or character string values. Every block is defined by its geometric
centroid and its dimensions in each axis. Blocks may be of varying size defined by the user once
the block model is created.
Figure 1: Block model of oil sands coloured by attribute values (bitumen).
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Constraints
All Block Model functions may be performed with constraints. A constraint is a logical combination
of one or more spatial objects on selected blocks. Objects that may be used in constraints are
plane surfaces, DTMs, Solids, closed strings and block attribute values. Constraints may be
saved to a file for rapid re-use and may themselves be used as components of other constraints.
Blocks meet a constraint (e.g.: below a DTM as in the figures below) if its centroid meets that
constraint. This is true even if part of the block is above the DTM.
Figure 2: Unconstrained block model in relation to a DTM surface.
Figure 3: Same block model as in Figure 2 but constrained by topography (DTM).
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Estimation
Once a Block Model is created and all attributes defined, they must be filled by some estimation
method. This is achieved by estimating and assigning attribute values from sample data which
has X Y Z coordinates and the attribute values of interest. The estimation methods that may be
used are:
Nearest
Neighbour
Inverse Distance
Assign block values using an Inverse Distance estimator
Assign Value
Assign an explicit value to blocks in the model
Ordinary Kriging
Assign block values using Kriging with Variogram parameters developed

from a Geostatistical study
Indicator Kriging
Functions concerned with a probabilistic block grade distribution derived

from the kriging of indicators
Assign from
String
Assign data from the description fields of closed segments to attribute

values of blocks that are contained within those segments extended in
the direction of one of the principal axes (X, Y or Z)
Import Centroids
Assign block values from data in a delimited or fixed format text file
Assign the value of the closest sample point to a block
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Anisotropy Ellipsoid Parameters

This function creates an anisotropic ellipsoid, or the zone which a sample must be found to be
used to assign a block.
1. Choose Block model -- Estimation -- Ellipsoid visualiser and enter the form as shown.
Max search radius: the distance of the major axis of the search ellipse
The ratio of the length of the axis to the length of the semi-major or minor axis is called the
anisotropy ratio. If no direction of preference an isotropic model can be used setting bearing,
plunge and dip to zero and anisotropy ratio to one
Major axis: is the orientation of greatest continuity of the data set. The azimuth of the major axis
sits in an XY plane. The azimuth must be between 0 and 360 decimal degrees inclusive in order
to be valid and is rotated about the minor axis.
Semi-major axis: This axis is at right angles to the major axis in the XY plane. This is rotated
about the major axis with valid input between -90 and 90 decimal degrees inclusive.
Minor axis: The minor axis is the vertical axis and is mutually perpendicular to the Major and
Semi-major axes.
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Bearing: The azimuth of the major axis in the XY plane. The bearing must be between 0 and 360
decimal degrees inclusive in order to be valid.
Plunge: The plunge is the rotation of the major axis around the semi-major axis and must be
between -90 and 90 decimal degrees inclusive. For an ellipse that has a bearing of 0 degrees, a
positive rotation is a northerly plunge and a negative rotation is a southerly plunge as shown on
the diagram below.
N-S Long Section View of ellipse.
Dip: This is the dip above or below the horizontal plane. A valid input is between -90 and 90
decimal degrees inclusive. A positive rotation is to the west and negative rotation is to the east.
E-W Cross sectional view of ellipse.
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The axis and orientation of an ellipsoid may be represented by an aeroplane the main body of
the plane represents the major axis. The winds represent the semi-major axis and the tail
represents the direction of the minor axis.
2. Select the "Save now" button on the form to save an ellipsoid string file at the specified
coordinate origin.
The result is a string file representing the orientation and dimensions specified in the form. When
exported at a specified coordinate origin it can be recalled into graphics in close proximity to the
data and thus be used for visual confirmation.
3. Recall the file ellipsoid_qpy1.str into a graphics layer of the same name and then recall
cmpq1.str into a different layer.
Modify the styles of the cmpq1 layer to display the samples as markers instead of lines
It should now be possible to determine if the anisotropy ellipsoid is sufficient in range in each of
the three dimensions (major, semi-major and minor) to find sufficient samples to inform the block
model. It is also valuable to determine if the ellipsoid is correctly oriented as it is a common
mistake to rotate the ellipsoid in the wrong direction.
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CREATING BLOCK MODEL

1.
Open the database surpac.ddb
2.
Determine the model area by viewing the topo and drillhole database
From the Database menu, select the
Display > Drillholes option.
Just display the drill holes
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Place in plan view

Display a grid
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Based on the coordinates you can determine the model area in the X and Y directions.
Origin or the minimum X, Y and Z values for the model.
Origin
Y
7100
X
1400
Z
820
Minimum and Maximum coordinate.
Min co-ord
Max co-ord
Y
7000
Y
X
1200
X
Z
-20
Z
Extents.
Max Point
Y
X
Z
7800
2100
250
520
580
200
Now that you know your model extents, you can
create your block model to cover this area.
Something you must keep in mind when creating your
model is the smallest block size that you will allow.
In this exercise you will set the block model to have
the smallest block at a size as shown in the table
below
User Block
Y
10
X
10
Z
5
The smallest block size is going to be smaller than
your user block size.
Smallest Block
Y
10
X
5
Z
2.5
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Click on the Apply button to confirm

the creation of the block model.
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If required make changes

This will now be created and displayed in the status bar.
SAVE IT
From the Block Model menu, select the Save option.
Once the model is saved you will see it displayed in the
file manager on the left of you screen.
It is now possible to display the model in graphics.
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From the block model menu select the Display >

Display block model option.
You will be presented with the Draw block model
form.
This allows you to select how the model will be
displayed in graphics.
In V5 of Surpac you have the option of displaying
the blocks as a series of centroid point using the
point cloud option.
It is also possible to display the blocks at
different sizes.
For this exercise, leave the

form unchanged and then
click on the Apply button.
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CREATING MODEL ATTRIBUTES

An attribute contains the information or the properties of the model space. This can be either a
number with decimal places, a character code, and so on.
Assess what information is stored in the database which needs to be placed into the model
Before creating any attributes you will look at the information stored in the drill hole database,
and decide what will be extracted in the compositing.
Make sure you have the database open.
From the Database menu, select the Edit > View
Table option.
Select the sample table to view,

and then click on the Apply
button.
You will need to look

at the entire table, so
will not be using any
constraints.
Click on the Apply
button without making
any changes.
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From the Block Model menu select the Attributes >

New option.
You will create four attributes at a single time in this
step.
Select Model Summary to view the results
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SAVE the block model
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CONSTRAINTS WITHIN A BLOCK MODEL

Constraints are the logical combinations of spatial operators and objects and may be used to
control the selection of blocks from which information may be retrieved and/or into which
interpolations may be made.
Filling the Block Model with values

Producing Reports
Viewing models in Graphics.
Loading a constrained portion of a model
The choice of spatial operators you have are:
ABOVE
INSIDE
>
<
=
The operator you will use will depend on the nature of your objects. In order to reduce the number
of spatial operators , the word `NOT'is used to imply the opposite of an operation. For example,
OUTSIDE would be represented by the expression NOT INSIDE.
When the word AND is used in a constraint combination, blocks that are common to the ANDed
constraints will be selected. When the word OR is used in a constraint combination, all blocks
which related to either of the ORed constraints will be shown, not just those that are common.
Create a constraint file
From the Block Modelling menu choose Constraints - New constraint file.
The ENTER CONSTRAINTS form will be displayed. The Make Constraints function allows you to
create a constraint without having to perform any other function (ie. filling the model with values).
This form consists of a number of different parts which bear examining. The key to working with
the Surpac block model is in the mastering of this form. The Constraint Type is the most
important part of this form - by selecting a type of constraint to use other parts of the form are
turned on and off as required. For example the above form is DTM constraint. If you were using
an extended string constraint the data entry fields would be different. You build a constraint up by
constructing elements and transferring them over to the table on the right hand side of the
constraints form. Once you have constructed your constraint, you save it by filling in the
``Constraint combination box'
'and the ``Save constraint to'
'box.
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FILLING THE BLOCK MODEL

Several choices available:
Nearest neighbour (Assign the value from the closest sample point to the block centroid)
Inverse distance (Interpolate block values using an inverse distance estimator)
Assign value (Assign an explicit value to blocks in the model)
Ordinary kriging (Interpolate block values using Kriging with Variogram parameters
developed from a geostatistical study)
Indicator kriging
Assign from string (Assign to all blocks falling within a closed segment, the value from a
description field in that segment.)
Import centroids (import block-centroid based data from a text file directly into the current
block model)
some of the more commonly used methods:
Assign Value
Nearest Neighbour
Inverse Distance
The data to be used for the interpolation/assigning of values will most commonly be in the form of
a string file, with northing, easting and elevation stored in the Y, X and Z fields and the values to
be interpolated stored in the description fields.
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ASSIGN VALUE
This option can be used to assign air blocks a specific gravity of zero.
1.
2.
Open training.mdl
Block Model | Estimation | Assign Value
Nominate the attribute you wish to fill
3.
Repeat this process for the constraints:

Fresh, oxide and transitional
4.
View this in graphics by constraining the block model by the ore zones qpy and bif and
then colour the blocks based on numerical attributes
BLOCK MODEL | DISPLAY | COLOUR MODEL BY ATTRIBUTE
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INVERSE DISTANCE
We will use this function to fill the block model with gold grades within the BIF zone. Downhole
composites are stored in cmpb1.str
From the Block Model menu, select the Estimation >
Inverse Distance option.
This is the estimation technique that you will use the fill
the model.
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Enter the minimum and

maximum number of samples
as shown in the image.
Enter the maximum search
radius as 40metres and a large
vertical search distance.
Enter the anisotrophy ratios as
shown. If you wish to see the
shape of your search ellipse,
click on the Ellipsoid Visualiser
at the bottom of the form.
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Once you have viewed the ellipsoid, click on the Apply button.
Then click on the Apply button to move to the next stage of setting up the model filling.
Enter the inverse
distance power to be
used for the filling, and
at the bottom of the
form, make sure the
constraint option is
ticked.
Click on the Apply button
to be taken to the
constraint form.
Descretisation points.
If you leave these fields at 3, 3 and 3, each user block in the model is subdivided into 27 subblocks and the grade estimated is at the centroid of each of the sub-blocks. The mean of the
grades for the 27 sub-blocks is then calculated and this is the grade assigned to the block.
This obviously increases processing time compared to x,y and z being set to 1).Using inverse
distance there is often no appreciable benefit in making these extra calculations
On the form, make sure you select to keep the blocks that are partially in the constraint. This
will keep all block that have a small part of the block inside the constraint, even if the centroid
is outside the constraint.
Once the filling has been completed you will be presented with a report which will summarise
the filling parameters.
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Use the Inverse Distance method to fill the block model for the QPY zone. Down hole
composites of QPY only are stored in `cmpq1.str'
.
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Constrain the interpolation of blocks to QPY only
Also, once the filling has been completed, save the block model.
View the model in graphics to validate that the gold values have been correctly filled.
1. Choose Display - Display block model.
2. Choose Display - New graphical constraint and nominate to view all blocks with a gold value
>1.
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Now you can find out the information within an individual block by clicking on it.
From the Block Model menu select the Display >
View attributes for one block options.
Then click on any block that you can see on the
screen.
You will see that the block has been given values
for the attributes.
Click on several blocks to see that each has been
given a value for the attributes.
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BLOCK MODEL REPORTING

Report for entire deposit
Based on the filling you have completed, you can now
generate a report for the quality within the mine area.
From the Block Model menu select the Block model >
Report option.
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Leave the format file name

blank, and enter a name for
the report in the second field.
Select what format you wish
the report to be in, and make
sure the report will be
constrained.
Click on the Apply button to view the second stage of the reporting.
Report can be weighted by mass (a specific gravity must be supplied)

If there was no density then select the Value for the multiplication factor for volume ie. 2
Volume Adjustment: if the physical volume of a block is different to the volume dimensions, ie
expansion factor for mined material.
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Grouping Attributes: If you wish to report by grouped attributes, if you are grouping by more
than one attribute then the order in which they are specified will have a major influence on the
format of the report.
Ex. If the attribute GOLD is reported based on the cutoff values of 0;1;3;5;9;999 and these
cutoffs are to be reported on each 10m elevation range between 0 and 250, you would enter
the Z value first, and the GOLD values second.
Ex. REPORTING BY RL
Example, REPORTING BY GRADE RANGE
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Click on the Apply button once you have filled out the form as shown.
Constrain the report to detail the material within the pit and below the topo
Click on the Apply button to generate the report.
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Close the report one you have finished viewing it.

It is important to note, that because you selected to keep blocks partially within the constraint,
these blocks will also have been used for the quality reporting, and would not give the same
result as a traditional Surpac block model report with the same constraint.
CALCULATED ATTRIBUTES
Simple Calculated Attributes
It is possible to create attributes within the Surpac block model that are calculated from values
within other attributes, or from standard values. These attributes, called calculated attributes, are
very powerful tools for generating reportable values, and add no memory size the model.
In this example you will create an attribute that will calculate the volume of a block using a
calculated attribute.
From the Block Model menu, select the
Attributes > New option.
You will add a new calculated attribute and in
the expression field, enter the mathematical
formula for calculating the volume of a block,
width x height x length.
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Enter the name of the attribute and that the attribute type will be calculated. Enter the required
number of decimal places, and then in the last field, enter the expression to calculate the volume.
Within the block model there are several special variable that can be used within calculated
attributes. The _yext is an example that will give the extent, or length of the block. To see the
other options that can be used look at the online help for Block Maths.
Enter the expression as shown in the previous image, and then click on the Apply button.
The new attribute will be created, and you can now use the Display properties for a single block
to see the volume.
You will use the constraint that was saved in the previous exercise, and then click on the Apply
button to generate the report.
To create a calculated top cut
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The expression is iif(gold>30,30,gold) translating to if gold is greater than 30, then make 30, or
else leave as gold
Partial Percentage reporting

The traditional constraints functions test all blocks to check whether they are inside or outside the
constraint using the centroid position. This test is done on the minimum size blocks in the model
(where required).
Occasionally, the centroid may fall outside the constraint, yet a significant part of the block may
still be inside the constraint (figure A). Usually, this is not a significant issue - the blocks in
question are at the minimum block size, and some will be inside, some will be outside, and so the
model evens itself up. However, for some reporting, such as volume reconciliation, this is not
accurate enough.
The partial percentage function tests these '
inconclusive'blocks and determines a fractional value
between 0 and 1 as per how much the block is inside the constraint, e.g. 0 is totally out, 1 is
totally in and 0.4 is 40% inside (figure B). These values are stored inside a specified attribute.
How the percentage is calculated is very simple. With traditional constraints, the model is subblocked down to the minimum block size, and then the inside/outside test is performed on the
block centroid. The partial percentage calculation takes it further. Rather than stopping at the
minimum block size, this function will sub-block further, depending on the Precision Factor that
is entered. The higher the Precision Factor the more times the block will be sub-blocked past
the minimum block size.
The function then performs the standard constraint on these (much) smaller blocks, and counts
the ones that are inside and outside the constraint. This count becomes the percentage. The
percentage is always stored in the block at minimum block size. So it becomes a trade-off. The
higher the precision factor, the more precise the partial percentage calculation. However, many
more blocks are created for the higher precision factors, and so the function will be slower. For
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example, a percentage calculation with a precision factor of 5 will create 4096 times the number
of blocks than a calculation at precision 1.
Simple Partial Percent Reporting

1. First create an attribute to store the partial percentage value.
Make sure you have your block model open, and
then select the Attribute > New function.
This will allow you to create a new attribute in the
model, and as you will be storing a percentage
value for a block to be inside or outside of a
constraint you must make the attribute a real or float
value.
Fill out the new attribute form as shown below and then clock on the Apply button.
The next step is to give the new attribute a value based on its position relative to a
constraint, in this example a DTM surface.
From the Block Model menu select Estimation > Partial
Percentage
With the constraint you will assign a value based on the
position of a block below the topography.
Any block that is completely above the topography will
have a value of 1, and any block below the seam will
have a value of 0.
It is possible to use a string, DTM surface, 3D model or several other options.
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Select the constraint type, and set it

to DTM.
Set the precision option to 3.
Select the partial attribute to be
assigned a value, in this example
partial.
Enter the name of the DTM surface
to be used, in this case topo1.dtm,
and make sure that you will be filling
only those blocks below, or not
above the DTM surface.
At the bottom of the form, tick the
option to save the partial
percentage result to a file, and give
the file a name.
The precision option determines how many time that the block will be split into smaller blocks for
testing to see if it is in or out of the constraint.
As an example, a precision of 2 would split the block into two parts in each direction, almost as if
it were sub blocking, and then testing these smaller blocks against the DTM surface. A precision
of 3 would split the blocks 3 times in each direction, and so on. The larger the precision value the
longer the process will take.
Saving a partial percentage result to a file allows it to be used again without the need for running
the estimation function again. It will also allow for several variables to be filled at one time.
Once the filling has completed, a report can be generated to give the volume below the
topography. This is done by using the partial attribute as a weighting attribute.
You will now generate two reports to see the difference, once without making use of the partial
attribute, and then a second time using the partial attribute as a weighting field.
2.
From the block model menu, select the Report function
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Give the output

report a name, and
make sure you will
be using a
constraint at the
bottom of the form.
Click on the Apply
form when
complete.
Fill out the Block Model Report form as shown above to generate a report for the volume
without making use of the partially filled blocks.
Select the attribute to be reported.
Either select a density attribute or set a default density of 2 will be used to give a
tonnage.
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Select to constrain the model using the topo1.dtm file. Make sure you only report the
blocks below this DTM surface.
Click on the Apply form without making any further changes.
Surpac will generate the report and display it on the screen.
3. Create another block model report, this time making use of the partially filled blocks
Select the Block Model > Report function
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AS in the
previous
exercise, enter a
name for the
report, and select
to constrain the
model, then click
on the Apply
button .
As with the previous exercise, select the attribute to report, and then select the Use
volume adjustment option.
In the Attribute field, select the partial attribute, and as before enter a value of 2 for the
density.
Click on the Apply button once you have filled out the form.
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Fill out the constraints form as before, making sure that this time you select to keep the
blocks partially in the constraint at the bottom.
Click on the Apply button once you have filled the form out as shown above.
As before the report will be displayed on the screen.
You should see that the difference between the two reports in terms of volume is a
fraction over 1%, and in terms of the CaO content, 0.09 in true value.
Model Re_Blocking
Surpac will allow you to create a new model with different block sizes that is in the current model
by re-blocking.
This is a very good toll where you have modelled your deposit with small blocks in a certain
direction, such as for the elevation, but now wish to create a design where your bench height is
much larger.
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In this example, you will re-block the model in all 3 directions.

From the Block Model menu, select the Block model >
Reblock option
Enter the name you wish to give to the new model, and a description for the model.
Select the advanced reblocking option from the reblocking type field, and then enter in the
new block sizes.
Enter the new minimum block sizes to be the same as the use block size, and make the SG
attribute blank, as you do not have one you can use.
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You have three options that can be used for

determining the new value for a larger block.
In this case you will use the first option which will treat
any negative values as a 0.
Include all attributes, and then click on the Apply button to create the new model.
The new model will be created, and can now be viewed in the normal way.
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Basic Activity
FILES USED
C:\GEOLOGY|BLOCKMODEL\DATA
1.
2.
3.
4.
Open the block model block_model.mdl

Add the attribute gold_nn to the block model.
Add the attribute sg to the block model.
Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 2.5 to all
blocks below the topography topo1.dtm.
block in the solid ore body ore1.dtm.
6. Fill the gold_nn attribute with Nearest Neighbour estimation method. Use the following
estimation parameters:
I.
Composite file = samples1.str
II.
Maximum search radius = 500m
III.
Maximum vertical search distance = 9999
IV.
Bearing of major axis = 0
V.
Plunge of major axis = 0
VI.
Dip of semi-major axis = 0
VII.
Anisotropy Ratios
i. major / semi-major = 1
ii. major / minor = 1
VIII.
Constraints: Inside 3DM (ore1.dtm)
7. Create a Block Model Report and report the following:
I.
Average weighted gold grade
II.
Average weighted specific gravity
III.
Tonnage (multiplication factor = 11)
IV.
Organized by bench (0,250,10)
V.
Choose one of the available formats (.csv; .not; .htm; .rtf; .pdf)
VI.
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USEFUL TOOLBAR ICONS

BLOCK MODELLING
Open Block Model
Close Block Model
Display Block Model
Add New Graphical Constraint
Remove Last Graphical Constraint
Remove All Graphical Constraint
Edit Block Model Constraint
Block Edge and Face Visibility
Add Slicing Plane Constraint
Remove Slicing Plane Constraint
Colour Model by Attribute
Remove Block Colours
Add Block Model Attribute
Delete Block Model Attribute
Edit Block Model Attribute
Block Maths
Identify Block Values
Block Model Report
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PROCEDURE
1. Add the attribute gold_nn to the block model.
a. Make sure youre connected to the block model first. From the Navigator, click
and drag the block model block_model.mdl into the view port to connect to it.
Notice the special icon and name of the block model that appears in the status
bar.
b. From the Block Model menu, choose Attribute, New.
c. Fill the subsequent form as follows:
2. Add the attribute sg to the block model.

d. From the Block Model menu, choose Attribute, New.
e. Fill the subsequent form as follows:
3. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 2.5 to
all blocks below the topography topo1.dtm.
f. From the Block Model menu, choose Estimation, Assign value.
g. Fill the subsequent forms as follows:
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all block in the solid ore body ore1.dtm.
h. From the Block Model menu, choose Estimation, Assign value.
i. Fill the subsequent forms as follows:
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4. Fill the gold_nn attribute with Nearest Neighbour estimation method.

Use the following estimation parameters:
I.
Composite file = samples1.str
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Anisotropy Ratios
VIII.
j. From the Block Model menu, choose Estimation, Nearest neighbour.
k. Fill the subsequent forms as follows:
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Please note that the above form specifies source data. In this case the gold grades are
contained in the file samples1.str in the second description field (D2). Feel free to open this string
file and from the Inquire menu use Point Properties to view the description information contained
in the D fields of each sample point.
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6. Create a Block Model Report and report the following:

Tonnage (multiplication factor = sg)
Constrain the report to all block within the solid ore1.dtm.
l. From the Block Model menu, choose Block model, Report.
m. Fill the subsequent forms as follows:
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Advanced Block Modelling Tutorial

FILES USED
C:\GEOLOGY|BLOCKMODEL\ADVANCED_BM (for the advanced tutorial)
Open Database
1. Open the database DB1.DDB and display the drillholes determine extents and become
familiar with the dataset.
Block Model Validation
2. Create an empty block model, ensuring to cover the area required totally.
3. Export the centroid points to a string file and validate the model area.
4. Create a graphical constraint for qpy1.dtm, bif1.dtm and a combination of both, then
validate the user block size of your new block model.
Create Attributes
5. Add the attribute gold to the block model.
7. Add the attribute gold_cut to the block model (apply a 20g/t cutoff).
8. Add the attribute orecat to the block model.
Apply constraints to model
9. Create constraint files for:
1. Inside qpy1.dtm
2. Inside bif1.dtm
3. Inside sand1.dtm
4. Combination of all above
Fill Block Model with SG Values
blocks above the topography topo1.dtm.
blocks below the topography topo1.dtm and above weath_ew1.dtm.
blocks below weath_ew1.dtm and above weath_fresh.dtm.
blocks below weath_fresh.dtm.
blocks in the ore solid bif1.dtm.
Display the block model by SG Attribute
15. Remove all graphical constraints and then colour display the block model on SG
attributes.
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Fill the Gold attribute with the Inverse Distance2 estimation method
16. Use the following estimation parameters:
For QPY1.DTM ore solid
VII.
Composite file = cmpq1.str
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
Anisotropy Ratios
XIV.
Constraints: Inside 3DM (qpy1.dtm)
XV.
Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7260 X:1560 Z:900
For BIF1.DTM ore solid

XVI.
Composite file = cmpb1.str
XVII. Maximum search radius = 100m
XVIII. Maximum vertical search distance = 9999
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII. Anisotropy Ratios
XXIII. Constraints: Inside 3DM (bif1.dtm)
XXIV. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7350 X:1840 Z:1000
For SAND1.DTM ore solid
XXV. Composite file = cmps1.str
XXVI. Maximum search radius = 100m
XXVII. Maximum vertical search distance = 9999
XXVIII. Bearing of major axis = 27
XXIX. Plunge of major axis = 0
XXX. Dip of semi-major axis = 0
XXXI. Anisotropy Ratios
XXXII. Constraints: Inside 3DM (sand1.dtm)
XXXIII. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7335 X:1760 Z:1000
Create a Block Model Report
17. Create a Block Model Report and report the following
1.
2.
3.
Tonnage (multiplication factor = SG)
4.
5.
6.
Constraints: Inside ore 3DM (bif1.dtm, qpy1.dtm,sand.dtm)
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Files required:
USEFUL TOOLBAR ICONS

BLOCK MODELLING
Open Block Model
Close Block Model
Display Block Model
Add New Graphical Constraint
Remove Last Graphical Constraint
Remove All Graphical Constraint
Edit Block Model Constraint
Block Edge and Face Visibility
Add Slicing Plane Constraint
Remove Slicing Plane Constraint
Colour Model by Attribute
Remove Block Colours
Add Block Model Attribute
Delete Block Model Attribute
Edit Block Model Attribute
Block Maths
Identify Block Values
Block Model Report
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PROCEDURE
Open Database
1. Open the database DB1.DDB and display the drill holes determine extents and become
familiar with the dataset.
a. Open the db1.ddb and display the drill holes (DATABASE | DISPLAY |
DRILLHOLES)
b. Open the topography file TOPO1.DTM
c.
Plot a 2D grid (PG) and determine the minimum and maximum co-ordinates of
the area.
d. The co-ordinates to adequately cover the block model would be approximately:

Northing: 7100 -7620
Easting: 1200 - 2000
RL: 820 -1050
Block Model Validation
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2. Create an empty block model, ensuring to cover the area required totally.
a. Select Block Model | New/Open
b. Enter the minimum and maximum co-ordinate as determined above and select a
user block size and variable sub-celling size. The block size should reflect the
drill hole spacing, mining equipment to be used and the structure of the ore.
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c.
Apply through the following form, if required, you can change the block size if
needed.
d. The block model has now been created and the name of the block model will
appear on the status bar.
e. Save the block model.
3. Export the centroid points to a string file and validate the model area.
a. Select Block Model | Export | Block centroids & dimensions to string file
b. View the file centroids1.str
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4. Create a graphical constraint of the qpy1.dtm & bif1.dtm and validate the user block size
of your new block model.
a. Select Constraints | New graphical constraint and complete the form as shown
below there is no need save this constraint.
b. Drag and drop QPY1.dtm and validate the user block size of your new block
model.
c.
Select Constraints | Remove all graphical constraints.
d. Select Constraints | New graphical constraint and complete the form as shown
below there is no need save this constraint.
e. Drag and drop BIF1.dtm and validate the user block size of your new block
model.
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f.
Select Constraints | New graphical constraint and complete the form as shown
below there is no need save this constraint. Combine both the BIF1.DTM and
the QPY1.DTM. Note the constraint combination (a or b).
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Create Attributes
5. Add the attribute gold to the block model.
a. Make sure youre connected to the block model first. From the Navigator, click
and drag the block model blockmodel.mdl into the view port to connect to it.
Notice the special icon and name of the block model that appears in the status
bar.
b. From the Block Model menu, choose Attribute, New.
c.
Fill the subsequent form as follows:

a. From the Block Model menu, choose Attribute, New.
b. Fill the subsequent form as follows:
7. Add the attribute gold_cut to the block model.

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8. Add the attribute orecat to the block model.

View the new attributes and values created above by having the block model displayed and then
selecting Attribute | View attributes for one block and then select a block.
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Apply constraints to model

9. Create and save a constraint file for:
Inside qpy1.dtm
save as qpy1.con
Inside bif1.dtm
save as bif1.con
Inside sand1.dtm
save as sand1.con
Combination of all above
save as qpy_bif_sand.con
Select Block Model | Constraint | New Graphical Constraint and complete
constraints for the above.
Example given below for qpy1.con constraint, repeat for bif1.dtm and sand1.dtm
Example given below for the combination constraint.
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Fill Block Model with SG Values

10. Fill the sg attribute with the Assign Value method. Assign a specific gravity of 0.00
to all blocks above the topography topo1.dtm.
a. From the Block Model menu, choose Estimation, Assign value.
b. Fill the subsequent forms as follows:
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to all blocks below the topography topo1.dtm and above weath_ew1.dtm.
to all blocks below weath_ew1.dtm and above weath_fresh.dtm.
to all blocks below weath_fresh.dtm.
all blocks in the ore solid bif1.dtm.
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Display the block model by SG Attribute

15. Remove all graphical constraints and then constrain the block model below the
topo1.dtm.
Colour display the block model on the SG attribute by selecting Block Model | Display |
Colour By Attribute
View the new attributes and values created above by selecting Attribute | View attributes for one
block and then select a block.
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16. Fill the Gold attribute with the Inverse Distance2 estimation method
Use the following estimation parameters:

For QPY1.DTM ore solid
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Anisotropy Ratios
ii. major / semi-major = 2
iii. major / minor = 10
VIII.
IX.
X.
Composite file = cmpb1.str
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
Anisotropy Ratios
iv. major / semi-major = 3
v. major / minor = 10
XVII. Constraints: Inside 3DM (bif1.dtm)
XVIII. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7240 X:1670 Z:870

XIX.
Composite file = cmps1.str
XX.
XXI.
XXII. Bearing of major axis = 27
XXIII. Plunge of major axis = 0
XXIV. Dip of semi-major axis = 0
XXV. Anisotropy Ratios
vi. major / semi-major = 4
vii. major / minor = 10
XXVI. Constraints: Inside 3DM (sand1.dtm)
XXVII. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7335 X:1760 Z:1000
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EXAMPLE: For QPY1.DTM ore solid

Fill the gold attribute with Inverse Distance2 estimation method. Use the following
estimation parameters:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Anisotropy Ratios
viii. major / semi-major = 2
ix. major / minor = 10
VIII.
IX.
a. From the Block Model menu, choose Estimation, Inverse distance
.
Please note that the above form specifies source data. In this case the gold grades are
contained in the file cmpq.str in the second description field (D1). Feel free to open this string file
and from the Inquire menu use Point Properties to view the description information contained in
the D fields of each sample point.
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Select the Ellipsoid

Visualiser button to view
the ellipsoid.
To gain a visual
representation of your
ellipsoid save it by
entering a string file name
and string file origin coordinates.
Select save now prior to
applying the form.
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Once you have viewed the ellipsoid, click on the Apply button.
Then click on the Apply button to move to the next stage of setting up the model filling.
Enter the inverse
distance power to be
used for the filling, and
at the bottom of the
form, make sure the
debug output report and
constraint option is
ticked.
Click on the Apply button
to be taken to the
constraint form.
Descretisation points.
If you leave these fields at 3, 3 and 3, each user block in the model is subdivided into 27 subblocks and the grade estimated is at the centroid of each of the sub-blocks. The mean of the
grades for the 27 sub-blocks is then calculated and this is the grade assigned to the block.
This obviously increases processing time compared to x,y and z being set to 1).Using inverse
distance there is often no appreciable benefit in making these extra calculations
On the form, make sure you select to keep the blocks that are partially in the constraint. This
will keep all block that have a small part of the block inside the constraint, even if the centroid
is outside the constraint.
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Once the filling has been completed you will be presented with a report which will summarise
the filling parameters.
*Use the Inverse Distance method to fill the block model for the BIF and SAND zones.
Using the following estimation parameters:
X. Composite file = cmpb1.str
XI. Maximum search radius = 100m
XII. Maximum vertical search distance = 9999
XIII. Bearing of major axis = 50
XIV. Plunge of major axis = 0
XV. Dip of semi-major axis = 55
XVI. Anisotropy Ratios
x. major / semi-major = 3
xi. major / minor = 10
XVII.Constraints: Inside 3DM (bif1.dtm)
XVIII. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7350 X:1840 Z:1000
XIX. Composite file = cmps1.str
XX. Maximum search radius = 100m
XXI. Maximum vertical search distance = 9999
XXII.Bearing of major axis = 27
XXIII. Plunge of major axis = 0
XXIV. Dip of semi-major axis = 0
XXV. Anisotropy Ratios
xii. major / semi-major = 4
xiii. major / minor = 10
XXVI. Constraints: Inside 3DM (sand1.dtm)
XXVII. Ellipsoid Origin: Y:7335 X:1760 Z:1000
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Remove all graphical constraints and then constrain the block model by qpy_bif_sand.con
Colour display the block model on the gold attribute by selecting Block Model | Display |
Colour By Attribute
View the inverse distance estimation in the gold attribute by selecting Attribute | View
attributes for one block and then select a block.
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Create a Block Model Report

17. Create a Block Model and Report the following:
Tonnage (multiplication factor = SG)
Constraints: Inside ore 3DM (bif1.dtm, qpy1.dtm,sand.dtm)
a. From the Block Model menu, choose Block model, Report.
To determine the overall grade of the deposit
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Apply no constraints to give the average volume and tonnes for each grade range.
To determine the gold and grade in each solid (eg qpy1.dtm) then complete the form as follows:
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Apply no constraints.
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If required the report can also break up the grade ranges for each bench to be mined, complete
the form as follows:
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Surpac Block - Modelling Tutorial

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BLOCK MODELLING

Average weighted gold grade.................................................................................................... 55

Average weighted specific gravity............................................................................................. 55

Tonnage (multiplication factor = sg) ........................................................................................ 55

Organized by bench (0,250,10) ................................................................................................. 55

ADVANCED BLOCK MODELLING TUTORIAL ............................................................................... 58

Inside qpy1.dtm save as qpy1.con ............................................................................................ 68

Inside bif1.dtm save as bif1.con .............................................................................................. 68

Inside sand1.dtm save as sand1.con......................................................................................... 68

Combination of all above save as qpy_bif_sand.con................................................................. 68

Average weighted gold grade.................................................................................................... 78

Average weighted specific gravity............................................................................................. 78

Tonnage (multiplication factor = SG) ....................................................................................... 78

Organized by bench (800,1000,10) ........................................................................................... 78

Constraints: Inside ore 3DM (bif1.dtm, qpy1.dtm,sand.dtm) .................................................... 78

Flowchart for Simple Use of Block Modelling

The Block Model comprises of a number of components.

User Block Size

Schematic diagram showing how a block model space is defined.

Block size used for interpolation and reporting.

Variable Sub Blocking

Blocks and Attributes

Figure 1: Block model of oil sands coloured by attribute values (bitumen).

Figure 2: Unconstrained block model in relation to a DTM surface.

Figure 3: Same block model as in Figure 2 but constrained by topography (DTM).

Assign block values using an Inverse Distance estimator

Assign an explicit value to blocks in the model

Assign block values using Kriging with Variogram parameters developed

Functions concerned with a probabilistic block grade distribution derived

Assign data from the description fields of closed segments to attribute

Assign the value of the closest sample point to a block

Anisotropy Ellipsoid Parameters

CREATING BLOCK MODEL

Open the database surpac.ddb

Place in plan view

Click on the Apply button to confirm

If required make changes

From the block model menu select the Display >

For this exercise, leave the

CREATING MODEL ATTRIBUTES

Select the sample table to view,

You will need to look

From the Block Model menu select the Attributes >

Select Model Summary to view the results

SAVE the block model

CONSTRAINTS WITHIN A BLOCK MODEL

Filling the Block Model with values

The choice of spatial operators you have are:

FILLING THE BLOCK MODEL

some of the more commonly used methods:

Repeat this process for the constraints:

Enter the minimum and

Constrain the interpolation of blocks to QPY only

BLOCK MODEL REPORTING

Leave the format file name

Report can be weighted by mass (a specific gravity must be supplied)

Example, REPORTING BY GRADE RANGE

Click on the Apply button to generate the report.

Close the report one you have finished viewing it.

Simple Calculated Attributes

To create a calculated top cut

Partial Percentage reporting