Master Pushback Creation in K-MINE

Hello, and welcome! Today, we’re diving into how to manually create Pushbacks in the K-MINE environment.

To get started, you’ll need a completed optimization script and crest boundaries for the Pushbacks. These elements are essential as they form the foundation for the entire process. Each boundary is an extension of the previous one, sharing common points and ensuring seamless transitions. In this example, we’ll be working with five boundaries to create five Pushbacks. It’s important to ensure the boundaries cover the required areas of the optimized pit.

The first step is to add a new element to the project tree: “Add Pushbacks Manually.” Here, you’ll select the price adjustment coefficient and specify the number of Pushbacks. You can also define what happens to blocks that fall outside the defined boundaries.

Next, assign each boundary to the correct Pushback number. Accuracy in sequencing is crucial because each Pushback represents a distinct set of connected blocks. Incorrect sequencing can lead to inaccurate results, so take care to get this step right.

K-MINE provides advanced tools to enhance flexibility. You can use Surfaces and Solids as boundary limits, with options like Inside, Outside, Above, and Below. Blocks can also function as inclusion or exclusion zones with settings like “Considering Sequence” and “Inside Boundary.” Additionally, you can apply elevation limits to further refine each Pushback.

Once the boundaries are set, navigate to the CapEx section to input the numbers for capital and other costs. This step ensures that each Pushback is tied to accurate financial parameters.

After everything is configured, click “Calculate” to generate results. Each boundary will define a specific set of blocks for its corresponding Pushback, and you can view these in Accumulative or Incremental modes. K-MINE offers intuitive options to display these results for better clarity and analysis.

Detailed outputs are available, providing insights similar to optimal contour calculations but customized for Pushbacks. These results are presented in Accumulative, Differential, and Incremental modes, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the mining sequence.

Pushbacks aren’t complete without wireframes! Wireframes are essential for visualizing each Pushback. Select the boundaries, and with a single click, you can generate all the wireframes at once. Each wireframe corresponds to its respective Pushback, and for enhanced visualization, you can use the “Random Color” option in the Wireframes settings within the Pit Optimizer module. This feature makes it easy to view the mining sequence step by step.

Finally, record your calculation results to the block model. Click “Record to Block Model” and choose a field to store information about which blocks belong to which Pushback. Assign names, record the data, and verify the results.

To confirm accuracy, use the “Set Properties” command. Select the desired Pushback in the recorded field, and it will be visualized separately from others. This ensures everything is working as intended. You can also display Pushbacks in different modes using the “Contains” display option, allowing for deeper analysis and better insights.

With these steps, you can confidently create and manage Pushbacks in K-MINE. Try it out, refine your process, and enjoy the results!