Evolving a dynamic scheduling system

Mine scheduling is a continuous iterative process. Maptek Evolution provides a suite of solutions to meet the demands of each scheduling horizon.

Inputs for long range plans are often well defined and iteratively analysed to determine the optimal NPV for multiple scenarios. Evolution Strategy provides valuable insights to drive the highest NPV given the operational constraints at the long range horizon.

Evolution Origin provides greater granularity, with functionality for handling material blending and haulage evaluation for long and mid range plans. 

Short range and tactical scheduling challenges engineers with frequent updates, and changing inputs or parameters. Evolution Epoch has been built to manage these shifting priorities.

Features in the Evolution 2025 release are targeted to manage the ever changing short range planning environment. Dynamic Solids will bring two key enhancements to Epoch, unlocking access to source data and improving interactive sequencing workflows. 

Dynamic solids

Dynamic Solids models bring users closer to their data. These models combine both source block model and solid triangulation model types to reduce the number of steps for scheduling model preparation. 

Integration with Maptek Vulcan block models and triangulation files provides direct access to spatially relevant schedule solids and current production model attribute values. This hybrid model reduces the effort required to initialise schedules and provides improved resolution throughout the scheduling process.

With more connected data sources, mine engineers can spend less time preparing scheduling models and more time evaluating scenarios. Another benefit of Dynamic Solids is the faster response to continuously changing production models for short range planning. These changes can be reflected in a schedule setup without needing to update the model outside Epoch. 

Solids cutting

The key to unlocking the flexibility of the dynamic solids modelling is the new cutting tools in the release anticipated for March 2025. 

Featuring tighter integration with schedule input models, Dynamic Solid Cutting provides several tools that allow users to interactively cut schedule solids to satisfy the requirements of the short range plan. Through either target seeking or direct cuts, the mine engineer is in complete control of the progression of the mining sequence. 

Target-seeking cuts can be configured to accumulate material totals for production oriented shapes, or direct cuts can be made to accommodate specific requirements or one-off cut shapes.

The combination of dynamic solids modelling and cutting produces almost instantaneous user feedback in terms of cut quantities and grades for their mine sequence. These tools enable the mine engineer to iterate in real time to rapidly gain insight into various mine schedule results. 

Future-ready technology

The iterative nature of mine scheduling is accepted by mine engineers. The new functionality in Evolution Epoch provides a better connection and more rapid data feedback to enable end users to make better decisions. 

Instead of spending days preparing different planning models, Evolution users can invest time into understanding how different sequences can meet the operational requirements of their site.

Model preparation and scheduling can now be completed in a single workflow in Evolution Epoch rather than transitioning between packages for each new scenario.

Maptek reviewed the Epoch workflow alongside the dynamic solids features for the 2025 release. New setup level controls allow users to enable or disable functionality based on scheduling requirements. This greatly reduces the number of user-defined inputs necessary to move from model setup to schedule results. 

Dynamic Solids and the simplified navigation will be available in Evolution 2025 within the Epoch Module. Existing subscribers and new customers will have access to these exciting tools, with no new subscriptions or module purchases required. 

Maptek recommends customers upgrade to Evolution 2025 as soon as it is available to take advantage of the enhancements.