The MinePlan development team has been hard at work listening to customer feedback and making improvements to improve the products. The first 2023 version of MinePlan includes an entirely new product and a number of new features in existing tools.
HxGN MinePlan Block Model Manager
This version features the HxGN MinePlan Block Model Manager, a solution that addresses the complex challenges associated with managing project data. With MinePlan Block Model Manager, users can quickly populate, manage and share block models from HxGN MinePlan 3D and third-party systems. One of the main features of Block Model Manager is its new API, which simplifies integration with other systems, allowing for data interoperability. This means you no longer need to manually import or export block model data, simplifying the process and saving you valuable time. To stay at the forefront of technological changes, we are continually modernizing MinePlan, ensuring that it remains a cutting-edge solution, and that it fits seamlessly into the digital ecosystems our customers are investing in, making it adaptable to their needs. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting possibilities represented by MinePlan Block Model Manager and instructions on how to upgrade.
Figure 1: HxGN MinePlan Block Model Manager integrated with MinePlan 3D.
What's new in MinePlan 3D
Preparing slices for long-term sequencing can be a laborious process. This is particularly true for large deposits of commodities, where there are several projected pits that extend over a large mining area. These pits can have different origin positions and cut dimensions. The MinePlan 3D tool Auto Cut Generation has been enhanced to allow batch configuration of cutting parameters. This will allow users to configure the cutting parameters for all their pits in the first step of the workflow and perform the batch of cutting operations in the next step.
Figure 2: THE Auto Cut Generation tool can now run in batches to simplify operation for large deposits.
What's New in Geoscience HxGN MinePlan
This version of MinePlan includes the ability to encode geological solids for drillholes, creating new intervals of intersection of the solids. This has been a long requested feature that will allow for better field exploration planning, support for geological domain model reconciliation, and improved geostatistical resolution.
Figure 3: MinePlan Geologic results can be coded to the drillholes, and the result can be validated in MinePlan 3D.
Our implicit modeling solution, the HxGN MinePlan GeoLogic, has undergone several enhancements, which will result in more realistic geological models in complex geological deposits, especially in environments with complex faults.
What's New in HxGN MinePlan Scheduler Optimizer (MPSO)
Configuration of the availability of Routes by phase and bank
The availability of Routes by banks was added to allow greater control in material routing.
Figure 4: Access availability can be configured by bank and phase in MinePlan Haulage.
Sarah Hooper, MinePlan Senior Consultant, explains the new MinePlan Schedule Optimizer (MPSO) functionality in the following video.
Update model path without resetting sequencing
The ability to update the block model location without resetting the sequencing will allow the user to set the new file path of a block model if it is moved to a new location. This will allow users to use the latest MinePlan Schedule Optimizer features such as target coding if they need to move their block model to a new location.
Figure 5: Changing models in MinePlan Schedule Optimizer is made easier through the new update option.
Ramps on targets do not require driving for cycle time calculation
O MinePlan Schedule Optimizer no longer requires users to set destination ramps in a specific direction (source to destination), eliminating unnecessary setup requirements.
Figure 6: Generating more accurate cycle times has been simplified.
Additional equipment usage report to show truck/excavator data
Now that MinePlan Schedule Optimizer supports shovel sequencing, additional equipment information fields have been added, providing more comprehensive reporting.
Figure 7: Reports have been expanded to include options for tracking individual excavator workloads.
What's New in HxGN MinePlan Activity Scheduler (MPAS)
Process Point is a type of destination that can perform basic or complex calculations, allowing users to model complex routing scenarios such as routing by type or material picking. Blending Optimized Layers is a module within MinePlan Activity Scheduler that allows the user to mix materials from different sources to achieve tonnage, volume and grade targets.
Figure 8: Routing logic defined in Process Points can be used together with optimization objectives and constraints in MinePlan Activity Scheduler.
These two features can now work together! This is a great addition for operations that need to model complex routing scenarios and hit mixed targets at the same time.
Alberdin Quintana, Team Leader, Mr. Mine Planning Spc/Srvc, explains the new MinePlan Activity Scheduler (MPAS) functionality in the following video.
Adds LCM and HCM to constraints and optimization goals
O Activity Scheduler works with three different types of volumes: BCM (Bench Cubic Meters), LCM (Loose Cubic Meters) It is HCM (Haul Cubic Meters). MinePlan users can now run a blending maximizing HCM and LCM volume or using HCM and LCM as constraints.
Figure 9: All volume options are now available as constraints in MinePlan Activity Scheduler.
check out the Hexagon's Mining Customer Community for a complete list of HxGN MinePlan updates and download the latest version.
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