Hexagon’s Mining division has unveiled HxGN MinePlan Block Model Manager, a solution that aims to transform how mining companies manage block models. The Model Manager enables users to simultaneously design, populate, manage, and share block models while centrally managing the massive amount of sample points, variables, and outputs associated with orebody data.
A critical component of the mining operations process, block models are a digital representation of the geological and mineralogical features of an ore deposit, allowing mining companies to plan, design and optimize operations.
Geologists and mining engineers use Hexagon’s MinePlan geosciences and engineering software to populate block model attributes and value, including geology descriptions, grade estimates, cost, data, and schedule information.
As technology advancements can produce a constant stream of raw resources data from the field, a major challenge with orebody modeling is the direct correlation between data and file size. Effective management is needed to maintain high levels of model accuracy that reflect the unique complexities of each mine and extract valuable insights for effective decision-making.
MinePlan Block Model Manager addresses these challenges while allowing multiple users to collaborate on the same project and share their progress seamlessly while maintaining version integrity and tracking edit history. With this new solution, mining companies can streamline their workflows and improve data interpretation, leading to better decisions and operational efficiencies.
Susan Brandt, Vice President of MinePlan at Hexagon’s Mining division said the HxGN MinePlan Block Model Manager can streamline workflows, as it simplifies the block modeling process and enables greater collaboration and data interoperability.
“By setting the stage for a unified technology platform, the Block Model Manager will transform the way mining organizations operate and have a profound impact on our users’ productivity, profitability, and overall success,” Brandt said in a media release.
Project stakeholders will be able to visualize changes to the model as it progresses through the hands of technical experts, the company said, which enhances auditability and information quality, culminating in improved reporting. The block model solution streamlines the data transfer workflow, loading large models faster, improving productivity by reducing time spent from sample point to decision, accelerating the modeling process.
“The MinePlan Block Model Manager is just the beginning of what we hope will be a transformational journey for the mining industry and resource governance overall,” said Brandt.