Support - Frequently Asked Questions

Exporting Block Models To Whittle

Applies to: Surpac (all versions) Knowledge Base ID: KB20003

Publish Date: 21/03/2012
Last Review Date: 21/03/2012
Category FAQ
Sub-Category Application

Issue:

How do I export a block model from Surpac to Whittle?

Additional Details:

To export a Surpac .mdl file and import into Whittle you need to either:
 Use the Block Model export functionality to create a .mod and .par file (preferred).
 Save the block model as a string file.

You will need the following attributes for the block model:
 An attribute containing the grade value for every block in the model. These values must exist as a
fraction of the "units"/tonnes, with a zero grade usually denoting an air or waste block.
 An attribute with a rock code. This attribute can be either a character or an integer attribute.
 A specific gravity attribute is also required.

In addition, the following attributes must exist for some (but not all) Whittle products:
 Whittle Four-D and Four-X require a Mining Cost Adjustment Factor (MCAF).
 Whittle Four-D and Four-X require a Processing Cost Adjustment Factor (PCAF).

Resolution:

1. Open the block model, and display it in Graphics.

The block model button is displayed in the Status Bar.

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2. Choose Block model > Block model > Export > to Whittle from the menu.
The Export to Whittle four-x form is displayed.
3. To export the block model, complete the details as shown in the following screenshot, and click
Apply. The required fields are outlined in red.
Note: The ‘Waste rock code’ should be restricted to four characters.
By default the MCAF attribute and PCAF attribute fields are set to 1.
Tip: It is recommended that model Validation is undertaken and a Whittle Report generated.

4. After examining the report created by Surpac, if it has passed all of the checks you can close the
report.

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Surpac will continue the process of exporting the block model for Whittle.

Once the export is complete a message is displayed in the Message Window.

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