Deswik launches Drillhole Optimizer, a module to automate infill drillhole planning and maximize returns on your drilling budget
Deswik Drillhole Optimizer (Deswik.DHO), is a module for Deswik.CAD which optimizes the position of infill drillholes to maximize the uplift in resource classification within a given budget.
Deswik.DHO allows geologists to apply an automated, optimized process to planning their infill drilling programs, for both Open Pit and Underground operations. By quickly running multiple scenarios, geologists have more time to analyze the outputs and select the highest value drilling plan.
New drillhole designs are created based on parameters including drilling budget, orebody characteristics, location of existing holes, available drilling locations and the projected per meter drilling cost.
The application is highly user configurable, to assist the optimization process. Settings include:
- Simple geometric, ellipse or Kriging based sample selection criteria
- Specified anisotropy for each domain, to influence the direction of drilling
- Drill rig physical characteristics and costs
- Support for pre-collaring and wedge holes
- Availability of surface or underground pads
Deswik.GeoTools Product Manager Nick Anderson said Deswik.DHO automates what was, historically, a very manual and subjective process.
“Geologists would typically look at their resource model to see where drilling had previously taken place and make an educated guess, based on previous experience, as to where it should be carried out next,” Mr Anderson said.
Deswik.DHO adds rigour and reliability to the process, by using data in the resource model to pick ‘gaps’ where confidence in the model is low.
“The tool assists mining companies to maximize their return on drilling programs, by placing new holes in locations where they’ll improve the value of the model, while ensuring the program remains within budget,” Mr Anderson said.
“Once an optimized program has been selected, with one click users can create a schedule for the drill program. Creating a schedule allows us to turn the design into a practical program, where users can model drilling rates, assign specific resources and create dependencies which all contribute to creating a realistic drill program ready for execution.”
Creating better solutions for geology teams
Deswik Managing Director Matt Chilcott said Deswik.DHO re-affirms Deswik’s commitment to developing value-boosting tools for technical services teams.
“We’ve seen significant market demand for geological mapping applications which integrate with Deswik’s mine planning and management solutions,” Mr Chilcott said.
“Our focus is on working collaboratively with the mining sector to ensure all our tools have a strong use case and will deliver a measurable return on investment, in terms of productivity, efficiency and profitability.”
If you would like to find out more about Deswik.DHO, contact your nearest Deswik office.
