Scheduling Derated Digging Operations in Ore Contact (Buffer) Zones

When scheduling operations in ore contact zones, or buffer zones, it is critical to account for reduced efficiency caused by the precise digging requirements needed to minimize ore loss and dilution. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to scheduling derated digging operations. 

1. Prepare the Block Model

• Export the Engineering Block Model
  • Navigate to Rapid Reserver > Setup Task > Block Model.
  • Export the current Resmodel.

• Import the block model into Micromine Origin/Beyond or another GMP of your choice.
• Create a Grade Shell for Ore
  • Use the Ore Cutoff value (matching the project’s cutoff value) to generate a grade shell as "Ore Solid."
  • Define the Buffer Zone Width
    • Expand the Ore Solid by the designated buffer zone width to create a buffer zone.
  • Generate Two Solids with a Hollow Zone
    • The result should be two solids: the ore body and an expanded solid with a hollow zone in between.

• Flag Blocks in the Buffer Zone
  • Add a field in the block model named "Buffer."
  • Assign a value of 1 to blocks in the buffer zone (inside the expanded solid but outside the ore solid). Assign 0 to other blocks.

2. Modify the Block Model in Rapid Reserver

• Import the Modified Block Model
  • Navigate to Setup Task > Block Model > Edit.
  • Add a new block model and map the fields directly.

• • No custom variables or calculations are needed as these are predefined in the block model.

• Define Parcels for Buffer Zones
  • Use the inline expression:

T("Buffer") == "1" ? "BufferW" : T("<Parcel>")

• • This creates a parcel labeled "BufferW" (Buffer Waste) for blocks flagged as 1 in the Buffer field. Other blocks retain their original parcel designation.
  • Click Generate.

• Assign the Block Model to Phases
  • Go to Setup Task > Phase Details and link the modified block model to relevant phases.

• Verify Buffer Zone Integration
  • Display the block model in Rapid Reserver.
  • Add appropriate shading to visually confirm buffer zones or verify the addition of the "Buffer" parcel.

3. Configure Materials and Rates in Haul Infinity

Define Buffer Zone Material Grouping

• In Haul Infinity > Setup Task > Materials, create a new material grouping for buffer zones. Assign properties similar to waste material or any preferred configuration.

4. Set Up Mutex Subsets and Mining Rates in APS

• Check Rate Assignments
  • Navigate to APS > Setup Task > Rates and Precedences.
  • Ensure that a Mutex Parcel Subset is assigned for mining rates.

• Assign Buffer Zones to the Mutex Parcel Subset For Rates
  • Go to APS > Setup Task > Parcel Subsets > Mutex Subsets.
  • Add the Buffer Zone group to the subset used for mining rates. Ensure the group name matches the one defined in Haul Infinity.

• Assign Buffer Zone to Agents
  • In APS > Setup Task > Agent Parcels, set the Buffer Zone Mutex Subset to be mined by the designated agent(s).

• Assign a Destination to BufferW Parcel
  • Navigate to APS > Setup Task > Destination Rules
  • Ensure Buffer parcel is added to at least one Destination Rule.

5. Adjust Mining Rates and Schedule

• Set Different Mining Rates
  • Navigate to Schedule Tab > Calendar > Agent > Mining Rate.
  • Assign a reduced mining rate for agents working in the buffer zone (e.g., decrease from 3000 wt/hr to 2000 wt/hr).

• Run the Schedule
  • Complete all setup tasks and execute the schedule.
• Review the Results
  • Use the Gantt Tab to select agents and verify their reduced mining rates in buffer zones.

Expected Outcome

When the setup is complete, operations within the buffer zone will automatically apply the derated mining rates, ensuring precision digging. For example, a digger labeled "EX1" will reduce its rate from 3000 wt/hr to 2000 wt/hr when operating in the buffer zone, as shown in the scheduling outputs.

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