A giant leap for mining

After three years of research and development, “Leapfrog” automated three-dimensional modelling software could change the way the mining industry performs geological modelling.

Leapfrog evolved by virtue of the fact that there were no automated methods that could generate three-dimensional models from drill-hole data. Frustrated with the slowness of digitization, Jun Cowan, a geological consultant with the Australian branch of SRK Consulting, searched for a solution to the problem, and found one in technology that had been developed for the film industry. The same software that was used to produce “virtual” characters in films such as Lord of the Rings was found to have enormous potential in geological modelling.

The technology allows for the construction of three-dimensional geological models from raw drill-hole data in a matter of minutes to hours. The method allows testing of various geological models in rapid succession, including user-defined geological trends. Such testing is not possible with other existing techniques.

Structural analyses of mineral deposits rely heavily on information from drill holes, but the sheer volume and three-dimensional complexity of drill hole data can be overwhelming to an interpreter. Adding to this dilemma, three-dimensional geological modelling tools currently available in commercial mining software packages have limited modelling capabilities and require complex manipulation; thus building a model from drill hole data may take days, if not weeks, of manual digitization.

Once generated, a mesh-based model is difficult to modify, and some companies may opt not to generate three-dimensional models of deposits, owing to the costly nature of the exercise. Furthermore, even if the models are built, the largely qualitative nature of the models may not allow for objective structural interpretation.

Leapfrog generates geological wireframes from drill hole data sets by using a rapid three-dimensional interpolation method. One advantage of this technique is that qualitative geological interpretation can be rapidly incorporated into the work flow. A range of geological ideas can therefore be used to generate various “what if” scenarios for testing.

Mining companies have reacted favourably; indeed, many have praised the software’s ability to process data rapidly.

For a look at the software in action, visit www.srk.com.au/lffull.asp

The software is being distributed by West Perth, Australia-based firm Zaparo, which is jointly owned by Applied Research Associates of New Zealand (ARANZ) and SRK Consulting Australasia.

— The preceding is from an information bulletin published by Sydney-based SRK Consulting Australasia.