VALIDATE, SHARE & COLLABORATE
In this, the final article in a four-part series on Strategic Geology Modeling, we will discuss the challenges that geologists face when validating, sharing and collaborating on a geological model. We will also look at the Dassault Systèmes Strategic Geology Modeling solution workflows on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that can facilitate better sustainability through collaborative stakeholder engagement, enhanced innovation by bringing in the right people together, and improved adherence to best practices.
A geological model is a specific representation of the location, characteristics and extents of the lithology and ore types of a mineral deposit based on the knowledge of a geologist, geological field observations, drill hole information, geophysical surveys and assays. An accurate geological model is critical for decision making in all aspects of the mining processes and it is an important input for the resource model and mine planning.
Once a geologist has interpreted and modeled geoscience data to create a geological model, it is critical to validate the model to ensure it is accurate and robust. The geologist can apply a number of different methods to validate a model. These can include a geostatistical simulation to construct several geological scenarios that can test or quantify the uncertainty of the model, visual analysis of the domains compared to the actual data, query filters to test the model, or a direct comparison of the new geological model to the previous model.
A geologist should share the model across the organization to all stakeholders who can peer review the model. This can assist the geologist in validating the model by increasing the collaborative knowledge and experience that scrutinizes different aspects of the model.
CHALLENGES: NOT HAVING MULTIPLE TOOLS TO VALIDATE MODEL, DIFFICULTY SHARING 3D MODEL WITH ALL INTERESTED STAKEHOLDERS, AND MINIMAL CROSS DEPARTMENTAL PEER REVIEW COLLABORATION
Many geologists face the challenge of only having a single technique or application with which to validate their model, causing certain issues within a model to be missed. This can render the model inaccurate and have a waterfall effect on not only critical mine planning decisions that will be made based on this model, but can also lead to inaccurate mining optimizations, possible safety issues and poor production.
Departments in the mining industry have traditionally acted in silos, which has made cross-departmental collaboration challenging. It is beneficial for a geological model to be shared across an organization to facilitate the review and validation of the model. Not having this type of collaborative environment will minimize the knowledgeable and experienced mining professionals that can assist with model validation and peer review.
However, a geologist can face many challenges when trying to share their model across the organization. Sending files via email, storing them on a flash disk or making them available on a server can lead to multiple versions of the model doing the rounds on different PCs, causing confusion as stakeholders review an incorrect or outdated version. It’s also possible that not all stakeholders who need to view the model have access to applications that can visualize or statistically analyze the model and acquiring new licenses can be costly.
SOLUTION: MODEL VALIDATION SHARING AND COLLABORATION IN GEOVIA SURPAC™ POWER’ BY THE 3DEXPERIENCE PLATFORM
The Strategic Geology Modeling solution from Dassault Systèmes enables geologists to validate and share a geological model across the entire organization, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration through communities and data sharing applications.
A geologist can log into the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform and review the status of their project through the powerful ENOVIA project and document management tools and applications. Clear task objectives, reviews, approvals and standard operating procedures can be attached to the model validation task to ensure a transparent and auditable validation process.
A geologist can use GEOVIA Surpac to compare the model visually and statistically with the input data used to ensure the model has honored that data. The 3D model and statistical information is stored directly on the platform.
A “single version of the truth” is available to everyone with access to the geological model along with previous versions for reference. These older versions of the model can be visually compared to the new model, side by side, to easily verify any changes that have been made. Statistical charts and reports can be dynamically updated with the latest model information from the GEOVIA Surpac authoring application and show the changes between different versions of the model.
Geologists can invite any colleagues throughout the organization to a fully customizable 3DDashboard where they are able to share the 3D model and any statistical reports and charts. The model can also be shared on the platform through posts in 3DSwym communities.
Using the Strategic Geology Modeling solution workflow for validating, sharing and collaborating assists geologists in improving their understanding of changes that have been made to a model while reducing the amount of time to review and approve the model. This can improve the robustness of a geological model while increasing transparency and auditability of the process itself. Collaboration through the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform can improve stakeholder engagement, maintain adherence to industry best practices and increase innovation when bringing the correct colleagues together.
STRATEGIC GEOLOGY MODELING INDUSTRY PROCESS EXPERIENCE
Throughout this four-part article series, we have highlighted the various tasks a geologist needs to follow to generate a robust and accurate geological model. The Strategic Geology Modeling solution from Dassault Systèmes takes into account industry best practices and the workflows required to achieve this objective while combining powerful 3D modeling tools with innovative and collaborative platform technology to bring the mining industry a solution that will help improve organizational sustainability.
For more information on how the Strategic Geology Modeling solution can help you achieve improved cross-departmental collaboration and validation, please contact us at GEOVIA.Info@3ds.com
Check out the free webinar:https://events.3ds.com/strategic-geology-modeling
