GeoModeler

Geological Modelling and Resource Estimation

GeoMine GeoModeler (GeoModeler), the mining and exploration industry’s high performance 3D geological software tool for resource modelling 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).

Traditional 3D Block Modeling software has difficulty in handling gridded seam models where model extent in XY plane can be orders of magnitude larger than the Z-extent (e.g. phosphate or coal seam deposits) and 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 trend of the mineralization 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, as well as 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 drill hole composites back to its unfaulted space. Block Model
Interpolation happens in the unfaulted space and the interpolated blocks are then transformed back to 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 model to a flattened space. 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 the orebody 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 modelling (RBF) and explicit modelling (Kriging and IDW with Dynamic Anisotropy, Unfaulting and Unfolding) techniques.

GeoModeler Key Benefits

  • Accurate：Dynamic Anisotropy, Unfaulting, Unfolding and a combination of these techniques afford the geologist to perform more accurate resource estimations.
  • Powerful：Features a 2-in-1 hybrid modeling kernel that is capable of modeling any types and shapes of deposits with either explicit (Inverse Distance and Kriging) or implicit modeling (RBF) methods.
  • Easy-to-Use：Interactive WYSIWYG 3D block modeling or gridded seam modeling on commodity laptops with an integrated, non-blocking interface.
  • Flexible: Includes a powerful Visual Formula Editor for customization, plus all common surface, solid and block model manipulation tools in the Foundation module of GeoMine.
  • Supportive：Tailored training and professional services to customize our software to suit your deposit.

GeoModeler Feature List

Foundation Feature List - included

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

model vein or seam type deposits with non-axis aligned Mine North and non-axis aligned block models; model large deposits with Octree universe; model dissiminated multi-orebody deposits with multiple block models in a single GeoModeler session; Create block model masks for open-pit deposits; Create and assign user-defined attributes to block models with a visual formula/scripting editor. manually assign rock code to parts of a block model using a solid mesh; includes integrated Block Model Reconciliation.

Create Gridded Seam Models (GSMs) from drill holes; Resource estimation for GSMs; Perform Magin Ranking on GSMs; Converting GSMs to Block Models for Lerchs & Grassman pit optimization for deeply inclined multi-seam GSMs.

sub-module: Automatically create lithology wireframes; Create real-time grade shells to quickly evaluate what-if scenarios.

sub-module: Model anisotropy with 3D per-mesh variograms and non-axis aligned ellipsoidal search radii.

Create normal faults, reverse faults, strike-slip faults or  combinations of the above fault types 

Create and manage fault networks with finite or infinite faults.

Use fault networks for unfaulted interpolation of faulted deposits.

Interpolate 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) 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; Create distribution bar charts and curves for drill hole assays, composites and block models; Validate block models using Histogram Comparison Plot, Q-Q & P-P plots and Swath plots.

classify and export 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 drill holes in CSV or Microsoft Acess database format (*.mdb)

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

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

GeoModeler - Block Model with UG Mine Design
GeoModeler - Block Model with UG Mine Design
GeoModeler - Block Model with an Open Pit and Dump Design
GeoModeler - Block Model with an Open Pit and Dump Design
GeoModeler - Fault Modeling
GeoModeler - Fault Modeling

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