
Ultra-Fast Pit Optimizer
GeoMine’s FlowPit is an ultra-fast open pit optimization module. FlowPit implements the industry standard Lerchs-Grossmann’s 3D pit optimization algorithm, but with a novel implementation. FlowPit’s highly efficient and scalable implementation achieves a superior magnitude speed-up in comparison to competitors. For small block models (with about 1 million non-air blocks), FlowPit takes seconds to complete a single optimization run as opposed to hours. For very large block models (with 15~30 million non-air blocks), FlowPit takes full advantage of today’s multi-core CPUs to determine the optimum final pit limit within half an hour. For huge block models (with 50~100 million non-air blocks), without super-blocking, FlowPit Ultimate can determine the optimum pit limit within 3 hours on modern i7 PCs equipped with 32gb ram.
In order to arrive at a solution in a realistic time frame for large block models, most of the existing mine planning software for open pit mining (pit optimisers) use super-blocking to drastically reduce total block counts. Consequently, this materially affects the solution accuracy which has not been quantifiable up until now. Usually a single careless 2x2x2 reblocking can result in a final pit with up to 7% profit loss and a slight pit slope change (please refer to the Impact of Reblocking on Pit Optimization for a detailed analysis). With FlowPit, mine planners no longer need to super-block their block model and even if they do, they now have a proper tool to evaluate the impact of their chosen reblocking configuration on their block model. This advance in computational speed with guaranteed optimality makes FlowPit an effective tool not just for determining the optimal pit limit, but also for Sensitivity Analysis that allows the planner to quickly conduct reliable “what if?” scenario analyses.
FlowPit features a powerful slope modeling sub-module: not only can pit slope angles be varied by sectors and levels, but also can they be varied by both regions and rock types within regions (where other competitors that we know of can only vary the pit slope angle by either regions or by rock types, not both).
FlowPit also offers a unique Stochastic Optimization option which allows a group of block model realizations as input and thus enables mine planners to quantify, in a single optimization run, geological uncertainty and risks inherent in ant mineral resource projects.
FlowPit Key Benefits
- Power: features a powerful nested pit generator with a Stochastic Optimization option, and a Sensitivity Analyzer. Includes two options for creating nested pits: LG nested pits for creating LOM schedules (with iScheduler) that maximizes NPV and equal-sized geologically optimum pits for creating smooth LOM schedules (with iScheduler) having relatively constant production rates.
- Unique: full 3D optimization support for rotated, stratified narrow dipping ore seams to minimize dilution.
- Speed: easily offers an order of magnitude speed-up over other competing products.
- Scalability: 64-bit parallel version can handle huge block models (with up to 100 million non-air blocks) with precision and accuracy without use of super-blocking. FlowPit v5 has been successfully used to optimize a real-life block model with over 89 million non-air blocks without super-blocking!
- Simplicity: intuitive GUI front-end that displays interactive 3D pushbacks, periods, cross sections, and plan views all in one integrated package
- Flexibility: versatile Slope Modeling, Visual Cell Scripting engine, Report Generator, Slope Geometry Modeler, support for sub-blocks and partial blocks, and the ability to preview, inspect and correct any potential errors of input block models help round the package.
FlowPit Feature List
Generation of different types of nested pits
Different types of nested pits can be generated to create life-of-mine schedules (with iScheduler) that aims to either maximize NPV or to meet the production target.
Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis allows the user to see the impact of changes to any variable (price, costs) on the profitability of the project, as well as the impact of geological uncertainty.
Stochastic Optimization option
This option allows a group object consisting of multiple block models to be used as input and enables mine planners to quantify, in a single optimization run, geological uncertainty and risk inherent in any open pit project.
Block model preview and inspection
allows the user to detect and correct potential errors in the input block model before optimisation starts.
Powerful post-optimisation Visual Report Generator
allows maximum flexibility in report generation without custom scripting.
Handling very large block models
GeoMine-FlowPit is capable of processing 100mil blocks.
Support for exclusion regions
Property lines that must not be crossed can be specified as a 2D polygon or a 3D mesh to confine the optimization process.
Output to CSV format and to DXF format
Output to CSV format and DXF format
Exploiting parallelism on multi-core CPUs for ultimate performance.
Exploiting parallelism on multi-core CPUs for ultimate performance.
Flexible block value formula editor
Supports multi-minerals, partial/percentage or sub-blocked block models with unlimited user conditions or constraints. FlowPit’s Cell Scripting Engine opens a door to virtually infinite possibilities for mine planners that make a difference.
Variable Slope Angle
Slope angle can vary by both regions and rock types within the regions, or by sectors and/or by levels.
Option to normalize and reblock
Option to normalize and reblock input block model if needed.
Supports a large range of ASCII file formats
Supports a large range of ASCII file formats exported by all General Mining Packages
System Requirements:
CPU: Quad Core
RAM: 16gb
HARD DRIVE: 500gb SSD
VIDEO CARD: 1gb VRAM
CPU: 3rd Gen Ryzen 5/7 or Intel i7
RAM: 32gb
HARD DRIVE: 1tb SSD
VIDEO CARD: 2gb VRAM
