August 2007

An Introduction to Surface
Production Scheduling
www.gemcomsoftware.com

August 2007
Copyright © 2007 Gemcom Software International. All rights reserved.

This software and documentation is proprietary to Gemcom Software International, written on their behalf
by MineSched Software International.
Gemcom Software International publishes this documentation for the sole use of MineSched licenses.
Without written permission you may not sell, reproduce, store in a retrieval system, or transmit any part of
the documentation. For such permission, or to obtain extra copies please contact your local Gemcom
Office.
Gemcom Software International
Level 8 190 St Georges Terrace
Perth, Western Australia 6000
Telephone: (08) 94201383
Fax: (08) 94201350
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, we assume no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damage resulting from the use of the information
contained herein.
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Contributors
Aaron Loffler
Rowdy Bristol
Phil Jackson
Gemcom Software International
Perth, Western Australia

Products
MineSched 5.1
Surpac 6.0
Document Release Date
August 2007
 Table of Contents
Overview...................................................................................................................................... 5 
Data Storage and Familiarisation .............................................................................................. 6 
Task: Setup Data Management Hierarchy ............................................................................................ 6 
The MineSched / Surpac Interface ........................................................................................................... 6 
Task: Set Your Working Directory ......................................................................................................... 7 
Data Review ............................................................................................................................................. 7 

Data Editing and Management ................................................................................................ 11 

Block Model Reporting ........................................................................................................................... 11 
Task: Report Figures from Model ....................................................................................................... 11 
Task: Determine the Tonnes and Grades within each Rock Type ..................................................... 17 
Polygons for Graphical Results .............................................................................................................. 18 
Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results .................................................................................. 18 

Block Model Material Classes ................................................................................................. 26 

Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule................................................................................. 26 

The Scheduling Parameters Workbook .................................................................................. 30 

Creating a Workbook ( ) ................................................................................................................... 30 
Task: Create a Parameter Workbook ................................................................................................. 30 
Navigating the Workbook ....................................................................................................................... 31 
Tooltips and Lists .................................................................................................................................... 33 
Workbook Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 34 

Workbook Parameter Entry Part I ........................................................................................... 35 

Time Sheet (The Global Calendar) ........................................................................................................ 35 
Task: Create a Scheduling Calendar .................................................................................................. 37 
Block Model Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 37 
Task: Fill in the Block Model Parameters for this Schedule ............................................................... 39 
Location Definition .................................................................................................................................. 40 
Task: Set the Locations for Pit Stage A and the Final Pit................................................................... 42 

Check Parameters ( ) .......................................................................................................... 43 

Task: Check the Parameters Entered to Date .................................................................................... 44 

Prepare Model ( )................................................................................................................. 45 

Running Prepare Model.......................................................................................................................... 45 
Task: Prepare the Model for Scheduling ............................................................................................ 46 
Prepare Model Results ........................................................................................................................... 46 
Task: Analyse the Results .................................................................................................................. 46 
Tips Regarding Prepare Model............................................................................................................... 48 

Mining Constraints ................................................................................................................... 49 

Mining Rates ........................................................................................................................................... 49 
Resource Availability .............................................................................................................................. 49 
Physical Constraints ............................................................................................................................... 49 

Workbook Parameter Entry Part II .......................................................................................... 51 

Resource Definition ................................................................................................................................ 51 
Task: Create Scheduling Resources .................................................................................................. 52 
Production Parameters ........................................................................................................................... 52 
Task: Set up the Production Parameters to Produce a Valid Schedule ............................................. 55 

Run Schedule ( ) ................................................................................................................. 56 

Task: Run the Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 56 
Analysing the Schedule .......................................................................................................................... 59 
 Table of Contents

Re-Animating the Schedule ..................................................................................................... 60 

Automatic Re-Animation ( ) .............................................................................................................. 60 
Re-Animate Manually ( ) .................................................................................................................. 61 
Image Capture ........................................................................................................................................ 62 
Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule ............................................................................................ 63 

Reporting the Schedule ........................................................................................................... 64 

Standard Reports – CSV Block Report .................................................................................................. 65 
Standard Reports – Access Block Report .............................................................................................. 65 
Standard Reports – Schedule Audit ....................................................................................................... 66 
Custom Report Definition ....................................................................................................................... 67 
Creating Additional Reports.................................................................................................................... 69 
Creating a Combined Summary and Individual Report .......................................................................... 70 
Task: Create Reports for the Schedule .............................................................................................. 71 
Displaying Production Reports ( ) .................................................................................................... 71 
Task: Display Scheduling Reports ...................................................................................................... 71 
Creating Report Templates .................................................................................................................... 71 
Task: Create a Template for the Stockpile Report ............................................................................. 72 
Task: Create a Template for the Mining Report ................................................................................. 75 
Project Production Schedule ( ) ....................................................................................................... 75 

Manipulating the Schedule ...................................................................................................... 77 

Task: Make FINAL_PIT Start Earlier .................................................................................................. 77 
Task: Allow the Schedule to Mine Two Benches at a Time ............................................................... 78 

Short Term Scheduling ............................................................................................................ 81 

Creating Polygons for Graphical Results ............................................................................................... 81 
Task: Analyse the Data for Bench 335 of STAGE_A_PIT .................................................................. 81 
Task: Divide the Bench into Blast Polygons ....................................................................................... 82 
Automatically Scheduling the Polygons ................................................................................................. 83 
Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location ......................................................................................... 83 
Interactively Scheduling the Polygons ( ) ......................................................................................... 93 
Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons........................................................................................ 93 

Where to Next? ....................................................................................................................... 100 

Phil Jackson 4
Dtm Surfaces Tutorial
Overview
Surface Scheduling can be a varied and complex. It involves scheduling the production of materials from
an open pit or quarry in a logical sequence. Complexity can be introduced by achieving target qualities or
material ratios or by modeling material flow through the whole mining process. This tutorial is aimed at
the beginner to give a working knowledge of surface scheduling without complex scheduling scenarios.
This tutorial can be combined with other, more specific tutorials.
Requirements
This tutorial assumes that you have a reasonably advanced knowledge of Surpac. If you are a new
Surpac user, you should go through the Introduction to Surpac manual and the Block Modeling tutorial
before going through this manual.
You will also need:
1. To have Surpac V6.0 or higher installed on your computer.
2. To have MineSched V5.1 or higher installed into your version of Surpac.
3. The data set accompanying this tutorial.

Objectives
The objective of this tutorial is to give you a basic understanding of how to setup a surface production
schedule and report on this schedule. It is not intended to be exhaustive in scope, but will show the
workflows required to achieve results. You can then refine and add to these workflows to meet your
specific requirements.

Workflow

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Data Storage and Familiarisation Task: Setup Data Management Hierarchy

Data Storage and Familiarisation

To complete the MineSched Beginner Surface Schedule there are three basic requirements for data.

• The Pit Design String and DTM File and preferably the Surface Topography
• A Block Model containing grades and material definitions
• The Parameters Workbook
Many files are also created during the scheduling process such as reports, parameter files, log files and
animation files. It is for this reason that it is important to manage your data so that it is easy to locate and
access.
Some of the parameter options within MineSched allow the user to store filenames using a relative path
or an absolute path. Using relative paths means that the schedule data will be transportable between
various data storage systems and can be operated from several different locations. This makes it very
important to store your data logically to facilitate this functionality as well as assisting other users to
understand and locate your data readily.

Task: Setup Data Management Hierarchy

In Windows Explorer under the Data directory, create four new directories: DTM, MDL, Strings and
WorkParameters. In the DTM Directory copy and paste the files pit_design1.str/dtm,
pit_stage_a1.str/dtm and topography1.str/dtm. In the MDL directory copy and paste the file
surface.mdl.

The MineSched / Surpac Interface

MineSched is built into Surpac by means of Menus, Toolbars and a Profile. The profile contains the most
common functions on a single toolbar while other, less common functions can be found under the
MineSched Menu (a submenu of the Surpac Applications Menu).
The profile can be turned on by right-mouse-clicking in the menu area and selecting the MineSched
profile from the profiles menu. The MineSched menu can be found by turning on the Applications menu
in the same manner.

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Data Storage and Familiarisation Task: Set Your Working Directory

Task: Set Your Working Directory

Change your working directory the newly created “WorkParameters” directory. You may need to refresh
your navigator in Surpac to see the changes made in Windows Explorer.

Data Review
Open the files pit_design1.dtm and pit_stage_a1.dtm. Using DTM properties, change the colour of the
stage A pit.

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Data Storage and Familiarisation Task: Set Your Working Directory

The files show a final pit design and an initial stage A for this pit. The Stage A subpit is developed first to
quickly establish cash flow for the project then the remainder of the pit is mined.

Now open the block model and display it.

Run a block model summary.

The block model contains four attributes.

Attribute Description

grade The quality value of the commodity

ore An integer value representing 0 for waste or 1 or 2 for ore
sg The specific gravity or density of the block
type The rock type. Either air, oxide, transition or fresh

Cancel the form when finished.

Graphically constrain the block model to show only the blocks where the grade > 1

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Data Storage and Familiarisation Task: Set Your Working Directory

To get an indication of grade distribution, colour the model by the grade attribute. Select a cutoff range
that corresponds to the mining grade ranges selected for profitability.

Grade Range Description

<1 Waste
1 to 3 Low Grade
>3 High Grade

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Data Storage and Familiarisation Task: Set Your Working Directory

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

Data Editing and Management

Block Model Reporting
Block model reporting is a fundamental part of the data analysis. This will confirm that the figures from
the schedule are correct and logical and will also give an indication of what the schedule is possible of
accomplishing. For instance, by using block model reports you can determine logical quality target
values or achievable production rates. That is, there is no point scheduling to achieve a grade that is not
supported by the data in the model.

Task: Report Figures from Model

Using the definition of cutoff grades described previously determine the amounts and average grades of
waste, low grade and high grade in each pit.

1. Generate a block model report constrained between the topography and pit_stage_A

On the Block Model Menu Go to Block Model > Report

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

2. Generate a block model report constrained between the topography and the final pit design. This
report should NOT include the blocks already reported in Stage_A.

To do this we will first need to create a constraint file of the blocks inside Stage_A so they can be
removed from the report. Creating a constraint of both pits will be useful later in the tutorial so these
should be saved into the MDL directory.

On the Block Model Menu, go to Constraints > New constraint file

This will create a constraint file for Stage_A

Run this function again and create a constraint file for the Final Pit

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

It is highly recommended to graphically check any constraint files you have made to ensure the correct
blocks have been selected.

Pit Stage_A Blocks

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

Final Pit Blocks

Now generate a report for the Final Pit.

On the Block Model Menu, go to Block Model > Report

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Data Editing and Management Task: Report Figures from Model

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 Task: Determine the Tonnes and Grades within each Rock
Data Editing and Management
Type

From these figures we can derive some other values, for instance a waste to ore ratio which could be
useful in the scheduling process.

Stage_A Waste to Ore Ratio: 6.4 to 1

Final Pit Waste to Ore Ratio: 5.0 to 1
Overall Waste to Ore Ratio: 5.7 to 1

Task: Determine the Tonnes and Grades within each Rock Type

1. Using the above methodology, generate tonnage and grade reports for each of the rock types of
oxide, transition and fresh within each grade category and within each pit. Check your answers
with the table below:

Pit Stage Rock Type Grade Category Tonnes Grade

Pit Stage A Oxide Waste 13,854,788 NA

Low Grade 1,067,282 2.07433
High Grade 447,440 3.79322
Transition Waste 14,921,375 NA
Low Grade 1,335,551 2.36510
High Grade 1,613,965 3.71152
Fresh Waste 657,193 NA
Low Grade 48,864 2.42013
High Grade 52,730 3.59969
Final Pit Oxide Waste 5,792,390 NA
Low Grade 373,747 1.97998
High Grade 86,904 3.68271
Transition Waste 8,227,427 NA
Low Grade 568,805 2.21317
High Grade 241,771 3.69275
Fresh Waste 12,207,626 NA
Low Grade 1,367,930 2.52093
High Grade 2,574,968 3.83113

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

Polygons for Graphical Results

In this example, to present the schedule graphically we need to generate some files which enable
MineSched to locate and orient the data for animation. This is not required if scheduling by not
consolidating blocks. Consolidated versus unconsolidated scheduling is discussed in later chapters.
Graphical display of the schedule, while not a necessary step, is an extremely powerful tool available to
MineSched schedulers as it assists in validating the mining sequence. This tutorial will be looking at a
long-term schedule where mining takes place by bench and a short-term example on a single bench split
up by blast polygons.

Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

The files required to animate a bench-by-bench long-term schedule are simple closed, clockwise
polygons for each bench. The section of each bench can be taken at the bottom of the bench, top of the
bench or at the middle of the bench. Creating polygons at the top or bottom of a bench means that the
polygon can contain both the crest and the toe of a berm. This requires a decision for animation
purposes regarding whether the bench should be displayed to either the crest or the toe. For simplicity
we will create bench polygons at the mid-bench.

The mining bench height for our project is 10m.

We must create a separate polygon file for each stage of the pit. The bench polygons can all be the
same string number or they can be different string numbers.

1. Open the Stage_A pit DTM file and use a function such as Contour a DTM or Slice Object to
generate the mid-bench sections. When contouring the DTM, the string numbers are automatically
incremented, but using slice object produces the same string number for all polygons. Once the
mid-bench strings have been generated, check them for duplicate points, crossovers, spikes and
direction (clockwise).

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

Save the string file into the strings directory as stage_a_polys1.str

2. Creating the Polygons for the Final Pit is a little trickier. To present the schedule graphically
correctly, we need to subtract the subpit strings from the strings for the final pit. While the volumes
are not counted twice graphically it could appear as if it is mining the stage_A pit twice.
3. First, create the mid-bench strings for the final pit as previously outlined.

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

Save the file to the strings directory as pit_final_temp_polys1.str

4. To create outersected polygons for the final pit, bring both files into the same layer and use the
graphical viewing planes to show one mid-bench at a time and use Create > Polygons By >
Outersection to create the desired polygons.

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

As we do not have any descriptions, you can select to use “From Intersected String” or “From Both
Strings,” the result will be the same.

The edges may need to be cleaned up to delete some data that is not applicable.

Continue to do this for each required bench. Save your work in a temporary file as you progress.

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Data Editing and Management Task: Produce Polygons for Graphical Results

Save the result to the strings directory as final_pit_polys1.str

We are now ready for graphical results for our long term schedule. The string creation for the short term
scheduling can be found under the heading Polygon Sequencing.

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Block Model Material Classes Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule

Block Model Material Classes

The material class value stored in the block model lies at the heart of the scheduling process. Simply, a
material class is and discrete unit you wish to report on from the block model, be able to specifically
schedule or track its path through the mining flow process. Examples of material classes include high
grade, low grade, oxide, contaminated ore, waste or backfill. The definition of material classes is
completely within the control of the user.

To set up material classes we need to create an attribute within the block model and fill it with material
class values. Traditionally material classes can be defined by integers in the block model however
character attributes can also be used to determine material classes.

Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule

Create an integer attribute in the block model and fill it with values for scheduling based on the following
material class definitions.

Material Class Value Description

Waste 0 grade <= 1

Low Grade Oxide 1 1 < grade <= 3 and type = oxide
High Grade Oxide 2 grade > 3 and type = oxide
Low Grade Transition 3 1 < grade <= 3 and type = transition
High Grade Transition 4 grade > 3 and type = transition
Low Grade Fresh 5 1 < grade <= 3 and type = fresh
High Grade Fresh 6 grade > 3 and type = fresh

These material classes are defined by the way in which the process plant can handle the different rock
types. For instance if the mill does not handle high volumes of oxide material this material will need to be
stockpiled and then blended with fresh or transitional material when this becomes available during the
mining process. These effects can be handled by MineSched’s powerful stockpile blending algorithms or
material ratio targeting algorithms. These are explored in another tutorial.

1. First create an attribute to represent the material class. From the Block Model Menu choose
Attribute > New.

2. Fill the attribute with values. From the Block Model Menu choose Estimation > Assign Value

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Block Model Material Classes Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule

The above constraint is the definition described for Low Grade Oxide assigned a value of 1.

3. Continue using this method to assign values to the material attribute.

4. Once you have finished, graphically constrain the block model within a single bench of the pit and
colour the model by the material attribute to confirm it has been filled correctly. You may need to
choose a few different benches to represent the different rock type zones.

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Block Model Material Classes Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule

The bench defined above lies in the fresh zone of the pit so the only material class values that should be
present are waste (0 – dark blue), low grade fresh (5 – orange) and high grade fresh (6 – red). This can
be confirmed by the image below.

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Block Model Material Classes Task: Define Material Classes for the Schedule

5. Check benches within the transition zone and the oxide zone.
6. Once you are confident of your material class definition, save the model.

(Note, material classes can also be defined and created in MineSched by the Material Definition sheet in
the scheduling parameters workbook. This will be covered in another tutorial).

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The Scheduling Parameters Workbook Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

The Scheduling Parameters Workbook

Setting up a mine schedule involves entering many scheduling parameters relating to the geological
model data, the mine design, the resources which carry out the mining, resource capacities, etc. An
efficient way of entering, viewing and managing this large number of parameters is required. Entering
scheduling parameters for MineSched is through a user interface designed within Microsoft Excel. Excel
was chosen for a number of compelling reasons:

• Excel provides powerful multiple cell editing tools. This greatly reduces manual data entry over a
user interface which does not allow multiple cell editing capabilities.
• Excel gives users the capability to perform mathematical calculations directly within the user
interface. This can be very useful when defining parameters.
• Excel is already a familiar tool for most scheduling engineers. This minimizes the learning curve.
• Excel has Visual Basic embedded in it. This allows for the development of user friendly interface
tools, such as the graphical calendar and file browser.
• Technical mining professionals already have Excel installed on their computers.

Creating a Workbook ( )
For every schedule there must be at least one parameter workbook. Sometimes it is desirable to store
numerous workbooks for one dataset which manage different scheduling scenarios.

Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

1. Make sure your current working directory is set to ‘WorkParameters.’
2. Create a workbook.

MineSched will open a session of Microsoft Excel with your parameter workbook.
Excel Security Settings:
The parameter workbook contains macros required for its operation. If you are opening the workbook
from outside of MineSched, Microsoft Excel needs to be configured to allow these macros to be run.

In Microsoft Excel 2003 this can be done by going to Data > Macros > Security and changing the
security level to Medium

In Microsoft Excel 2007 a button will appear just above the workbook (between the ribbons and the
workbook) asking to enable the macros.

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The Scheduling Parameters Workbook Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

If the parameter workbook is opened using the MineSched function then the macros will be enabled
regardless of the version of Excel or the security settings in Excel. Opening the workbook from outside of
this environment may result in loss of functionality.

Navigating the Workbook

The scheduling parameters workbook is organized into twelve separate worksheets for the entry of
different types of scheduling parameters. These are:

Workbook Tab Function

ms_time Schedule Global Calendar

ms_blkmdl Primary Data Source Parameters
ms_location (Production Scheduler) mining location definition
ms_resource Mining Resource capacities / calendars
ms_production (Production Scheduler) production parameters
ms_target (Production Scheduler) quality and ratios targets
ms_calc (Production Scheduler) User defined calculations
ms_report (Production Scheduler) Report format definition
ms_activity (Production Scheduler) Ancillary activity definition
ms_animation (Production Scheduler) Special Animation Requirements
ms_cutoff (Production Scheduler) Material Redefining
ms_development Underground Development Parameters

These tabs can be navigated just like any tabs within Excel for entering parameters.

At the top of the workbook there are a series of buttons to assist with parameter entry and manipulation.

The save button opens a second dialog which allows the user to prepare the entered parameters or save
the project workbook. It also allows navigation between sheets.

By clicking on any of the buttons that represent a sheet, the user will be taken to that sheet to facilitate
data entry.

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The Scheduling Parameters Workbook Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

The Prepare Parameters button saves all the entered parameters into a format for MineSched to read
into the scheduling engine.

Save Workbook will save the Excel Parameter Workbook.

Lists are created of entered parameters to assist with subsequent entry of parameters by allowing users
to choose from a list. The Update Lists button will re-read these lists to make new entries available. Lists
will be discussed in detail later in this chapter.

The Calendar button opens a calendar within Microsoft Excel and facilitates the correct format for entry of
dates into the workbook.

The File Browser button initiates a form which allows the user to select required files from the directory
structure.

The filename can be stored using relative path or absolute path.

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The Scheduling Parameters Workbook Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

The Help button reveals some general sheet help. This is not the complete help for the sheet, but more
of a guide or tips. Detailed help about the parameters can be found in the on-line reference manual.

Tooltips and Lists

Tooltips
Tooltips exist to provide a quick reference or refresher for what a parameter or a field can be used for. A
tooltip is like a comment attached to a cell which details the default case and the significance of the field
input.

To see a tooltip, click in the cell containing a title for a field of any of the worksheets. The default (blank)
value will always be specified at the start of the tooltip if a blank value is applicable. For instance:

Lists
There are two types of lists contained within the parameter workbook; a fixed list and a dynamic list. A
fixed list is a field which contains a list of possible parameters and in many cases only these parameters
may be chosen. A dynamic list is controlled by the user and they may add information to parts of the
workbook which will become available elsewhere in the workbook in the form of lists.

For example on the ms_resource sheet, click in Cell M32. A drop down selection appears and contains
values; these values are a fixed list as these are the ONLY valid entries that can be made in this field.

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The Scheduling Parameters Workbook Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

Now click in the cell L32. This also contains a validation list however, this list is currently empty. It is a
dynamic list controlled by the user.

Now enter some values in the Production Resources field of the sheet (column C). Clicking in cell L32,
the Resource Name field still shows an empty list. This is because it is a user defined list; the workbook
needs to be alerted that new values have been entered.

Go to the MineSched Save Menu and click the Update Lists button. This will read the information and
update the lists so that, in this case, the defined resources become available in the list.

Workbook Rules
As the workbook contains special cells it is not always possible to cut, copy or paste in some cases.
Some general rules are as follows:

1. When MineSched reads the workbook parameters, the cells which are greyed are ignored.
These cells can be used for comments, calculations or formulas as desired without affecting the
schedule.
2. Rows may be inserted if more values are needed to be entered, however columns should not be
inserted.
3. Other sheets may be added if required. These sheets will be ignored when MineSched reads the
parameters from the workbook.
4. Sheets may have their order changed in the workbook without affecting MineSched.
5. Links and formulas may be used in any cell in the workbook.
6. Copying and pasting may cause problems in some cases especially where formulas have been
used or validation fields are used. Best practice is to copy and paste special, pasting values
only.
7. Cutting Cells is not permitted.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

Workbook Parameter Entry Part I

In this section we will explore the common sheets required to generate a MineSched Production
Schedule up to the point where we can prepare the data for scheduling. These include the global
scheduling Calendar, the Data Model definition and the Location sheet which defines the mining regions.

Time Sheet (The Global Calendar)

The time sheet is broken up into 4 sections; the time and date format specification, the scheduling start
date, holiday definition and period length assignment.

Time and Date Formats

Date formats can be specified for input into the scheduling workbook and string data and for outputs in
both reporting and graphical display of scheduling dates. These obey similar rules to Microsoft products.
For instance dd/mm/yyyy is the format for a 2-digit day / 2-digit month / 4-digit year, eg, 12/09/2007.
Using dd/Mon/yyy would mean the text abbreviation for the month, eg. 12/Sep/2007.

When entering dates into the workbook, follow the format specified here. The best way to do this is to
always use the calendar button as dates will be entered in the specified format. Dates in the workbook
need to be prefixed with the word “date.” Again, this is automatically entered when the Calendar button is
used to assign dates. The reason that dates in the parameters workbook are prefixed by “date “ is so that
Excel does not recognize this entry as a date and change it to the format specified in the Windows
Regional Settings.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Create a Parameter Workbook

Scheduling Start Date

The scheduling start date can be any date you wish to calculate the schedule from. By clicking in this cell
and pressing the Calendar button you can choose any scheduling start time.

Holiday Definition

Holidays are broken into four groups; weekly, monthly, annual and one-time holidays. Each holiday
specification can be set with a duration value. The duration is specified in days and is independent of
shift length, so for example 0.5 would mean 12 hours, not half of an 8-hour work day. When a holiday is
specified no mining will occur during this time. Once a weekly, monthly or annual holiday is specified
once, it will recur each week, month or year respectively. One off holidays need to be specified for the
entire length of the project.

In the above example, the mine would only work half a day every Sunday and is shut down for a full day
on Christmas Day. This means that mining will cease as midnight on 24th December and resume at
midnight on 25th December.

One time holidays are commonly used for shut down periods, for instance in the example above the
Primary Ventilation is undergoing overhaul in two lots of 3 days during the project. This will occur in April
and August and mining cannot be sustained at this time. One-time holidays are also specified for
holidays that follow lunar cycles or calendars other than the Gregorian Calendar such as New Year in
China, Easter, Rosh Hashanah, Muharrum, Ganesh Chaturthi, Parash or Wesak to name a few.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Create a Scheduling Calendar

Period Length Definition

Period definition can be as simple as specifying a monthly schedule or this section can be used to define
scheduling periods that change in length of time through the schedule, for example a short-term schedule
merging into a longer term schedule. Each time you want to change the period length during the
schedule a new line defining that period length must be added. In the example above, the Scheduling
start date is in the middle of a week so our first period is 4-days long to bring us in line with a weekly
reporting system. We then schedule weekly for 11 weeks to give us a weekly forecast for the first 12
weeks (3 months). Then we change to a slightly longer term of monthly for the next 9 months which in
total gives a full year of scheduling. Our longer term scheduling then begins with 4 periods, each 3
months in length (i.e. quarterly for one year) and then yearly for 10 more years.

Sites that have variable length periods need to specify each period with an entry here. There is no limit to
the number lines you can add here.

Task: Create a Scheduling Calendar

1. Our schedule will begin on January 1st of this year.

2. There will be no holidays specified.
3. The mine is to be scheduled on a monthly basis for 2 years (24 months).
4. After this period the mine will be scheduled quarterly for 1 year.

Block Model Parameters

The Block Model parameters determine where MineSched will get its information for the schedule
concerning production volumes, tonnages, materials and qualities. This is a necessary step for the
production scheduler. There are three sources of information which can be readily used to locate the
information; a Surpac compatible block model (includes Surpac Block Models, Datamine Block Models
and 3D Models from other packages which have been imported into Surpac using the Free Format [for
more information on this please refer to the relevant Surpac tutorial]), a string model (this is a centroid
string file where the description fields contain information about volumes, tonnages materials and
qualities) and Minex Grid Models. This is a highly flexible system where information can be imported
from virtually any source.

MineSched can also use multiple models to gather information from many sources. This is useful when
scheduling large projects with deposits not spatially adjacent.

This tutorial will use a standard Surpac Block Model.

Model Definition

The model definition section is where you enter specifics about the location of the data model file and
relevant attributes to separate material classes and calculate tonnages. Three data sources are available

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Create a Scheduling Calendar

and based on what is entered into these fields MineSched will automatically determine what other
information needs to be included to build a complete picture of the data.

Model User Defined Name

This field is a name chosen by the user to represent the model it references throughout the
workbook. This avoids having to enter a path and filename each time you need to reference the
model. In the example above, three block models are being used, while the three different files
exist in the ..\mdl\ directory the chosen names can be anything, in this case, MAIN_PIT,
EAST_PIT and JUNCTION. Normally these names represent the name of the project or deposit.
Use the Update Lists function to make the block model defined name available throughout the
workbook.

Model File
This is the actual file of the model, be it a block model, string model or seam sequence file from
Minex. Use the File Browser button to populate this field.

Material Attribute Name

This is the attribute in the block model, D field in the string model or folder containing the gridded
seams. The material attribute was discussed earlier in this tutorial.

Specific Gravity Attribute Name or Value

This is the attribute which contains the values for the specific gravity or density. If no attribute
exists and average value may also be entered in this field.

Volume Adjustment Factor Attribute Name

For some scheduling scenarios, the volume of the material needs to be adjusted. This should be
done by some multiplying attribute within the model. This is used rarely but can be useful in
dilution/reduction scenarios or swell factors. MineSched uses this field automatically when
modeling with partial attributes or when calculating partial percentages, therefore if either of these
features are used this field is reserved for their use and should be left blank here.

Material Class Definition

Within the material attribute any number of classifications can exists. As completed in the task earlier,
the classes in this example include waste, low grade and high grade oxide, transition and fresh rock. In
this definition we enter a code for each and the value of that code within the block model. We can
choose to calculate grades of these classes. While grades are not usually calculated for waste classes,
sometimes it is necessary if the waste contains a background grade or a contaminant which needs to be
tracked. Because Microsoft Project can only report a single average grade per task, here you specify
which material classes are to be included in the average grade calculation. Typically these are only your
ore material classes.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Fill in the Block Model Parameters for this Schedule

Attribute Definition

In this section we define the attributes which contain the qualities we wish to track through the schedule.
This is similar to filling out the block model report definition form in Surpac. First create a code for each
value you wish to report in the schedule. The code is especially useful where multiple models are used
but each model may have a different attribute name for that quality value. For instance in the example
above, the GOLD code has an attribute of au in the MAIN_PIT and EAST_PIT models, but has the
attribute name of gold in the JUNCTION model. The code is also useful where the name of the attribute
is not standard for the quality being reported. For instance the COPPER value was estimated using
Ordinary Kriging so the attribute name was cu_ok.

Similarly to the block model report form, we can track average grades or aggregated values. In the
example above, GOLD is reporting the average grade of gold in the schedule, but GOLD_OZ will report
the total grams of gold produced in the schedule (during reporting we can apply a factor to convert the
total grams of gold into Troy Ounces – one troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams).

Qualities can be used for graphical output and graphical polygon selection, set this to yes if this is
required. We will look at this in a later section.

Qualities can also be used in calculations for pushing the schedule to Microsoft Project. If this is
required, select yes here and choose a project field to store these values. Microsoft Project has 50
available fields, Number1 – 20 and Text1 – 30.

Task: Fill in the Block Model Parameters for this Schedule

We have one block model for this schedule. The material attribute and its values were established earlier
in this tutorial. We only have one quality to track, but define codes to track both the average grade and
aggregate metal. Make sure you define the materials correctly and use the value ‘density’ for the specific
gravity (this is incorrect but will show the value of the parameter checking functionality in MineSched).

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Fill in the Block Model Parameters for this Schedule

Location Definition
The location sheet defines which blocks are to be included in a mining location and the methodology for
mining this location. A mining location can be within a single polygon (for instance an ore block) or can
represent an entire pit. In this tutorial we have two locations, Pit Stage A and the Final Pit. For each
location, use only 1 row in the workbook.

Location Specifics

Location Name
Each location must have a unique name. This is how MineSched distinguishes between different
locations and their parameters. Careful planning should be taken when naming locations as
locations can be grouped with the use of wildcards. For instance naming each location
individually can be useful for determining the names of each pit, but can make parameter
assignment problematic. For example several locations are individually named (after Norse
gods) ODIN, THOR, FREYA, BRAGI, HOENIR, LOKI, KVASIR and TYR. The first four of these
locations are pits and the last four are dumps which will obviously have different production
parameters. To define production parameters for these locations would mean an individual line
for each:

ODIN MAX_RATE 20,000

THOR MAX_RATE 20,000
FREYA MAX_RATE 20,000
BRAGI MAX_RATE 20,000

HOENIR MAX_RATE 10,000

LOKI MAX_RATE 10,000
KVASIR MAX_RATE 10,000
TYR MAX_RATE 10,000

However, by naming these in a slightly different way, for example PIT_ODIN, PIT_THOR,
PIT_FREYA, PIT_BRAGI, DUMP_HOENIR, DUMP_LOKI, DUMP_KVASIR and DUMP_TYR the
parameter assignment would be:

PIT_* MAX_RATE 20,000

DUMP_* MAX_RATE 10,000

Location Type
A location can be either a mining location where material is excavated or a fill location where
material is added. Fill locations will not be covered in this tutorial.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Fill in the Block Model Parameters for this Schedule

Prepare Model
MineSched gives the option of preparing the model for each individual location. The prepare
model step is where MineSched extracts the information from the data model into a consistent
format. As some data models can be very large, the prepare model step can take a long time. If
changes occur to a single location, you can choose to prepare only that location and not all of
these others. This will reduce the time taken to prepare model considerably when making
adjustments to your schedule.

Block Model
As many models can be used, different locations may apply to different data models. Choose the
relevant model user name for this field. This list is populated after Update Lists has been run.

Mining Methodology

The next section of this sheet is where the mining method for each location is defined. The entries in this
field depend on the mining method or what you are trying to achieve with the schedule (for instance
targeting grade qualities). This tutorial covers the bench and polygon methods of mining.

Mining Method
Many mining methods can be used, select the relevant mining method. For long term scheduling
this is typically bench mining, but for shorter term scheduling polygons or bench polygons are
typically used.

Mining or Fill Direction

The direction for the advancement of the mining face. For longer term or target scheduling this
can be set to none to allow MineSched full flexibility to decide which blocks are best to mine at
given times. Sometimes the mining method or geographical nature of the location means that a
constant face and mining direction must be maintained. This field has cardinal compass
directions as well as the ability to specify the direction based on a D field in the polygon string file
or you can simply type in the azimuth as a number between 0 and 360.

Consolidate Blocks?
Consolidating blocks is used in conjunction with the mining direction. For example, when
consolidate blocks is set to yes and the mining is set to north, the blocks for that location or
polygon in the east-west direction will be consolidated into a single block representing the mining
face across the direction if mining. The consolidate blocks option is usually set to yes for short
term, polygon or underground mining but creates inflexibility for long term or target scheduling.

X and Y Mining Block Size

The mining block size is based on the mining equipment used. Effectively this is the smallest
dimension block your equipment could practically extract from the location. For instance it is
pointless to set your mining block size to 1 x 1 if the bucket of the excavator is 7 cubic metres.
Another way to look at this is what is the smallest area you would be prepared to move all of your
equipment to mine and then move all the equipment elsewhere? This setting effectively re-blocks
the data model. While the data model may have a block size of 5m x 10m, the size of the mining
equipment means that the blocks should be resized to 50m x 50m.

When initially setting up a schedule you should set your mining block size to a relatively large
size so that the schedule runs quickly. Once you get closer to your final schedule, you should
then reduce the block size based on your mining equipment selectivity. This will ensure the most
efficient use of MineSched and will allow you to achieve your final results in less time than if you
start scheduling with a small block size.

Bench Elevation Definition

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part I Task: Set the Locations for Pit Stage A and the Final Pit

When mining by bench or by bench polygon, enter how you would like to specify your bench
elevations; by entering the elevation at the middle of the bench, the elevation at the bottom of the
bench or the elevation at the top of the bench.

First/Last Bench Elevation and Bench Height

Used in conjunction with the bench elevation definition enter the first bench to be mined and the
last bench to be mined. Also enter the height of each bench. The height of the bench is also
used to set the height of the graphical solid created for displaying the schedule graphically when
the mining method is whole or polygons.

String or DTM File Name

When mining by bench, no reference to a string file needs to be made. This string file is only
required if consolidate clocks is set to yes and you wish to produce consolidated graphical
results. With no string file referenced, the animation will not be spatially located correctly. When
mining by polygon or bench polygon the string file is necessary as this is where the polygons are
referenced for each location. A DTM file is only used when the mining method is set to Solid.

Constraints

The remainder of the sheet is available to enter up to 6 block model constraints to define the blocks which
make up the location. This is a replica of the block model constraints form in Surpac and should be
treated as such. Remember that each location is a single row in the sheet so additional constraints must
be added along each row and not listed below each other.

In the example above, location PIT consists of all the blocks above the DTM pit1.dtm and below the DTM
topography1.dtm. For the location BENCH220, the blocks of interest from the data model include
everything above the 210 elevation and below the DTM end_of_period3.dtm.

For more complicated or large constraints it is best to construct a constraint file in Surpac first and simply
reference it here.

Task: Set the Locations for Pit Stage A and the Final Pit

1. Create two mining locations

2. Pit_Stage_A will be mined by bench from south to north
3. Final_Pit will also be mined by bench from south to north
4. Each Location will have consolidated blocks and a mining block size of 50 x 50.
5. Determine the correct bench values to mine, given we have already created polygons of the mid-
benches.
6. Use either the DTM files as constraints or the constraint files we made earlier.

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Check Parameters ( ) Task: Set the Locations for Pit Stage A and the Final Pit

Check Parameters ( )
The Check Parameters function is one of the most important functions in MineSched. This function will
check the entered values in the workbook looking for inconsistencies or errors in entries. This step
should be run prior to any other in MineSched as it can save much time when you have run a schedule
which will not give any results or give invalid results.

Each individual sheet can be selected to be checked. It is recommended to check each sheet each time
you run a schedule, however this is not necessary if no changes have occurred. This is particularly the
case with the block model sheet as the check parameters function will open the block model to check its
contents which can take some time for large datasets.

Two types of messages are reported; warnings and errors. Warnings will not affect MineSched’s ability to
run the schedule, however they should be dealt with in case the results are affected. Errors will need to
be fixed before the schedule is able to be run successfully.

As well as reporting errors and warnings to the Surpac message window, MineSched will also output the
errors and warnings to a report file. This report is displayed to the user upon completion of the check if
warnings or errors exist.

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Check Parameters ( ) Task: Check the Parameters Entered to Date

Task: Check the Parameters Entered to Date

1. Prepare The Parameters from the workbook

2. Save the workbook.
3. Return to the Surpac Environment
4. Run Check Parameters and check All Parameters.

There should be one error reported.

Error #1: Model "SURFACE_MINE" does not contain the sg attribute name "density" specified. This
attribute must exist or enter a fixed numerical value for the SG.

This is due to the fact we entered a value of ‘density’ into the specific gravity field on the ms_blkmdl
sheet. The correct specific gravity attribute in the block model is ‘sg.’ Fix this problem, prepare
parameters and run check parameters again.

The message window will show “No Errors Found.”

Don’t forget to save your workbook!

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Prepare Model ( ) Task: Prepare the Model for Scheduling

Prepare Model ( )
Prepare model takes the information input into the block model and location sheets in the parameter
workbook and extracts the information into a standard data format, ready for scheduling. The standard
data format is known as an msi_model file.

Running Prepare Model

Prepare model is run from the Bulldozer Icon.

Scheduling Run Number

The scheduling run number provides a unique id for each comparative run you wish to conduct. An
msi_model file is created for each location and each msi_model file will be assigned the run number
entered here. This allows you to make subtle or radical changes in mining locations and compare the
effect on the schedule. Using the run number you can manage model files for different scenarios,
providing an alternative method to using different WorkParameters directories.

Model Files Folder

Choose the location you would like to store the msi_model files. It is useful to separate these files out
from the WorkParameters directory to make them easier to organize. The MDL directory is a logical
place to store these files. Storing model files in different directories can also be used as a technique to
manage model files for different scenarios. Leaving this field blank will place the msi_model files in the
current work directory.

Create Block Model Constraints

Where Constraint files were not used in the definition of the mining locations on the location sheet, you
can choose to have constraint files made which represent the locations. This is useful in that it can help
you to graphically validate that the mining locations contain the correct blocks from the model.

Display Results
Display results will open the msi_model files in graphics, these will be opened with any string or dtm files
references on the location sheet. This is another way to graphically validate that the locations have been
defined correctly.

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Prepare Model ( ) Task: Prepare the Model for Scheduling

Task: Prepare the Model for Scheduling

1. Run Prepare model, using Run Number 1.

2. Assign the msi_model files to the MDL directory and display the results graphically.

Prepare Model Results

Task: Analyse the Results

Once prepare model has been completed, the polygon files will be displayed with points representing the
prepared blocks for each location.

The result is simply a string file with a point for each material class for each block. We see only a single
row of points because we chose to consolidate the blocks across the mining direction so each point
represents the entire face across the pit in an east-west direction. All relevant information is stored in the
description fields of the point. Identifying a point in graphics will reveal the following data attached to
each point:

Description Field Data Stored

D1 Location Name
D2 Mining Block Size in the Y direction
D3 Mining Block Size in the X direction
D4 Azimuth of Mining direction
D5 (Consolidate Blocks Only) centre coordinate of block
D6 (Consolidated Blocks Only) block size in mining direction
D7 Group Number
D8 Bench Height
D9 Mining Direction
D10 Material Class Code
D11 Volume of that material class
D12 Mass of that material class
D13 First attribute from code list
D14,D15,…,Dn Subsequent attributes

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Prepare Model ( ) Task: Analyse the Results

You will also note that multiple points can be stored at the single location (display point numbers will
reveal this). This is because a separate point is created for each material class present in that mining
block.

Further to these files, a file is written to the WorkParameters directory called

“msi_prepare_model_location_summaries.csv.” Drag this file into graphics and it will be opened in
Microsoft Excel.

As well as being broken up on a bench by bench basis, this report gives us totals for each pit and grand
totals (the above has been formatted to make it clearer). How do these numbers compare against the
numbers we generated manually earlier? These figures give us confidence that the parameters we have
entered and the location definition we created are true and correct.

When closing this .csv file be sure not to close the Parameter Workbook.

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Prepare Model ( ) Task: Analyse the Results

Tips Regarding Prepare Model

There are some handy tips for helping to manage the data and speeding up the prepare model process.
While this dataset does not take very long to prepare, some datasets can take sustained periods of time.

Use Constraint Files

Where possible, if a location is defined as all the blocks between two DTMs (for instance a pit design and
topography) it is best to create a constraint file and use this. As prepare model can be used regularly,
constraining a large block model between two DTMs that could contain thousands of triangles will take
some time as each block is checked against each triangle to see if it is inside or outside of the constraint.
In contrast, a constraint file is simply an index of blocks satisfying the original constraint. Therefore
processing of constraint files is very rapid.

Use Larger Mining Blocks

Initially, when setting up a schedule it is best to use larger mining block sizes. This will have little effect
on the end result of the schedule but will enable the process to run faster. The effect is that grades will
be more homogenized and if target scheduling there will be less flexibility. Once you are satisfied with
the setup, you can reduce the block size to your desired size.

Only Prepare Locations You Need to

Especially if you have many locations, only set the “Prepare Model” field on the location sheet to yes if
the location is changed. Set all other locations to ‘no’ as this will save time when refining some locations.

Only Run Prepare Model When You Have To

You will only ever need to prepare model for locations in the following circumstances:
• It is the first time you have set up a location
• You have made a change to the ms_blkmdl sheet
• You have made a change to ms_location sheet
• You have made a change to the data model being used.
• You have made a change to any string or dtm files used as constraints.
• You have changed the shape of polygons where the mining method is set to polygons or
bench_polygons.
• You have deleted msi_model files.

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Mining Constraints Task: Analyse the Results

Mining Constraints
A mining constraint is simply any part of the mining process that can affect the way in which the schedule
can be generated. Constraints can be physical limitations, such as the maximum capacity of mining
equipment or can be driven by external sources such as client requests for particular qualities of ore.

Mining Rates
Mining rates are perhaps the most common and most influential constraints on the schedule. Mining
rates can vary depending on the resource or they can vary depending on location. For instance an
excavator with a 20 tonne bucket capacity with a fleet of 4 trucks will not be able to produce 1 million
tonnes per day. Similarly a fleet of 10 excavators with 87 trucks simply won’t fit into a small pit so high
rates cannot be achieved.

Mining rates can vary over time also. For example in winter, due to the high clay material, truck
movement is slower across the ground so lower rates are expected.

Furthermore, mining rates can be dependent on material type. If a material is significantly denser than
other materials, it may take longer to mine so you could expect reduced rates. Examples of this (without
activity scheduling) are that hard rock needs to be blasted first, but oxide can be mined without blasting.
Another example is when handling toxic (radioactive or acidic) material, it may need to be transported to
a different location for treatment or encapsulation which is a longer haulage route causing reduced rates.

MineSched handles the input of rates directly against individual locations. Rates can be varied
depending on time, events or materials.

Resource Availability
The availability of resources is another common constraint on mining. Resources can become
unavailable due to scheduled maintenance or more commonly from their use in other parts of the project.
For instance the same excavator could be used for three different pits. The availability of this excavator
would depend on the status of these pits.

MineSched controls resource availability through the use of detailed resource specific calendars and
prioritizing locations and the use of location precedences. MineSched’s scheduling engine carries out
resource leveling directly within MineSched so that resource capacities are never exceeded.

Physical Constraints
Physical constraints are usually less tangible in nature and sometimes cannot be determined until you are
confronted with a situation. Most, however, are common sense. For example the mine may be split into
10 different locations. In a single mining period we do not want the excavator to be able to mine from all
10 locations as too much time will be lost moving equipment. We may want to constrain the resource to
two or three active locations per period.

Other examples include that we do not want to have too many benches active at the same time or that we
do not wish to be mining in a polygon adjacent to a polygon where charging is taking place.

A more common mining constraint is that we wish to maintain a particular ratio of ore to waste. This is so
that the mining company can maintain a steady cash flow and keep the processing plant busy for as long
as possible. This is, of course, not always possible as often the ore is buried under several metres of
waste.

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Mining Constraints Task: Analyse the Results

MineSched controls many of these constraints through different production properties or targets and
ratios.

The more constraints you place on your schedule, the less likely it is to meet your desired outcome,
however the mining process will be modeled more accurately and produce a more practical schedule.
This is particularly the case when scheduling to produce a specific quality target. If the constraints you
have placed on the schedule mean that there is only one specific way that blocks can be mined, it is
unlikely you will meet your quality targets but likely that you will have a valid, practical schedule. By
loosening the mining constraints you may meet your quality target, but produce an impractical schedule.
Striking a balance between practical mining and quality targets is the goal of MineSched.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part II Task: Analyse the Results

Workbook Parameter Entry Part II

In the previous workbook parameter section we looked at entering parameters on the ms_time,
ms_blkmdl and ms_location sheet. The information provided on these sheets allows us to prepare the
data for scheduling. Now we must look at how we intend to schedule the data. In this section we will
look at the resource definition (ms_resource) and the production parameters (ms_production) sheets.
This will provide us with the steps necessary to produce a valid graphical schedule. We look at reporting
the schedule in a later section.

If you have closed the workbook open it again using the Open Parameter Workbook function.

Resource Definition
Resource definition is done on the ms_resource sheet. This is where we can define what the available
resources are and what their capacities are. The resource sheet is broken into three categories;
Resource Lists, Resource Capacities and Resource Working Times.

Resource Lists

This section is used to name and list the available resources. There are three types of resources;
production resources used for the MineSched production scheduler, Activity Resources used for ancillary
activities and Development Resources for the MineSched underground development scheduler.

Resources can be defined as specific items of equipment, personnel or any group that will be recognized
as completing mining tasks.

Once the resources have been listed, go to the MineSched Save Menu and click on the Update Lists
button. The values in these lists will now be available for selection in other areas of the workbook to help
avoid typing errors.

Resource Capacities

Once the resources have been listed, the capacities of each must be specified. Production resource
capacities are specified as the maximum material movement the resource can achieve each 24-hour

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part II Task: Create Scheduling Resources

period. The unit for this production capacity can be defined as MASS, VOLUME or any code from the
block model sheet which has been aggregated. For instance total ounces of gold production per day. In
the above example, EXCAVATOR_1 can achieve 20,000 cubic metres per day and EXCAVATOR_2 can
move 15,000 cubic metres of material per day. LOADER_1 can move 5,000 tonnes of material per day.
Activity resources capacities are specified on the Activity sheet.

Each capacity can change over time by entering a date in the Date or Event field. For instance
EXCAVATOR_2 achieves 15,000 cubic metres of material movement per day, however after a scheduled
upgrade of its bucket and hydraulics system its capacity will increase to 20,000 cubic metres per day from
01/01/2008.

Resource Working Times

Each resource can have its own calendar additional to the MineSched Global Calendar. This is useful for
determining service schedules for equipment or rosters for personnel. In the example above
EXCAVATOR_1 has been set to work on the EXC_1_SERVICE Calendar. The EXC_1_SERVICE
calendar has been defined to have every Sunday as a half day so the other half can be used for a minor
service and oil change. Also specified is a monthly holiday set to the 1st of every month for a full day so
the Jumbo can undergo a major service.

Task: Create Scheduling Resources

1. Create Production Resources for the schedule.

2. This mine has two Excavators; one excavator can achieve 20,000 cubic metres every 24-hours
and the other can achieve 15,000 cubic metres in a 24-hour period.
3. Excavator 1 has a service schedule that every Sunday for half a day it is unavailable due to
service. Excavator 2 is serviced for half a day every Saturday.

Production Parameters
All the information about how the mining will occur in each location is added to the ms_production sheet.
This sheet is broken into 4 sections; the production rates, material movement, production properties and
spatial relationships.

This sheet is the most common sheet to make changes that affect the way the schedule can be
processed. There are many parameters in drop down lists and while a few will be covered in this tutorial,
others will be covered in a more advanced tutorial or you can go directly to the on-line help for more
information regarding any parameter.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part II Task: Create Scheduling Resources

Production Rates

The production rates section of this sheet is the most important section as this is where the resources are
assigned to the locations. This section therefore determines the where, who, how and when. It
determines where mining occurs (the location), who carries out the mining (the resource), how fast (the
rate) and when (the date).

Each location can have specific rate parameters assigned to them. In this tutorial we will only look at the
use of MAX_RATE. This parameter is the most commonly used parameter for the production scheduling
parameters sheet. A location MUST have a MAX_RATE assigned to it for mining to occur in that
location. MAX_RATE refers to the maximum rate that a resource can achieve in a specific mining
location. Whether or not the defined maximum rate is achieved depends on the resource capacity, where
else the resource is able to work, and any defined targets or priorities. Rates can vary over time or after
specific events. Rates can also be assigned using a wildcard specification on the location names.

In the example above we have started mining in MAIN_PIT and EAST_PIT with EXCAVATOR_1 and
EXCAVATOR_2 respectively from the scheduling start date. EXCAVATOR_1 is mining at 20000 per day
st
and EXCAVATOR_2 is mining at 15000 per day. At the beginning of the day of 1 October 2007
(01/10/2007), the rate will be reduced in MAIN_PIT to 10000 per day. Also on that day, EXCAVATOR_2
will cease mining in EAST_PIT. One week later on 8th October 2007 (08/10/2007), EXCAVATOR_2 will
begin mining in JUNCTION at a rate of 15000 per day (this week is due to the fact it takes one full week
to move the mining fleet between these two locations. When JUNCTION has been completed,
EXCAVATOR_2 will return to EAST_PIT and commence mining. A date adjustment of 7 days has been
included to account for transit time.

The MAX_RATE is controlled by the Capacity specified on the resources sheet and is constrained by
availability and production properties. For instance if the Resource capacity is set to 20000 and the
MAX_RATE is set to 100000, only 20000 will be achieved each day in that location.

If other mining locations are available and no priorities are specified the rate will be split based on a ratio
between the MAX_RATEs specified fir the locations. For example the capacity of the resource is set to
20000 and location1 has a MAX_RATE of 20000 and location2 has a MAX_RATE of 30000 and the
resource is available to work in both locations will result in a rate of 8000 being mined in location1 and
12000 being mined in location2. This is because the MAX_RATE of 20000 represents 0.4 of the total
rates assigned and 30000 represents 0.6 of the total rates assigned. The Maximum Capacity of the
resource is set to 20000 so the resources splits are 40% of 20000 and 60% of 20000 respectively.

The user defined MAX_RATE parameter values and resource capacities will never be exceeded, a
powerful function of the resource leveling internal to MineSched’s scheduling engine.

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Workbook Parameter Entry Part II Task: Create Scheduling Resources

Material Movement

The movement of material can be modeled from mining locations to stockpiles, backfill locations,
processing units, screening plants, crushers, trains, ships or any location necessary. Some of these
locations can be defined on the location sheet as a physical unit (for example waste dumps, backfills or
tailings catchment areas). Others that are not physically modeled in space are defined in the Material
Movement section as a dynamic unit such as a stockpile, plant, train, or ship.

In the above example from any of the locations whose names end in “_PIT” any low grade material
(LG_*) is being sent to the low grade stockpile (LOW_GRADE_STK) and any high grade material (HG_*)
is being sent to the high grade stockpile (HIGH_GRADE_STK). The same can be said for material mined
from the JUNCTION location. Stockpiles are created by simply entering a new Destination Location
Name and in the Destination Type field, choose ‘stockpile’.

Production Properties

The production properties section is where many of the mining constraints can be entered. There are
many properties available from the drop down list, but we will cover only a few in this tutorial. For more
information other properties, see more advanced tutorials or the on-line documentation.

In the example above the resources are constrained for the whole project to mine from a maximum of 2
locations at any one time (MAX_ACTIVE_LOCATIONS). As we are mining by bench there is also a
restriction that only up to a maximum or 3 benches can be active at any one time in a single location
(MAX_ACTIVE_BENCHES). Finally there is also a restriction that blocks on a lower bench may not be
mined until blocks above to a radius of 100 units have been mined. This lag property is also related to
spatial relationships which are explained in the next section. These settings are most useful for target
scheduling to help control the mining sequence preventing “tunneling”, “shafting” or “rabbit holing.”

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 Task: Set up the Production Parameters to Produce a Valid
Workbook Parameter Entry Part II
Schedule

Spatial Relationships

MineSched always calculates block precedences between mining blocks within a location so that
undermining never occurs. However MineSched does not automatically calculate block precedences
between blocks in different locations because generally these locations are spatially separated and
having MineSched determine this would incur unnecessary processing. Where blocks from one location
affect the availability of blocks in another location, these locations are said to have a spatial relationship.
This section allows you to choose the locations which are spatially related. Blocks in the primary location
affect the availability of blocks in the secondary location. These are used in conjunction with the LAG
parameters in the Production Properties section.

In the example above the primary location is STAGE_1 and the secondary location is STAGE_2. This
means that blocks in STAGE_1 on an upper elevation must be mined before blocks in STAGE_2 on a
lower elevation can be mined. This will prevent the undermining of the STAGE_1 location by STAGE_2.

The second example is best shown by a diagram:

The topsoil has a spatial relationship with the overburden, which has a spatial relationship with the ore. A
production parameter of VERTICAL_LAG_ALL_DIRECTIONS has been set to a value of 100 units. To
remove the red ore block, sufficient blocks of overburden above the ore must be removed to provide 100
units distance between the active face of the overburden and the ore block required. To remove the
overburden block 100 units worth of Topsoil must be removed before the block at this face can be taken.

Task: Set up the Production Parameters to Produce a Valid Schedule

1. Set up the rates such that PIT_STAGE_A has both resources working at a MAX_RATE of 20000
2. FINAL_PIT can begin only after PIT_STAGE_A is complete.
3. Set up the material movement such that from each pit, all low grade ore is sent to a stockpile
called LG_STK and all of the high grade ore is sent to a stockpile called HG_STK.

4. Once you have entered the parameters, run the prepare parameters function in the workbook
and return to the Surpac window and Run the Check Parameters function to check for errors.
5. If any errors occur, return to the workbook and fix them before proceeding.
6. Don’t forget to save the workbook!

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Run Schedule ( ) Task: Run the Schedule

Run Schedule ( )
Task: Run the Schedule

Once the parameters have been input into the workbook, the schedule can be run. MineSched will use
its powerful scheduling engine to create the schedule based on the parameters entered.

The run schedule form contains multiple tabs. In this tutorial we will look at the Reports tab and the
Graphical result tab. The area above the tabs gives the option to use the msi_model files from any run
number we have created in any directory we have created them in. The values placed in this form are

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Run Schedule ( ) Task: Run the Schedule

remembered from the last entry in the Prepare Model form so rarely need to be changed, however you
should be sure you are running the correct model files.

At this stage we have not defined any reports. Reports are covered in a later section of this tutorial. For
now, we are interested in graphically validating our schedule.

1. Select to produce graphical results.

MineSched is capable of produce various graphical outputs including blocks shown as solids or polygons,
bench plans and end of period surfaces. In this example we will produce solids to give the graphical
output a 3D perspective.

2. Select to Create Solids.

3. Select to Create Animation.

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Run Schedule ( ) Task: Run the Schedule

MineSched has three animation modes; Added, Evolution and Removed. Added will display the blocks
from one period at a time. That is, show one period, then remove that period from the screen and show
the next period. Evolution will start with a blank screen, display the blocks for the first period then, while
keeping the previous blocks on the screen show the next period and so on. Removed starts by showing
all of the blocks which are mined during the entire length of the schedule and removes the blocks that
were mined for each period in sequence.

4. Select to animate the schedule by removing blocks and press Apply.

When the schedule is finished running you should have an image similar to that shown below. You can
rotate the image to any view orientation and then press Esc to start the animation.

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Run Schedule ( ) Task: Run the Schedule

It is important to note that the graphical display is a representation of the schedule only. It does not use
the exact stope shapes and the solids removed may not represent exact portions of the stopes removed
for that period. The graphical display is the best estimate from the given information and is for
presentation and validation purposes only.

Analysing the Schedule

The most effective ways to analyse the schedule are to look closely at the animation and the reports.
The schedule can be re-animated automatically or manually.

We can see that the schedule mines each bench in the PIT_STAGE_A location and then mines each
bench in the FINAL_PIT location. The schedule mines one bench at a time which is exactly what we
have asked of the schedule but this may not be practical. Let’s look at how to re-animate the schedule
and generate reports before we make changes to the scheduling sequence.

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Re-Animating the Schedule Task: Run the Schedule

Re-Animating the Schedule

Once the schedule has been generated, the sequence can be re-animated to graphically validate the
order of scheduling. The animations sequence can be displayed automatically or manually.

Automatic Re-Animation ( )

Many options can be displayed when re-animating the schedule. Currently only a production schedule
exists, to display this, tick the Production box MineSched will determine the correct layer that holds the
scheduled animation.

The lower part of the re-animate form contains multiple tabs with display options. The general Tab
contains the options to animate automatically or to manually advance the period displays. You can also
control which periods to be included in the display and the time between steps for each period. This
option is only available for Automatic display.

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Re-Animating the Schedule Task: Run the Schedule

The Production tab contains the options relevant to displaying a production schedule. This includes the
option to display the schedule in “Added” mode, “Evolution” mode or “Removed” mode.

Re-Animate Manually ( )
Schedules can also be advanced manually during re-animation. This enables a closer inspection of the
mining sequence as scheduled by MineSched.

When you choose to manually advance the animation, the first period is displayed with a floating group of
buttons which allow various functionality as described below:

Return to the first defined period.

Return to the previous period.

Advance the schedule to an entered period number.

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Re-Animating the Schedule Task: Run the Schedule

Advance display to the next period.

Advance display to final period.

Pause the animation and allow a point to be graphically selected to get its details.

Window In on a part of the schedule.

Window out to the previous window orientation.

Zoom to extent of the data.

Rotate the view to a new orientation. When in rotation mode, you can choose the Target Icon ( )
from the Main Toolbar to select the centre point of rotation.

Image Capture
MineSched will allow the image for each period to be captured to a file. These files can then be compiled
with third-party software to create an animated image or movie file for presentation purposes.

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Re-Animating the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Please note that images can only be captured in Automatic animation mode. Enter a filename and
resolution. Each file will have the period number appended as a suffix. This makes it easy to batch load
all image files into animation software to create a single movie file while maintaining the correct sequence
of frames.

Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

1. Run the schedule and using the various animation techniques and validate that the mining
sequence looks correct. Remember that PIT_STAGE_A must be complete before FINAL_PIT
commences.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Reporting the Schedule

There are numerous reports that can be generated from MineSched. These include summarized Excel
reports, detailed reports in Excel and Gantt chart output to Microsoft Project. All reports are in a fixed
format. Some of these reports are standard and appear on the Run Schedule form. More flexibility is
provided for in the Parameter workbook where custom reports can be defined.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Standard Reports – CSV Block Report

The CSV Block report is a comprehensive list of each block mined, in the sequence it was mined and all
of the values attributed to that block including volume, mass and qualities of each material. Three other
standard reports are produced with similar names to the entered name showing information at different
levels of detail.

Standard Reports – Access Block Report

This report is similar to the CSV Block report but in a Microsoft Access .mdb database file. Reports and
queries can be built against this database to facilitate production reporting and analysis.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Standard Reports – Schedule Audit

The Schedule Audit provides a wealth of information relating to the activities that took place during each
period. This report is very useful when trying to understand exactly what is taking place under the hood
of MineSched’s scheduling engine.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Custom Report Definition

MineSched has the ability to create any number of user defined reports through input in the parameter
workbook. These reports are defined on the ms_report sheet. The report definition is broken into two
parts, the format definition and the report body.

Format Definition

Report Number
Add a report number. Each report must have a different number. This is an identifier which
makes it possible for multiple reports to be defined but only particular reports generated when
running the schedule.

CSV File Name

The name given to the report created.

Report Type
There are three types of reports; summary, detailed and location. Summary reports contain a
summary of information for each period. Detailed reports will break the report up by period and
by bench or polygon depending on the mining method. Location reports are similar to detailed
reports but do not provide as much detail. Location reports are fixed format and are useful for
troubleshooting your mining locations.

Periods by Row or Column

Define how you would like the report laid out. The options are to have one row in the csv file for
each period or one column for each period in the csv file.

Title on Line
Which line of the file contains the overall title for the whole report (note, this is different to the title
for each field of the report).

Date on Line
As many reports can be generated for a schedule the date it was created is important
information. Which line of the report will hold the creation date?

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Start on Line
Which line of the report will the individual information for each field be reported to? That is, which
line will the body of the report start from?

Number of Title Lines

The number of lines required to define the titles of each field reported. This relates to the number
of lines in the body part of the report definition. In the above example 4 title lines exist. If only 2
lines are required, you must remove 2 of the title rows completely from the workbook. If 6 title
lines are required you must insert two more rows into the workbook.

Separators after Titles

This field relates to how many blank lines to leave between the field titles and the schedule
values.

Separators after Dates

The number of lines after the period dates to leave blank before the data is written.

Total?
Provide summary totals for each field.

Separators before Total

If a total is required, how many blank lines between the data and the total.

Note: when creating a new report, often only the report number and CSV file name are changed in the
Format Definition.

Report Body

Global Location Filter

Where multiple locations are present, you may require a filter to report only locations of interest.
Enter the locations here using wildcards and separated by spaces, commas or semi-colons. This
is a constraint which applies to all codes being reported.

Individual or Combined
This option allows the report to be combined in the sense that all locations are reported in one
unit or individually in that each location is reported as a separate set of fields.

Specific Location Filter

For each individual code you can constrain the report to only the locations of interest.

Code to Report
Select the code you wish to include in the report. Some of these codes are built into MineSched
and some are user codes which are populated from the Update Lists function.

Material Classes
Select the material or materials to contribute towards the value of the code being reported.

Resources
Optionally you may constrain the report to only the quantities worked by specific resources.

Added/Balanced/Removed
When reporting stockpiles you can choose to report how much material was added to the
stockpile, how much material was removed from the stockpile or what the remaining balance of
the stockpile is. To report on a process you report the material added the process.

Title
The title to place in the report for the code being reported. The number of title lines here must
correspond to the number of lines indicated in the format definition section of the report definition.
When “Individual or Combined” is set to Individual the first title line will automatically contain the
individual location name regardless of what is entered here.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Graphically Validate the Schedule

Factor
This is a multiplier on the reported value. This is useful for converting percentages or changing
grams to ounces.

Order
You can change the order the fields appear in by numbering each field here. This is rarely used
as most people find it clearer to choose the report definition codes in the same order that they will
appear in the report.

Number of Separators
You can leave any number of blank rows or columns after the current row or column by placing a
number in this field.

Creating Additional Reports

A new report can be added by highlighting all the rows of one report and carefully copying and pasting it
to the first row directly below the last report.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create Reports for the Schedule

Creating a Combined Summary and Individual Report

A report which combines both a summary of all mining locations and the detail of each individual location
can be very useful for analyzing results. To create this, you carefully copy all of the cells of the report
body only and paste them directly underneath the existing body. In this way you can define a report body
showing a COMBINED report to summarise all locations included with an INDIVIDUAL report
summarizing each individual location. An example is shown below. Note that there can be any number
of report bodies within a single report.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create Reports for the Schedule

Task: Create Reports for the Schedule

1. Create two reports, one for mining and one for the stockpiles as shown in the picture immediately
above.
2. Prepare the Parameters.
3. In the Surpac Environment, run Check Parameters and fix any errors if they exist.
4. Run the schedule again.

Displaying Production Reports ( )

As several reports can be generated a separate function exists to view selected reports only.

Task: Display Scheduling Reports

1. Display your two reports as shown above.

Creating Report Templates

A template is an excel document that links to the report file and allows the user to format the report
however they wish. It also means that time spent formatting the display of a report is only done one time,
and subsequent schedules will have the reports presented with the users personalized templates.
Having a good template makes the report visually aesthetic and easy to analyse.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create a Template for the Stockpile Report

Task: Create a Template for the Stockpile Report

1. Make sure the stockpile report is open.

2. Start a new document in that same session of Excel.

3. In Cell A1 of the new document, press ‘=’ and then go to the report cell A1 and press enter. A link
has now been created between the two cells of these two documents.
=report_stockpiles.csv!$A$1
4. The cell is a fixed reference (fixed to cell A1) we can change this to a dynamic cell link by removing
the dollar signs from the formula. When editing the cell, the function F4 key gives an fast way to
remove the dollar signs.
=report_stockpiles.csv!A1
5. Now copy this cell and highlight the cells equivalent to the report (in this case everything from A1 to
H37) and paste the formula. This will create a link for each cell in the new document.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create a Template for the Stockpile Report

6. In this new document, format the report how you would like to view it. For information on
formatting Excel documents, refer to Microsoft Help.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create a Template for the Mining Report

7. Save this template (for example as TEMPLATE_report_stockpiles.xls).

8. The reports can now be opened with the templates.

Templates can incorporate other links, formulas and charts as required.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create a Template for the Mining Report

Task: Create a Template for the Mining Report

1. Using the same technique, create a template for the mining report.

Project Production Schedule ( )

MineSched can also take the production schedule and create a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project that
contains all the relevant statistics from the schedule. MineSched will automatically open Microsoft Project
and populate the project data model.

Connect to Open Project

MineSched can integrate the information from the schedule into an existing Project Gantt chart. This is
used when integrating production and development schedules.

Other options relate to what information gets transferred to the Microsoft Project data model.

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Reporting the Schedule Task: Create a Template for the Mining Report

For more information regarding the use of Project, please refer to the Microsoft Project Help Library.

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Manipulating the Schedule Task: Make FINAL_PIT Start Earlier

Manipulating the Schedule

When we look at the graphical results and the reports we can see that STAGE_A_PIT is completely
mined before FINAL_PIT is started. There are a few things we can do to change the way the scheduling
occurs.

Task: Make FINAL_PIT Start Earlier

We don’t have to wait until STAGE_A_PIT is completed. It is possible to start FINAL_PIT when a
particular bench is completed in another location.

1. Change the production parameters to allow FINAL_PIT to start when bench elevation 335 is
completed in STAGE_A_PIT. This is done using location precedences in the Date or Event field.
In this field enter the location name followed by a colon then Z=n. For example,
STAGE_A_PIT:Z=335.

2. Prepare the parameters and in the Surpac environment, Run check parameters.
3. If there are no errors, run the schedule and check the graphical output and the reports to confirm
that the schedule is running as expected.

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Manipulating the Schedule Task: Allow the Schedule to Mine Two Benches at a Time

Now we can see that the schedule shows FINAL_PIT starting on 1st August 2007 and both locations are
being mined concurrently.

Task: Allow the Schedule to Mine Two Benches at a Time

There are a number of changes that need to be made to allow multiple benches to be mined at the same
time. It is not possible to effectively display the schedule when blocks have been consolidated.

1. On the location sheet change the consolidated blocks option to ‘no’ and change the block size to
20 for each location (the change in block size is not necessary, however it makes the animation
look more presentable).

2. Prepare the parameters and run check parameters.

3. As we have made a change to the location sheet we need to run Prepare Model again. When you
run this function, choose a new scheduling run number (2). You will see the results graphically
now that instead of a single row of blocks there is an individual block for each 20 x 20 unit in each
location. Depending on the speed of your computer this may take a few minutes.

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Manipulating the Schedule Task: Allow the Schedule to Mine Two Benches at a Time

4. Reset the graphics.

5. On the ms_production sheet we need to add two production properties to allow two benches to be
mined at the same time.
6. Add a property to initiate the number of benches that can be active at once. This property is known
as MAX_ACTIVE_BENCHES. Set this to a value of 2.
7. We also need to set a distance that we must maintain between the two benches. In this case we
need to maintain 100 units. This is done by using the V_LAG_ALL_DIRECTIONS parameter.
8. Finally we need to initiate the LAG between our two locations using a spatial relationship.
9. Fill in the production sheet as shown below.

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Manipulating the Schedule Task: Allow the Schedule to Mine Two Benches at a Time

10. Prepare the parameters and in the Surpac environment, run Check Parameters.
11. Run the schedule. Make sure the run number is set to 2.

From the animation you will see two benches being mined at the same time. As there is a period where
both locations are mined at the same time, this means that during some periods, 4 benches are active at
any one time.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Analyse the Data for Bench 335 of STAGE_A_PIT

Short Term Scheduling

Short term scheduling can involve the scheduling of a project out to days, weeks, months or even years
depending on the overall life of the project. In this example we will look at scheduling a four weeks on a
single bench of the pit.

Creating Polygons for Graphical Results

For short term scheduling we need to divide the bench up into individual blast polygons. For this exercise
we will use bench 335 of the STAGE_A_PIT.

Task: Analyse the Data for Bench 335 of STAGE_A_PIT

1. In Surpac, Open the Polygon file for STAGE_A_PIT.

2. Save only the string for bench 335 to a new file bench335.str
3. Reset Graphics
4. Recall this file into Graphics.
5. Open and display the block model. Constrain the model by grade > 1 and between the elevations
330 to 340. Colour the model as you see fit.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Divide the Bench into Blast Polygons

Looking at the distribution of ore in this bench will help us decide how we want to divide up the bench into
discrete mining zones. We would prefer not to split the ore onto separate blasts as this could cause ore
loss or dilution.

Task: Divide the Bench into Blast Polygons

1. Using the various string editing tools, divide the bench into separate mining polygons as shown
below. For more information on how to edit and create polygons, please refer to the Introduction to
Surpac Tutorial. A copy of this polygon file is supplied with the tutorial data for your convenience.

Once the polygons have been created, they can be scheduled. Scheduling can be done in two different
ways; automatic or interactive.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

Automatically Scheduling the Polygons

When automatically scheduling the polygons, the string number is used to determine the order of the
mining. In the file we have created, strings 1 to 6 will be mined on bench 335. Firstly, the bench must be
setup in the parameter workbook.

Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

1. Each polygon must have a mining direction set to them. If all polygons have the same mining
direction, this can be set up in the location sheet. If you wish to mine the polygons in different
directions, you can enter the mining direction into a description field of the polygon.
2. Using String Maths, apply the following directions to the polygons in the D1 field.

Valid entries for mining direction include any of the values in the mining direction field on the location
sheet, including any numerical azimuth.
3. Save the file into the strings directory as bench_polys335.str.
4. Open the Parameter Workbook and navigate to the ms_location sheet.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

5. Make our long term location inactive and switch the prepare model option ‘no’ to avoid this extra
processing.

6. Add a new location entry for BENCH335, the mining method will be polygon and the mining
direction will be the ‘d1’ field.
7. As we have set specific directions to the polygons, we should consolidate the blocks to maintain a
mining face across these polygons. Make the block size 20 by 20.
8. The String/DTM File Name will be the bench polygons file.

9. There are three constraints that define this location. One constraint is already managed for us by
the use of the ‘polygons’ mining method. When the polygons mining method is chosen, the
polygons themselves will act as a constraint for the location.
10. The other constraint is to manage only the blocks inside that bench, that is above the Z Plane 330
and not above the Z Plane 340. Add these two constraints.

11. We must also change our time periods to reflect a short term schedule. Change the Time Periods
to weekly for 12 weeks.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

12. We will also need to turn off the parameters we have set in the production sheet as these refer to
the long term scheduling locations.

13. Once these have been made inactive, prepare parameters and in the Surpac environment, run
Check Parameters.
14. If no errors were found, run Prepare Model using a run number of three (3). If there were errors, fix
these first.
15. Don’t forget to Save the Workbook!

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

16. Set up the production sheet to mine this location, using only Excavator 1.

17. Change the mining report on the ms_report sheet to report just this location.

18. Prepare the parameters and run check input.

19. If no errors were found, run the Schedule.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

The polygons are scheduled in the order of their string numbers. This reflects poorly in the report for this
schedule as the first 4 polygons (strings 1, 2, 3 and 4) were all waste polygons so ore is not mined until
the end of the scheduling term.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

We have the option to reorder the mining sequence without renumbering strings in Surpac.

20. On the ms_production sheet add a GROUP_RANGE parameter which will allow us to specify the
sequence. Polygon values are separated in the sequence by a semi-colon (;). Use the sequence
1;5;2;4;3;6.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

21. Prepare the parameters and run Check Parameters.

22. If there were no errors, reset the graphics and run the schedule.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Set up the Polygon Mining Location

The scheduling of polygon 5 earlier brings ore into the schedule earlier.

Sometimes we do not know the ore contents of the polygons. This is where we need to look at the
interactive method of polygon sequencing.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

Interactively Scheduling the Polygons ( )

The interactive method polygon sequencing allows us to select polygons and get reports of these
polygons on-the-fly. This can help us make critical decisions about material balancing.

Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

1. First delete the GROUP_RANGE parameter from the ms_production sheet.

2. Reset Graphics in Surpac.
3. Open the bench_polys335.str into graphics.
4. Start the interactive polygon sequencing by pressing the button.

5. MineSched will automatically detect any opened parameter workbooks. Select the appropriate
workbook.
6. The graphical sequencing function works in two modes; a reporting mode and a non-reporting
mode. The non-reporting mode allows you to simply graphically select the order of the polygons.
Volumes, tonnages and grades will not be reported to you. The reporting method allows the
contents of the polygons to be reported to you prior to input into the parameter workbook. We will
look at the reporting mode. There are two outputs for reporting; reporting to a form and reporting to
an Excel workbook.
7. Select to report to a form and choose the detailed report. The detailed report maintains a separate
section for each selected polygon.
8. Choose to retrieve the data for reporting from the Surpac Block Model.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

9. Any active locations in the parameter workbook are made available to choose the sequence for. In
this case it is the BENCH335 location.

10. If you know part of the sequence, you can enter it here before graphically choosing the remainder
of the sequence. As we do not know what order we would like to choose the polygons, leave this
blank. If an existing sequence exists, as defined by the production property GROUP_RANGE, you
have the option to clear this here or to continue sequencing from the end of the existing sequence.
11. Click on any polygon to activate the layer for polygon sequencing.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

12. Select the grey polygon, this polygon must be mined first regardless as this is where the ramp
drops into the bench. MineSched will generate a report for this polygon.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

13. The volumes, tonnages and grades of each material present in each polygon are included in the
report. Continue to select polygons in the order you wish to mine them. At any time you can
remove a selected polygon by ticking the remove field on this form or by selecting the polygon
again in graphics.

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

Note that a summary total exists at the top of the report, followed by an individual report for each
selected polygon below.

14. When you are finished selecting the polygon sequence, Apply the form and press escape in
graphics.

15. Press Apply to complete the polygon sequencing (or cancel if you wish to return to graphics and
continue sequencing).

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Short Term Scheduling Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

16. The selected sequence is displayed for review. Press Apply to this form and this sequence is
entered into the parameter workbook.

17. Prepare the parameters and run Check Parameters.

18. If no errors are found, run the schedule.

When interactively sequencing, the report which is displayed in the form can alternatively be displayed in
an Excel Workbook. This is most effective with a TEMPLATE showing tonnages as they are being
mined.

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Where to Next? Task: Interactively Sequence the Polygons

Where to Next?
This tutorial looked at the basics of long-term and short term scheduling. The next tutorial in this series
looks at adding ancillary activities to the short term schedule such as drilling and blasting and the long
term scheduling looks at basic material ratios, target scheduling and tracking material movement.
Subsequent tutorials look at more complex and specific examples including animation techniques for
presentation purposes to ensure you can effectively communicate the workings of your schedule to non-
technical staff.

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