Evolution Help

Product Overview

Maptek Evolution is an enterprise mining application that generates scheduling solutions for short-term, mid-term, and long-term planning. Use Evolution to consider different scenarios using similar input model data and compare results in terms of productivity and grade, haulage, and waste landform optimisation.

There are three separate scheduling modules in Evolution:

Strategy

Strategy scheduling is designed for strategic mine planning with a focus on cut-off grade optimisation and maximisation of net present value (NPV).

For more information, see Introduction to Strategy.

Origin

Origin scheduling is designed for life-of-mine to short term schedule planning solutions. Origin schedules are specifically designed for haulage, blending, and waste optimisation solutions. There are two main types of schedules from this module:

  • Origin Blocks that are derived from block models.

  • Origin Solids, also known as Origin Reserve, that are derived from solid models.

For more information, see Introduction to Origin Blocks and Introduction to Origin Solids.

Epoch

Epoch scheduling is designed for short-term scheduling solutions. It is most suitable for schedules of up to 18 months. It allows you to add equipment and assign it to activities and tasks. Epoch schedules are derived from solid models or dynamic solids pits.

For more information, see Introduction to Epoch.

There is one pit module in Evolution:

Phase

Use the Phase module to convert shells into stages. This module is designed to generate mineable stages that maximise the NPV of the models.

For more information, see Introduction to the Phase Module.

Navigating the Help

If you're new to Evolution, we recommend that you explore the following topics:

  • Creating a New Project

    To start using Evolution, you will need to create an Evolution database known as a project. Alternatively, if you’ve already created a project, you can follow the steps in Opening an Existing Project to get started.

  • Interface Overview

    Learn about the user interface and the Evolution ribbon.

  • Models

    Before configuring your setup, you will need to import or create models that represent your pits, waste dumps, stockpiles, and road networks. You will use the information stored in these models to configure your setups.

Evolution workflow

Building an Evolution mining schedule involves several core steps, with the specifics varying according to the type of schedule required. These steps are outlined below. Follow the links for more detailed instructions relating to each step.

  1. Create a setup

    The first step in generating your schedule is to create a scenario, which we refer to as a setup. You can create multiple setups within a single project using the same or similar input data. Each setup you create is stored in the project explorer. The way you create a setup depends on the type of schedule you are generating.

    Learn more about creating setups in each module:

  2. Configure the setup

    Once you have added a setup to your project, you can begin configuring it. The way you configure your setup depends on the type of schedule being generated. However, some key elements are common to all setup types, as shown in the image: the setup configuration tabs and the workspace. Each tab represents a different aspect of the setup to configure. Select a tab to open its workspace.

    Learn more about configuring setups in each module:

  3. Validate the setup

    After configuring the setup, you must validate it to ensure everything has been set up correctly. Only basic validation is required to submit a setup for schedule generation; however, if you want a more comprehensive check, you can run advanced validation. Any errors or warnings will appear in the Output window, as shown below.

    Learn more about validating setups in each module:

    Note:  Validation procedures are the same for all types of setups.

  4. Generate a schedule

    Once you have validated your setup, the next step is to generate your schedule. If you are generating a schedule from Origin or Strategy, the process runs on the server and the results are downloaded when complete. In contrast, Epoch schedules are generated using the Evolution client program, and their results can be viewed as they are generated.

    Learn more about generating schedules in each module:

  5. View the schedule

    Now that the schedule has been generated, you can view the results. For Epoch schedules, results are visible as they are generated. Other schedule types must be downloaded before they can be viewed.

    Learn more about viewing schedules in each module:

  6. Analyse the schedule

    Once you have generated and downloaded a schedule, you can evaluate the results using pivot reports. Epoch uses pivot reports through the live dashboard, which can analyse results as soon as they are processed. For other schedule types, you can export the results to CSV format and evaluate them in an external program such as Microsoft Excel.

    Learn more about analysing schedules in each module: