Webinar: K-MINE 2026 - One Software Platform for Mining Industry

## K-MINE 2026: Complete Mine Planning Software Platform Walkthrough

In this webinar, K-MINE's team walks through the full 2026 software release - an integrated mine planning platform covering every stage of the mining lifecycle, from exploration data management to production operations. The session demonstrates how geological modeling, pit optimization, mine design, production scheduling, and underground planning work within a single environment with no need to switch between separate applications.

The webinar begins with K-MINE's geological modeling module, covering database management, data validation, statistical analysis, composite sampling, and outlier detection. The demonstration covers implicit modeling using radial basis functions (RBF multiquadric) combined with the marching cubes method to generate 3D geological surfaces and solids from drillhole data. Users can model orebody limits using linear, spherical, or combined variogram models, define value ranges, and generate wireframe surfaces for polymetallic, porphyry, and other deposit types.

New features in the 2026 release include enhanced cross-section visualization, fault system modeling with automatic solid block generation between faults, and narrow vein deposit modeling using footwall/hanging wall surface creation with trend parameter support.

K-MINE supports four block model types: octree cubic (1/8 subblocking), cubic irregular with flexible subblocking, seam irregular (HARP - horizon adaptive rectangular prism), and seam cubic with percentage-based volume calculation. The selection depends on deposit type - seam models for stratified/coal deposits, irregular subblocking for vein deposits, and uniform block dimensions for mine planning.

The 2026 release introduces unfolding functionality for structurally complex deposits and kriging neighbourhood analysis (KNA) for geostatistical optimization of search parameters, discretization, block size, sample count, and negative weight management. Supported kriging methods include simple kriging, ordinary kriging, kriging with external drift, and cokriging.

Strategic mine planning begins with K-MINE's pit optimization module, based on the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm optimized for large block models. The demonstration covers the complete workflow: block model setup with topographic constraints, overall slope angle definition (by vector, geotechnical wireframes, or block model attributes), economic parameter configuration including revenue factors, exclusion zones, processing cost regression formulas, cutoff grade, recovery factors, dilution, ore loss, haulage costs linked to pit depth, and NPV settings.

Optimization results are presented as pit shells across revenue factor ranges with NPV metrics for strategic decision-making. The module supports sensitivity analysis with full independent recalculation for each scenario, pushback generation (automatic and manual), and initial scheduling based on block groups at bench/pit shell intersections.

The mine design module handles both manual and automated pit design workflows. Manual tools cover crest and berm construction, haul road and ramp creation, wireframe generation, volume calculation, and cross-section analysis. The automated design plugin supports pit construction from top-down or bottom-up with bench lists, contour line generation and smoothing, haul road placement with switchbacks, and waste dump design with upward-tapering geometry.

New features include a low boundary constraint wireframe for tabular deposits and integrated tools for combining pit and waste dump designs into a single wireframe environment. Design results can be compared directly with optimization calculations across multiple revenue factor scenarios.

K-MINE's scheduling module covers long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine planning using three distinct approaches. The automated solution search defines optimal extraction sequences based on target parameters and operational constraints. The excavator-based approach uses mining intensity adjustments per area with manual fleet control. The detailed excavator event approach positions real equipment with actual productivity across the pit, defining extraction sequences through event-based movement.

All approaches support haulage network integration for detailed transportation reporting including loading points, dumping points, material types, and route categories. Results are presented as block sets by planning period with wireframes, polylines, charts, and exportable tables.

The geomechanical assessment module combines limit equilibrium methods (Bishop simplified, Janbu, force polygon) with finite element analysis using the strength reduction method. Supported failure criteria include Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown. The module handles heterogeneous rock masses, groundwater conditions, weak layers, and external loads (static and dynamic). Output includes factor of safety, displacement maps, stress distribution maps, and exportable reports.

The drill and blast module covers blast block creation from bench geometry, drill pattern generation, explosive charge distribution, wiring/initiation sequence design with shock tube delay calculations, and pre-blast simulation. The dynamic blast simulation visualizes detonation sequence, rock breakage, fly rock zones, and safety zones with automatic warnings for equipment or structures within hazardous areas.

The grain size analysis tool evaluates post-blast rock fragmentation from photographs, providing fragment detection, size distribution histograms, and statistical summaries including oversized material percentage.

The surveying module provides a unified environment for geodetic data processing in both open pit and underground operations. Features include survey database management with full traceability, digital terrain model updates, volume calculation (solid-based, vertical section, and surface framework methods), and the blockout/developed ore volume calculation tool for production control and technical reporting. The module supports data import from major instrument manufacturers.

Underground capabilities include stope optimization based on block model evaluation to maximize ore recovery while controlling dilution. Engineers can configure stope shapes, dimensions, economic criteria, and compare multiple optimization scenarios with sorting, grouping, and comparative charts.

The underground design module provides parametric tools for creating levels, ramps, drifts, crosscuts, raises, and stope boundaries in 3D. Key features include automatic excavation network generation from stope optimization results, dynamic ramp design with real-time geometry recalculation, underground drill fan design with adjustable block boundaries, stope reserve calculation from block model intersection, and support material estimation using support passports.

The ventilation module supports network definition from actual mine geometry, fan configuration with performance curve evaluation, aerodynamic resistance calculation, airflow distribution analysis, and ventilation control using doors and regulators. The system calculates air consumption, air speed, dynamic resistance, depression, and other indicators for each working, with results exportable to Excel.

The infrastructure module serves as a centralized digital register for surface and underground assets, combining 2D/3D spatial geometry with structured technical data. It supports lifecycle tracking, document/photo linking, change monitoring, and integration with external systems such as ERP platforms.

Founded in 1994, K-MINE is an international team of mining professionals and technology specialists supporting projects worldwide. The company provides both software and consulting services, with qualified persons preparing technical reports compliant with NI 43-101, JORC, and SK-1300 standards across project stages from mineral resource estimation through definitive feasibility studies, with a focus on hard rock commodities and critical minerals.