New 21.2 Release
Alastri is pleased to announce the release of v21.2. This is the largest release of our suite of products ever and includes an entirely new Infrastructure Module and massive improvements to APS, especially around haulage.
Please consult the primary Alastri contract in your organisation to coordinate a time for your entire team to update to this version. Your organisation’s license administrator can unlock 21.2 for your organisation on the licensing site.
Upgrading to v21.2 of ATS and APS requires updates to your scripts. Consult your friendly Alastri Support team for assistance - it’s included as part of your subscription.
New Infrastructure Module
With 21.2, there is a new Infrastructure Module which unlocks additional features in Rapid Reserver, ATS, and in the future, APS. This module enables your site to track and model the impact of sensitive areas on the mine. Such sites include:
Heritage Sites
Dewatering Bores
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
It is possible to implement special blasting controls based on proximity to the sites, slow dig rates down sites, and more. With dewatering, it’s possible to now track when bores must be commissioned and decommissioned as mining through each bench progresses.
Learn more about the Infrastructure Module here.
This optional module is available through Alastri’s sales and support team, who you can reach by support@alastri.com.au.
Table of Contents
- 1 Production Scheduler - Improvements
- 1.1 Dynamic Haulage
- 1.2 Truck Optimisation
- 1.3 Delay Sequence
- 1.4 Sequence Reordering
- 1.5 Code Filters
- 1.6 Flow Optimisation - Minimum Rate
- 1.7 Chrono Data Sources - Production Blasting and Presplit Blasting
- 1.8 Custom Wall Activities
- 1.9 Improvement in Presplit Drill Hole Visualisations
- 1.10 Stockpiles - Force New Decisions
- 1.11 Stockpiles - Delays Between Reclaiming and Building
- 1.12 Properties Grid available in Destinations tab
- 1.13 Stockpile Build Targets
- 1.14 Expand Dependencies
- 1.15 Mining Agents Can Perform Ancillary Activities
- 1.16 Sequence Painter Enhancements
- 1.17 New Agent Icons
- 1.18 Import/Export Database Refinements
- 1.19 Dependencies Dialog Timestamp
- 1.20 New Label Formulas Available
- 1.21 Max Agent Rate in Gantt
- 1.22 Split on Level - Sources Lane
- 2 Tactical Scheduler - Improvements
- 3 Rapid Reserver - Improvements
- 4 Common Improvements - ATS & APS
- 5 Common Improvements - All Products
Production Scheduler - Improvements
Dynamic Haulage
Problem: Within the production scheduling planning horizon, it is not uncommon for the road network to change due to mining activities. Prior to version 21.2 of APS, it was not possible to model the dynamic nature of pit haul roads.
Solution: In version 21.2 of APS, Dynamic Haulage has been included in the Setup items. Dynamic Haulage works the same as it does in ATS and contains the same trigger types. More information regarding Dynamic Haulage can be found here.
Truck Optimisation
Problem: In version 21.1, we introduced the Truck Dispatch system, which was a significant improvement over the previous trucking system, which mixed instantaneous logic with TUM logic. When using the Truck Dispatch mode, it was highlighted that it was challenging to troubleshoot while the optimiser was doing certain things, i.e., sending material to a stockpile despite starving the crusher. This was a result of the schedule needing to complete two passes to assign the trucks. Other limitations existed around the period-based digger assignments.
Solution: In version 21.2, trucks have been included as part of the optimisation equation. Trucks are now automatically assigned to Agents based on how much revenue each Agent is making. The digger priority table in the calendar has been removed as cash flows dictate how trucks are assigned. More information on the subject can be found here.
This is the last major change to haulage in APS as it is now perfect with respect to how APS currently selects destinations.
Delay Sequence
Problem: It is common practice to model tramming delays for drills and, in some cases, diggers. The only way to achieve this in APS was to have multiple sequence bars containing one pattern and have delay bars inserted between them. This process is rather inefficient, and users lose the ability to quickly draw their sequence in one go using the sequence painter. If a pattern is delayed during the schedule, all delay sequence bars need to be repositioned, which is time-consuming.
Solution: A new Sequence type has been developed called a ‘Delay Sequence’, enabling users to insert delays directly between blocks chosen in the block picker. Users can configure the delays in the Sequence Painter UI or the properties panel of the selected sequence.
The type of delay to be applied can be set by either clicking in the duration box next to the pattern name and selecting the delay from the list or selecting a delay from the drop-down list of the multi-select window. Like the delay type, users can enter the delay duration directly in the duration box or the delay length input located in the multi-select window. Users can also insert delays at the start and end of the sequence by using the two buttons located on the far left of the toolbar.
Please note that ‘Can Skip Tasks’ is not available in the new Delay Sequence. Tramming delays should be directly related to travel distance between the predecessor and successor records. For this reason, it makes no sense to jump ahead as the delay duration may increase or decrease based on the location of the next selected record.
Sequence Reordering
Problem: If a user wants to reorder the blocks in the sequence, the Sequence Painter window would need to be launched for that sequence, and the records reordered. This process can get quite tedious if the order is constantly changing.
Solution: To help speed up the process, we have added the functionality to move blocks around directly in a sequences properties panel. Records can be repositioned using drag-and-drop or via the up and down buttons located in the toolbar.
Code Filters
Problem: Within one parcel, there can be a lot of variability in the grades. When this happens, we sometimes want the parcel's destination to be dependent on its grades. There may be a stockpile that houses HG material with a SiO2 value of over 4.0, HG material with a SiO2 less than 4.0 goes to another stockpile. Instantaneous grade targets can be used to try and manage this; however, they are not a hard constraint. As long as the average grade going to a destination meets the criteria, it will allow material to be sent there.
Solution: Code filters have been introduced to help enforce hard constraints when mining Agents select a destination. A Code Filter is an additional piece of logic evaluated when Agents select a destination rule to use. Code filters can either be added by Alastri in the extension, or created through the inbuilt Code Editor in the Destinations Rules step by end users. More information about Code Filters and how to construct them can be found at the following link here.
. For
Flow Optimisation - Minimum Rate
Problem: When the optimiser runs, it is a possibility that a digger will be selected to operate at a rate below the minimum threshold required to justify operating the digger.
Solution: It is now possible to define a minimum rate that a mining Agent can operate at. This option can be enabled in the Final Configuration step; enabling it will add a row per Agent in the calendar. When enabled, the minimum rate will be included as a binary variable in the optimisation. Note that using this function may slow the scheduling speed somewhat - measure it to see by how much.
Chrono Data Sources - Production Blasting and Presplit Blasting
Problem: When creating reports, it is not uncommon to include blast data; however, blast data is not an available Data Source inside Chrono Reports.
Solution: The Data Sources within Chrono reports have now been updated to include ProductionBlasting and PresplitBlasting. PresplitBlasting will only appear if the activity has been enabled within the project.
Custom Wall Activities
Problem: Within APS, it was not possible to schedule multiple wall-related activities on a wall section, such as Scaling → Rock Bolting → Shotcreting.
Solution: It is now possible to model up to 10 user-defined wall activities on a section of the wall. To use this functionality, the “Model Wall Panels” feature must be enabled, as well as enabling the creation of wall panels within the RR project. More information regarding Wall Activities can be found here.
Improvement in Presplit Drill Hole Visualisations
Problem: When PresplitDrilling and PresplitCharging are enabled, it isn’t easy to visually distinguish the drilled and blasted states.
Solution: The appearance of presplit holes has been reconfigured to make it easier for users to determine the current state of the activity. Two additional visualization options have also been given to the user in the “Production Mode Features” Step.
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Show Undrilled Holes | If enabled, when presplit drilling begins on a pattern, empty production holes won’t be laid out on the remaining area. |
Show Blasted Holes | If enabled, once presplit holes have been fired, the blasted holes will remain present on the pattern until blasting of the production holes occurs. |
Stockpiles - Force New Decisions
Problem: When stockpiles in a mutex set have a build target type, the “Hours between stockpile decision” input could cause loaders to remain on stockpiles that do not align with the new build targets. The result would cause a volatile grade curve for the stockpile build.
Solution: Once the state of the stockpile build changes, override the “Hours between stockpile decision” option and force Agents to make a new decision. This functionality can be enabled in the Stockpile Build Settings.
Stockpiles - Delays Between Reclaiming and Building
Problem: When a stockpile in a mutex set finishes reclaiming, the software can start dumping there immediately. In some cases, this is not practical as the tip head of the stockpile needs to be re-established.
Solution: Before a stockpile changes state, a delay specified in hours can be enforced. This functionality can be enabled in the Stockpile Build Settings.
Properties Grid available in Destinations tab
Problem: When analysing source blocks in the Destinations tab, it was not possible to review information on the record. Users would need to go and find the block in the Database tab to review information about it.
Solution: Provide the same Properties panel that is present in the Gantt tab. When a record is selected, its data will be shown in the Properties panel eliminating the need to source it elsewhere.
Stockpile Build Targets
Problem: As build targets were required to be set in the “Setup” tab, users couldn’t create scenarios with different build targets. Multiple copies of the project, all with different build targets, would need to be kept to analyse different scenarios.
Solution: A new tab, “Build Targets”, has been created in the main “Scheduling” tab, enabling users to set build targets within the selected scenario.
Expand Dependencies
The Expand setup task has been changed to apply a single Expand Distance. This expand distance is from the block in question to the dig blocks above it.
Mining Agents Can Perform Ancillary Activities
It is now possible to allow Mining Agents to perform ancillary activities, such as wall scaling.
Sequence Painter Enhancements
Additional functionality has been added to the Sequence Painter dialog. The new options include
Initial Agent Location - Show where the Agents are at the beginning of the Gantt sequence
Fully Mined Blocks - Toggle blocks that are 100% mined at the start of the Gantt sequence
Sequence Arrows - Visaully outlines the sequence of blocks selected in the sequence
Activities > Paint All - Allows the user to paint a sequence for multiple activities that may be assigned to a single Agent.
New Agent Icons
Several new icons are now available to be assigned to Agents, including Horizontal Drill, Hard hat (Geotechnical), and Cement Truck. It is also now possible to choose any icon for any type of equipment.
Import/Export Database Refinements
It is now possible to export/import all Database Refinement inputs from/into a project file.
Dependencies Dialog Timestamp
The Dependencies dialog now shows a timestamp which can be useful in tracking the point in time at which the dependencies apply to the schedule.
New Label Formulas Available
Several additional helper methods have been included in the custom label editor.
Max Agent Rate in Gantt
It is now possible to view the maximum and actual Nominal and Productive rates for an Agent in the Gantt. This information is shown visually in the Graphs lane as well as in the tooltip when hovering over the graph.
Split on Level - Sources Lane
To help improve the visualisation of data shown in the Gantt, it is now possible to aggregate blocks that are displayed in the “Sources” lane. Users can select the level at which they want to aggregate in the “Configure Gantt Display Options” dialog.
Tactical Scheduler - Improvements
Surface Importer
A new step has been introduced into ATS called “Surface Importer", allowing users to flag solids based on whether they sit above or below a surface. The step encompasses a table-like structure where table items can be organised within folders. Each table entry includes a surface, record filter, and flagging method. There are two possible flagging methods which are outlined below.
Type | Description |
|---|---|
Boolean | The software looks at a solid and determines how much, if any, sits above and below the surface. Users can select a database field that will store the result, as well as the result value. A threshold value is used to help resolve cases where a solid sits both above and below a surface. |
Percentage | The software looks at a solid and determines the percentage sitting above the surface. Users can select the database field which will store the result. |
Extension Data Sources & Parameters
Like APS, it is now possible to read external data sources into ATS cleanly and easily. A dedicated Setup step, Extension Parameters, can be enabled to load required data into ATS. Previously, this process either involved hardcoding file paths in the scripts or loading in file paths through the Refinements step. Once data has been loaded into the project, the data remains embedded in the project file until the data source is refreshed.
Dependencies
Several new Auto Rule Types have been created in the On Bench Dependency step to help speed up the schedule run time. Auto Rule Types from previous versions are still present. The table below outlines each of the Auto Rule Types now available in ATS.
None | No automatic dependencies will be created; the blocks may be mined in any order. |
|---|---|
Bearing | Dependencies will be created pointing the opposite of the direction specified, with more than one block is available at once |
Bearing Strict | Dependencies will be assigned such that the blocks will be released to honour the direction specified, while only one block will be available at once |
Branching - Or/And | Dependencies will be created branching out from the user's start point(s), while more than one block will be available at once. Both "AND" and "OR" dependency types are supported. |
Branching Strict | Dependencies will be assigned such that only one block is available at once and will be extracted in order of shortest distance from the starting point. |
Blasts - Or/And | Same as “Branching”, but the start points include any blocks marked as ramp shots, and dependencies for trim shots are automatically created. Both "AND" and "OR" dependency types are supported. |
Blasts Strict | Same as “Blasts”, but only one block is available at any one time |
Previous | Uses the dependencies assigned on the lift below or flitch above |
Custom Exports
It is now possible to create custom exports from within ATS. These reports are required when data can’t be extracted from the schedule using traditional export methods. As the export is created through scripts, it is possible to push data directly through to an external system provided there is a suitable means.
Point Solids
A new setup task has been created called Point Solids. Static dump and stockpile destinations can be visually represented by a closed 3D design file (“.00t”, “.dtm”, “.dxf”) instead of by the traditional Haul Infinity icons. These triangulations will then appear in the animation and dynamically update throughout the schedule to show the fluctuating capacity of the stockpile or dump. The list of point solids will be populated from Stockpiles and Dumps defined in the Stockpiles and Waste Dump steps. It is also possible to assign colours and filling bearings for the stockpiles and dumps.
Rapid Reserver - Improvements
Bench Preconditioning/Depletion Workflow
The workflow for Bench Preconditioning/Depletion has been updated to better model users typical usage of the functions. Bench Preconditioning was only intended to model ramp shots, contour shots, and sump shots. However, users were attempting to use this function to remove or send remnant material down to the bench below, which the tool was never intended to do and results in unexpected behaviour which users do not expect.
To address this, a second step called Bench Depletion has been added to allow users to send material down to the next flitch safely.
Bench Preconditioning
The Bench Preconditioning step is designed to work on the original Phase solid, not the depleted Phase solid. Material from a bench can either be sent to the bench above or removed. It is no longer possible to send material down in this step. This can be helpful when parts of the bench need to be drilled with the bench below, such as sump shots or ramp shots. More information about Bench Preconditioning can be found here.
Bench Depletion
The Bench Depletion step deals with material that exists within the flitches of the depleted phase solids. In Bench Depletion, material within a flitch can only be removed or sent to the flitch below. The intention of this step is to allow users to remove/push down any remnant material that may be present. It is important to know when the material is sent to the flitch below; it will be trimmed to the below bench’s silhouette. More Information on Bench Depletion can be found here.
Wall Panels
Within APS, it is now possible to model wall-related activities. These wall activities occur on wall panels which are required to be generated through RR. Inside the Phase Details step, this functionality can be enabled and configured. More information regarding Wall Activities can be found here.
Temporary Ramps
New functionality has been introduced to allow for better visualization of situations where a temporary drop-in ramp is used. Inside Rapid Reserver, the dig solid located inside a blast which is scheduled to be the temporary drop in location can be set up to have an azimuth. The solid will then be sliced diagonally in the specified azimuth direction which can be set in the Settings table of the dig solid. To help set the right azimuth value, an arrow will appear on the block reflecting the current azimuth value. To remove the azimuth value, the red cross icon next to the value can be clicked.
Once brought into APS or ATS, the dig solids will appear sliced. The upper solid will have the suffix “Upper” and the lower solid have the suffix “Lower”. These dig solids can then be scheduled like any other solid within the software.
New Silhouette Option on Phase Details
Silhouette Type is an option specifically for people who are importing polygons or construction lines which do not exactly match the phase, but are required.
For sites which are not designing their blasts in Rapid Reserver, it is now recommended to use “None” here.
Construction Line Import
It is now possible to use “[Name]” properties as Input Names, when importing construction lines into a project.
Period Plots
There are now two new options when using Rapid Reserver Period Plots:
Show Grid Lines - Ability to toggle grid lines when showing the block model
Clip to Silhouette - Ability to clip the block model to the solid silhouette
Common Improvements - ATS & APS
Parcel Priority
New options have been added to set Parcel Priority in APS and ATS, to allow for Mining parcels in a specific order for a given block.
Pivot Charts
Pivot Reports now have a Charts Tab in both APS and ATS.
Period Filter for Animation Exports
When exporting videos from the Animation tab in APS or ATS, it is now possible to filter by Period instead of exporting the entire video.
Support for Malformed Chrono Reports
It is now possible to have blank Chrono Title rows. It is also possible for a Chrono Title row to not have any children.
Chrono Report Options
Two new options show on Final Configuration (APS) and Haulage Configurations (ATS) which allow for displaying the Key and Units columns for Chrono exports.
Export Dialog Refactor
Export dialogs across the APS and ATS Animation tab have been refactored to provide users with a familiar look and feel where possible. Previously, some export types required two dialogs in order to configure the export. This has been streamlined to now only show one dialog where everything can be configured.
Dialogs that have been refactored include Export Period Solids, Export Stage Plan at Current Time, Export Stage Plans for All Periods, Export Polygons for All Periods.
Common Improvements - All Products
Note Icon
A mini note icon will be shown beside the setup task step if the setup task includes a note.
Mini note icon
Import/Export Setup Tasks
It is now possible to import/export settings for an entire setup task.
Import/Export from/to File
DXF Importer/Exporter Rework
Two new DXF extensions now exist across all products (where applicable); Modern AutoCAD 2013 DXF and Legacy AutoCAD 2010 DXF.
This was changed from a single DXF import extension type due to issues with triangulations with large amounts of vertices being rejected as they were not compliant with the strict definitions of the Autocad DXF specifications.
Shape Files
It is now possible to import and export Shapefiles (*.shp, *.shx, *.dbf) across all Layers/Overlays panels.
Support for MineSight Sub-Blocked Block Models
Added the ability to import Sub-blocked Block Models from MineSight.
Volume Report
There is now an option to display total volumes of closed solids from layers in the Layers panel.
Hatch Pattern Customisation
It is now possible to specify which hatch patterns to use in all products (other than Haul Infinity) for certain activities/items. It is also possible to choose not to apply a hatch pattern, making it impossible to visually distinguish between different types of blocks in some circumstances.