In addition, according to Maptek, highlights of the software release include a new automated pit designer, variogram analysis, implicit modelling and grade control.

Maptek chief executive Peter Johnson commented: “The Workbench defines our future as a global mining technology leader. A new design, new platform, new applications, new technology - the Workbench establishes a new environment for ongoing innovation in product development.

He added: “Designing a new platform presents a host of challenges that need to be considered. One of the issues Maptek faced was resolving how mature products interact with new products and ensure an auditable data flow across mine processes.

 “It’s not enough to just develop a new application, it must improve the workflow and respond to practical concerns of the user base and business conditions.”

The new approach to variogram analysis features fourteen menu items that have been streamlined into a sophisticated tool that provides new methods for handling structural and grade-based anisotropy, the software provider said. Resource geologists have access to alternative methods to evaluate data, displaying multiple models concurrently for real-time, side-by-side comparisons.

A new splitting solids tool applies current Vulcan multi-boolean capability to generate valid mining blocks for scheduling. Created solids can be clipped to a new topography as new data becomes available, delivering improvement in workflows for mid-term scheduling. This is accompanied by another option that interactively cuts bench polygons, with target tonnage reserved against a block model as cutting proceeds.

“This is a good example of how workflow tools maintain the integrity of data from block modelling in Vulcan to scheduling in Maptek Evolution. Usability and onscreen validation are key features of these pre-scheduling tools which improve productivity for short and long term planning,” said Johnson.

The modelling techniques are supported by advanced visualisation regimes for communicating alternative scenarios. Users can work with regular block models containing billions of blocks in Vulcan 10.

According to Maptek, the new automated pit designer for creating mineable pit shells improves efficiency for engineering tasks. Pit models become dynamic agents in the planning process as optimised block models are transformed into realistic mine design contours in seconds. These contours in turn can be applied to further design work or generation of long-term schedules.

Vulcan 10 implicit modelling includes a new radial basis function for defining domains with shared or independent structural trends while accurately honouring drill-hole data. Uncertainty modelling allows multiple orebodies to be automatically generated from drill-hole datasets. Incorporating financial information enables quick assessment of mining viability for different scenarios.

 “Our customers can start using Vulcan 10 without disruption to ongoing tasks. As they explore new features they will reap additional benefits supplied through the Workbench,” Johnson said.

“The flexible new interface comes into its own in a multi-screen environment. Docking database and design windows side-by-side allows interactive editing and viewing, with easy access to text, csv and script editing apps. The Workbench introduces a new workflow tool that accesses different Vulcan menus and options, and will eventually extend to all Maptek products.”

The Maptek Workbench also enables a free 12-month trial of core drill-hole viewing and exploration tools in Maptek Eureka for Vulcan Modeller users.