AKTU Computer Aided Mine Planning Lab (BMN653) Syllabus PDF – B.Tech 3rd Year

List of Experiments

1. To learn how to import raw drillhole data into mining software, validate its integrity (e.g., check for missing data, out-of-range values, incorrect coordinates), and perform compositing to create regularly spaced samples for geological modelling, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine.
2. To understand geostatistical principles by calculating and plotting experimental variograms from drillhole assay data, fitting theoretical models (e.g., spherical, exponential), and determining variogram parameters (nugget, sill, range) for use in grade estimation, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine.
3. To create 3D wireframe models of ore bodies and geological domains from drillhole data and then construct a 3D block model of the deposit, assigning geological codes to blocks based on the wireframes, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine, Vulcan.
4. To estimate grades for each block in the block model using an appropriate method (e.g., Ordinary Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting) and then calculate the total tonnage and average grade of the ore body at various cut-off grades, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine.
5. To apply the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm to a block model to determine the optimal economic ultimate pit limit, considering economic parameters like metal price, mining cost, and processing cost, Software Focus: Whittle (often integrated with mine planning software like Surpac, Datamine), specific modules within main mine planning software.
6. To design detailed open pit benches, haul roads, and ramps within the optimized pit shell, ensuring adherence to design parameters such as bench height, berm width, and road gradient, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine, AutoCAD Civil 3D.
7. To design basic underground mine development layouts, including declines/ramps and main access drives, and to model typical stopes for a chosen underground mining method, Software Focus: Surpac, Datamine, Micromine.
8. To create a simplified mine ventilation network model, simulate airflow, calculate fan requirements, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize the ventilation system for air quantity and quality, Software Focus: Ventsim, VentSIM, SINET.
9. To develop a short-range production schedule for an open-pit mine, allocating ore and waste movement, and to calculate the required number of shovels and dumpers for a given production target, Software Focus: Specific scheduling modules within main mine planning software (e.g., Surpac Scheduler, Datamine MineSched), Excel for fleet sizing calculations.
10. To perform a basic 2D or 3D slope stability analysis of an open pit or underground excavation using a numerical modeling tool, identifying potential failure surfaces and calculating factors of safety, Software Focus: GALENA, Slide (Rocscience), Phase2 (Rocscience), FLAC (Itasca). Course outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
11. Apply Modern Mining Software: Effectively utilize industry-standard computer-aided mine planning software (e.g., Surpac, Datamine, Micromine, Whittle, Ventsim) for various mine planning and design tasks.
12. Perform Geological Data Management and Modeling: Process, validate, and manage geological data (drillholes, surveys) to create accurate 3D geological wireframe and block models of mineral deposits.
13. Conduct Geostatistical Analysis and Grade Estimation: Apply geostatistical techniques, particularly variography, to characterize spatial variability of ore grades and perform reliable grade estimation using methods like Kriging for resource modeling.
14. Design and Optimize Open Pit Mines: Design and optimize open-pit mine layouts, including pit limits, pushbacks, benches, and haul roads, considering economic and geotechnical parameters.
15. Design Underground Mine Workings: Develop basic underground mine designs, including main access drives, ventilation networks, and stope layouts for various mining methods.
16. Develop Mine Production Schedules: Create realistic short-term and long-term mine production schedules, considering operational constraints, equipment availability, and blending requirements.
17. Analyze and Optimize Mine Systems: Apply simulation and analytical tools to assess the performance of mining systems, optimize equipment fleet size, and improve overall operational efficiency.
18. Conduct Basic Geotechnical and Ventilation Analysis: Perform fundamental analyses related to slope stability, pillar design, and mine ventilation, using appropriate software tools.
19. Interpret and Present Mine Planning Results: Generate and interpret various outputs from mining software (e.g., maps, sections, reports, visualizations) and effectively communicate mine planning concepts and results in a professional manner.
20. Understand the Limitations of Software and Data: Recognize the assumptions and limitations inherent in computer-aided mine planning software and the importance of data quality and validation in generating reliable mine plans.