Real-Life Project Examples and Case Studies Utilizing Surpac and Point Cloud Data. Here are examples where Surpac played a vital role in processing point cloud data for successful mining and geological projects:
1. Pilbara Iron Ore Mine, Australia
Project Overview:
- Located in Western Australia, this mine required detailed geological modeling, mine planning, and ongoing survey integration for efficient operations.
Role of Surpac:
- Point Cloud Data Integration:
- High-resolution point cloud data from drones and LiDAR surveys was used to create detailed surface models of the vast mining site.
- Regular drone surveys provided updates for monitoring pit progress and stockpile volumes.
- Open Pit Design:
- Surpac utilized digital terrain models (DTMs) derived from the point cloud data to design multi-stage open pits.
- The software optimized pit walls and ramps, ensuring geotechnical stability.
- Surveying and Progress Monitoring:
- Point clouds were integrated with Surpac for comparing the “as-planned” versus “as-built” surfaces.
- Enabled real-time monitoring of excavation and backfilling operations.
Outcome:
- Efficient mine planning and stockpile management.
- Improved safety and compliance with geotechnical standards.
2. Oyu Tolgoi Copper-Gold Mine, Mongolia
Project Overview:
- One of the world’s largest copper and gold mines, requiring precise underground and surface planning.
Role of Surpac:
- Geological Modeling:
- Drillhole data and LiDAR-generated point clouds were integrated into Surpac to model the subsurface geology and ore body.
- This ensured accurate resource estimation and identification of high-grade zones.
- Underground Mine Design:
- Surpac was used to design declines and stopes with precision, leveraging point cloud data for real-world alignment of geological models.
- Environmental Planning:
- High-resolution point clouds were used to plan infrastructure like tailings dams and water management systems.
Outcome:
- Accurate design of underground layouts and reduced dilution during mining.
- Enhanced environmental compliance and optimized land use planning.
3. Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, USA
Project Overview:
- An open-pit mine in Utah, USA, known for its massive scale and continuous operations.
Role of Surpac:
- Pit Slope Stability:
- Point cloud data from terrestrial LiDAR was integrated into Surpac to monitor pit walls.
- Surpac analyzed slope changes over time, preventing failures.
- Volume and Tonnage Calculation:
- Monthly drone surveys generated point clouds of stockpiles and excavation zones.
- Surpac calculated precise volumes for material handling and production reporting.
- Life-of-Mine Planning:
- The software helped in updating mine plans by incorporating real-time survey data into the models.
Outcome:
- Improved safety through proactive slope monitoring.
- Efficient resource allocation and production tracking.
4. Venetia Diamond Mine, South Africa
Project Overview:
- A diamond mine requiring both open-pit and underground mining operations.
Role of Surpac:
- Transition from Open Pit to Underground Mining:
- Point cloud data from drone and laser scans was processed in Surpac to model the transition zones.
- Surpac integrated these models for planning underground shaft positions and tunnel networks.
- Stockpile and Waste Management:
- LiDAR-generated point clouds were used to monitor stockpile volumes and optimize waste dump layouts.
- Environmental Rehabilitation:
- Point clouds were used to design post-mining landforms, ensuring compliance with rehabilitation standards.
Outcome:
- Seamless transition from surface to underground mining.
- Effective monitoring of material movement and environmental impact.
5. Tasiast Gold Mine, Mauritania
Project Overview:
- A large gold mine requiring accurate resource modeling and pit design in a remote desert location.
Role of Surpac:
- Desert Topography Mapping:
- Point cloud data collected by drones was crucial for creating a detailed topographic model in Surpac.
- The software processed these models for pit design and haul road planning.
- Resource Estimation:
- Integrated point clouds with drillhole data to estimate the gold resource and model high-grade zones.
- Operational Efficiency:
- Used Surpac to track excavation progress and reconcile production with mine plans.
Outcome:
- Accurate pit and infrastructure designs, reducing operational costs.
- Improved resource estimation and production tracking.
6. Grasberg Copper-Gold Mine, Indonesia
Project Overview:
- One of the largest copper and gold mines, transitioning from open-pit to underground operations.
Role of Surpac:
- Subsurface Modeling:
- LiDAR and point cloud data from underground scans were used to map tunnel networks in Surpac.
- Helped align planned and actual mining layouts.
- Open Pit Monitoring:
- Regular drone surveys provided point clouds for monitoring pit slope stability.
- Surpac analyzed these for geotechnical risk assessment.
- Underground Design:
- Integrated 3D laser scan data to optimize stope boundaries and ventilation systems.
Outcome:
- Minimized dilution and improved ore recovery in underground operations.
- Enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
Summary of Benefits in These Projects
- Accuracy: Processing point cloud data in Surpac ensures precise geological and mine designs.
- Efficiency: Automates workflows for resource estimation, design, and monitoring.
- Real-Time Updates: Allows integration of real-world survey data for dynamic mine planning.
- Compliance: Ensures alignment with safety and environmental regulations.
These examples highlight how Surpac, combined with point cloud data, plays a critical role in achieving successful mining and geological outcomes across diverse projects.
Some More In-Detailed Studies On Case Studies Utilizing Surpac and Point Cloud Data
Surpac has been integral to many real-world projects, leveraging its ability to process point cloud data for tasks such as mining, construction, and geospatial analysis. Here are a few practical examples and case studies where Surpac played a key role:
- Mine Planning and Design: In a gold mine in Western Australia, Surpac was used to process point cloud data collected from drone surveys and laser scanners. These datasets were crucial for creating accurate 3D geological models and designing efficient pit expansions. The use of Surpac minimized the risk of errors and optimized material extraction, saving time and reducing cost.
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation: In restoration projects, Surpac processed point cloud data from laser scans to create detailed digital twins of deteriorating structures. These models allowed engineers to plan retrofitting with high precision, eliminating guesswork and reducing invasive surveys.
- BIM Integration in a Mechanical Facility: A mechanical room in Florida was scanned using laser scanning technology, producing a large point cloud dataset of 14.2 GB. The data was processed in software like Surpac and ReCap Pro to create a detailed Building Information Model (BIM). This model provided insights into spatial constraints and was used for retrofitting and system upgrades, enabling smooth integration with Revit.
- Atelier Lumi – Architectural Precision: For a compact architectural project, Surpac processed point cloud data to model intricate details of a small guest house. The precision modeling helped architects plan space usage efficiently while aligning designs with real-world conditions.
These examples demonstrate how Surpac’s capabilities in handling point cloud data streamline workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance collaboration across various industries.
Examples Case Studies Within Asia and India On Case Studies Utilizing Surpac and Point Cloud Data
In India and Asia, GEOVIA Surpac has played a significant role in various mining projects by efficiently processing point cloud data to enhance geological modeling, mine planning, and resource estimation. Here are two examples of its application:
1. Stockpile Volume and Tonnage Estimation in India
A case study at Parameshwari Minerals in India utilized Surpac for the accurate computation of stockpile volumes and tonnage. Survey data captured using total stations and drones was processed in Surpac to generate 3D models of four stockpiles. The software facilitated volume computation by processing Northing, Easting, and Elevation (XYZ) coordinates, and compared results using the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) method. Surpac’s efficiency reduced the time needed for data import, modeling, and computation to just a few minutes per stockpile. This application highlighted its capability to streamline resource management in mining operations.
2. Iron Ore Resource Modeling in Asia
Surpac has been extensively used for iron ore reserve estimation in Asia. In one project, point cloud data from drill holes was processed to model geological structures and ore zones. The workflow included digitizing cross-sections, creating triangulated solid models, and calculating volumes of ore zones. Variogram modeling was also employed to assess spatial variability, ensuring precise grade control and resource estimation. This comprehensive modeling enabled mining companies to plan extraction processes with reduced material waste and optimized operational efficiency.
Benefits and Impact
These case studies demonstrate how Surpac integrates point cloud data to enhance decision-making, minimize costs, and improve operational accuracy. In India and Asia, such practices are pivotal for managing extensive mineral resources and complying with environmental standards while maximizing economic returns.
Case Study 1: Stockpile Volume Estimation at Parameshwari Minerals (India)
Objective:
The project aimed to estimate the volume and tonnage of multiple stockpiles at a mining site using survey data processed in Surpac.
Data Collection:
- Surveyors collected XYZ (Northing, Easting, and Elevation) data points from the stockpiles using total stations and drones.
- Data was exported as CSV files, containing precise coordinates for surface modeling.
Process in Surpac:
- Data Import: The survey data was imported into Surpac, and point clouds were converted into surface models.
- Surface Modeling: Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were created for both the base and top surfaces of the stockpiles.
- Volume Calculation:
- Surpac’s surface-volume computation tools were used to calculate the stockpile volume between the base and top surfaces.
- The calculated volume was combined with material density to determine the stockpile’s tonnage.
Results:
- The process reduced the time needed for modeling and computation significantly.
- Stockpile volumes were calculated with high precision, supporting effective inventory management.
Impact:
This method provided a reliable and efficient means for resource tracking, offering significant time and cost savings compared to traditional methods.
Case Study 2: Iron Ore Resource Modeling in Asia
Objective:
To model and estimate iron ore reserves using point cloud data from drill hole surveys.
Data Collection:
- Drill hole surveys provided geospatial data, including ore grade, lithology, and structural information.
Process in Surpac:
- Geological Modeling:
- Cross-sections were digitized to delineate ore bodies.
- Wireframe models of the ore zones were created using Surpac’s triangulation tools.
- Block Modeling:
- Block models were generated to estimate volumes and grades.
- Variogram analysis was conducted to understand spatial distribution.
- Validation:
- Models were validated using Surpac’s solid and block model validation tools to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Volume and Tonnage Calculation:
- The validated models were used to calculate ore volumes and tonnages.
- Variogram models (e.g., spherical and exponential) helped refine resource estimations.
Results:
- The project ensured accurate resource estimation with minimal material loss.
- Enabled the mining company to plan for efficient extraction processes while reducing waste.
Impact:
The modeling process streamlined operational planning and provided robust data for regulatory reporting.
General Benefits of Using Surpac in These Projects:
- Accuracy: Provides precise volumetrics and grade estimations.
- Efficiency: Processes point cloud data faster than traditional methods.
- Scalability: Handles large datasets, ideal for mining and geospatial projects.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to international mining standards like JORC and NI 43-101.
More Examples On Case Studies Utilizing Surpac and Point Cloud Data Within India
In India, GEOVIA Surpac has been utilized in several mining projects where point cloud data integration has enhanced geological modeling, resource estimation, and mine planning. Here are some notable applications:
- Resource Estimation and Mine Design at Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL): Surpac has been used for integrating point cloud data from drone and LIDAR surveys to refine topographical models and enhance ore block modeling. This approach ensures better resource allocation and environmental compliance in open-pit mining scenarios
- Coal Mining in Central India: In the coal-rich regions, including areas under Coal India Limited, Surpac has been applied for block modeling and reserve estimation. Point cloud data from laser scanning has been integrated to provide accurate terrain models, enabling efficient pit design and operational planning.
- Manganese Mining in Odisha: In Odisha, Surpac has been deployed for analyzing point cloud data derived from drone surveys for manganese ore bodies. The software has enabled accurate volume calculations and improved excavation planning, ensuring minimal material wastage and better recovery rates.
- Geotechnical Analysis in Zinc Mining by Hindustan Zinc Limited: In underground zinc mines, Surpac has been utilized for stope optimization, incorporating structural analysis of point cloud data from photogrammetry and underground LIDAR scans. This has led to safer mining operations and maximized ore recovery.
- Iron Ore Mining in Goa: Companies in Goa have used Surpac for reconciliation of ore mined versus the planned production using point cloud-based topographical changes. This has enhanced the accountability and accuracy of production reporting.
These projects highlight the versatility of Surpac in handling diverse geological conditions and its effectiveness in integrating modern surveying techniques such as point cloud data from drones and LIDAR. These innovations are paving the way for more efficient and environmentally conscious mining operations in India.
References:
- https://www.irjet.net/archives/V8/i11/IRJET-V8I1132.pdf
- https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/resource-estimation-using-surpac-software-in-mining/247948956
- https://www.ryanus.com/geovia-surpac
- https://www.archdaily.com/1012723/navigating-3d-scanning-and-point-clouds-theory-practice-and-real-world-applications
- https://www.united-bim.com/walk-through-of-point-cloud-to-bim-process/
