Block Modelling

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Product
Surpac™ 2020
Last modified: 04 October 2019
Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Overview 5
Requirements 5
Workflow 6
Block modelling concepts 7
Model space 7
Blocks and attributes 8
Constraints 8
Estimation 11
Setting up for this tutorial 12
Setting the work directory 12
Task: Set the work directory 12
Displaying the toolbar and menu bar 13
Task: Display the Block Modelling toolbar and menu bar 13
Creating a block model 14
Create a block model 14
Task: Create a block model 14
Creating model attributes 23
Create model attributes 23
Task: Create model attributes 23
Constraints within a block model 26
Applying constraints to a block model 26
Task: Apply constraints to a block model 26
Estimation or filling the block model 31
Assign Value 31
Task: Fill the block model using Assign Value 31
Nearest neighbour 36
Task: Fill the BIF zone using nearest neighbour 36
Inverse distance 43
Task: Fill the sand zone using inverse distance 43
Ordinary kriging 49
Task: Fill the QPY zone using ordinary kriging 49
Task: Fill the QPY zone using dynamic anisotropy ordinary kriging 57
Block model reporting 67
Block model report 67
Task: Create a block model report 67
Creating calculated attributes 70
Task: Create calculated attributes 70
Partial percentage reporting 74
Partial percent reporting from the block model report 74
Task: Report partial percent using geometric grouping in the block model report 74
Simple partial percent reporting 78
Task: Create partial percentage report 78
Multiple percentage reporting 87
Task: Report on grade, grouped by rock type 87
Model reblocking 91
Model reblocking 91
Task: Perform model reblocking 91
Column processing 93
Workflow 93
Viewing the data 93
Task: View the data 93
Classify blocks 100
Task: Classify blocks into ore and waste 100
Reduction and dilution 116
Task: Calculate dilution and reduction 116
Recoverable product 118
Task: Calculate recoverable product 118
Thicknesses 130
Task: Calculate column thickness 130
Importing 135
Task: Import a block model from a .csv file 135
Task: Import a block model for Whittle from a .csv file 139
Task: Import a block model from a .csv file using the BM IMPORT CSV function 144
Introduction
Introduction
Overview
By working through the examples in this tutorial you will learn:
l about Surpac’s block modelling module and the concept of block modelling
l to fill a block model from drillhole data from a geological database
l to constrain a block model to filter out specific blocks
l to report volume, tonnage and grade from a block model
l about column processing of a block model
Requirements
Before you begin this tutorial, you must have:
l a good understanding of the basic Surpac concepts of strings, segments, DTMs, and
string tools
l Surpac installed on your computer
l the data set accompanying this tutorial
Surpac™ 2020 Page 5 of 147 Block Modelling

Introduction
Workflow
Note: This workflow demonstrates the steps in this tutorial. There are other ways to achieve a
result.

Block modelling concepts

The block model is a form of spatially-referenced database that provides a means for modelling a 3D
body from point and interval data, such as drillhole sample data. The block model consists of
interpolated values instead of true measurements. It provides a method for estimating volume,
tonnage, and average grade of a 3D body from sparse drillhole data.
Model space
3D coordinates spatially define the model extents.
Minimum Northing (Y), Easting (X) and Elevation (Z).
Maximum Northing (Y), Easting (X) and Elevation (Z).

Blocks and attributes

The centroid of each block defines its geometric dimensions in each axis, that is, its Y, X, and Z
coordinates. Each block contains attributes for each of the properties to be modelled. The
properties or attributes can contain numeric or character string values. Blocks can be of varying size,
and you can define the size after the block model is created.
Block model of oil sands coloured by attribute values (bitumen).
Constraints
All block model functions can be performed with constraints. A constraint is a logical combination of
one or more spatial objects on selected blocks. Objects that can be used in constraints are plane
surfaces, DTMs, solids, closed strings, and block attribute values. Constraints can be saved to a file
for rapid re-use. You can use a constraint as a component of another constraint.

Blocks meet a constraint (for example, below a DTM as in the following figures) if its centroid meets
that constraint. This is true even if part of the block is above the DTM.
An unconstrained block model in relation to a DTM surface.

The same block model but constrained by the topography (DTM).

Estimation
After a block model is created and all its attributes are defined, the model must be filled by some
estimation method. You can do this by estimating and assigning attribute values from sample data
that has X, Y, and Z coordinates, and the attribute values of interest.
The estimation methods that you can use are:
Method Description
Nearest Neighbour Assigns the value of the closest sample point to a block.
Assigns block values using an inverse distance estimator.
Inverse Distance
Assigns an explicit value to blocks in the model.

Assign Value
Assigns block values using kriging with variogram parameters developed from
Ordinary Kriging a geostatistical study.
Functions concerned with a probabilistic block grade distribution derived from

Indicator Kriging the kriging of indicators.
Assigns data from the description fields of closed segments to attribute values
of blocks that are contained within those segments extended in the direction
Assign from String of one of the principal axes (X, Y, or Z).
Assigns block values from data in a delimited or fixed format text file.
Import Centroids

Setting up for this tutorial Task: Set the work directory
Setting up for this tutorial

Setting the work directory
A work directory is the default directory for saving Surpac files. Files used in this tutorial are stored in
the folder <shared_files>\demo_data\tutorials\block_modelling.
Where <shared_files> is the directory in which the Surpac shared files were installed.
The default path is: C: \Users\Public\GEOVIA\Surpac\<version>\demo_data\tutorials\block_
modelling.
Task: Set the work directory
1. In the Surpac Navigator, right-click the block_modelling folder.
2. Select Set as work directory.
The name of the work directory is displayed in the title bar of the Surpac window.

Setting up for this tutorial Task: Display the Block Modelling toolbar and menu bar
Displaying the toolbar and menu bar

Task: Display the Block Modelling toolbar and menu bar
When working with the block modelling tools, it is helpful to use the block_model profile. This
displays the Block model menu bar and toolbar.
1. Right-click in the blank area next to the menus at the top of the Surpac main window.
2. From the shortcut menu, choose Profiles > block_model.

Creating a block model Task: Create a block model
Creating a block model

Create a block model
Task: Create a block model
1. Open ore1.dtm in Graphics.
The solid of the ore body is displayed.
2. Choose View > Zoom > Out.

3. Choose Display > 2D grid.

4. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply.
The ore body with the 2D grid in plan view is displayed.
5. Click the icon to show the data in section view.

6. Choose Display > 2D grid.

The ore body is displayed in section view with a 2D grid.
Using the previous diagrams, you can determine the origin and extents of the block
model which will cover the ore solid.

You can also use the string file ore1.str to determine the origin and extents directly from
the data. This method is described in the following steps.
8. Choose Block model > New / Open.
10. Click Apply to confirm creation of the new block model.
11. Select the Get extents from string file box.

12. In the Location box, type ore1, press TAB, and click Open.

The model's coordinates are filled in based on the values in ore1.str.

13. In the Description field type a description of the block model.

14. Adjust the values as shown to create a block model which completely covers the extents
of the ore body.
15. Click Apply.

16. Enter the information as shown, and click Create Model.
The block model is created and its name is displayed in the Status bar.
17. Click Reset graphics .

18. Choose Block model > Save to save the block model.
19. Choose Display > Display block model.

The block model is displayed.

21. Rotate the view in Graphics.
22. Right-click the block model in the status bar, and choose Close

Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task run _01_create_model.tcl. You will need to click
Apply on any forms presented.

Creating model attributes Task: Create model attributes
Creating model attributes

An attribute contains the information or the properties of the model space. This can be either a
number with decimal places, an integer, or a character code.
Create model attributes

Task: Create model attributes
Before creating any attributes you will look at the information stored in the drillhole database, and
decide what will be extracted in the compositing process.
1. Open training2.mdl.
2. Connect to db1.ddb.
4. From the shortcut menu, choose Profiles > geology_database.
5. From the Geology Database menu, choose Edit > View table.
7. Click Apply on the blank constraints form to look at the entire table.
8. After looking at the data in the sample table, click Apply.

This table data is typical of the data from a geological database that you can use to fill a
block model.

9. Choose Database > Close.

11. From the shortcut menu, choose Profiles > block_model.
12. Choose Attributes > New.
Note: Using real, instead of float, will significantly increase the size of the block model.
You would choose float when the attribute will contain approximately eight significant
digits or fewer.
14. Choose Block model > Summary.

15. After viewing the form, click Apply.

16. Choose Block model > Save.
The Verify creation of file form appears.
17. Click Yes to write the attributes into the block model.
18. Choose Block model > Close.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _02_create_model_attributes.tcl. You
need to click Apply on any forms presented.

Constraints within a block model Task: Apply constraints to a block model
Constraints within a block model

Applying constraints to a block model
Constraints are logical combinations of spatial operators and objects. You can use constraints to
control the selection of blocks from which you will retrieve information and make interpolations.
It is possible to apply both simple and complex constraints to the block model to:
l fill the block model with values

l produce reports
l view models in Graphics
l load a constrained portion of a model
The spatial operators are:
l ABOVE
l INSIDE
l >
l <
l =
The operator you use depends on the nature of the object. The word NOT implies the opposite of an
operation. For example, OUTSIDE is represented by the expression NOT INSIDE. When you use the
AND statement, all conditions must be met for the constraint to apply to a block. When you use the
OR statement, only one of the conditions must be satisfied.
Create a constraint file
This function allows you to generate constraints without having to perform any other block model
function. When you learn how to use constraints, you can work effectively with the Surpac block
model.
You can apply one constraint at a time to a model, or combine a series of constraints, and save them
as a constraint (*.con) file.
The types of constraints supported are:
l inside/outside a solid
l above/below a surface
l satisfy the conditions of a block attribute
l inside/outside a string
l above/below a defined plane
After each constraint is defined, you must click Add .

Note: If a constraint combination is not defined, Surpac will assume the AND statement applies to
all constraints. That is, a AND b must be satisfied.
Caution: The constraint file records the results of running a constraint. When you open the .con
file, the same blocks will pass the constraint every time, even if their attribute values have changed.
No additional blocks will pass the constraint. The .con file is effectively a static list of blocks that
passed the constraint at a specific date and time.
Task: Apply constraints to a block model
2. Choose Block model > Display.
Alternatively, click the training2 button on the Status bar, and choose Display.

The entire block model is shown with no constraints.

4. Choose Constraints > New constraint file.
5. Enter the two constraints as shown, and click Apply.
Note: After you have entered the constraint, you save it by filling in the Save
constraint to box, and clicking Apply.
6. Drag and drop oxide.con into Graphics.

The blocks below the topography, and above the weathering layer, are displayed in
Graphics.
You will now repeat the previous process to create constraints for the transitional zone
and fresh rock zone.
trans.con is above weath_fresh1.dtm and below weath_ew1.dtm.
7. Choose Constraints > Remove all graphical constraints.
10. Drag and drop trans.con into Graphics.

The blocks in the transitional zone are displayed as shown.
fresh.con is below weath_fresh1.dtm.

11. Choose Constraints > Remove last graphical constraint.
14. Open fresh.con in Graphics.

The fresh rock layer is displayed as shown:
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _03_applying_constaints.tcl. You need to
click Apply on any forms presented.

Estimation or filling the block model Task: Fill the block model using Assign Value
Estimation or filling the block model

Assign Value
Task: Fill the block model using Assign Value
2. Choose Estimation > Assign value.

5. Click Yes, to write the assigned value to the block model.
You will now repeat this process of filling the attribute sg. You will assign sg a value of 2.6
inside trans.con and a value of 2.8 inside fresh.con.

9. Click Yes on the confirmation form.


13. Click Yes on the confirmation form.

You will now create another constraint for viewing purposes. The file litho.con will
contain all the blocks inside the solids sand1.dtm, bif1.dtm and qpy1.dtm.
Note: Make sure you use the OR statement in the constraint combination box as
shown.
14. Choose Constraints > New constraints file.

You will now colour the blocks based on numerical attributes.

16. Choose Display > Display block model, and click Apply.
17. Open litho.con in Graphics.
18. Choose Display > Colour model by attribute.
19. Enter the values as shown, click Refresh,, and click Apply.

20. Choose Display > Edge and face visibility, clear Display block edges as shown, and then
click Apply.

Estimation or filling the block model Task: Fill the BIF zone using nearest neighbour
The visual effect is much better, as seen in the following image.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _04_assign_value.tcl. Click Apply on any
forms that appear.
Nearest neighbour
Task: Fill the BIF zone using nearest neighbour
2. Choose Block Model > Display.

4. Choose Display > Edge and face visibility, select Display block edges as shown, and
then click Apply.
5. Choose View > Data view options > View by bearing & dip.

8. Choose Constraints > New graphical constraint.

10. Choose Estimation > Nearest Neighbour.


On the Status bar, you can see the progress of the estimation.

After the filling is completed, Surpac produces a report called nearest_neighbour.not.

14. Open nearest_neighbour.not.


16. Enter the information as shown, click Refresh, and click Apply.

Estimation or filling the block model Task: Fill the sand zone using inverse distance
The constrained and coloured block model for the bif1 zone is displayed.
17. Choose Block Model > Save.

18. Choose Block Model > Close.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _05a_nearest_neighbour.tcl. Click Apply
on any forms that appear.
Inverse distance
Task: Fill the sand zone using inverse distance
4. Choose View > Data view options > View by bearing and dip.



9. Choose Estimation > Inverse Distance.




After the filling is complete, Surpac produces a report called training_id2.not.

15. Enter the information as shown, click Refresh, and then click Apply.

Estimation or filling the block model Task: Fill the QPY zone using ordinary kriging
The constrained and coloured block model for the Sand1 zone is displayed.

Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _05b_inverse_distance.tcl. Click Apply on
any forms that appear.
Ordinary kriging
Task: Fill the QPY zone using ordinary kriging



9. Choose Estimation > Ordinary Kriging.






After the model is filled, Surpac produces a report file called ordinary_kriging.not.


Estimation or filling the block model Task: Fill the QPY zone using dynamic anisotropy ordinary kriging
The constrained and coloured block model for the QPY zone is displayed.

Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _05c_ordinary_kriging.tcl. Click Apply on
any forms that appear.
Task: Fill the QPY zone using dynamic anisotropy ordinary kriging




11. Choose Surfaces >DTM File functions > Create trend outline from DTM triangles.

trend_outlines.str is the string file that contains a closed segment with the dip and dip
direction in the D1 and D2 fields.
13. Choose Estimation > Assign value from polygon.
15. Choose Estimation > Ordinary Kriging.




After the model is filled, Surpac produces a report file called dae_ordinary_kriging.not.





Notes:
l To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _12a_dae_ordinary_kriging.tcl. Click
Apply on any forms that appear.
l You can perform dynamic anisotropy for other estimation processes, such as nearest
neighbour and inverse distance.
l The search ellipsoid specifications for bearing, plunge, and dip can be read from a field
in the block model or a static value.
l If the target block size is larger than the actual blocks present within a constraint (due
to subblocking on constraint boundaries), the orientation information is taken from
the first subblock. If the target block size is on the constraint boundary, the location of
the first subblock may be outside the constraint.
l It is important that blocks which are partially within a constraint have valid orientation
information at the estimated target block size. All blocks in the model must contain
background orientation, that is, the local average of the orebody.

Block model reporting Task: Create a block model report
Block model reporting

Block model report
Task: Create a block model report
You will now produce a report for the entire deposit.
1. Connect to training2.mdl.
2. Choose Block model > Report.

Note: The report can be weighted by mass and, in this case, the specific gravity
attribute must be supplied.
Grouping Attributes: You can group the results based on any attribute or Y, X, Z. If you
are grouping by more than one attribute, the order in which they are specified will have a
influence on the format of the report. In the above example , if the attribute GOLD is
reported based on the cutoff values of 0;1;3;5;10;999 and these cutoffs are to be reported
on each 50m elevation range between 800 and 1100, you would enter the Z value first,
and the GOLD values second. The results will be divided into 50m elevation ranges within
which the numbers are split into grade ranges.


This will constrain the report to the material within the pit and below the topography.
6. Open total_orebody1.csv.
The report is displayed in Microsoft Excel.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _06_block_model_
reporting.tcl. You need to click Apply on any forms presented.

Creating calculated attributes Task: Create calculated attributes
Creating calculated attributes

Task: Create calculated attributes
It is possible to create attributes, in the Surpac block model, that are calculated from the values of
other attributes, or from standard values. These attributes, called calculated attributes, are very
powerful tools for generating reportable values. They do not increase the memory allocation needed
for the block model.




You will add a new calculated attribute and in the expression field, entering the
mathematical formula for calculating the cut grade.

Note: To create a calculated top cut, the expression is iif(gold>20,20,gold)

which means that if gold is greater than 20, then make gold 20, else the gold value
remains as the existing value of gold.
The new attribute is created.
13. Choose Display > View attributes for one block.
14. Click a few blocks from the upper range to see that the top value for au_cut is now limited
to 20.


Partial percentage reporting Task: Report partial percent using geometric grouping in the block model report
Partial percentage reporting

The traditional constraints functions test all blocks to check whether they are inside or outside the
constraint using the position of the centroid. This test is done on the minimum size blocks in the
model (sub-blocks).
Occasionally, the centroid is outside the constraint, yet a significant part of the block is still inside the
constraint (as shown in figure A). Usually, this is not a significant issue - the blocks in question are at
the minimum block size, some blocks are inside and some are outside, and so the model evens itself
up. However, for some reporting, such as volume reconciliation, this is not accurate enough.
The partial percentage function tests these inconclusive blocks and determines a fractional value
between 0 and 1 that is proportion of the block that is inside the constraint. For example, 0 means
that the block is totally out of the constraint, 1 is totally in and 0.2 is 20% inside (figure B). These
values are stored in a specified attribute.
How the percentage is calculated is very simple. With traditional constraints, the model is sub-
blocked down to the minimum block size, and then the inside/outside test is performed on the block
centroid. The partial percentage calculation takes it further. Rather than stopping at the minimum
block size, this function will sub-block further, depending on the precision factor that you enter. The
higher the precision factor, the more times the block is sub-blocked beyond the minimum block size.
The function then performs the standard constraint on these smaller blocks, and counts the ones
that are inside and outside the constraint. This count becomes the percentage. The percentage is
always stored in the block at minimum block size. So it becomes a trade-off.
The higher the precision factor, the more precise the partial percentage calculation. However, many
more blocks are created for the higher precision factors, and so the function will be slower. For
example, a percentage calculation with a precision factor of 5 will create 4096 times the number of
blocks than a calculation at precision 1.
Performing partial percentage calculations on underground models can be very time consuming
because you need to create an attribute and run the partial percentage function for each stope in the
model. An alternative way to determine partial percentage volume is to use the geometric grouping
function in the block model report. The partial percentage volumes, for each location, are then
generated in the report. However, the percentage value for each block is not stored as an attribute in
the blocks of your model.
Partial percent reporting from the block model report

Task: Report partial percent using geometric grouping in the block model report
The Block model report format file form is displayed.

The Block model report form is displayed.


The report opens.
Note: Because you specified a new attribute for partial percentage (pp_bmr), that
attribute is automatically created and filled with values throughout the block model.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _08a_partial_percentages_report.tcl. You

Partial percentage reporting Task: Create partial percentage report
Simple partial percent reporting

Task: Create partial percentage report
First you will create a solid of an ore body.
2. Append bif1.dtm, qpy1.dtm, sand1.dtm into Graphics.
Note: You append DTMs to a layer by holding down the CTRL key while dragging and
dropping the DTMs into Graphics.
The DTMs are displayed.
3. Choose File > Save > string/DTM.

4. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply to save the results to orebody1.dtm.
5. If you are prompted to overwrite an existing orebody1.dtm, choose Yes.

6. Choose Attributes > New to create a new attribute to store the partial percentage value.
You will now give the new block attribute a value based on its position relative to the ore
body.
8. Choose Estimation > Partial Percentage.

Note: It is possible to use a string, DTM surface, 3D model or several other options for
Constraint to apply.
The results are a partial percentage volume calculation for the blocks along the edge of
the ore body.
The precision option determines how many times the block will be split into smaller
blocks for testing, to see if it is in or out of the constraint. As an example, a precision of 2
splits the block into two parts in each direction, almost as if it were sub-blocking, and
then tests these smaller blocks against the DTM surface. A precision of 3 splits the blocks
3 times in each direction. The larger the precision value the longer the process will take.
Saving a partial percentage result to a file allows it to be used again without the need to
run the estimation function. It also allows for several variables to be filled at one time.
Once completed, a report can be generated to give the volume in the ore body. This is
done by using the partial attribute as a weighting attribute.
You will now generate two reports to see the difference, once without making use of the
partial attribute, and then a second time using the partial attribute as a weighting field.
10. Select Block model > Report.


This generates a report for the volume without making use of the partially-filled blocks.

Surpac generates the report, and displays it.



Note: Make sure that this time you select the Keep blocks partially in the constraint
check box.
The report is displayed.
You should see that the difference between the two reports in terms of volume is about
1.1%, and in terms of the gold content, 8% of the grade. If the blocks were larger (for
example 20x20x20) partial percentages would show
a greater effect on the result.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _08b_partial_percentages.tcl. You need to

Multiple percentage reporting Task: Report on grade, grouped by rock type
Multiple percentage reporting

When you create the block model report, you can create another type of report called a 'multiple
percent report'. A multiple percent report is useful when you have fractional attributes stored in each
block. For example, you could store fractional attributes for rock type (such as sandstone_frac, or
mudstone_frac).
The output of the report is grouped by all of the attributes you chose.
Note: To assign values to a fractional attribute, run Estimation > Partial Percentage and, for the
intersecting solid, use a solid that represents the specific rock type you are working with.
Task: Report on grade, grouped by rock type
1. Connect to training.mdl.
2. Open bif1.dtm, qpy.dtm, and sand1.dtm.
These solids represent three rock zones: banded iron formation, quartz pyrite, and
sandstone respectively.
3. Choose Block Model > Report.


Note: You must define the attribute as Gold in the Column and attributes table for
each of the fraction/percentage attributes. To do this, select the Banded fraction row,
and then select Gold in the Attribute cell. Then select the Quartz pyrite fraction row and
select Gold in the Attribute cell.

The report opens with volume, tonnes, and grade grouped by rock type, and then
grouped by elevation.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _08c_multiple_attribute.tcl. You need to

Model reblocking Task: Perform model reblocking
Model reblocking
Model reblocking
Task: Perform model reblocking
In Surpac you can create a new model with different block sizes from those in the current model by
reblocking.
In this example, you will reblock the model in all three directions.
2. Choose Block model > Simple reblocking.
The model training_reblocked2 is created with the specified block size and becomes the
active model.
Note: It is important that you define numeric attributes that should not be averaged
during reblocking as calculated attributes. For example, tonnage should be defined as a
calculated attribute based on block size and density, with the generic formula tonnage =
_xext x _yext x _zext x sg.
4. Choose Block model > Summary.

Model reblocking Task: Perform model reblocking
The model summary is displayed. The new User block size is 20 x 20 x 10.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _09_model_reblocking.tcl. You need to

Column processing Task: View the data
Column processing
In this section you will take an existing block model and use the functions for column processing in
block models to evaluate the economics of the block model.
The data is a block model that contains only one attribute, grade, and a DTM that represents surface
topography.
Workflow
Viewing the data

Task: View the data
1. Connect to blockmodel.mdl.



8. Choose Display > New graphical constraint.

The model is displayed.
The blocks in this model are 35 metres in the x and y dimensions and 3 metres high.
Because the vertical extent of this model is limited compared to the horizontal extent,
you will vertically exaggerate this model by a factor of 5.
12. Choose View > Data view options > View scale factors.

After exaggerating the model five times, to get the view at a bearing of 330 degrees and a
dip of -20 degrees, you need to set the View by Bearing and Dip to a dip of -4, that is, the
dip you want divided by the vertical exaggeration.
The view of the model is rotated slightly.
16. Open blocktopo1.dtm.


The view of the model was changed to Plan when you opened the DTM, now it is reset.
Notice the separation between the topography and the highest blocks with any grade.
This separation is called the overburden.
You will now slice the model to see the internal structure.
19. In the Layers pane, right-click on the layer blocktopo1.dtm, and choose Delete layer.
20. Click Zoom all .
This moves the data back to plan view
21. Choose Database > Sections > Define.

22. Enter the information as shown on the Section Method tab.
23. Enter the information as shown on the Section Block Model tab, and click Apply.

Column processing Task: Classify blocks into ore and waste
The first section through the block model is displayed.
24. Click Next section to view each of the four sections.

You should now have a good idea of how the block model looks and are ready to start
the economic modelling process.
25. Choose Block model > Close
26. Click Reset graphics .
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _10_viewing_the_data.tcl. You need to
Classify blocks
Task: Classify blocks into ore and waste
1. Open blockmodel.mdl.
2. Choose Column processing > Column tops.

This will search down through the block model extracting a point at the top of the first
block in each column where the grade is greater than 8.
The result will be a string file called top_cutoff1.str. The Nominal value above top value
from the Tops of columns form is the default elevation which will be assigned if no blocks
in the column satisfy the constraint. As a general rule, when extracting upper surfaces,
the nominal z elevation should be set to an elevation below your model and when
extracting lower surfaces it should be set to an elevation above your model.
This time the search is in the Z direction (positive Z is up), and the nominal elevation is set
to 400.

7. Enter the information as shown below, and click Apply.
You will now use the string files top_cutoff1.str and bot_cutoff1.str to create DTMs.
8. Choose Surfaces > DTM File functions > Create DTM from string file.

A report is displayed.


The report for the formation of this DTM is displayed.



18. Choose Display > New graphical constraint.

20. Open top_cutoff1.dtm and bot_cutoff1.dtm.

The block model with top and bottom cutoffs is displayed.
21. Click the blockmodel button on the Status bar, and select Hide.
Only the upper and lower cutoff DTM surfaces are displayed.
22. Click the blockmodel button on the Status bar, and choose Display.

The block model is redisplayed.

24. In the Layers pane, make bot_cutoff1.dtm the active layer.
25. Right-click the bot_cutoff1.dtm layer and clear the Visible option.
The visibility icon changes from to to show that the layer is no longer visible in
Graphics.
26. Make the top_cutoff1.dtm layer invisible.

Only the block model is now visible.

The next step is to add two attributes to the model which will be filled in the Ore/Waste
discrimination function.
Note: Right-click on the number 1 to add a row to the table.

The ore_waste_flag is a flag which will signify an ore block if set to 1, and a waste block if
set to 0. The composite_grade attribute will store the grade for a contiguous set of ore
and waste blocks in a column.
29. Choose Column processing > Ore/Waste discrimination.

Note: You are specifying minimum mining thicknesses of ore, a waste of 6 metres, and
a cutoff grade of 8. This function classifies blocks as ORE or WASTE according to a cutoff
grade and minimum thickness criteria.
The ore/waste classification is stored as an integer value in the ore_waste_flag attribute,
which allows you to colour the model on ore/waste. A master attribute is specified
(grade), and an attribute to store the composite grade for each resulting ore and waste
layer.

Note: It is very important that you apply this function using these two constraints. This
way, no outlying sub-grade waste blocks will be included in the top or bottom ore layers.
This constraint file is saved for future processing.
A summary is shown below.
You will now colour the model on the ore_waste_flag attribute. Ensure you are viewing
only the blocks within your new constraint file - top_bot_cutoff.con.


35. Select ore_waste_flag for Attribute to colour by, and then click Scan.
36. Click the down arrow on row 1 to bring up the Colour chooser.

37. Click the Crayola tab, type in blue, and click OK.
The waste blocks are now coloured blue.

38. Click the down arrow on row 2 to display the Colour chooser.
39. Click the Crayola tab, type in yellow, and click OK.
The ore blocks are now coloured yellow.

40. Click Apply on the Block Colours form.
41. Click Toggle display polygon & triangle edges to turn edges off.
This will colour the model as shown:

The minimum mining thickness of 6 metres (2 blocks in elevation) has been taken into
account.
42. Choose Display > View attributes for one block and click on a block.
The composite grade is reported. This is the average grade for all contiguous ore or waste
blocks in that column. If you select a block above or below this block in the same layer, it
will have the same composite grade. All ore layers have a composite grade greater than 8
and all waste layers have a composite grade less than 8. You will now display waste blocks
only so you can see their distribution in the model.

Column processing Task: Calculate dilution and reduction
The waste blocks are displayed.

Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _11_classify_blocks.tcl. You need to click
Reduction and dilution

Task: Calculate dilution and reduction
3. Add an attribute called diluted_grade as shown:
4. Choose Column processing > Dilution and reduction.

Column processing Task: Calculate dilution and reduction

Column processing Task: Calculate recoverable product
7. Click Yes.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task run _12_dilution_and_reduction.tcl. You will
Recoverable product
Task: Calculate recoverable product
1. Connect to blockmodel.mdl.

This assigns those blocks above the top of the ore, and below the topography (that is,
the overburden) blocks to waste.
5. Click Yes.
Note: Before you run the Recoverable product function, you should add the attributes
which will store the results of this function.
The attributes do not have to be added ahead of time in this function. If the attributes
specified to store the results do not exist, they will be created.
However, it is a better practice to add them first for two reasons:
l If they are added by the function, they are created as real attributes and not
floats and therefore will require double the storage space.
l You have control of the background values when adding them yourself. For
data management reasons you will want to standardize your background

values. In this tutorial you are using a background value of -99.

Unlike most other attributes, the ratio attributes are given a high background value. A
high value of the ratio of volume to product denotes less economic material. You will be
searching for the first value below a certain value. If you picked a low background value,
when searching for the first block below a certain value using the column tops function,
you would always find the top or bottom of the model because this is outside of the
constraint and so remains at the background value.
8. Choose Column processing > Recoverable product.
Note: You would expect an ore layer with only a small amount of overlying waste to
have a lower individual ratio than an ore layer with a higher thickness of overlying waste.
Also, you would expect the uppermost ore layer to have the same value for the individual
and cumulative ratios.


14. Select ore_waste_flag for Attribute to colour by, and click Scan.
15. Click Apply.

18. Drag and drop top_bot_cutoff.con into Graphics.

19. Choose Display > View attributes for one block.
20. Click an ore block.

You will see results similar to the following.
The final steps of the process are to extract and create surfaces representing the top and
bottom of economic ore. The bottom of economic ore will be a surface created when
searching up through the model, using the Column Tops function, for the first block
where both individual and cumulative ratios are below a cutoff ratio. For this exercise you
will use a cutoff ratio of 12.


26. Open bot_ore12.dtm in Graphics.

27. View the block model from below, as shown.

The economic bottom of ore matches the lowest occurrence of ore in all parts of the
model except for the southwest.
The top of the ore will be the first occurrence of ore searching down through the model
(that is, the ore_waste_flag =1). If this ore is not economic, as in the southwest of the
model, it will be excluded by the fact that the economic bottom of ore is at an elevation of
400 here. This is a reason why the nominal values are important when using the column
tops functions.


You can now generate a block model report to calculate volume, tons, average grade,
and recoverable product of the economic ore.
33. Choose Block Model > Report.


Note: Right-click on the first row to add another row to the table.

Column processing Task: Calculate column thickness
The resulting report is shown.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _13_recoverable_product.tcl. You will
Thicknesses
Task: Calculate column thickness
2. Choose Column processing > Thickness.


A report is generated.
Note: In the resultant string file, String 1 contains the ore thickness and average
diluted grade in the first and second description fields. There is also a string 2 in this file
which contains the thickness of all other material (in this case, this represents
interburden thickness), and the average diluted_grade. String 2 must be deleted from
this file before you can create a DTM of ore thicknesses and grades, or the values from
strings 1 and 2 will be averaged when creating the DTM, which will give you a meaningless
result.
5. Open ore_thickness12.strin Graphics.
6. Choose Edit > String > Delete range, and delete string 2 from ore_thickness12.str.
7. Save ore_thickness12.str.
8. Choose Surfaces > DTM file functions > Create DTM from string file.

You can now extract contours of the ore thickness.

10. Choose Surfaces > Contouring > Contour DTM file.

12. Open contour_thickness12.str in Graphics.

The contours are displayed.
Note: To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _14_thicknesses.tcl. You need to click

Importing Task: Import a block model from a .csv file
Importing
Task: Import a block model from a .csv file
1. Choose Block model > New/Open.
The Select model form is displayed.
2. Type the name for the new block model, and then click Apply.
The Creating Definition for new block model form is displayed.
3. Click Apply.
The Creating new block model definition form is displayed.
4. In the Coordinate extents set the minimum and maximum values to the dimensions of
the original model.
5. In the User block size type the dimensions of the parent blocks of the original model.
6. In the Sub blocking box select Free.

7. Click Apply.
The icon is displayed below the Message window with the name you have
chosen for your model.
The Add attributes form is displayed.
9. Enter the details for the grade attribute as in the form below, and then click Apply.

10. Choose Block model > Import > Text file.

The Import centroids form is displayed.
11. In the Input File box, navigate to the text file you want to import.
12. Enter the Number of header lines as 1, select Delimited? and set the Delimiter to a
comma ",".
13. Complete the remainder of the form as shown, and then click Apply.
The Define attributes form is displayed.

14. Use Attribute for column # to match the attributes of the block model to the column
number, and then click Apply.

A report showing the results of the import is displayed.

Importing Task: Import a block model for Whittle from a .csv file
15. Choose Block model > Save to save the model.

An .fbm file is created.
Tip: It is good practice to compare volumes, grades and metal between your parent block model
and your new model to ensure it has imported correctly.
Task: Import a block model for Whittle from a .csv file
1. Choose Block model > Block model > New/Open.
The Select model form is displayed.
2. Type the name for the new block model, and then click Apply.
The Creating Definition for new block model form is displayed.

3. Click Apply.
The Creating new block model definition form is displayed.
4. In the Coordinate extents set the minimum and maximum values to the dimensions of
the original model.
5. In the User block size type the dimensions of the parent blocks in the original model.
6. In the Sub blocking box select Standard, and choose 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 for the Minimum
block size.

7. Click Apply.
The Model confirmation form is displayed.
8. Click Create model.

The icon displays below the message window with the name you have
chosen for your model.
The Add attributes form is displayed.
10. Enter the details for the grade attribute as in the form below, and then click Apply.
11. Choose Block model > Import > Text file.

The Import centroids form is displayed.

12. Navigate to the text file you want to import.

13. Enter the Number of header lines as 1, select Delimited? and set the Delimiter to a
comma ",".
14. Select Regular block size? and set the Target block size (X, Y, Z) to 1.25, 1.25, 1.25.
15. Complete the remainder of the form as shown, and then click Apply.
The Define attributes form is displayed.

16. Use Attribute for column # to match the attributes of the block model to the column
number, and then click Apply.

A report showing the results of the import is displayed.

Importing Task: Import a block model from a .csv file using the BM IMPORT CSV function

A .mdl file is created.
Note:
l The number of blocks created may be different to the parent model because Surpac cre-
ates super blocks from adjacent blocks that have the same attributes.
Tip: It is good practice to compare volumes, grades and metal between your parent block model
and your new model to ensure it has imported correctly.
Task: Import a block model from a .csv file using the BM IMPORT CSV function
1. Choose Block model > Block model > Import > CSV File.
The Create block model from CSV form appears.
2. Enter the information as shown.
3. Click Apply.
The Create definition for new block model form appears.
4. Click Apply.
The Define attributes form appears.

5. In the Attribute for column # table, map the header column of the CSV to the column
number as shown.
Notes:
l It is mandatory to map the X, Y, and Z values from the CSV file to calculate
the block model extends.
l If you map all the three block size values, the mapped values override the
User block size values entered in the Create definition for new block model
form.
6. Click Apply.
The Model confirmation form appears.

7. Click Create model.

The Add attributes form appears.
8. Enter the information as shown.
Note: It is mandatory to add the attributes that are mapped in the Attribute for
column # table.
9. Click Apply.
A block model report appears.


A .mdl file is created.
Notes:
l To see all of the steps performed in this task, run _21_import_csv_for _block_mod-
el.tcl. Click Apply on any forms that appear.
l The number of rows loaded and rejected vary depending on:
l The rotation applied in the X, Y, and Z directions, if any.
l The User block size values that are not overridden by the mapped values.

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Surpac™ 2020 Page 5 of 147 Block Modelling

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Block modelling concepts

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Blocks and attributes

Block model of oil sands coloured by attribute values (bitumen).

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An unconstrained block model in relation to a DTM surface.

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The same block model but constrained by the topography (DTM).

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Assigns an explicit value to blocks in the model.

Functions concerned with a probabilistic block grade distribution derived from

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Setting up for this tutorial

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Displaying the toolbar and menu bar

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Creating a block model

2. Choose View > Zoom > Out.

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4. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply.

The ore body with the 2D grid in plan view is displayed.

5. Click the icon to show the data in section view.

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7. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply.

The ore body is displayed in section view with a 2D grid.

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10. Click Apply to confirm creation of the new block model.

11. Select the Get extents from string file box.

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The model's coordinates are filled in based on the values in ore1.str.

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13. In the Description field type a description of the block model.

15. Click Apply.

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16. Enter the information as shown, and click Create Model.

17. Click Reset graphics .

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20. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply.

The block model is displayed.

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Creating model attributes

Create model attributes

8. After looking at the data in the sample table, click Apply.

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9. Choose Database > Close.

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15. After viewing the form, click Apply.

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Constraints within a block model

l fill the block model with values

The spatial operators are:

After each constraint is defined, you must click Add .

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3. Enter the information as shown, and click Apply.

The entire block model is shown with no constraints.

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