Define Grade Parameters

This command creates the grade parameter definitions for use with block models. This assigns each block to a category based on the attribute values to be used for block model viewing and reserve reporting. When the command is executed, you will be prompted to create a new file or open an existing file. After creating/selecting a file, the below dialog will appear. Note that the below example has been populated with ten grade definitions based on CAO percentage.

Clicking Add or Edit will open the Edit Grade Parameters dialog (shown below).

Grade Name: This text field sets the name of grade. The Grade Name will be displayed in the Block Model 3D viewer and in reserve reports. Grade Names may be used more than once if needed, but it is important to note that duplicate grade names will be reported only once.
The Name of the grade may appear on the list more than once, if several options exist to create a certain grade.

Color: This option sets the display color of the blocks.

Geologic Column Scaler: This value controls the width of the Geologic Column in the Draw Geologic Column command. Changing this value allows you emphasize certain grades by making them smaller or larger. Increasing this value will increase the width of the geologic column.

Density: This value controls the density of the blocks when calculating tonnage with Surface Mine Reserves and Underground Mine Reserves.

Pass Any Missing Strata Attributes: This checkbox determines how missing block values are used for categorization. For example, suppose a grade is based on both CAO and MGO content. With this option enabled, blocks that are missing MGO values can still be considered for grade classification. With this option disabled, blocks without MGO values will not be considered for grade classification.

The spreadsheet in this dialog controls the definitions of the grade. Grades may be defined with up to 50 attribute "tests", where each row of the spreadsheet represents a different test. Each row must contain an attribute name, an operator, and a value. The attribute name must perfectly match the attribute names found in the block model, otherwise an error occur. Attribute names may be entered manually, or by clicking the Set button. It is important to note that the Set button will only pull attribute names from the Attribute Definition File. An Attribute Definition File is not required to create this file, but if no Attribute Definition File is found, there will be no attribute names to choose from.

There are six Operators available for each test, shown below. It is recommended that each attribute be defined with an upper and a lower bound when appropriate. For example, grades that are defined by CAO values between 20 to 30 percent should have a lower bound of 20 percent and an upper bound of 30 percent.

• "<" Less Than
• ">" Greater Than
• "<=" Less Than or Equal To
• ">=" Greater Than or Equal To
• "=" Equal To
• "Not =" Not Equal To
  

Tests may be compounded with AND or OR relationships. For example, a WASTE grade could be defined as failing to have a passing CAO value OR a passing MGO value.

The Move Up/Down buttons control the order of the grade definitions. When the program analyzes a block model, the first grade in the list will be checked first. Any blocks assigned to this grade will not be considered for any other grade classification. Thus, the ordering of the grades can be used to your advantage when hierarchical tests are required.

The Draw Legend button places a legend in the drawing as shown here where the grade name is displayed next to the color sample in the legend. The user chooses the legend layer and size. This is useful after color hatching a fence diagram. Drawing the legend next to the fence diagram is a good reference to see the quality of the ore.

Prompts

Pick location for legend: pick location on screen
Layer name for legend <LEGEND>: Enter to select
Size for legend <20.0>: Enter or change size

Keyboard Command: DEFATTRF
Pull-down Menu Location: Ore
Prerequisite: Need to run Make Block Model, or Block Model Editor first to get the BLK file. Then define the quality/grade parameter values and their color scheme.