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Chapter 10 Heap Leach Stacking

This chapter will walk the user through the Heap Leach Stacking feature within Opencontour. It will give an overview of the Stacking Module, as well as a detailed description of each of its individual tabs and functions.

Video: Heap Leach Stacking Overview

Quick Access

10.1 Stacking Menu Overview

Pressing the Utility Menu’s Stacking button will launch the Leach Stacking module. This is used to assign leach panel properties to the CutterResult, Model, and Mineplan layers. Leach pads are first designed as Filler layers. These may be separated into vertical lifts. The Cut Contour with Cutter/Filler function is run to get the CutterResult shapes of material to be stacked.

The following steps are then followed:

  1. Load or build the Grid, stored in the Model layer (needs to be completed once for the project)

  2. Break up, or Discretize the CutterResult shapes into shapes using a grid

  3. Import the Mineplan (CSV or JSON file). If importing a CSV, this layer should be saved as a JSON file for later use and to save importing time.

  4. Use the Populate Mineplan function to populate the CutterResult shapes with a timestamp (pm) and Mineplan property information, including grades.

The Stacking module window provides several configuration tab options:

  • Progress Tab

  • Grid Tab

  • Misc Tab

  • Client Tab

10.2 Progress Tab

Click the Stacking Module in the Utility Menu. A window will appear with the Progress Tab open.


Progress Tab

Progress Tab


The Progress Tab displays a status indicator light for completed process stages.

  • Discretize

  • Mineplan

  • Populate Mineplan

Progress Indicator Lights Color Status

Process Red Indicator Light Green Indicator Light
Discretize
  • If the Model layer is empty or does not contain a 'panel' property
    		•
  • When a model file with the property type 'panel' exists
  • If the Grid tab’s Build button has been pressed
    		•
  • CutterResult layer is empty or does not contain 'gx' and 'gy' properties
  • If the Cut Contour with Cutters/Fillers function is run
    • NOTE: The Mineplan layer will be cleared after pressing Discretize
  • If the CutterResult layer has 'gx' and 'gy' properties
  • The Discretize button has been pressed
    		•
    Mineplan
  • Mineplan layer has not been loaded
    		•
  • Mineplan layer has been loaded
    		•
    Populate Mineplan
  • Populate Mineplan has not been run
  • If the Mineplan layer has been cleared or does not contain the 'dest' property
  • If the Discretize button is red
  • If the CutterResult layer is empty
    		•
  • If 'dest' is a property in the Mineplan layer
  • Populate Mineplan has been pressed
    		•

    10.2.1 Discretize Button

    The Discretize button separates the CutterResult shapes using the Model layer's grid and adds the block panel properties for each panel to the CutterResult layer.

    Clicking the For Model checkbox populates properties for full blocks that have their centroid in the CutterResult shape only. This option should be selected if the user intends to use their stacking design with the Heap Leach Recovery Model.


    Discretized CutterResult Layer (For Model Box Unchecked)

    Discretized CutterResult Layer (For Model Box Unchecked)


    After the Discretize process is complete, a confirmation message will appear, indicating the quantity of new blocks created. Select the OK option. If no blocks were created, the Discretize function has failed.

    In that instance the Model layer should be checked in the Drawing Window to ensure it encompasses the entirety of the CutterResult shapes (including elevation and spatially). The function should be re-run after this check.


    Discretize Confirmation Message

    Discretize Confirmation Message


    NOTE: Once the Discretize function has been executed, the Discretize button will be unavailable to use until the CutterResult Layer has been altered again.


    Unavailable Discretize Button

    Unavailable Discretize Button


    Grid Properties Assigned To The CutterResult Layer During Discretize

    Property Description
    fi Filler pn (e.g. c)
    gid Grid id (string) - a unique string for each grid point (e.g. 18 x 10, gx x gy) (default is X x Y, or data.gx + "x" + data.gy), gx and gy will be integers. Originates from the Model layer
    gx Grid x-direction sequence number (integer), common for all elevations, originating from the Model layer
    gy Grid y-direction sequence number (integer), common for all elevations, originating from the Model layer
    lt Property to contain the leach time value. Will initially be zero
    midx Panel X centroid coordinate
    midy Panel Y centroid coordinate
    midz Panel Z centroid coordinate
    on Property to contain the on-date value from the Solution layer. Will initially be null
    seq Panel sequence for stacking order (integer). Unique for each panel and elevation, originating from the Model layer

    10.2.2 Mineplan Layer

    Discretize will clear the Mineplan layer and the progress indicator button will be red in the Progress Tab.

    To load the layer:

    1. Click File > Open Model > CSV or JSON.

    2. Select a previously saved CSV or JSON file.

    This file must contain:

    • Ore Tons (otns)

    • Grade Information (au or ag)

    • Ore Type (ow, always a number)

    • Period Stacked (pm) in Excel serial (general) format, i.e. 43914

    If importing a CSV, the Mineplan layer should be saved out as a .JSON file for later use.

    10.2.3 Populate Mineplan Button

    The Populate Mineplan button in the Leach Stacking Progress Tab will distribute the Mineplan tons into each discretized CutterResult shape. The filler sequence, direction (dir), density (dens) and ow designations (ow_min and ow_max) are considered in this function. A message will appear stating how many panels have been populated, as shown.


    Panels Populated Message

    Panels Populated Message


    NOTE 1: The ‘sseq’ property is calculated during the Populate Mineplan function, sorting the CutterResult by 'cut_fill_num', 'seq', and 'z'. This builds the proper order to start assigning tons in a linear fashion. After the list is sorted, the function assigns the 'sseq', which is where it is in that sorted list (i.e. 'sseq' = 5 means that block would be filled 5th during the Populate Mineplan function).

    NOTE 2: The mid_x and mid_y are the center points of the grid location and are created in the CutterResult during the discretize function. During the Populate Mineplan function, these coordinates are assigned to the Mineplan records so that they are viewable.

    Properties Added to the Mineplan Layer

    Mineplan Property Description
    dens Density property of the filler that contains the block
    dest Combination of the pn_gif_z (e.g. LiftA_27x7_3060)
    fi Filler Phase name (pn) (e.g. LiftA)
    gid Grid id (string) - a unique string for each grid point (e.g. 18 x 10, gx x gy) (default is X x Y, or data.gx + "x" + data.gy), gx and gy will be integers. Originates from the Model layer
    lt Zero property written to the layer
    midx Easting center point of the grid location, created in the CutterResult during the Discretize function
    midy Northing center point of the grid location, created in the CutterResult during the Discretize function
    midz Panel elevation
    on Blank property written to the layer
    sseq Stacking sequence property
    swell Volumetric swell, contained in Project Settings
    z Panel elevation

    Properties Added to the CutterResult Layer

    CutterResult Property Description
    au &/or ag Grades contained in the original Mineplan
    imc Initial Moisture Content (used in leach modeling)
    pm Period Mined
    sseq Stacking sequence property

    10.3 Grid Tab

    The Grid can either use the project extents as the origin (decided when constructing the Base) or can be a smaller region within the Base layer extents. Once constructed, the Grid should be exported and logically named. For example, ProjectName_100x100_model.json describes a 100x100 foot grid. A descriptor can be added to this name for the lift height.

    10.3.1 Manual Grid Radio Button

    The radio button option Manual Grid uses the entries in this window.


    Manual Grid Entries

    Manual Grid Entries


    NOTE: When a project is saved, the grid tab entries are not retained. All inputs for this tab are saved as part of the Group file. It is recommended to create a new project with distinct Project Settings for designing and scheduling the Leach Module panels.


    The Grid tab includes several configuration options, which will be outlined in the following sections. Most are automatically populated by the Project Settings.

    10.3.2 Z Origin

    The origin specified here should be the lowest elevation of your leach pad. The Volumetric/Summary By Bench option in the Display Menu will display the lowest elevation of the shape. This elevation should be entered as the Z Origin.

    10.3.3 Lift Height

    The BenchHeight parameter in the Project Settings will determine the lift height. This can be changed by overwriting the value in the Grid tab.

    10.3.4 X & Y Direction

    The Direction specifies the direction in which the panel sequence (seq) numbers are ordered. Select the direction option from either the X Direction or Y Direction dropdown menu and then click the radio button to set the dominant direction.


    X and Y Directions Input

    X and Y Directions Input


    X and Y Directions Example

    X and Y Directions Example

    10.3.5 X Origin and Y Origin

    The X Origin and Y Origin are located in the bottom-left (Southwest) corner of the panels. The Preview button can be used to confirm and relocate this position.

    For reference, the viewExtentMin and viewExtentMax for the X and Y directions from the Project Settings are written in bold where the origins are entered.


    X Origin and Y Origin Preview Window

    X Origin and Y Origin Preview Window


    If the Fix box is ticked, the origin entries will be maintained in the Preview. Un-ticking this box allows repositioning in the Drawing Window. The X Origin and Y Origin will be initially populated by the Project Settings : viewExtentMinx and viewExtentMiny.

    NOTE: Using the CutterResult layer's All Contours (A) display, a preview of the grid position ensures that the entire heap leach pad is contained. When the desired position is found, without ticking the Fix box, simply click the left mouse button to save the positions in the Grid tab.

    10.3.6 Preview Button & Fix Checkbox

    The Preview button enables the user to view the defined grid's boundaries relative to the CutterResult position of the designed leach pad. The CutterResult should be displayed in the Drawing Window first, but it is usually displayed with All Contours to ensure the entire CutterResult layer is captured.

    Once all contours are displayed for the CutterResult, go back to the Grid tab and click the Preview button. The Grid tab will disappear from the display but can be accessed again.

    If the Fix checkbox is ticked, the origin of the displayed Preview will be as specified in the Grid tab. You can reposition the Grid in the Drawing Window by deselecting the Fix checkbox.

    Once the grid is positioned correctly and the left mouse button is pressed, the Grid tab's coordinates will update to reflect the new X Origin and Y Origin. The X and Y Number of Panels, and X and Y Panel Size entries will remain unchanged.

    10.3.7 X and Y Panel Size

    The X or Y Panel Size is initially determined by the entries in the Project Settings for Block X and Block Y. These entries may be overwritten.

    10.3.8 X and Y Number of Panels

    The X Number of Panels determine the X direction extent of panels created. The same can be said for the Y Number of Panels.

    10.3.9 Save Button

    Click the Save button to save the Grid tab entries to the project. The entries will be recalled with the opening of a saved group file (All (Model), All, Contour Group, Mineplan Group).

    10.3.10 Build Button

    This grid dataset will be used to represent the leach stacking model, which will be written to the Model layer when the Build button is pressed. The Drawing Window will display grid squares when it is refreshed and the Model layer is ticked on in the Layer Menu.

    Each leach elevation will display the a grid. The grid can be saved as a layer (JSON file) and reused by dragging into a project. It will be saved as part of a group file All (Model).

    Properties written to the Model layer during the Build function are written in the following table, common to all elevations:

    Build Function - Model Layer Properties

    Property Description
    gid* Grid id (string) - a unique string for each grid point (e.g. 18 x 10, gx x gy) (default is X x Y, or data.gx + "x" + data.gy), gx and gy will be integers
    gx Grid x-direction sequence number (integer), common for all elevations
    gy Grid y-direction sequence number (integer), common for all elevations
    la Layer reference property, 'mo' for the Model layer
    midx Panel X centroid coordinate
    midy Panel Y centroid coordinate
    midz Z origin of Grid. It is the encompassing elevation of the grid that will break up the CutterResult blocks
    pn Panel number of the grid square, common for all elevations
    seq Panel sequence for stacking order (integer), common for all elevations
    swell Volumetric swell, contained in Project Settings
    type Stacking 'panel' for the Model layer, will read 'panel'
    z Z origin of Grid

    *NOTE: The default nomenclature for the property 'gid' is X x Y, or 2 x 10. If the user would like 'Y' to be first for the gid, the Project Properties can be used to re-wrtie the gid for the Model layer: gid = data.gy + "x" + data.gx

    10.3.11 Provided Grid Radio Button

    This function is used to populate the grid with data from the imported DXF grid. When the Provided Grid radio button is selected, the lower portion of the entries will be removed from the Grid tab window. Manual entry is still required for the Lift Height, Z Origin, and Direction Portion.


    Provided Grid Menu

    Provided Grid Menu

    10.4 Misc Tab

    Misc Tab

    Misc Tab

    10.4.1 Append CutterResult

    This function gives the user an option to append their existing CutterResult shape by allowing them to load a .JSON file that will overwrite the shape already in the project.

    10.4.2 Leach Height

    When this button is pressed, two properties are populated throughout the CutterResult layers:

    • padZ: Elevation of leach pad base
    • lchHt: Elevation difference between pad base and current stacking elevation

    10.4.3 Solution Time

    When this button is pressed, two properties are populated throughout the CutterResult layers:

    • pm2: Date of the placed block above in model (ex. 47785)
    • pm3: Difference between date placed above and current block place date (ex. 12)

    10.4.4 Remove Duplicate CutterResult Shapes

    When this button is pressed, all duplicate shapes within the project will be removed.

    10.4.5 Assign Leaching Days

    When this button is pressed, one property is populated throughout the CutterResult layers:

    • ld: "Leach Days" which represents how many days the panel must stay under leach

    10.4.6 Remove CutterResult Shapes for > pm input date

    This function allows the user to type a pm value into the input box. Upon clicking the button, every CutterResult shape with an assigned pm value greater than the input value will be deleted. The user will see a notification pop-up upon completion of the function:


    Remove CutterResult Shapes - Pop-Up Notification

    Remove CutterResult Shapes - Pop-Up Notification

    10.5 Client Tab

    Client Tab

    Client Tab

    10.5.1 Export CutterResult MidZ

    Clicking this button exports information from the CutterResult layer to a .CSV file. For each section in the grid, it reports the following information:

    • Row number
    • Column number
    • Height (z)
    • Period Mined (pm)
    • midx
    • midy

    10.6 Solution Layer

    The Solution Layer is used to draw polygons that will demarcate where solution will be turned on and off during a project lifetime. It is important to keep in mind that solution shapes are not required to complete a stacking project, but should be kept in mind if the user intends to utilize Opencontour's Heap Leach Recovery Module.

    This section will give a brief overview on how solution shapes can be drawn and added to a project, but will be covered more extensively in Chapter 11 Heap Leach Model.

    10.6.1 Adding the Solution Layer

    To begin drawing on the Solution layer, the layer must first be added to the Layer Menu. To add the layer, Do this by:

    Clicking the grouped Add Layer function in the Main Menu, select the Add Solution Layer button. This adds and activates the Solution layer. This layer contains entries to populate the on, app_rate and lt properties in the CutterResult and Mineplan layers.

    Property Description
    z Elevation of the leach shape, the current elevation for the Update Solution function
    Max_z Top of the leach lift, the current elevation for the Update Solution function
    Min_z Bottom of the leach lift, max_z-BenchHeight (from the Project Settings). The polygon will not be visible at elevations below this entry.
    Cycle Chosen cycle. 1=Primary, 2=Secondary, 3=Tertiary or 4=Quaternary. Will default to the cycle option chosen for the Solution Layer in the Layer Menu
    on Start of leaching for the polygon, the values inside [] shows date value in general format. To display the calendar option, press the calendar icon
    lt* Leach solution time (days). Default is 120
    app_rate* Application rate, gmp/ft2 for imperial projects, L/m2/hr for metric.
    * Populated (if does not have an entry) by pressing the Update Solution button in the Solution tab

    10.6.2 Drawing Solution Layer Leach Shapes

    Polygon shapes can be built around the discretized CutterResult shapes using the Add Polygon Features button, on any elevation of the CutterResult layer with the Solution layer active. The polygon and its properties will be visible in the Drawing Window at the elevation in the Solution layer where the shape is drawn.

    Next, follow the below steps:

    1. Assign a cycle in the Layer Menu for the new polygon. Currently, there are six options to choose from:

      • Primary
      • Secondary
      • Tertiary
      • Quaternary
      • Drainage Zone
      • Infrastructure

    2. Choose a Solution Color in the Layer Menu for the shape drawn.

    3. On completion of drawing the shape, double-click. Use the Properties tool to query the drawn shape, as seen in the image below.

      NOTE: A solution layer feature’s properties can be viewed and edited at any time with the Solution layer active and viewing the properties display.

    4. Once the solution shape has been queried, the user should input the following values into the properties below:

      • on: The date at which the solution shape will be turned on, in serial format (e.g. 44675).
      • lt: The duration in days in which the solution shape will continue to output solution.
      • cell_id: Name/identifier of the solution shape.
      • max_z: The z-elevation of the solution shape at the top of the lift, should match with z property.
      • min_z: The z-elevation of the solution shape at the bottom of the lift, but not overlapping with the next lift of solution shapes.
      • cycle: Ensure that this property aligns with the correct cycle type.

      NOTE: Opencontour will warn users if their solution shape does not have a cycle property or if their min_z and max_z properties are not input correctly (i.e. min_z > max_z). In this case, a notification will appear and the user will be unable to save their solution shape.


    Solution Layer w/ Properties

    Solution Layer w/ Properties

    10.7 Stacking Procedure Overview

    This section will go over the general process flow for conducting Historical and Forecasting stacking projects.

    10.7.1 Stacking Procedure Types

    When starting a stacking project in Opencontour, there are specific steps the user must follow to successfully complete the project. A suggested folder structure is shown below:


    Suggested Folder Structure

    Suggested Folder Structure

    There are two categories of stacking:

    • Historical Stacking – It includes all material currently placed on the pad. The site will have surveyed as build DXF files to outline the stacking areas.

    • Forecast Stacking – Stacking future material, building on the Historical Stacking surface.

    These two methods of stacking will be detailed further in the following sections.

    10.7.2 Historical Stacking

    Step 1 - Base

    To create the Historical stacking project the starting topography, or Base, must first be created from as built surfaces, usually by importing supplied DXF’s into the Base layer. The final Base layer should be exported and clearly named for future use, e.g. Date_MasterTopo_base.json.


    Stacking Base Layer

    Stacking Base Layer


    During Base creation, the project extents, MidBench and BenchHeight and site density need to be considered and checked/saved in the Project Settings. The Base layer usually represents the liner topography.

    Step 2 - Lifts

    The lifts of each stage in the historical stacking are bounded by supplied as built surfaces (DXF’s). The DXF’s should be logically named, e.g., Stage1Lift1, or Stage3Lift2. The Import layer can be used to contain the imported DXF’s and the fillers can be drawn in their respective stacking order, guided by the Import layer contents.

    The lifts can be composed of several fillers. The shapes of the fillers depend on the stacking method used, i.e., truck or radial stackers. After the first lift is constructed in Opencontour it is advised that the user Cut Contours with Cutter/Filler.


    Stacking Lifts

    Stacking Lifts


    Step 3 - Grid

    The grid, as described in the Grid Tab, is stored in the Model layer in Opencontour. It will be used for each historical stacking project. The next step is to Discretize, as described in the color button reference of the Stacking Module.


    Model Layer Grid

    Model Layer Grid


    A good place to store the Grid file is under the Working, because it is used in both Historical and Forecast stacking projects.

    Step 4 - Mineplan

    Once the CSV file is created, it is imported into the Mineplan layer. This layer should be saved as a JSON file for later use and to save re-importing.


    CSV Import - Mineplan

    CSV Import - Mineplan


    The Populate Mineplan function can be run from the Stacking Module.

    After running the Populate Mineplan function the CutterResult layer should be exported and clearly named, e.g., LP30_EOM_YearMonth_CR.json. Save this in the folder 05_CutterResults.

    Store the entire project file, saved as an All (Model) type in the folder 04 Historical Stacking.

    Step 5 - Final Historical Stacking Project

    To combine each stage and lift into a single project a new project must be opened. Drag in the original Base created, e.g. Date_MasterTopo_base.json. Now drag in the CutterResult files for each lift and stage from the 05_CutterResults folder.

    Subsequent historical stacking can be added to this project, using the project’s CutterResult layer. A Solution layer should be added to this project.

    Step 6 - 3D Visualization

    An animation of the stacking project can be viewed in the 3D > Timeline viewer with shading and labelling from the properties in the CutterResult layer. The fillers should be stacked in their respective orders.


    Stacking Visualization - 3D Timeline Viewer

    Stacking Visualization - 3D Timeline Viewer

    10.7.3 Forecast Stacking

    The forecast stacking follows the respective steps described above, but with some differences explained below.

    Step 1 - Base

    In a new project for the forecast stacking, use the most recent export of the BaseResult from the Historical Stacking project as the Base (make sure the Base is active before dragging in the BaseResult file).

    Step 2 - Lifts

    The lifts of each stage in the forecast stacking are bounded by designed surfaces (DXF’s) and the procedure is like the process described above in the Historical Stacking section.

    Step 3 - Grid

    The previously constructed grid, e.g. ProjectName_100x100_model.json can be dragged in to the Model layer to discretize the designed fillers.

    Step 4 - Mineplan

    A CSV can be built using the forecast Mineplan data, using the properties previously described. This layer should be saved as a JSON file for later use. This will save time, rather than repeating the import process for a CSV.

    The Populate Mineplan function is run, with no adjustments in the filler densities.

    Step 5 - 3D Visualization

    An animation of the stacking project should be checked in the 3D > Timeline viewer.

    NOTE: If there are too many fillers in a single project, the user many choose to break it down into smaller, more manageable sub-projects. In this case, the created Opencontour project files for each should be logically named. Scripts and Reports can be run over the CutterResult layer to provide data on previously stacked and leached material, as well as forecast stacking.

    10.8 Tutorial Project A: Basic Stacking Plan

    This section is intended to help users set up a basic stacking plan within Opencontour within 15 - 20 minutes. This tutorial will be accomplished using the demo2 stacking project, and will cover material from earlier in this chapter.

    If you would like a copy of these project files to follow along with, please feel free to contact Opencontour support.

    10.8.1 Getting Started

    • The first step to any Opencontour project is navigating to the New Project button in the home menu
      • Give the project a name and description while here
    • The next step is setting up the Project Settings in the second window


    Project Settings Window

    Project Settings Window


    • Project settings can be manually input or imported using a .json file format

    10.8.2 Importing the Base Layer

    • The next step is to import an existing Base file that will be used in the project
    • Base layers contain general topography and elevation dataset
    • Drag the existing Base file into the viewer window
    • The viewer window should look like this now:


    Viewer Window w/ Loaded Base Layer

    Viewer Window w/ Loaded Base Layer

    10.8.3 Creating Fillers

    • After the Base layer has been loaded, the user may now begin creating the lift shapes that will be used in their stacking plan
    • This will be completed using a series of Fillers stacked on top of one another
    • For reference, this project had an assigned Lift Height of 5 meters

    Here are the steps that a user may take to create lifts in their stacking project:

    1. From the Toolbar, select Add Layer > Add Filler Layer

    2. Navigate to the the maximum elevation that the filler will be built from, as design is typically done top-down when creating filler lifts. Use the Bench input in the View Settings to save this elevation for reference

    3. Select the Add Polygon Features from the Toolbar and draw out the extents that the first lift will cover


    Filler Layer - Top Lift

    Filler Layer - Top Lift


    1. Once the polygon has been drawn, select the Choose Feature tool to highlight the polygon green

    2. In the View Settings ensure that the filler will be created Down. For this project, ramps are not necessary to include on the filler shapes, so set Ramp to 0

    3. With the polygon still highlighted green, select the Copy Cutter Up Level (1) tool. Continue doing this until the filler shape is completely submerged beneath topography.


    Filler Layer - Bottom Lift

    Filler Layer - Bottom Lift


    1. Within the Layer Menu, specify the following inputs for the filler layer:

      Input Associated Property
      Stacking Direction dir
      Phase Name pn
      Filler Color fillColor
      Minimum ow Input ow_min
      Maximum ow Input ow_max
      Density dens

    2. Repeat steps 1-7 until the user is satisfied with the amount of fillers in their project

    3. Once all fillers have been designed, select the Cut Contour with Cutter/Filler tool and ensure that the pop-up notification includes all desired fillers


    Cut Contour Notification

    Cut Contour Notification

    10.8.4 Creating a Grid

    • The next step of this project is to create a Grid
    • Press the Stacking Module button, then navigate to the Grid tab


    Grid Tab - Stacking Module

    Grid Tab - Stacking Module


    • The first step is to make sure that the button labeled Manual Grid is selected so that the user can input their own parameters
      • The user can also choose the Provided Grid button, which populates Opencontour's default grid
    • The next step is determining the Z Origin, which will be set to wherever the user wants the base of their pad to begin
    • The user will then determine their Lift Height, which is how many units of elevation they would like their stack to cover
    • Following this step, the user should enter the parameters for X Number of Panels and Y Number of Panels, which indicates how many panels will span in either coordinate axis
      • They should also input their desired X Panel Size and Y Panel Size at this step

    NOTE: The user should also be wary of the X Direction and Y Direction dropdown boxes, as they indicate the order in which the stack will be built.

    • After all these parameters have been entered, the user can now indicate where they want their X Origin and Y Origin to be oriented
    • For this walkthrough, the Preview function will be used to set the grid coordinates
      • The Preview function is used simply by clicking the button labeled Preview and selecting the origin within the window itself


    Preview Grid in Drawing Window

    Preview Grid in Drawing Window


    • Once the location has been selected, click the left mouse button once to set the origin. This will return the user to the Grid tab
    • Double check that all the settings are correct, then press Save and Build
    • To see the grid that has been created, toggle the Model layer on and tab through each elevation using the Q and W keys


    Completed Grid

    Completed Grid


    NOTE: Grids populate with multiple properties in the Model layer, which can be displayed via labels using the View Settings.

    10.8.5 Discretizing

    • Once the grid and each lift has been created, the user may now click on the Cut Contour with Cutter/Filler button
    • The user should now return the the leach stacking module and go to the Progress tab
    • Ensure that the For Model box is unchecked (for this project), then click on the Discretize button
    • Once the Discretize button has been selected, a pop-up message should appear that looks similar to this one:


    Discretize Confirmation Pop-Up

    Discretize Confirmation Pop-Up


    NOTE: If the user plans on utilizing the Recovery Model functionalities later in their project, they should check the For Model checkbox to the 'on' position.

    • Now, when viewing the CutterResult layer, the lift shapes should be sectioned out according to the applied grid:


    Discretized CutterResult Layer

    Discretized CutterResult Layer

    10.8.6 Importing the Mineplan

    • After the project has been discretized, the user should now import a Mineplan file into their project
    • To do this, navigate to File > Open Model > .CSV
    • A Mineplan File must contain the following fields:
      • Ore Tons (otns)
      • Grade Information (au, ag, etc.)
      • Ore Type (ow)
      • Period Stacked in General Date Format (pm)


    Import CSV Window

    Import CSV Window


    • Be sure to set the Layer option to Mineplan and filter out any unnecessary fields. Then click Import
    • Once the Mineplan has been successfully imported, save out the layer as a .JSON for future ease of access

    10.8.7 Populate Mineplan

    • Now that the Mineplan has been loaded into the project, the user can now navigate to the Progress tab again and click the Populate Mineplan button
    • When this function has finished, it should display with two pop-up windows:


    Populate Mineplan Pop-Ups

    Populate Mineplan Pop-Ups1

    Populate Mineplan Pop-Ups2


    • The Populate Mineplan button will assign additional properties to the imported Mineplan file such as:
      • Destination of Material (dest)
      • Grid ID Location (gid)
      • Stacking Sequence Number (sseq)

    • Additionally, it will assign the Mineplan information to the Discretized CutterResult shapes

    • To view the newly populated properties, navigate to Mine Design > Spreadsheet


    New Mineplan Properties

    New Mineplan Properties

    10.8.8 Visualizing the Stacking Plan in the 3D viewer

    • To view the stacking plan, go to 3D > Timeline
    • Once the 3D viewer is open, press the play button at the bottom of the window to see the order in which the lifts are stacked:


    3D Viewer - Stacking Plan

    3D Viewer - Stacking Plan


    • To learn more ways to view data within the 3D viewer, please read the 3D section in Chapter 4 Core Module