GeoModeler

Geological Modeling and Resource Estimation

GeoMine GeoModeler (GeoModeler), the mining and exploration industry’s high-performance 3D geological software tool for resource modeling and estimation, is engineered to model and visualize large and complex deposits. Underpinning GeoModeler is its innovative 2-in-1 hybrid modeling kernel that supports both 3D Block Modeling with Sub-blocking and 2D Gridded Seam Modeling (GSM) schemes (note that the GSM module requires a separate license).

Expanding on GeoMine’s legacy of supporting a big block model universe (2^19 x 2^19 x 2^19), GeoMine 6.5.x now boasts a 2^40 x 2^40 x 2^40 block model universe, an astronomical size that is unheard of up until now.

Traditional 3D Block Modeling software has difficulty handling gridded seam models where model extent in the XY plane can be orders of magnitude larger than the Z-extent (e.g., phosphate or coal seam deposits). Hence, a separate GSM-based package is usually called for. With GeoModeler, this is no longer the case, as both modeling schemes are supported simultaneously.

In addition to the hybrid modeling kernel, GeoModeler also sports a state-of-the-art Dynamic Anisotropy interpolation system that allows the search volume to be calibrated to follow the mineralization trend precisely. It is an ideal tool for preparing accurate resource estimates as input to subsequent mine design optimizations. To learn more about the DA system provided by GeoModeler, please refer to the following article, “Dynamic Anisotropy – What is it and why should you care?”.

The latest additions to GeoModeler’s tool chest are Fault Network Modeling and Unfaulting for Unfaulted Interpolation of Faulted Deposits and Unfolding for Unfolded Interpolation of Folded Deposits

Unfaulting, in the context of geological modeling and resource estimation, is a space transformation and partitioning technique that transforms drillhole composites back to their unfaulted space. The interpolation happens in the unfaulted space, and the interpolated blocks are then transformed back into the faulted space. This technique is best suited for faulted deposits where the fault network was formed after the orebody had been deposited. Since the orebody is assumed to have existed prior to faulting, interpolation in the unfaulted space would tend to result in a more accurate resource estimate.

Unfolding is a space transformation technique that transforms composites and block models into flattened spaces. The interpolation happens in the flattened space, and the interpolated block attributes are then transformed back to the original (folded) space. This technique is best suited for a folded orebody where it was folded due to tectonic pressure after it had been deposited. Since attributes are assumed to have existed prior to folding, interpolation in unfolded space would tend to result in a more accurate resource estimate.

In summary, GeoModeler is a comprehensive geological software tool that natively supports both 3D Block Modeling with Sub-blocking and 2D Gridded Seam Modeling schemes with both implicit modeling (RBF) and explicit modeling (Kriging. SGS and IDW with or w/o Dynamic Anisotropy), Unfaulting and Unfolding) techniques.

GeoModeler Key Benefits

GeoModeler Feature List

Imports assays, attributes (categorical or continuous) and geological structures, including faults; Desurvey drillholes with choices of 5 desurvey algorithms; Composite and color-code drillholes by lithology, attributes or assays; Creates custom DDH attributes as input to subsequent block model interpolations; Creates planned drillholes for drilling planning.

Models vein or seam type deposits with non-axis aligned Mine North and non-axis aligned block models; model large deposits with a huge block model universe (2^40 x 2^40 x 2^40); Models disseminated multi-orebody deposits with multiple block models in a single GeoModeler session; Creates block model masks for open-pit deposits; Creates and assigns user-defined attributes to block models with a visual formula/scripting editor; Manually assigns rock code to parts of a block model using a solid mesh; Includes integrated Block Model Reconciliation.

Creates Gridded Seam Models (GSMs) from drillholes; Resource estimation for GSMs; Performs Margin Ranking on GSMs; Converts GSMs to Block Models for Lerchs- Grossmann pit optimization for deeply inclined multi-seam GSMs.

Automatically creates lithology wireframes; Creates real-time grade shells to evaluate what-if scenarios quickly.

Models anisotropy with 3D per-mesh variograms and non-axis aligned ellipsoidal search radii.

Creates normal faults, reverse faults, strike-slip faults or combinations of the above fault types; Creates and manages fault networks with finite or infinite faults; Uses fault networks for unfaulted interpolation of faulted deposits.

Interpolates block model grades with high-performance Inverse Distance Power, Anisotropic RBF (Radial Basis Functions), Nearest Neighbor and multi-threaded Kriging methods (simple, ordinary and SGS, i.e., Sequential Gaussian Simulation) with or without geological domains and/or automatic normalization; Includes options to use unfaulting and dynamic anisotropy or unfolding for more accurate resource estimates.

Automatic assay capping using percentile analysis; Creates distribution bar charts and curves for drillhole assays, composites and block models; Validates block models using Histogram Comparison Plot, Q-Q & P-P plots and Swath plots.

Classifies and exports estimated blocks into measured, indicated and inferred categories for public reporting; Advanced custom report generation with ThreeDify’s formula-based Block Model Report Generator.

Imports drillholes in CSV or Microsoft Access database format (*.mdb).

Creates Dynamic Anisotropy (DA) surfaces (either manually or automatically from a wireframe) for use in DA or Unfolded Interpolations.

Creates gridded topographical or geological surfaces from drillhole collars, categorical attributes, block models and/or an imported 2.5D mesh.

System Requirements:

“… We have been very impressed with the constant evolution of your product and incorporating our needs into your new releases. We have also been very impressed with the level of service and support provided by your support engineer…”
Ben Connor
Exploration Coordinator / G.I.S. Dept. Manager