2
DATA SOURCES
Reverse Circulation data
The database covers the years 2016 to 2023. Reverse
Circulation (RC) drilling is performed on a 10 × 10 m grid.
The drilling is done at the bench level, with each sample
having the same length as the bench (14 m) constituting a
composite. The process involves obtaining information on
magnetic iron (FeM) and total iron (FeT) grades, as well as
chemical characteristics (Al2O3, CaO, MgO, P, S, SiO2).
Block Model Information
For this study the follow items were interpolated from the
RC drilling database (FeM, FeT, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, P,
S, and SiO2). Three block models with different supports
were created to observe the behavior of the tonnage and
compare it with the tonnage reported by the dispatch sys-
tem. The goal was to choose the block model with the least
variation.
ABOUT THE PROCESSES
Previous Process
The primary area for improvement in the preceding pro-
cess lies in the absence of an ore control block model. As a
result, computations were conducted externally, necessitat-
ing manual data entry on paper or in Excel, which intro-
duced complexities across various aspects of the workflow.
Initially, the sampling information was collected by the
geology department, each with an identification card, was
submitted to Peña Colorada’s internal laboratory for analy-
sis. The laboratory staff manually recorded the results to
be handed over to the mine planning personnel. The com-
plete set of manual processes has the potential to introduce
human errors, rendering it both observable and unreliable.
Finally, the mine planning personnel used this information
and manually entered it into an Excel file to calculate grades
and chemical characteristics per blast (mining cuts) to sub-
sequently define the mining cuts. Following this process,
for each RC, the name, grades, and other characteristics
were manually entered. This work was done per RC, and
a DXF file was created to visualize them (Figure 2). When
a new calculation was needed, such as modifying mining
cuts, this process took hours to recalculate.
The previous process shows in Figure 3.
Actual Process
The current process utilizes an ore control block model that
is rapidly updated through a workflow using MinePlan
Axis. Calculations for obtaining grades, tonnage, and other
characteristics of mining cuts are quickly performed using
MinePlan Planner. Initially, samples collected by the geo-
logical department, each with an identification card, are
sent to the internal laboratory of Peña Colorada for analy-
sis. The results generated by the analysis team are used to
feed the SQL database, and there is no manual manipu-
lation of the results. The information is updated in the
Drillhole Manager database (name, coordinates, date, etc.).
The ore control model is updated with Axis, and finally, the
users digitize, analyze, and attribute mining polygons with
Planner (Figure 4).
The actual process shows in Figure 5.
The workflow of the Ore Control (OC) process through
Axis, is known for its standardized, highly configurable,
and auditable. This new process incorporates various tools
that effectively address the challenges encountered with the
previous system (Figure 6). The following processes are cal-
culated in Axis:
1. Initialize bench.
2. Compositing.
Figure 2. Old blasting sketch
Figure 3. Previous process
DATA SOURCES
Reverse Circulation data
The database covers the years 2016 to 2023. Reverse
Circulation (RC) drilling is performed on a 10 × 10 m grid.
The drilling is done at the bench level, with each sample
having the same length as the bench (14 m) constituting a
composite. The process involves obtaining information on
magnetic iron (FeM) and total iron (FeT) grades, as well as
chemical characteristics (Al2O3, CaO, MgO, P, S, SiO2).
Block Model Information
For this study the follow items were interpolated from the
RC drilling database (FeM, FeT, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, P,
S, and SiO2). Three block models with different supports
were created to observe the behavior of the tonnage and
compare it with the tonnage reported by the dispatch sys-
tem. The goal was to choose the block model with the least
variation.
ABOUT THE PROCESSES
Previous Process
The primary area for improvement in the preceding pro-
cess lies in the absence of an ore control block model. As a
result, computations were conducted externally, necessitat-
ing manual data entry on paper or in Excel, which intro-
duced complexities across various aspects of the workflow.
Initially, the sampling information was collected by the
geology department, each with an identification card, was
submitted to Peña Colorada’s internal laboratory for analy-
sis. The laboratory staff manually recorded the results to
be handed over to the mine planning personnel. The com-
plete set of manual processes has the potential to introduce
human errors, rendering it both observable and unreliable.
Finally, the mine planning personnel used this information
and manually entered it into an Excel file to calculate grades
and chemical characteristics per blast (mining cuts) to sub-
sequently define the mining cuts. Following this process,
for each RC, the name, grades, and other characteristics
were manually entered. This work was done per RC, and
a DXF file was created to visualize them (Figure 2). When
a new calculation was needed, such as modifying mining
cuts, this process took hours to recalculate.
The previous process shows in Figure 3.
Actual Process
The current process utilizes an ore control block model that
is rapidly updated through a workflow using MinePlan
Axis. Calculations for obtaining grades, tonnage, and other
characteristics of mining cuts are quickly performed using
MinePlan Planner. Initially, samples collected by the geo-
logical department, each with an identification card, are
sent to the internal laboratory of Peña Colorada for analy-
sis. The results generated by the analysis team are used to
feed the SQL database, and there is no manual manipu-
lation of the results. The information is updated in the
Drillhole Manager database (name, coordinates, date, etc.).
The ore control model is updated with Axis, and finally, the
users digitize, analyze, and attribute mining polygons with
Planner (Figure 4).
The actual process shows in Figure 5.
The workflow of the Ore Control (OC) process through
Axis, is known for its standardized, highly configurable,
and auditable. This new process incorporates various tools
that effectively address the challenges encountered with the
previous system (Figure 6). The following processes are cal-
culated in Axis:
1. Initialize bench.
2. Compositing.
Figure 2. Old blasting sketch
Figure 3. Previous process