MATURITY MODEL

Grade Control Evaluation Guide

Date: Author: Document Revision:

11 Oct 2012 acQuire Research 1.0

CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Evaluation Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Evaluation Template ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Task Evaluation Guides ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Blasthole Sample Selection ................................................................................................................................. 7 Blasthole Sample Collection ............................................................................................................................... 8 Blasthole Sample Submission ............................................................................................................................. 9 Blasthole Geological Logging ............................................................................................................................ 10 Blasthole Sample Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 11 Grade Control ................................................................................................................................................... 12

INTRODUCTION
This document describes an evaluation methodology and suite of guides that can be used to appraise the maturity of different geology-related activities within operations. These guides can be completed by on-site staff members in the form of a survey, or by a visiting professional observing an operations behaviours. The methodology is designed to evaluate each activitys maturity using different methods. There are three key methods: a) the Maturity Index, b) the Task Description and c) Improvement Areas. These methods examine the activity from different angles and should align if the results are consistent. The final results can be combined to produce an overall appraisal of the geoscientific information management environment.

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation Procedure
The Grade Control processes are divided into different activities. Each activity is evaluated and its maturity is ranked independently from the other activities. An activity has an accompanying task evaluation guide that is used to appraise its level of maturity using two contrasting methods. Each method enables the reviewer to compare a task operators perception of their activitys maturity, the MATURITY INDEX, against a more detailed and targeted approach, the TASK DESCRIPTION. The two methods are designed to complement each other and identify inconsistencies. Each evaluation guide uses the same template. The template can be completed by either the task operator or an independent observer. At the completion of the evaluation, the results should be combined for all activities to create an overall synopsis.

Evaluation Template
The evaluation template is a single page and consists of five different sections. A single page enables the template to be approachable and concise.

DEFINITION TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Detail

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Y/N Supporting system

acQuire Excel Other

MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation) 1 2 3 4 5

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed Required Essential

These templates sections are: DEFINITION: This section briefly describes the activity without implying a particular approach to performing it. TASK OPERATOR: The task operator identifies who performs the activity within the organisation. TASK DESCRIPTION: The task description is a list of questions that target specific behaviours. Each question must be answered as YES or NO, and if YES then the supporting system should be selected. The supporting system is the main tool used to complete the task referred to by the question. MATURITY INDEX: The maturity index is a sliding scale that targets the perception of the task operator with regards to the maturity of the activity. 1 - No formal procedure, completed by individuals in isolation. 2 Little formal procedure, completed by individual but aware that others are involved. 3 Attempts to formalise procedures and collaborate with others. 4 Formal procedures are in place and adequate, working solutions are operating. 5 - Formal procedures and solutions in place that improve productivity.

Only one category should be selected. IMPROVEMENT AREAS: The improvement areas identifies where the task operator perceives there to be failures in the current procedures and opportunity to be improved. These areas should align with the maturity index and task description sections. Inconsistencies should gauge the reliability of the evaluation.

TASK EVALUATION GUIDES

There are individual evaluation guides for the common tasks related to grade control drilling. The guides cover: Blasthole Sample Selection Blasthole Sample Collection Blasthole Sample Submission Blasthole Geological Logging Blasthole Sample Analysis Grade Control

Each guide follows the methodology described previously

Blasthole Sample Selection

DEFINITION The Blasthole Sample Selection task involves the definition of what material must be taken for analytical and physical tests from blastholes within a shot. Sample selection identifies key blastholes according to geological and grade criteria. A subset of the blastholes material is then chosen according to a set of sampling rules. This material is considered to be a representative sample of that blasthole. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Detail

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Y/N Supporting system

Are there defined rules for sampling a shot? Are samples defined by a geologist as they inspect the shot in the pit while considering a set of rules? Is the shot inspected first, followed by a geologist defining samples in the office while a set of rules are enforced? Are the selected samples recorded on paper as a list? Are the selected samples recorded on paper as a 2D plot? Are the samples recorded in a database before sampling occurs? Is a printed (not hand written) report/plot of the samples used by the pit technicians to guide sampling? Is there a review of the samples taken against the sampling rules? MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

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Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel

Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

Sampling follows a simple set of rules and is performed by pit technicians without a geologists involvement.

A geologist defines the blasthole samples on a paper plot for the pit technicians to follow.

The geologist defines the blasthole samples and records them in an XLS. The samplers use a paper plot to guide them.

A geologist defines samples and stores them in a database. They are checked against rules. A sampling sheet and plot are generated for pit technicians.

The geologist defines and records blasthole samples digitally. The pit technicians view the blasthole samples digitally on a computer.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

Blasthole Sample Collection

DEFINITION Blasthole Sample Collection involves the physical collection and identification of samples. Samples are usually a subset of the material extracted from a blasthole during drilling. It must be collected using a technique that attempts to ensure that the sample is representative of the entire bench interval. Each sample is packaged and tagged so it can be identified before being sent to a laboratory for testing. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Detail

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Y/N Supporting system

Are there pre-labelled sample bags? Do the pre-labelled sample bags have the sample ID on them? Do pre-labelled sample bags have reference information such as bench/shot/holeno on them? Is a 2D plot of the shot used during collection? Is it easy to view what samples have been collected? Is there a digital and/or paper record of collected or missing samples? Do you make a record as each sample is collected? Do you reconcile collected samples against the sample sheet? MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

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Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel Excel

Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

Samples are collected and placed into unmarked bags. Sample IDs are written on to the bag. No record is kept.

Samples are collected and IDs are written on to the bags. A paper record is kept of what samples were actually taken.

Samples are collected and IDs are written on to the bags. Sampling records are kept in XLS and used to review the activity.

Samples are collected and placed into prelabelled bags. Sampling records are kept in a database and used to review the activity.

Samples are collected and placed into prelabelled bags. Records are captured during sampling and stored in a database for revision.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

Blasthole Sample Submission

DEFINITION The Blasthole Sample Submission task gathers samples, assigns instructions and constructs a dispatch to send to a laboratory for testing. It involves the creation of the paperwork, contacting the laboratory and physically preparing the samples for transport. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Detail Do you create a submission by selecting samples from a single list of all available samples? Is there a print out of the sample submission? Are lab instructions included in the submission? Is there a record of what samples were physically included in or missing from the dispatch (i.e. a manifest)? Is the dispatch manifest kept digitally? Is there a record of when the dispatch is sent, by whom etc..? Is the dispatch departure log kept digitally? Is it easy to view what samples have been dispatched? Do you receive a record of the samples that arrive at the lab? Do you reconcile received samples versus the manifest? Do you perform this reconciliation digitally? Y/N Supporting system acQuire Excel

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Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

Each shots samples are grouped and sent as a single dispatch. Paper records are kept. The lab is not contacted.

A shots samples are sent as a single dispatch. A record is kept in a separate XLS for each shot. The submission sheet is emailed to the lab.

A shots samples are sent as a single dispatch. A shared XLS keeps a record of all samples and their statuses (sent, missing, etc.). The submission sheet is emailed to the lab.

A database keeps a complete record. A dispatch is designed online. Each samples status is kept. The dispatch departure is stored and the lab receives the submission sheet.

A database keeps a complete record. A dispatch is designed online. Dispatches are checked as they are prepared. Lab sends records of received samples for reconciliation.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

Blasthole Geological Logging

DEFINITION The Blasthole Geological Logging task involves the logging of geological properties of the blasthole samples. Geology is recorded for each blasthole, according to a logging procedure that defines what properties should be logged and how they should be described. The data are stored for later use by grade control, resource estimation or sampling activities. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Detail Is there a defined geological logging procedure? Are you guided digitally by the procedure while logging? Have there been multiple logging procedures over time? Is the logging recorded on paper and entered afterwards? Is the logging recorded digitally as the samples are logged? Is the logging performed on a 2D plot of the shot? Do you perform logging disconnected from the network? Do you transfer the logging into the database after it is complete? Is bench geology interpreted during logging? Are you able to partially log a shot at different times? Is the geological logging compared to analytical results? Is there a formal approval process for logging? Y/N Supporting system acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel

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Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

Blastholes are logged onto paper and manually entered into a personal XLS.

Blastholes are logged onto paper and manually entered into a shared XLS. Basic validation occurs when entering the data but errors can remain.

Blastholes are logged onto paper and entered into a database. The database validates the logging and forces any errors to be corrected.

Logging is done digitally and downloaded upon return to the office. Validation occurs during logging. Formal approval is needed before distribution.

Logging is done digitally. It is validated and stored in the database during logging. Formal approval is needed before distribution.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

10

Blasthole Sample Analysis

DEFINITION The Blasthole Sample Analysis task involves the monitoring and reception of analytical results from a laboratory. It includes the tracking of labjob progress, management of preliminary/certified results and QA/QC checks. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Detail Are you able to view the status of pending labjobs online? Are you able to re-prioritise a labjob? Are results sent to you by the lab automatically when they are ready? Are you able to request results from the laboratory in an unattended manner? Are results stored in a central location? Do you reconcile dispatched samples versus received results? Do you do QA/QC checks before using the results? If results fail QA/QC then do you request reanalysis? Is a digital record of the QA/QC stored against the results? Do you track and mix preliminary with certified results? Are you able to easily revert or disqualify erroneous results? Is analytical metadata stored with the results (method, etc)? Y/N Supporting system acQuire Excel acQuire Excel acQuire Excel

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Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

Results are emailed back when they are ready (using Excel). They are copied into a mine planning package manually.

Results are emailed back when they are ready (in Excel). They are checked against the dispatch and stored in a single Excel book.

Results are emailed back in Excel then they are compiled into a database. Simple validation occurs during import.

Labjobs are monitored manually. Results are emailed and compiled into a database. QA/QC procedures detect any significant errors.

Labjob progress is viewed online. Results are sent directly into the database. QA/QC validates results before becoming official and distributed.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

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Grade Control
DEFINITION Grade Control requires reliable and easy access to blasthole sample results. The results can be used by a grade control or mine planning package. Generally, the results are not modified during this task although it may be necessary to attach notes to a shot or blasthole. TASK OPERATOR (Tick one or more options)

Shared support staff Dedicated support staff

Mining professional Contractor

Other None

TASK DESCRIPTION (Answer each question and indicate the supporting system) Detail Are blasthole results exported to a text file and imported into another package for processing? Are multiple copies kept of these export files? Is there an official, labelled export that is distributed to all? Is there one procedure used to access results by everybody? Does each export have the same structure and columns? Can you easily determine what has changed between exports? Do you have to re-export to view other properties of the blasthole sample results? Do you only export official results and ignore non-official data? Can you access new results directly from within the grade control packages? Y/N Supporting system acQuire Excel

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Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other

MATURITY INDEX (Tick the option that is closest to your situation)

A personal copy is manually obtained by each staff member whenever the results are needed.

Each staff member gets a copy but maintains their own official registry of exports for their activity.

A single staff member creates and distributes exports. Each export may be customised for each activity.

Exports are controlled and labelled uniquely. There is only one official copy of each export. The official copy has the same structure.

Official results are access directly from within each package. There are no exports or copies.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS (Rank the attention required by each area) Area Operator development and training Supporting systems and tools Operating procedures Data management practices Naming and identification standards Organisation and coordination Not Needed

Required

Essential

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