The mining industry has been intrigued by the application of computers for many years. In fact, from artificial intelligence systems designed to run “smarter smelters” (see The Northern Miner Magazine, September, 1987) to the highly automated computer-controlled functions at Inco’s Crean Hill mine (see our April, 1987, issue), the industry has demonstrated a willingness to accept modern technology. And yet the mining exploration community has been reluctant to introduce computers into its offices and in the field. Many of the small- and medium-sized companies are still deciding whether to implement computer technology; others are struggling with the question of where to start with an informed implementation program. The best approach can be summarized by the following: Don’t buy a computer; rather, buy a solution to a problem. Each exploration company has unique problems it hopes to solve. The high cost of contract drafting services, retyping of drill logs, sorting through assay sheets with numerous checks and repeats, turnaround time for report writing, compiling data for ore reserve calculations — all have been recognized as headaches by exploration firms. Computer programs have been designed to improve the efficiency of performing these functions.
At least 11 companies, primarily based in Canada, now market exploration software. Although these companies are capable of handling drill logs and plotting sections, their programs are often designed to serve different purposes. Some programs emphasize the collection of data in the field and the output of typed drill logs; others are essentially designed to capture data for ore reserve estimation or geostatistics, and some are front-end portions of mine design systems. Other systems (not included in the list of suppliers to be found at the end of this article) include special functions required for coal and petroleum exploration. Some of these features, specifically stratigraphic correlations, may be applicable to some hard rock exploration targets.
But without intimate knowledge of all available systems, how do you decide which one is right for your requirements? To put the problem in perspective, here are some issues that must be considered:
* What functions are the system required to perform?
* What functions will be required of the system in the foreseeable future?
* Who will utilize the system?
* How much time is required to train personnel and operate the system?
* How will this save money and/or improve the chances of finding a mine?
Answering such questions should make decision-making easier. But the issue of hardware is not even mentioned in this list of questions. The increasingly lower cost of high per formance personal computers, peri pherals and numerous rental options, have made this less of a stumbling block to computerization. William Pearson, of Derry, Michener, Booth & Wahl, a partnership of consulting geologists, geophysicists and engi neers, which has implemented num erous systems, says the relative cost for hardware and software is in the order of 2% to 3% per drill program. And the relative costs are less if spread over several programs.
As a concession to the cost-con scious, many computer firms have devised modular pricing systems. Introductory programs, essentially for data capture, are relatively low-priced and the addition of specific modules (at a price, of course) allows for the extension of the system as required. It is the training of personnel that is much more expensive. Certainly this cost is greatly reduced if any personnel are already “computer-literate.” In developing and selling most systems today, manufacturers and suppliers stress that their systems are “user-friendly,” and they are eager to demonstrate the menu-driven mode of data and command entry. Where exploration companies have limited staff, it may be wise to enlist a service company to compile the database and to set up procedures.
Another important consideration is the ability to capture data in the field. The most qualified person to verify the data entered into the system is the field geologist who collected that information. And there is no truer statement than “garbage in/garbage out.” Once an error is imbedded in a database, it is difficult to find. Some systems include a degree of error- checking, such as ensuring that there are no overlapping intervals and undefined codes and that the survey data entered does not produce what are called zig-zag holes.
The actual process for capturing data varies greatly. The Lynx Geo systems group supports both a relational database, based on the GEOLOG program and coded descriptions, or text, in user-defined fields. LOGII has been successful at using low-cost Radio Shack TRS-80s in the core shack and a library of codes which are then translated into full-English drill logs. The geocom Corelog System uses a hand-held, battery-powered computer in the field which allows structured data entry and full screen- editing. Other systems provide data input into a database using a series of prompts or fill-in-the-blank-type forms on the screen.
Geologists are seldom trained typists, so a unique solution has been introduced by SABLE, and marketed by GEMCOM. This system uses a digitizing pad divided into rows and columns. The individual “fields” are defined as rock name s, adjectives and other commonly used terms. The appropriate words are then selected by touching the pad with a digitizing pen.
Assay data from the laboratory have to be added to the database. Most laboratories will now “download” data on phone lines or provide files on floppy disks. It is important that the software has the capability to import these files and, preferably, files in any format. It is equally important that the selected system be able to produce a variety of customized reports and extract the data in any format required. It is difficult to always anticipate future requirements, but maximum flexibility in data output is always a benefit. Systems such as geocom’s Core Logging, which an ticipates the need for flexibility, pro vide programs to convert drill logs into files compatible with LAMDA, BORSURV or PCXPLOR. Programs that incorporate relational databases are advantageous, as they allow the selection of samples on the basis of specified criteria, in addition to other functions.
Several firms have recognized the virtue of offering packages that are designed to take a project from grass root phases, through feasibility and into mine-planning. The LYNX group has ensured that the functions previously available with GEOLOG, PC-RESERVE and GEOMIN. GEMCON has a series of integrated packages, starting with PCXPLOR and graduating to PC-MINE, which utilizes the same data formats.
All the programs can produce cross- sections and plan views. Some programs are better at reducing the overlap of plotted data, and others offer options such as plotting histograms down the side of the hole. The most distinctive difference is that only a few systems, such as LOGII, Geocom and GDM, can produce “graphic” logs, where the drill hole is represented by two parallel lines and the rock type is plotted as a fill-in symbol and/or specific color. Other programs annotate a mnemonic code beside a single-line trace of the hole.
Other unusual graphic representations include a 3-dimensional block diagram produced with the gdm system, marketed by Geomines in Canada on behalf of the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research. The Lynx system can produce 3-D solid representations of orebodies, which can then be rotated for optimum viewing. Most programs can create cross- sections and plan views with equal ease, but the less costly systems project all data points vertically to the defined surface, which does not account for the strike and dip of the units and/or structures.
A moderately priced package that addresses this problem is called GEO-MODEL, available from GEMCOM. GEO-MODEL allows the geologist to enter interpreted cross-sections into a series of files using a digitizer. These cross-sections are then used to produce lithological, or ore-grade, plan views. Similarly, the data for older underground workings can be incorporated into a current surface drilling program by using the system in reverse. The LYNX system includes a geological interpretation module used to prepare geological ore reserves, and other programs also introduce some level of geological interpretation at the ore reserve estimate stage.
It is a significant benefit if all these plots can be previewed on the computer screen. A screen preview allows the operator to verify that co-ordinates, codes and scales were entered correctly, without using expensive plotting time. An interface with CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) software is becoming increasingly popular and companies advertise that DXF files can be created.
Explorationists do more than carry out diamond drilling programs. A few systems allow the production of surface maps suitable for posting geophysical field data, while others offer contouring. The PCXPLOR software creates databases specifically for traverse and field-mapping. It also generates symbol plots for geochemical data, with a selection of 12 symbol types and a range of either symbol sizes or colors. None of these systems will be effective without someone to use them. The single most important factor in the effective implementation of any system is training and ongoing support. Find out how many people are available to answer your questions — if the one key person is out of the office or on leave, are you shut down until they return? Ask if there are newsletters, planned updates, user groups and extra charges for continuing support.
Most problems result from a failure to find out exactly what a system can or cannot do, so don’t rush your decision. Analyse the options and buy a solution to your problems — not a computer.
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