AJW VENTURES

ASSESSING THE CAPABILITIES OF ESRI 3D ANALYST SOFTWARE VS OTHER COMPREHENSIVE MINING SOFTWARE

(November 2006)

Wishes Magalela

Ann Moulding

Sarojani Joshi

GIS Management and Implementation (GISC – 6383)

Technology Assessment Report

Table of Contents:

Introduction...... ……………….…

Objective…………………………………………………………………………………...

Summary of Discussion…………………………………………………………………....3

The Exploration and Mining Phases…………………………………………………….....3

  • Regional……………………………………………………………………………3
  • Field (Area)………………………………………………………………………...4
  • Mine (Site Investigation……………………………………………………………4
  • Anomaly Investigation……………………………………………………………..4
  • Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies………………………………………..4
  • Mine Development…………………………………………………………………4

Comparison of functionality of various Software Packages…………………….………....6

Software………………………………………………………………………...………….8

  • Geosoft (Oasis Montaj, Target, GM Sys)………………………………………….8
  • Oasis Montaj value to ASW Ventures……………………………………..8
  • ArcGIS w 3D Analyst……………………………………………………………...9
  • ArcGIS with 3D Analyst value to ASW Ventures………………………..11
  • SurPac – xPlore Pac, Quarry, and Vision………………………………………. .11
  • Surpac Value to ASW Ventures…………………………………………12
  • ArcSDE Database………………………………………………………………...13
  • acQuire Database…………………………………………………………………13
  • acQuire Value to ASW Ventures……………………………………….. 15
  • RockWare……………………………………………………………………… 15

Cost benefit analysis……………………………………………………………………...16

Conclusion…..…………………………………………………………………………...18

Sources…………………………………………………………………………………...19

Introduction:

AJW Ventures is a junior company based in the US and runs gold exploration programs all over the world with the aim of delineating exploitable gold deposits and sell to larger mining companies. Larger mining companies who are in the business of exploration and mining use traditional mining software to conduct their business. However this software may be too expensive for small exploration companies who are merely interested in demarcating a mineable resource and pass it on to the larger mining companies or promote it in the stock market.In order to maximize on profits, AJW Ventures wishes to find software that would be cheaper than the existing mining software and yet be able to produce the visual and quantitative results that would be sufficient to portray the potential of any gold deposit.

Objective:

To compare the capabilities and costs of various Software Packages used for Collecting, Analyzing, Modeling and Archiving critical exploration information.

Summary of Discussion:

  • Exploration phases
  • Data Types (Data Output) during each phase of exploration
  • Software requirements
  • Technological Analysis of software
  • Comparative Cost Analysis of the Software
  • Conclusion

The Exploration and Mining Phases:

In order for us to analyze the capabilities of the software, we need to identify the stages of exploration, the output of data format in each phase and the capabilities of the software that is available. Six phases have been identified and are described below according to their sequence of execution.

1. Regional– This is conducted on a small-scale 1:100 000 or 1:250 000 where existing geological information is assessed from the following sources:

  • Published Geology Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department
  • Published Geochemical Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department
  • Published Geophysical Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Department or private companies that conduct airborne surveys
  • Topological Maps/Data from the Geological Survey
  • Previous exploration data from other exploration companies deposited with the Geological Survey Department

This process results in identifying an area for more detailed field exploration. Data is mostly in hard copy or digital format.

2. Field (Area) - (Assumes licensing has been completed)

Exploration is now conducted in the field at a scale of 1:50 000 or less. Following are the activities that are conducted at this stage.

  • Area geological mapping with structural analysis
  • Rock sampling
  • Area geochemical sampling (soil and drainage)
  • Airborne geophysical surveys

This will result a lot of data that needs to be modeled to show potential anomalies or potential mine sites. Samples collected may total 500.

3. Mine (Site Investigation)

Exploration is usually conducted at large scales between 1:1000 and 1:10 000. The following are the activities carried out at this stage.

  • Detailed geological mapping and structural analysis
  • Detailed closely spaced geochemical soil samples
  • Detailed closely spaced ground geophysical surveys (IP, Resistivity, Mag)

Samples collected may total between 2000 and 2500

4. Anomaly Investigation

  • Trenching and trench sampling
  • Citing and Drilling of anomalies
  • Core logging and sampling

Samples collected may total between 1500 and 5000.

5. Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies

  • Ore body Modeling
  • Mine Design
  • Equipment selection and purchase
  • Environmental design and permitting
  • Royalties and Taxes

6. Mine Development

  • Exploitation
  • Rehabilitation

The table 1. below summarizes important information regarding the format output of data obtained during the phases of exploration. We envisage that ARCGIS 3D analyst will not do the whole job alone and at some stages we will require to subcontract some of the data manipulation, as we will demonstrate this in our analysis of the different software.

Phase / Activity / Data Format / Software
1 / Regional Exploration / Hard copy maps, digital maps2D, x,y location / 2D
2 / Field (Area) Exploration / Hard copy maps, digital maps $ 9200
2D maps,, sample results ppm/g/t, x,y location of data / 2D Geosoft - $4000
ArcGIS 3D Analyst
$4500
3 / Mine Exploration / Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D maps, x,y location of data / 2D Geosoft
ArcGIS 3D Analyst
4 / Anomaly Investigation / Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D, 3D modeling of trenches, drill holes, sample results, x,y location / ArcGIS 3D Analyst
5 / Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies / Digital and hard copy maps, 3D modeling of drill holes sample results and ore bodies, xy location,resource estimates / 3D software
Surpac Quarry $ 8000- -$16000, Surpac Vision $6000-$39000
6 / Mine Development / 2D, 3D Digital and hard copy mine development plans, production statistics / 3D software

Table 1. Sample Data format

Figure 1. Sample Database Design
Comparison of functionality of various Software Packages and use for Collecting, Analyzing, Modelling and Archiving critical exploration information:

There are multiple types of data and analyses that are part of the exploration/site investigation and resource modeling phases of mine development. These phases require similar types of spatial and analytical data, but the presentation and analyses of these datasets is different at different stages of the mine development process. Figure 1 shows the multiple phases of exploration and mine development, with examples of software products that have the functionality to process the various types of data generated during these phases. Different packages are better suited to different phases of the process, but these packages often also have “add ons” that help extend the functionality of different software packages from one phase another phase. (Note: GeoSoft:Oasis Montaj - Target for Arc Map, Surpac XplorePac – Quarry - Vision.).

It is our job to purchase necessary software and database packages that will serve multiple needs, but also stay within a budget. We are not conducting an “apples to apples” comparison of software. We are looking at multiple packages that offer different collections of “tools”. We are deciding which analyses/modelling “tools” we need in-house, and which we can outsource to consultants for analyses and modeling. Because multiple parties will handle data, with multiple types of software, data management is a central consideration in this process. After mineral deposits are discovered and exploration progresses to the 3D phase, data collection becomes more expensive and data management more critical. These phases will require QA/QC data and Metadata management.

To evaluate various software packages, the following criteria will be used:

  • What functions (tools) does it have that will help us visualize and analyze our data.
  • What “level” of User will be required to effectively use the tool (will we need specialists or consultants to do the work?)
  • Data management: (1) will it help streamline our data flow, (2) will it create or solve security/QA-QC problems.

Figure 2. Outline of Mine Phases with Software

Software:

Geosoft (Oasis Montaj, Target, GM Sys): (

Oasis Montaj used to analyze various types of geophysical data and is used extensively in the mineral exploration industry. There are other “Grid” packages (RockWare’s Surfer) that can also process this information. However, it will probably take some manipulating data to get other software packages to do the same filtering, statistical, and gridding routines that Geosoft is designed for. Geosoft products run on a proprietary database designed to maximize the processing of large geophysical datasets. Figure 2 displays several of the geophysical data models created by Oasis Montaj.

To serve the exploration community, Geosoft has also developed Target and GM Sys for Plotting Drillhole data and developing 3D models.

Geophysical grids from Geosoft can be exported in various grid formats as well as a GeoTIFF – which can be brought into ArcGIS and used as a “layer” to better analyze regional “anomalies” to be further investigated with on-the ground sampling.

Figure 3. display of geophysical plots from Oasis Montaj (image from )

Oasis Montaj value to ASW Ventures:

  • Functions: Critical for first phases of mineral exploration. Industry standard for geophysics
  • Users: Need specialized person to use to full functionality
  • Data Management. Proprietary database – but good interface tools.

ArcGIS w 3D Analyst: (Similar packages to ArcGIS is 3D Analyst extension would be MapInfo with Encom Discover).

Functionality of ArcGIS will not be discussed here (it is assumed that the reader is familiar with functionality of standard GIS product), however we will note that standard MS Access and other ODBC databases can be accessed directly through ArcGIS. The 3D Analyst extension of this software adds the following functionality that will be useful for Exploration/Mine Development (list from

  • Create and analyze surfaces
  • Build surface models from many supported data formats including CAD, shapefiles, coverages, and images
  • Perform interactive perspective viewing, including pan and zoom, rotate, tilt, and fly-through simulations, for presentation and analysis
  • Model real-world surface features such as buildings
  • Model subsurface features—wells, mines, groundwater, and underground storage facilities
  • Generate three-dimensional surfaces on the fly from attributes
  • Apply data normalization and exaggeration on the fly
  • Drape two-dimensional data on surfaces and view in three dimensions
  • Calculate surface area, volume, slope, aspect, and hillshade
  • Apply various data layer effects such as transparency, lighting, shading, and depth priority
  • Generate contours as two-dimensional or three-dimensional features
  • Perform viewshed and line-of-sight analysis, spot height interpolation, profiling, and steepest path determination
  • Query three-dimensional data based on attribute or location
  • Export data for display on the Web using VRML
  • Create animations for visualization (AVI, MPEG, and QuickTime)

Elroi (1999) discusses how 3D analyst can be used to plot 3D Boreholes, Surface and ore body envelopes, and block models. Many of his surfaces were created in other software packages and brought into 3D analyst using DXF files. Figure 3 shows a downhole plot from this paper. Figure 4 shows a composite of multiple datatypes that 3D analyst is capable of processing.

Figure 4. Borehole plot in 3D analyst. (from Elroi 1999)

Figure 5. Composite mine drawing from 3D analyst. (from Elroi 1999)

ArcGIS with 3D Analyst value to ASW Ventures:

  • Functions: Critical for visualizing data for several phases of mining. Limited use for analyzing 3D data
  • User: User Friendly
  • Data Management. Reads ODBC databases and multiple other vector, raster and grid formats. Can import 3D DXF surfaces

On his assessment of the 3D analyst extension for mining, Elroi (1999) concludes:

“The ArcView 3D Analyst extension has enabled ArcView GIS to bridge a gap between traditional two-and-a-half dimensional data and true three-dimensional data. While this does not give ArcView GIS the ability to perform the functions of other industry-specific three-dimensional software packages used for geologic modeling or mine planning [see Surpac discussed below], it does permit an easier exchange of information between such packages. This is beneficial to users of both GIS and other modeling software packages. The tools are basic, but the capability is there waiting to be explored.”

SurPac – xPlore Pac, Quarry, and Vision:

Surpac developed specifically for mining “spanning exploration through production management” ( Surpac has several different software packages with Multiple Functionality for all stages of mining process. (see Table 1 below). Other mining and mine planning software on the market include Gemcom ( - Gemcom acquired Surpac in July 2006), and Vulcan ( These sophisticated modelling and planning tools are used extensively in the mining industry and are critical tools for mining complex deposits. Most significant are tools to perform complex volume calculations, and statistical analyses tools to prove reserves. Surpac Data plug-ins allows users to read (not import) GIS, CAD, and standard database formats (MS Access, SQL Server, Oracle and acQuire). It is likely that data generated in the exploration and site investigation phases will be brought into one of these software packages if and when mine development occurs. Table 1. shows a comparison of Surpac Xplore Pac, Quarry, and Vision and the various functionalities of each.

Xplore Pac / Quarry / Vision
Standard / Optional / Standard / Optional / Standard / Optional
Site Investigation/3D Modelling / 3D Graphics Display / * / * / *
Geological Database / * / * / *
File Management Tools / * / *
Geostatistics / * / *
Surface Modelling DTMs / * / * / *
Contouring / * / * / *
Fault Modelling / *
Resource Modelling/
Feasibility Studies / Polygonal Resource Calculation / * / *
Volume Calculations / * / *
Solids Modelling / * / * / *
Block Modelling / * / *
Digitising / *
Mining / Pit and Dump Design / * / *
Drill and Blast Design / * / *
Surveying and U/G Surveying / *
Pit Optimization / * / *
Underground Ring Design / *
Graphical Sequencer / * / *
MinSched Development / * / *
Data Plug Ins / * / * / *
Plotting / * / * / *
AutoPlot / * / * / *
TCL Script Automation / * / *
Network License Manager / * / * / *
Language Options / * / * / *
Online Help / * / * / *
Tutorials / * / *
Custom Training / * / * / *

Table 2. Comparison of Surpac XplorePac, Quarry and Vision. Compiled from product brochures downloaded from

Surpac Value to ASW Ventures:

  • Surpac Modules are a comprehensive set of data analyses and visualization tools for all stages of mine development between site investigation and actual mining. Specifically, it has the 3D Volumetric calculation/modelling capabilities to assess the economic viability of a deposit, and it can be used for multiple stages of mine planning (quarry design, ramps, other infrastructure).
  • Requires specialized personnel to operate. Volumetric analyses need professional review by geologist or mining engineer.
  • Data Management. Reads ODBC database, shapefiles, AutoCAD, and multiple other raster and vector formats. Can export DXF surfaces to other software packages.

ArcSDE:

ArcSDE is an advanced data server, providing a gateway for storing, managing, and accessingspatial data in any of several leading RDBMSs(IBM® DB2®, Informix®, Microsoft® SQL server™, and Oracle®). from any ArcGIS application. It is a key component in managing a shared, multiuser geodatabase in a RDBMS. When you need a large geodatabase that can be edited and viewed simultaneously by many users, ArcSDE adds the necessary capabilities to ArcGIS.

Advantages of SDE Technology:

  • High performance
  • Extremely large data volumes
  • Spatial data integrity to ensure data fidelity
  • Integrated transaction model for multiuser GIS
  • Comprehensive geographic information management of all geodatabase types (vectors, rasters, survey, terrains, geoprocessing models, database schemas, metadata, and others)
  • Common database interface to all leading RDBMSs
  • Support for the geodatabase and ESRI's industry data models
  • Reduced cost of ownership

acQuire Database. ()

acQuire is a database interface for mineral exploration and mining data built on a SQL Server and Oracle platforms. It can be best described as an “enterprise” type database used to manage geological and other mining data with its Metadata. The product is developed to help streamline data management at all phases of the exploration and mining process, and for all levels of companies involved in this development (Junior, Mid Tier, or Major).

The acQuire website states:

“A key objective of the acQuire technology is to provide an infrastructure that has application for all phases of a mining project. From discovery through mining to closure and rehabilitation. In this way the fundamental building blocks for all drilling and point sample observations & measurements are collected on a cumulative basis. Also, the metadata obtained at each stage can contribute significantly to subsequent decision making.”

Managing metadata for exploration and mining data is also a key objective of the acQuire data model as they also state on their website:

“At the point that a set of drilling observations and measurements are used to do a resource model, it is often imperative for the auditors or modellers to know significant details about the measurements being used. Examples of this include: What method was used to obtain the result for a particular sample? What was the down hole survey method used to determine the trace of the hole? What is the genealogy of the coordinate system currently being used?”

The acQuire database has multiple interfaces for data entry, editing, and managing. This includes an interface that can download/upload data on remote devices for data collection, with a graphical interface that can facilitate data collection and streamline data entry. These interfaces are shown in figures 5a and 5b.

On the server end, the acQuire data model (ADM) has been developed to support a variety of commodities and different phases of the mining process. A description of some of these functionscan be found at:

Also, 3D Modelling software such as Surpac and Vulcan are designed to read acQuire databases directly, and being based on standard ODBC database engines of SQL Server and Oracle, acQuire data should be able to be read directly into ArcGIS.

Figures 6a, and 6b. Data input interface for Pocket acQuire.