This video demonstrates the K-MINE workflow for calculating the volume between two mining surfaces, combining geometric volume analysis with block model attributes to quantify extracted material by rock type and density. Built for mine surveyors, reconciliation engineers, and mine planners who need accurate monthly volume tracking. See full documentation and request a demo at k-mine.com.
Video transcription
Calculating the volume between two mining surfaces is one of the most common reconciliation tasks in open-pit operations. This K-MINE demo walks through the surface-to-surface volume calculation workflow, showing how to combine geometric analysis with block model attributes to evaluate mining progress by rock type and density.
Setting Up Initial and Updated Surfaces
This workflow is used to evaluate mining progress, estimate extracted material, and analyse geological data within the mined volume.
We start by displaying the current state of mining operations. The first surface represents the pit position at the beginning of the period. Next, we load the updated surface showing the new mining position. In this example, the difference between the two surfaces reflects approximately one month of mining progress. Several blocks have been extracted across different mining levels, creating the volume difference between the surfaces.
Integrating the Block Model for Geological Attributes
Next, we highlight the block model blocks located inside the excavated space. Using the block model allows us to include not only geometric volume in the calculation, but also geological information. This means results can be analysed by rock type and other geological attributes stored in the block model.
Configuring the Calculation
We move to the calculation settings. First, we set the primary surface — the initial mining position. Then, we set the secondary surface — the updated mining geometry. In the boundary field, we define a polygon that limits the calculation area. Only the volume inside this boundary is included in the analysis.
Next, we connect the block model and select the required properties. We define the density parameter for weight calculations and the rock type parameter for geological grouping. To control calculation accuracy, we set the grid step. In this example, the grid resolution is 2 m.
Reviewing Results
After running the calculation, K-MINE generates a summary table with all calculated mining and geological parameters. Results include total volume, excavation volume, backfill volume, and rock mass weight.
The table is fully flexible — columns can be filtered, sorted, and grouped depending on the analysis requirements. Finally, we sum the excavation volume column to get the total mined volume for the selected period.
This workflow allows engineers to quickly evaluate mining progress and analyse production results using both geometry and geological data.