ASSESSING THE CAPABILITIES OF ESRI 3D ANALYST SOFTWARE VS OTHER COMPREHENSIVE MINING SOFTWARE Wishes Magalela Ann Moulding Sarojani Joshi

Introduction AJW Ventures is a junior company based in the US and runs gold exploration programs all over the world with the aim of delineating exploitable gold deposits and sell to larger mining companies. AJW Ventures is a junior company based in the US and runs gold exploration programs all over the world with the aim of delineating exploitable gold deposits and sell to larger mining companies. Larger mining companies who are in the business of exploration and mining use traditional legacy software to conduct their business. Larger mining companies who are in the business of exploration and mining use traditional legacy software to conduct their business. However this software may be too expensive for small exploration companies who are merely interested in demarcating a mineable resource and pass it on to the larger mining companies or promote it in the stock market. However this software may be too expensive for small exploration companies who are merely interested in demarcating a mineable resource and pass it on to the larger mining companies or promote it in the stock market. In order to maximize on profits, AJW Ventures wishes to find software that would be cheaper than the existing mining software and yet be able to produce the visual and quantitative results that would be sufficient to portray the potential of any gold deposit. In order to maximize on profits, AJW Ventures wishes to find software that would be cheaper than the existing mining software and yet be able to produce the visual and quantitative results that would be sufficient to portray the potential of any gold deposit.

Objectives Comparison of costs of various Software Packages and use for Collecting, Analyzing, Modeling and Archiving critical exploration information Comparison of costs of various Software Packages and use for Collecting, Analyzing, Modeling and Archiving critical exploration information

Summary of Discussion Exploration phases Exploration phases Data Types (Data Output) during each phase of exploration Data Types (Data Output) during each phase of exploration Software requirements Software requirements Technological Analysis of software Technological Analysis of software Comparative Cost Analysis of the Software Comparative Cost Analysis of the Software Conclusion Conclusion

The Exploration and Mining Phases In order for us to analyze the capabilities of the software, we need to identify the stages of exploration, the output of data format in each phase and the capabilities of the software that is available. Six phases have been identified and are described below according to their sequence of execution. In order for us to analyze the capabilities of the software, we need to identify the stages of exploration, the output of data format in each phase and the capabilities of the software that is available. Six phases have been identified and are described below according to their sequence of execution.

Exploration phases Regional Regional Field (Area) Field (Area) Mine (Site Investigation) Mine (Site Investigation) Anomaly Investigation Anomaly Investigation Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies Mine Development Mine Development

Regional This is conducted on a small-scale 1: or 1: where existing geological information is assessed from the following sources: Published Geology Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geology Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geochemical Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geochemical Maps/Data usually from the Geological Survey Department Published Geophysical Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Department or private companies that conduct airborne surveys Published Geophysical Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Department or private companies that conduct airborne surveys Topological Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Topological Maps/Data from the Geological Survey Previous exploration data from other exploration companies deposited with the Geological Survey Department Previous exploration data from other exploration companies deposited with the Geological Survey Department This process results in identifying an area for more detailed field exploration. Data is mostly in hard copy or digital format.

Field (Area) Exploration is now conducted in the field at a scale of 1: or less. Following are the activities that are conducted at this stage. Exploration is now conducted in the field at a scale of 1: or less. Following are the activities that are conducted at this stage. Area geological mapping with structural analysis Area geological mapping with structural analysis Rock sampling Rock sampling Area geochemical sampling (soil and drainage) Area geochemical sampling (soil and drainage) Airborne geophysical surveys Airborne geophysical surveys This will result a lot of data that needs to be modeled to show potential anomalies or potential mine sites. Samples collected may total 500. This will result a lot of data that needs to be modeled to show potential anomalies or potential mine sites. Samples collected may total 500.

Mine (Site Investigation) Exploration is usually conducted at large scales between 1:1000 and 1: The following are the activities carried out at this stage. Exploration is usually conducted at large scales between 1:1000 and 1: The following are the activities carried out at this stage. Detailed geological mapping and structural analysis Detailed geological mapping and structural analysis Detailed closely spaced geochemical soil samples Detailed closely spaced geochemical soil samples Detailed closely spaced ground geophysical surveys (IP, Resistivity, Mag) Detailed closely spaced ground geophysical surveys (IP, Resistivity, Mag) Samples collected may total between 2000 and 2500 Samples collected may total between 2000 and 2500

Anomaly Investigation Trenching and trench sampling Trenching and trench sampling Siting and Drilling of anomalies Siting and Drilling of anomalies Core logging and sampling Core logging and sampling Samples collected may total between 1500 and Samples collected may total between 1500 and 5000.

Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies Ore body Modeling Ore body Modeling Mine Design Mine Design Equipment selection and purchase Equipment selection and purchase Environmental design and permitting Environmental design and permitting Royalties and Taxes Royalties and Taxes

Mine Development Exploitation Exploitation Rehabilitation Rehabilitation The table below summarizes important information regarding the format output of data obtained during the phases of exploration. We envisage that ARCGIS 3D analyst will not do the whole job alone and at some stages we will require to subcontract some of the data manipulation, as we will demonstrate this in our analysis of the different software. The table below summarizes important information regarding the format output of data obtained during the phases of exploration. We envisage that ARCGIS 3D analyst will not do the whole job alone and at some stages we will require to subcontract some of the data manipulation, as we will demonstrate this in our analysis of the different software.

Summary of Data Format PHASEACTIVITY DATA FORMAT SOFTWARE 1 Regional Exploration Hard copy maps, digital maps, x,y location 2D 2D 2 Field (Area) Exploration Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D maps,, sample results ppm/g/t, x,y location of data 2D Geosoft ARCGIS 3D Analyst 3 Mine Exploration Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D maps, x,y location of data 2D Geosoft ARCGIS 3D Analyst 4 Anomaly Investigation Hard copy maps, digital maps 2D, 3D modeling of trenches, drill holes, sample results, x,y location ARCGIS 3D Analyst 5 Resource Modeling and Feasibility Studies Digital and hard copy maps, 3D modeling of drill holes sample results and ore bodies, xy location,resource estimates 3D software 6 Mine Development 2D, 3D Digital and hard copy mine development plans, production statistics 3D software

Sample Database Design

ArcGIS ~ $2000 3D Analyst 3D Analyst $ > ? ----> ? 3D Analyst Database for Managing Drilling data 2D --> 2 1/2 D ---> 3D > 3D Geology Model/Volumes Boreholes/3D Visualization ---> Mine Development years Geophysical Software Xplorpac $6,700 - $10,000 Surpac Quarry $8,000 - $16,000 SurpacSurpac Vision $6,000 to $39,000 Software Packages acQuireacQuire ( > $15, ) or other DB (ArcSDE) GeoSoft Oasis Montaj $9200 Geosoft Target for Arc GIS $3100 GM Sys $1400 RockWareRockWare (~$1500, Surfer $550) Software Needs Blast Plan, UG Surveying Quarry/Pit Design Phases years Exploration Site Investigation Resource Model/ Feasibility GIS Database Functions

Back to Overview Functions: Critical for first phases of mineral exploration. Industry standard for geophysics Data Management. Proprietary database – but good interface tools. User: Need specialized person to use to full functionality

From Elroi, D (1999) Overview

From Elroi, D (1999) Overview Functions: Critical for visualizing data for several phases of mining. Limited use for analyzing 3D data Data Management. Reads ODBC databases and multiple other vector, raster and grid formats. Can import 3D DXF surfaces User: User Friendly

From Overview

From Overview

From Overview

From Overview Functions: It has a comprehensive set of data analyses and visualization tools for all stages of mine development between Site Investigation and actual mining. Data Management. Reads ODBC databases, shapefiles, AutoCAD and multiple other raster and vector formats. Can export DXF surfaces to other softwares. User: Requires specialized personnel to operate.

acQuire Data Management “A key objective of the acQuire technology is to provide an infrastructure that has application for all phases of a mining project. From discovery through mining to closure and rehabilitation. In this way the fundamental building blocks for all drilling and point sample observations & measurements are collected on a cumulative basis. Also, the metadata obtained at each stage can contribute significantly to subsequent decision making.” “A key objective of the acQuire technology is to provide an infrastructure that has application for all phases of a mining project. From discovery through mining to closure and rehabilitation. In this way the fundamental building blocks for all drilling and point sample observations & measurements are collected on a cumulative basis. Also, the metadata obtained at each stage can contribute significantly to subsequent decision making.” From Overview

Functions: Minimal. (A few graphic interfaces for data entry and editing.) Data Management. EXCELLENT. Designed to manage data for all aspects and all types of geological/analytic data for mining. Has modules for download/upload to remote devices for data collection in the field. User: Will require retraining of Geologists and personnel entering data. Will probably require data information specialist to manage and maintain.

Rockware Functions: Several. Multiple tools Data Management. In the past POOR. Will create multiple input/output files, indroducing multiple ambiguities on data genesis/interpretation. But now reads MDB files and has an Arc GIS interface!! User: Each tool will require that geologist or technician read manual on data input/output.

SoftwareAnalysis/ Visual tools UsersDataManagement Geosoft Oasis Montage Critical, but not many Need technical specialist Proprietary data, but good interface Arc View w/ 3D Analyst Many, but Not all. User Friendly Reads ODBC, DXF multiple raster and grid formats SurpacQuarry/Vision Almost everything Need tech. specialist/prof review. Reads(Arc)Shape ODBC, multiple raster and grid formats acQuire Minimal Functions Training/Data Management Specialist Provides all levels of Data Management Rockware Many, almost All Requires reading of manuals Reads MDB, and ArcGIS Interface. Back to Overview

Cost Benefit Analysis of the Software Based on: Cost Affordability Cost Affordability In-house Technology Know How In-house Technology Know How Availability of the required features Availability of the required features

Conclusion

Cost Comparison Chart Phase I (Simple 2D Analysis) Software ArcGIS Spatial analysis Spatial analysis Cost$1,290$2,500 Phase II (Geophysic Data Analysis) Software Geosoft Oasis Montaj Geosoft Target for ArcGIS Rockware Rockware Surfer Cost$9,200$3,100$1,500$500 Phase III (Data Management) Software AcQuire Database Engine ArcGIS Arc SDE Cost >($15, $2,500 (25 user License) *** Phase IV (3D Modeling Analysis) Software ARCGIS 3D Analyst XplorePac Surpac Vision Surpac Quarry Cost $ (if add on $2,050) $6,700- $10,000 $6,000- $39,000 $8,000 - $16,000

Conclusion ArcGIS at the first phase of Exploration ArcGIS at the first phase of Exploration Rockware with surfer for conduct geo- physic modeling Rockware with surfer for conduct geo- physic modeling ArcSDE for Managing Database ArcSDE for Managing Database ArcGIS 3D Analyst for conducting 3D modeling ArcGIS 3D Analyst for conducting 3D modeling Out Sourcing (Geophysic 3D Software) Out Sourcing (Geophysic 3D Software)

Reference

ArcGIS ~ $2000 3D Analyst 3D Analyst $ > ? ----> ? 3D Analyst Database for Managing Drilling data 2D --> 2 1/2 D ---> 3D > 3D Geology Model/Volumes Boreholes/3D Visualization ---> Mine Development years Geophysical Software Xplorpac $6,700 - $10,000 Surpac Quarry $8,000 - $16,000 SurpacSurpac Vision $6,000 to $39,000 Software Packages acQuireacQuire Database Engine ( > $15, ) GeoSoft Oasis Montaj $9200 Geosoft Target for Arc GIS $3100 GM Sys $1400 RockWareRockWare (~$1500, Surfer $550) Software Needs Blast Plan, UG Surveying Quarry/Pit Design Phases years Exploration Site Investigation Resource Model/ Feasibility GIS Database Functions