Sequence Blocks
Using the Sequence Blocks Module
After the mining blocks have been established and used to intersect the orebody model files in Update Database, the block sequencing can be carried out using the Sequence Blocks module.
To run this function: Choose Design > Graphical Sequencer > Sequence > Sequence Blocks, or...
The Sequence Blocks module provides easy to use graphical tools which allow you to perform the following tasks:
- display the orebody model and mining block on the screen
- allow mining blocks to be sequenced in a user defined order
- indicate which blocks on the current layer cannot be mined because blocks from a higher bench have yet to be sequenced
- inform you when predefined material targets have been reached
- display current materials and grade ratio's as each block is sequenced, on histograms and optional report forms
- allow you to rewind (or unmine) a sequence of blocks
- display amounts remaining before the predefined targets are reached
- extract various reports of the mining sequence
- report on the contents of each block before sequencing
Data will be displayed in the different styles according to the files you name as the orebody model and those you name as the mining blocks:
- the orebody is displayed as polygons in the colours defined by the styles file specified by the parameter 'ore body draw styles' in the file defaults.ssi
- mining blocks are displayed as unlabelled strings in the colours defined in the styles file specified by the parameter 'mining block draw styles' in the file defaults.ssi
It is not the intention of this module to edit string data but to strategically create a sequence of blocks for mining to meet production targets.
You must specify the various files used for sequencing and the bench range for the pit.
Fields on the Mining block sequencing form
Format File
Displays the current default format file being used. Use Define Setup if you wish to change this.
Orebody File Location
Enter the orebody model file location name. The default value for this field is obtained from the format file.
Bench ID Range
Enter the range of bench ID's you wish to schedule. Remember that the range should be specified from the top bench to the bottom with a negative increment.
(e.g. 475,455,-5 means you wish to use the 5 benches between the top bench at 475.00m down to the bench at 455.00m with the benches being at 5m intervals).
Waste Boundary
Enter the string number in the orebody model string file(s) that represents the waste boundary string. The default value for this field is 98.
Mining Block Location
Enter the location name of the mining block string file(s). The default value for this field is obtained from the format file.
Target File
Enter the name of the file containing the production targets you wish to use for this sequencing session. This file should have been created earlier in Define Targets. The default value for this field is obtained from the Graphical Sequencer initialisation file 'sched.ini'.
Schedule File
Enter the name of the file you wish to store the sequenced blocks in, which can be used in subsequent sequencing sessions. The default value for this field is obtained from the Graphical Sequencer initialisation file 'sched.ini'.
Press Cancel to cancel the function or complete the Mining Block Sequencing form and choose Apply to display the Verify Input Data form.
The purpose of this form is to confirm the data relating to the target and schedule files selected on the previous screen are correct.
Scheduler Database
Display the name of the Graphical Sequencer database to be used when calculating contents of sequenced mining blocks.
Targets File
Shows the Target file specified for this session of block sequencing.
Last Target
Shows the number of targets defined in the specified target file.
Schedule File
Shows the Schedule file chosen for this session of block sequencing.
Last Period
Shows the last period to be scheduled when sequencing blocks using this Schedule file.
Press Cancel to return to the Mining Block Sequencing form or Apply to display the Select Sequence Period form.
Fields on the Select sequence period form
Period Number
Enter the period number to continue scheduling from. Blocks already sequenced in the selected period are retained and sequencing continues from this point and all periods after this one that have been previously scheduled are deleted.
If the Period number selected is not the last period in which blocks have been sequenced, then all periods after this one are deleted. For example, if there have been 5 periods which have been scheduled and you choose to add to period number 3 then periods 4 and 5 are removed and sequencing can continue from the last block that was sequenced in period 3.
Cancel the form to return to the Verify Input Data form or Apply the form to display the Select Bench for Sequencing form.
Fields on the Select bench for sequencing form
Select Bench
Enter the layer ID number of the bench you wish to be displayed in the main viewport. Both the orebody model and mining blocks will be displayed and any unscheduled blocks from the bench above will be removed to prevent you from scheduling blocks on the selected layer which are not "visible".
Cancel the form to return to the Select Sequence Period form or Apply the form to open the Sequencing Window.
Sequencing Menu Hierarchy
The diagram below shows the main Sequencing menu.
| SEQUENCING | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sequence |
Display |
View |
Inquire |
Report |