NEWSLETTER
MARCH 09
Millennium Coal Mine takes accurate
Consultants are relied on in the mining industry to provide technology and expertise to supplement
an operations resources. In the current market, it is crucial for consulting services to deliver results
that impact positively on efficiency and profitability.
The Millennium Coal Mine is located 170
km west of Mackay, near Moranbah in the
Bowen Basin of Central Queensland. Downer
EDI is the contract miner for Millennium,
which is owned by Peabody Coal.
The open cut mine commenced operation
in May 2006. Conventional truck and
excavator mining methods are employed
to produce 1.4 Mtpa of low to mid volatile
PCI coal and low ash coking coal for
customers in Japan, Korea and India.
Expansion plans
The Millennium Expansion Project is planned
to increase production up to a maximum of
7 Mtpa, processing ROM (run-of-mine) coal
on site at the existing preparation plant and
transporting the product coal to the Dalrymple
Bay Coal Terminal via the existing rail network.
The engineering department relies on Maptek
to carry out survey tasks for end-of-month
reconciliations to feed back into short-term
planning and design for the expansion.
Specified quantities and qualities of coal are
required for supply to the processing plant.
> In this issue
I-Site at Millennium Coal Mine
Leica - Maptek scanner partnership
Do more with more - Vulcan 8 out soon!
MineSuite bridging the gap
Integrating applications at Pilbara Iron
FORGE
survey data to a new level
Accurate volumes are essential to monitor When blasting on site coincided with a
this, besides being instrumental in controlling consulting visit, Maptek staff were able to
contractor payments. demonstrate to the engineering team, the
speed with which the scene can be recorded,
Millennium previously used GPS pickups for and how easily pre- and post-blast models
survey work around the mine. The Maptek can be created using I-Site Studio software.
solution is more accurate and much faster, doing
the same task in one day as against one week.
Rapid turn-around
A Maptek I-Site Technical Services staff
member travels to the mine with the I-Site
4400LR laser scanner, and scans the entire
1400 m length of open pit and the inner
pit waste dumps in just 1 day. Setup and
operation of the scanner is straightforward, so
no time is wasted getting down to business.
Calculating the volume of material blasted is
All active faces in the 2 mined areas of the simply a matter of comparing the 2 models. The
pit are scanned, and capturing all of the data results are completely reliable because throw
in a 360-degree sweep means no extra time and swell factors are taken into account.
or money is spent to survey the in-pit waste
dumps. It has proved more economical to Thanks to
Ruveni Nakia, Mining Engineer
dump waste in other areas of the pit, to be Downer EDI
used for rehabilitation once mining has ceased.
A large external dump adjacent to the pit has
also been scanned as a separate exercise.
Maptek is able to quickly deliver 3D seam
maps and volumes, lines and strings for The I-Site Advantage
top and floor of coal, and accurate mine
Maptek Consulting Services can help
models for the Millennium engineers to
operations collect end-of-month survey data.
feed into their planning process.
>> Extra hands when you need them
The 4400LR has no difficulty picking up the coal,
>> We invest in the technology for you
which can be a tricky material to scan due to its
>> Rapid turn-around time
poor reflectivity. Robust engineering is a bonus
>> Accurate survey results
in the heat and humidity of tropical Queensland,
which is at its peak from December to February.
 Maptek partners with Leica Geosystems
on I-Site long range scanners
Leica Geosystems Geospatial Solutions Division, which includes HDS terrestrial laser scanning
products, has selected Maptek to cooperate on a long range laser scanner and associated software.

Leica Geosystems has entered into a global
OEM Supply Agreement with Maptek
that will facilitate the supply of Mapteks
I-Site products to Leica Geosystems.
The partnership follows many months of
competitive evaluation and negotiation.
Technical demonstrations by Maptek in
Leica Geosystems Heerbrugg, Switzerland
headquarters were followed by a comprehensive
qualification of Mapteks manufacturing
facility in Adelaide, South Australia.
The Maptek partnership promises to be
especially beneficial in certain geographic
regions. The first long range scanners were
delivered to Leica in January 2009 for marketing
into the Russian, Eastern Bloc and Asian
markets, said Jrgen Dold, President of Leica
Geosystems Geospatial Solutions Division.
The agreement represents a major step forward
for Maptek commercially. Maptek can focus
on vital I-Site R&D projects and delivering
quality products as the I-Site team continues
to evolve our technology, Henderson added.
The alliance serves to underpin the significant
investment in Mapteks manufacturing
infrastructure and capabilities, he concluded.
Maptek and Leica Geosystems staff
met in Adelaide in November 2008
to sign the OEM agreement.
Ten Leica Geosystems staff received intensive
training over 4 days in Heerbrugg in January
2009. The training coincided with the
delivery of the first 2 scanners, with further
deliveries set for February and March.
Our industry-leading HDS
laser scanners and software
already effectively address
short- and mid-range,
high-accuracy as-built and
topographic survey applications.
This agreement with Maptek
adds complementary, long-
range scanning hardware
and mining-specific software
solutions for easier, faster and
more accurate mine quantity
surveys and mine mapping.
Jrgen Dold
Leica Geosystems

The OEM Supply Agreement is based

on current products and may also be
extended to next generation products.

Mapteks high-performance I-Site 4400

laser scanning systems, Studio software Below
Maptek I-Site Australasian
package, and internal support organisation,
Sales Manager, Jason
combined with Leica Geosystems global Richards (standing),
distribution network and leadership demonstrates the
features and functionality
position in the overall laser scanning
of the HDS4400 long
industry, forms a winning partnership, range scanner to Leica
said Maptek CEO, Barry Henderson. Geosystems technical
and sales staff

The training was well-received. It was a great

Left to right: Gerhard Schwaerzler (Director, Quality Management, Leica
Geosystems), Simon Ratcliffe (I-Site Product Development Manager, Maptek),
opportunity to pass on my practical knowledge of
James Howarth (I-Site Hardware Research & Development Manager, Maptek), the I-Site products. Laser scanner technology has
Peter Johnson (General Manager, Australia, Maptek), Lars Krger (Team Leader evolved rapidly over the last 5 years.
Procurement, Leica Geosystems), Hans Txsen (Product Manager, Hardware,
Leica Geosystems), and Athy Kalatzis (Manufacturing Manager, Maptek)
Jason Richards, Maptek

2 MARCH 09
 Vulcan 8 Tired of having to do more with less?
out soon!
Vulcan 8 lets you do more with more!
The economy is scaling back but your workload isnt. You rely on your desktop tools to help you
work as efficiently as possible. The latest version of Maptek Vulcan software helps you work
smarter and faster, with streamlined menu options, new tools, bug fixes and many enhancements.
DB to geological model in 5 steps!
Vulcan 8 contains consolidated and enhanced
stratigraphic capabilities. Integrated Stratigraphic
Modelling takes the novice or expert user from
database to final geological model in 5 steps
of logical and interconnected workflow.
HARP models - all the data in 1 file!
Horizon Adaptive Rectangular Prism - HARP
models give the user a single file which
contains all the structural, quality, faulting,
and associated data, with virtually no loss of
geological resolution. A HARP model is an
enhanced block model - instead of flat top
and bottom surfaces, 5 top and 5 bottom
points are registered onto the input surfaces
to ensure stratigraphic fidelity is maintained.
Every file type associated with stratigraphic
modelling can be created and accessed
from one user-defined directory.
>> Handle reverse faults, very thin horizons easily
>> Reserve against complex 3D solid shapes
(pit cutbacks, mining blocks)
>> Thousands of variables per block permitted
>> Apply Vulcans extensive geostatistical tools
>> Smarter panels and enhanced data security
Drill & blast - save time on the ground
Mine planning engineers will save time on
daily open cut drill & blast tasks in Vulcan 8.
The new double stitching option allows
engineers to insert extra holes midway between
previously created blastholes using the same
or completely different hole design parameters.
Excessive toe burdens can be handled by
adding holes around the perimeter of blast.
In a dynamic mine environment, surfaces are
always changing and the effects ripple through
the planning process. Vulcan 8 allows the holes
within a blast to be recalculated as a group
to reflect the new surface, saving time and
reducing errors which may be introduced when
many holes require editing in a short timeframe.
>> Preview drill & blast patterns, eliminate
potential layout problems on-screen
>> Popular datatip display now user-defined
>> Maintain 2D collar location, or the 3D vector
of the blasthole
>> Edit your way - select holes by echelon,
reverse direction of rows, rename blasts
Decision making in
tough environments
is never easy. Vulcan
8 ensures you make
the right decisions
the first time. More
accurate data and
better, safer designs
result in greater
productivity.
Even more features in Vulcan 8
Drillhole compositing
>> Composite holes bottom-top & top-bottom
>> Breakdown by multiple tables
Block model coalescing
>> Eliminate unnecessary data & improve display
>> Reduced file size improves performance
Grade control
>> Load patterns by limiting polygon
>> Block estimation scripts minimise errors
>> Populate fields using intuitive wizard
Pit optimisation
>> Identify and control contaminants
>> Assign dollar values to mining blocks
>> Apply a discount for benches - calculate NPV
>> Limit amount mined by bench/face restriction
>> Set lag between start/finish of phases
MARCH 09
Underground efficiencies
Moving into the underground environment,
engineers will appreciate the drillhole warning
which calculates how far a drillhole is from blast
areas. The display shows which holes are too
close, allowing re-design of drifts if necessary.
Vulcan 8 directly addresses safety and
regulatory issues affecting many regions.
New underground stope analyser in Vulcan
8 allows engineers to optimise mine
plans based on different cut-off limits.
>> Proximity alert - easily check your designs
for existing voids
>> Cost benefit analysis - better decisions based
on the estimated revenue of mining projects
>> Global gradient tool - design adjustments
automatically updated in overall design
Ease of use
>> Visually analyse grades during mine design
>> Set up and run automatic processes
>> Automate crosscuts to suit haulage
equipment
>> Thumbnail preview - grid, triangulation, CAD
>> One panel legend editor - simple click & drag
>> Floating panel for creating models
Quality enhancements
>> Plot histograms against drillholes to view
multiple grades and values
>> Auto extend triangulations in block models
>> Animate block movements in dragline design
>> Terzaghi correction of geotechnical data
>> Field file format simplifies survey connectivity
>> Improved interoperability with I-Site products
3
 Maptek takes the initiative in bridging
the Mining Execution Value Chain
There can be no doubt as to the impact made by computerised systems on operational efficiency
in the mining industry over the past two decades. While significant progress has been made at
the equipment, process and enterprise levels, surprisingly little headway has been made at the
operational level.

It is common practice today for a central The logical conclusion is that unless the Considering our modern day
control room operator to manage the operation is managed from an operational level mining environment, it is not
primary production fleet at a mine via a perspective, through the introduction of a Mining uncommon to find moats
Fleet Management System - controlling Execution System, then the goal of managing surrounding the business
the activity of the load and haul fleet, and optimising across the Execution Value process forming part of the
maximising fleet availability, utilisation Chain, as well as aligning the executional and mining value chain. These
and efficiency, while also managing enterprise environments, will remain elusive.
moats are typically the result of
production tonnage and grade targets.
Extract from Manoeuvering the Moats - a lack of integration between
Other examples of process level automation
Spanning the Mining Execution Value Chain. systems facilitating the
Download the full paper from:
include medium and short term planning www.maptek.com/miningexecutionvalue
different business processes
as well as the control of fixed mining plant and disciplines in a mine.
via a centralised SCADA system. In a MineSuite can deliver solutions to help your Karel Gilliland
similar fashion, more operations are using operational efficiency; contact Maptek today. Managing Director, MinLog
Enterprise Resource Planning systems to
plan, automate and optimise the mining
supply chain at enterprise level. Feedback and automation adding value to the Mining Execution Chain
One version of the truth Business
Enterprise Resource Planning / Mineral Resource Management / EIS
When it comes to automating or optimising
across business processes, however, the
Operational
mining industry is lagging behind. Terms PPMSI - Modelling/Data Warehousing/Workflow/Processing/KPI & Reporting
such as silos of automation are often Set-up Calendar Event Acquisition,
Information Post Processing
Breakdown
Quality &
Product Crews Seamless, Drivers Tracking,
used to refer to the lack of integration Processes ELS, 3rd Party
Pre-Processing
& MDE
KPIs & MIS
Reporting
Workflow
Tonnage
Certification
Locations DB & Validation Management
across the mining execution value chain.
Seamless Seamless Drivers Drivers

One version of the truth is commonly used Process

Fleet Management System
to indicate the need to align disciplines such SCADA SCADA / LIMS
(HP GPS)
as production, engineering and quality, while
bridging the gap is a phrase coined to Equipment On-board On-board
express the requirement to breach the divide PLC PLC / Lab / Utility
FCE FCE
between the production and enterprise levels.
Exposure Extraction Conveyance Beneficiation
Drill & Bulldoze Load & Haul Conveyors Plant & Load-out
This terminology reflects on the absence of a
mining execution system on the operational Mine Design
& Planning Execution
level. The full paper, presented by Karel Gilliland
to IQPC Mine Haulage in 2008, looks at the Mineral Resource Management
implications of this, specifically focusing on
load and haul activities at the process level.

Example scenarios
Consider a mechanised underground operation.
If the face activities are not synchronised,
or if the incline conveyors are not taken
into account, then the haulage activities
on the tramming level will be restrained.

Similarly, in an open pit scenario, it is not

uncommon to see a short-term plan for the
week outdated by day 2, resulting in sub-
optimal recovery, and in some instances the
throttling of production in order to achieve
the required blend for a consignment.

4 MARCH 09
 Maptek supports Pilbara Iron integration
projects in Western Australia
Maptek is working with Rio Tinto on integration of the Hope Downs South and Brockman 4 sites into
their existing Iron Ore operations, rolling out essential technical applications to ensure a consistent
approach across the Pilbara Iron business. Integrating existing applications in this way achieves
improved site commissioning, streamlining the acceptance process and minimising uptake time.

Maptek provides Project Management,
Business Analysis and Consulting services for
Pilbara Iron across a range of applications and
functional business areas. The applications
have been developed to ensure consistency
across sites and the ability to consolidate
information. Maptek also delivers application
support during and after integration.
Production reporting
A consolidated view of Pilbara Irons production
information is collated to provide an accurate
representation of tonnes and equipment usage
in a central repository. The benefits include
presenting production figures for confirmation
by each site, reconciling the end to end process
from mine to port, and passing confirmed results
to SAP for reporting to the relevant teams.
including material movement, drilled metres a delay is apparent, it can be flagged and an
and equipment status changes, it enables explanation can be entered. For mines, this
users to view and modify in-pit location, grade application is necessary to track train loading
block data, and plan and forecast targets. delays that affect schedules.
Grade tracking The Rail Operations group can record
Grades and tonnage are monitored for building forces exerted by the rail cars to aid in the
stockpiles and loading trains at the mines, and detection of abnormal forces. The application
for managing port stockpiles and ship loading. contains 3 main components: Maintenance,
Standard Reports and Scheduled Jobs.
An application to process blasts and
grade blocks is tightly integrated with
Maptek Vulcan mine planning software,
for assessing which areas are suitable for
mining. Another application tracks and
reports assay priorities. The well integrated
applications allow the business to make timely
decisions on stockpile grades and builds.

Important information relevant to the operation Maintenance

of the plant (tonnage, equipment performance
and plant productivity) is captured and reported.
An enquiry and reporting mechanism helps
users determine the level of production
performance (conformity to plan/forecasts,
tonnes blasted/dug, metres drilled, production
rates) and equipment activity (usage, utilisation,
availability, MTBF and MTTR). As well as
providing access to base transaction data
All sites have various maintenance requirements
and different ways of recording this information.
The integration project ensures that all
systems continue to function efficiently.
For example, track maintenance activity is
recorded to help the Track Maintenance group
plan future work. A flexible search engine
provides details on all forms of technical
drawings (electronic and hardcopy) in a central
repository. Results of periodical tests to monitor
Reporting
A Royalties Report for Pilbara Blend
provides a breakdown of shipment grades,
including percentages of ore product which
have gone onto various shipments.
Maptek uses Business Objects reporting as it
provides a more flexible way of viewing captured
data and combining different information
sets into consolidated business intelligence

The Maptek Advantage belt condition are entered into a maintenance

Integrating applications and processes
>> Removes isolated pods of information
>> Maptek is well-placed to get applications
talking to each other to bridge this gap
>> Flexibility of staff moving between sites
>> Our knowledge and expertise equips us to
integrate across the mining lifecycle
application. Information such as estimated
lifetime and historical data can be viewed.
An interface allows entry of actual train segment
times to compare against scheduled times; if
reporting. It is then possible to tailor reports
for any desired purpose and audience.
Maptek application development and
integration services can help your operation.
Visit www.maptek.com/services

MARCH 09 5
 Marcel Gomes and Gustavo Zanetti from Mapteks Duncan Lee, General Manager Europe and Africa, Maptek staff talk to visitors at SME which was held
Belo Horizonte office attended the Exposibram talks with visitors at the Maptek booth during in Denver, Colorado in February 2009, attracting
Amazonia tradeshow in Brazil in November 2008 Mines & Money, London in December 2008 around 4000 attendees

New Vulcan customers I-Site 4400LR success

Visit Maptek at these
events in 2009 Cameco Corporation has purchased Vulcan
for geological modelling of the Kintyre uranium
March 30 - April 1 development project in Western Australia, as
SPAR - Booth 30 well as for exploration work in Darwin office.
Denver, Colorado
Gammon Gold de Mxico has bought 13
June 11-12 Vulcan licences for engineering, geology
Elko Mining Expo - Booth 10 and survey. Gammon Gold has a 100%
Elko, Nevada interest in the Ocampo open cut and
underground gold-silver mine, located 235 km
July 6-11 southwest of Chihuahua, Mexico. Gammon
7th International Conference on will also install Chronos for scheduling.
Geomorphology for Australia & New Zealand
Melbourne, Victoria Hawthorne Gold Corporation, with an
underground operation in Vancouver,
September 21-24 British Columbia, Canada, has purchased
Exposibram 2009 Vulcan for geological modelling and
Belo Horizonte - MG mine design, and survey layout.
Brazil
Pelly Construction, a consultancy and contract
October 28-31 mining operation located in Whitehorse, Yukon,
XXVIII Convencin Internacional de Minera Canada, has purchased Vulcan to maximise the
World Trade Center Veracruz, Mexico value of client properties.
Stand #634 and 653
www.expominmexico.com.mx Roca Mines will use Vulcan for geological
modelling and mine design, as well as survey
layout of its underground molybdenum mine in
Naskup, British Columbia in Canada.
Vale Argentina has purchased Vulcan for
geostatistical modelling at an open pit mine in
Argentina.
Anglo Coal has acquired an I-Site 4400LR for
the Dawson Mine near Moura in Queensland.
End of month in-pit survey and highwall mapping
are planned applications for the system.
Newmont Boddington Gold Mine, located
130 km southeast of Perth, Western
Australia, has purchased an I-Site 4400LR
system for geological mapping and pit
survey. Implementation and training was
carried out at Boddington during January.
The Boddington Gold Mine expansion
project involves mining and processing of
basement rock under existing oxide pits. Two
large open pits will feed a new processing
plant which will need to be constructed.
I-Site technology excels in open pit survey
applications. The combined surface tool in
the latest version of I-Site Studio updates
surfaces of open pits, incorporating new
survey data with a simple mouse click. Only
active areas of the mine are updated and
new pit models can be created to reflect the
true pit status, allowing the generation of
material volumes and highwall positions.
The speed of setup and scanning in each
location within the pits was a factor in the sale,
as was the intensity mapping feature which
allows Boddington geologists to easily identify
non-visible dolerite dykes in the host rock.

Duncan Lee presents Peter Ball (right) from Adriana

Resources, with the Maptek booth prize at
Mines & Money in December 2008

www.maptek.com

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