September 2, 2017 - Carlson Mining 2018 offers a number of notable new features, tools, and updates that will increase efficiency. Among the list are three new features users will find especially helpful:

• New tool for defining a Value Block Model

• An updated Pit Optimizer tool

• New tool for calculating a 3D variogram

Instead of creating a model of a mining project with a block model, users can now use the new Value Block Model tool to define the value of each block with as many equations and variables as desired or needed. This feature allows users to visualize where the important blocks are and write specific equations to define the value of each block. The new interface is well organized to simplify equation writing.

“Once a good Value Block Model has been established, it can then become difficult to decide what will actually need to be mined and what can be left in the ground,” said Tyler Faulkner, Carlson Mining Sales and Support. “The new Pit Optimization tool identifies what to mine and what not to mine. This is not a completely new tool but since it has been updated,” he continued, “it can now accurately calculate the optimum pit to be mined and create a faster solution.”

The new interpolation algorithm, Kriging, creates a better guess on space between drillholes using user-built variograms. Variograms define the trends in data. Users can now trend in three dimensions, which can be difficult to visualize. Kriging makes it easier to visualize trends.

Additional new features include Surface Equipment Timing and Design Bench Pit. With Surface Equipment Timing, users can now assign destinations for key material based on the material grade. Design Bench Pit allows users to:

• Output 3D solids for each bench

• Taper a bench as it approaches the tie with a surface

• Command the bench slope to follow a strata instead of a fixed bench slope

• Target a surface by elevation instead of a surface model

• Remove “egg carton” effect for multiple pits going down

Mining 2018 runs on AutoCAD® versions 2010 through 2018. It also comes with IntelliCAD® built into the installation. IntelliCAD 8.2 is utilized for the 32-bit version of the software and IntelliCAD 8.3 for the 64-bit version. 

For a full list of features and more information about Carlson Mining 2018, visit www.carlsonsw.com/solutions/mining-solutions, email Carlson’s mining experts at mining@carlsonsw.com, or call one of the Carlson offices at 800-989-5028 or 606-564-5028.