FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to predicting ore-block movement and in particular to predicting ore-block movement caused by blasting.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily as a method of predicting the locations of postblast ore-blocks in the context of mining operations and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Any discussion of prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0005] Blasting is used in mining operations to dislodge and break apart large amounts of rock from a bench containing target ore such as iron ore, gold, copper, and other minerals. Blasting often results in the movement of rock from one location to another. The movement of rock is dependent on confinement conditions, blast design, blast geometry, as well as other factors. The blasting process normally involves drilling blastholes in the target area of rock, inserting explosives into the blastholes, and then triggering the explosives to cause the blast. Pre-blast, blast and post-blast rock and ore-block geometry can be analyzed in 3D space by using polygon displacements during blasting.

[0006] Rock movement during blasting can lead to ore loss and dilution if rock and ore-block polygons are not adjusted from their pre-blast to their post-blast boundaries and locations. Ore dilution occurs when miscategorised waste material is excavated and sent for processing or stockpiling for processing at a later date. Ore loss occurs when miscategorised ore is excavated as waste and is dumped in waste piles. Another type of miscategorisation occurs when different ores are unintentionally mixed and processed together. Blasted ore-block polygon boundaries and locations are not commonly adjusted or predicted for blast movement in mining operations. [0007] Blast rock movement can be predicted using computer-based modelling techniques. These are computationally intensive, take a considerable time to produce results, and require a highly skilled operator to set them up and interpret the results.

[0008] A known method for adjusting post-blast ore-block polygon boundaries and locations includes using an electromagnetic transmitter called a Blast Movement Monitor ("BMM"). These transmitters are activated and positioned in the blast zone prior to blasting. Post-blast an operator traverses the resulting muck-pile and estimates location and depths by detecting the electromagnetic signal strength of a BMM with a dedicated BMM detector. BMMs are expensive and susceptible to be destroyed by blasts and wasted. Hence, operators use only a limited number in operations production blasts. Further, the data from BMM's may not be representative of the entire blast area. This method is time consuming, costly and can be hazardous to the operator.

[0009] Another known method involves using visual markers such as PVC pipes and by coloured stemming material. Post-blast recovery and tracking of these markers is inefficient and time consuming.

[0010] Yet another known method is by using RFID tags. It is generally not considered to be accurate even when used in combination with triangulation. Predicting ore-block movement requires the ore to undergo primary crushing before RFID tags can be detected. For this reason, the information generated by this method cannot be used to adjust post-blast ore-block polygon boundaries prior to excavation.

[0011] Yet another known method involves using sensors which are required to be placed in corresponding holes around the blast site.

[0012] Generally, known methods require every blast to be monitored.

AN OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an on object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [0014] It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a simple, fast, safe, inexpensive, and effective way of adjusting and/or predicting post-blast ore-block polygon boundaries and locations so that the operators can apply it without interrupting production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for predicting post-blast ore-block locations within a blast including the steps of: acquiring post-blast ore-block location data; calibrating a simulation model for predicting post-blast ore-block locations, the simulation model being calibrated by means of the post-blast ore-block location data; and simulating one or more blasts by means of the simulation model; predicting one or more post-blast ore-block location within a blast by means of a predictive algorithm adapted to select at least one model blast simulation indicating a likely post-blast ore- block location.

[0016] Preferably, the post-blast ore-block location data is site-specific.

[0017] Preferably, the method includes a step of adjusting one or more simulation model parameters by means of the error between the predicted post-blast ore-block location and a measured post-blast ore-block location.

[0018] The simulation model preferably includes one or more blast movement vector V _p values corresponding to one or more position-points P.

[0019] The blast movement vector V _p is preferably a function of one or more of the following: rock properties; confinement; explosive type; delay timing; blast geometry; location in the blast; and blast energy.

[0020] Preferably, the simulation model is adjusted to reduce the error towards 0 by means of the formula:

[0021] The ore-blocks are preferably modelled by means of polygon geometry. [0022] The blast simulation is preferably a discrete element simulation.

[0023] Preferably, the discrete elements are lm ³ to 2m ³ ore-block segments connected to each other by simulated springs.

[0024] The predictive algorithm preferably includes one or more of the following functions: blast energy function; confinement condition function; location function; blast movement function; blast movement direction function; and post-blast position-point P coordinates function.

[0025] Preferably, the blast energy function predicts the blast energy E _p of one or more positionpoints P in a blast, the function including one or more of the following equations: E _p = ( Eb1 + Eb2 + Eb3) /3; E _bh = E _t h * Pe * m * BME%; BME% = K ₁ * (Y / P _b ) ^K2 ; and P _b = 0.25 * p _e * VOD ² .

[0026] Preferably, the confinement condition function is applied according to the following steps: selecting a position-point P; identifying a confinement type from the following list: free face; partial confinement; and full confinement, identifying a free-face closest to position-point P; assigning a confinement type to position-point P, and the confinement condition function is expressed in the following formula: Confinement Condition C _p of position-point P =f(minimum distance of P from the free-face, confinement at the nearest free-face point).

[0027] Preferably, the location function assigns a Location _p in a three-row location scheme by reference to a free-face Xf and a back-face Xb such that: if Xf < D ₁ = one or more front row; if Xb < D ₂ = one or more back row; and if Xf < D ₁ and Xb < D ₂ = one or more middle row, wherein D ₁ and D ₂ are user-defined site-specific parameters.

[0028] Preferably, the blast movement function predicts blast movement vector V _P of a positionpoint P according to the formula V _P = fa * Ln (Energy _P ) + fa to thereby output blast movement vector V _P , wherein: Energy _P is the blast energy at position-point P; and fa and fa are fitting parameters for a Confinement Condition C _P at position-point P.

[0029] Preferably, the blast movement direction function predicts the blast movement direction of a position-point P by the steps of: identifying the nearest blasthole BH from a position-point P; acquiring firing timings from all BH in the blast; identifying blastholes BH _1, BH ₂ , and BH ₃ ; identifying the respective locations of BH _1, BH ₂ , and BH ₃ by means of Northing and Easting, the locations being identified according to one or more of the following conditions: the distance between BH and BH _n < 2 to 4 * burden; wherein burden is a minimum distance from a blasthole to a free face; and timing of BH > timing of BH„, determining the bearing θ from BH to each of BH _1, BH ₂ , and BH ₃ according to the formula: bearing from BH to BH _n, (θ _n ) = atan2 (Northing BH - Northing BH _n ) _, / (Easting of BH - Easting of BH _n ); and predicting the blast movement direction of position-point P ( θ _p ) according to the formula θ _p = (θ ₁ + θ ₂ + θ ₃ ) / 3.

[0030] Preferably, the post-bast position-point P coordinates function predicts one or more postblast position-point Pb of a position-point P according to one or more of the following formulas: P _bNorthing = P _Northing + Vp * COS θp; and PbEasting ⁼ PEasting + Vp X Sin θp.

[0031] The method for predicting ore-block locations preferably employs a blast movement monitoring system including one or more electronically-locatable position-point P tracking tags.

[0032] Preferably, while ore is being excavated from a post-blast ore-block the predicted position of the one or more position-point P tracking tags or other sensing methods is compared to the location of the one or more excavated position-point P tracking tags or other sensing methods, the model for predicting post-blast ore locations being adjusted by reference to the error between the predicted location of the one or more position-point P tracking tags or other sensing methods and the measured location of the one or more position-point P tracking tags or other sensing methods.

[0033] Preferably, the shape of the post-blast ore-block is marked out on the face of the post-blast location.

[0034] The shape of the post-blast ore-block is preferably marked out in spray-paint by an automated unmanned vehicle.

[0035] In another aspect to the invention, there is provided Machine-readable code containing one or more sets of instructions for implementing a method for predicting post-blast ore-block locations.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a distributed system for predicting post-blast ore-block locations including: machine-readable code containing one or more sets of nstructions for implementing a method for predicting post-blast ore-block locations; one or more database; one or more GUI.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a flowchart diagram of the steps according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the simulation model for predicting post-blast ore-block locations showing vector functions Vp=f ( );

[0040] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the predictive algorithm adapted to select the most likely postblast ore-block location, the block diagram showing the functions of the predictive algorithm;

[0041] Figure 4 is a 2-dimensional diagram of position-point confinement conditions in a bench;

[0042] Figure 5 is a 3-dimensional diagram of assigned position-point P location in a bench;

[0043] Figure 6 is a 3-dimensional diagram of blast directions from a blast-hole and position-point P; and

[0044] Figure 7 is a 2-dimensional map showing a pre-blast ore-block polygon location and a postblast ore-block polygon location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Referring to Figure 1, the method 1 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations firstly involves acquiring post-blast ore-block location data in the form of site-specific data 2 (ergo bench data), including bulk blast-movement data, point blast-movement data, and any other relevant data. The data is acquired by standard field measurement techniques from the field (ergo mine-site). Bulk blast movement data can be obtained using high speed videography, regular videography, and muck-pile surveying using laser or other applicable techniques. Point blast movement data corresponding to position-points P 4, as best seen in Figures 4 to 7 , can be acquired using BMMs, poly pipes, coloured rock, video analysis, or other applicable techniques to measure specific position-point P 4 ore-block and/or bench 6 movement.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, the acquired data is then used to calibrate 8 a simulation model 10 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations, the model 10 being shown in Figure 2. The simulation model 10 shown in Figure 2 uses blast-movement vector V _P 3 shown in Figure 7, which correspond to position-points P 4, shown in Figures 4 to 7, to model dynamic relationships between the blastmovement vectors V _P 3 and position-points P 4 at the blast site (not shown). The number of position-points P 4 depends on the location. A smaller zone may require fewer position-points and a larger zone may require more position-points P 4. Each vector V _P 3 is a function of parameters shown in Figure 2, being rock properties 10A, ore-block confinement 10B, explosive type 10C, delay timing 10D, blast geometry 10E, and blast energy 10F. Referring now to Figures 4 to 7, positionpoints P 4 are tracked with electronically-locatable position-point P tracking tags (not shown), but can be tracked with other suitable methods and means.

[0047] Referring again to Figure 1, a plurality of blasts is simulated 12 by the simulation model 10 for predicting post-blast ore block locations, the 10 being shown in Figure 2. Each blast is simulated with 10 to 15 unique blast energy level inputs. Inputs can be in the form of linear, step-wise inputs such as 0.1 J/t, 0.2 J/t ... 0.5 J/t. A minimum of 90 blasts are simulated for the blast site, the simulations corresponding to 3 confinement types * 3 locations * 10 blast energies. The input values and number of blasts can be adjusted as desired depending on requirements. These simulated blast processes are automated.

[0048] The simulation model 10 shown in Figure 2 uses a known type of discrete element polygon geometry simulation (not shown). The discrete elements are preferably in the form of lm ³ to 2m ³ ore-block segments connected to each neighboring ore-block segment by means of simulated springs. The springs are calibrated with a stiffness coefficient and breakage length a function of the rock's Young's Modulus and tensile strength. Available simulation software, physics engines, suitable discrete-element numerical models, or other modelling techniques can be used to perform or calculate the simulations.

[0049] Next, the predictive algorithm 14 shown in Figure 3, being adapted to select at least one model blast simulation, is used to predict 16 at least one likely post-blast ore-block location according to method 1 shown in Figure 1, but preferably the most likely post-blast ore-block location 18, as best shown in Figure 7. The prediction 16 can be presented as data-points expressing a 2 or 3- dimensional representation of the post-blast ore-block location 18, as shown in Figure 7, or as a visual-graphic 2-dimensional map 20 shown in Figure 7, as required. A preferred 3-dimensional representation includes at least two visual-graphic 2-dimensional maps 20 arranged to orthogonally face each other in one or more rows at scaled 1-meter intervals (not shown).

[0050] Referring to Figure 3, the predictive algorithm 14 includes a blast energy function 14A, a confinement condition function 14B, a location function 14C, a blast movement function 14D, a blast movement direction function 14E, and a post-blast position-point P 4 coordinates function 14F. The predictive algorithm 14 predicts blast-movement vector V _p 3 of position-points P 4 during a blast as well as the final locations of position-points P 4A, as best seen in Figure 7. Position-points P 4 can correspond to blast-hole locations ("BH"), as seen in Figure 6.

[0051] Throughout this specification, unless stated otherwise expressly or directly, the following key applies: d Blasthole diameter

E _bh Energy in blasthole r distance between blasthole and position-point P k rock absorption coefficient

E _t h Theoretical energy of explosive in blasthole m Mass of explosive in blasthole

BME% Percentage of explosive energy used for blast movement pe Density of explosive blasthole

VOD Velocity of detonation of explosive blasthole

Y Young's modulus of rock at position-point P

P _b Borehole pressure of explosive

Ki Rock explosive interaction constant

K ₂ Rock explosive interaction constant

[0052] The blast energy function 14A predicts the blast energy E _p of one or more position-points P 4 (shown in Figures 4 to 7) in a blast according to the following formulas: E _p - ( Eb ₁ + Eb ₂ + Eb ₃ ) / 3;

E _bh = E _th *p _e * m * BME%; Eb ₁ = Energy from nearest blasthole fired

Eb ₂ = Energy from second nearest blasthole fired Eb ₃ = Energy from third nearest blasthole fired BME% = Ki * (Y/P _b ) ^K2 ; and P _b = 0.25 *p _e * VOD ² .

[0053] The confinement condition function 14B is applied by, firstly, selecting a position-point P 4 then identifying a confinement type from the following: free face 16A; partial confinement 16B; and full confinement 16C, as seen in Figure 4. Next, and now referring to Figure 4, a free-face (i.e., free face line) 18A closest to position-point P 4 is identified, and a confinement type 16A, 16B, or 16C to position-point P 4 is assigned. The confinement condition function 14B as shown in Figure 3 is expressed as the following formula:

Confinement Condition C _P of position-point P = f(minimum distance of P from the free-face, confinement at the nearest free-face point).

[0054] The location function 14C shown in Figure 3 assigns a Location _p 20 shown in Figure 5 corresponding to position-point P 4 in a three-row location scheme 22 by reference to a free-face distance Xf 24A and a back-face distance Xb 24B. If Xf < D ₁ = Location _p is at one or more front rows 22A; if Xb < D ₂ = Location _p is at one or more back row 22B; and if Xf < D ₁ and Xb < D ₂ = Location _p is at one or more middle row 22C. D ₁ and D ₂ are user-defined site-specific parameters, where D ₁ corresponds to the distance of the front row 22A of blastholes (not shown) from the free-face 18A, and Di corresponds to the distance of the back row of blastholes (not shown) from the back-face 18B.

[0055] The blast movement function 14D predicts blast movement vector V _P 3 shown in Figure 7 of a position-point P 4, according to the formula:

V _P = K ₁ * Ln (Energy _P ) + K ₂

[0056] The blast movement function 14D thereby outputs blast movement vector l/p 3 shown in Figure 7. Energy _P is the blast energy at position-point P 4 shown in Figures 4 to 7. Ki and K ₂ are fitting parameters for a Confinement Condition C _P at position-point P 4. Parameters K ₁ and K ₂ are obtained in respect of each Confinement Condition C _P : free face 16A, partial 16B, and fully confined 16C, as seen in Figure 4, and for each of the front 22A, middle 22C and back row 22B, as seen in Figure 5.

[0057] The blast movement direction function 14E predicts the blast-movement direction θ _p of a position-point P 4 as shown in Figure 6 by, firstly, identifying the nearest blasthole BH 26 from a position-point P 4, then acquiring firing timings from all BH in the blast, identifying blastholes BHi 28A, BH ₂ 28B, and BH ₃ 28C, identifying the respective locations of BH ₁ 28A, BH ₂ 28B, and BH ₃ 28C by means of Northing and Easting, the locations being identified according to the distance between BH and BH _n < 2 to 4 * burden; wherein burden is a minimum distance from a blasthole to a free face; and timing of BH > timing of BH _n , determining the bearing θ from BH to each of BHi, BH ₂ , and BH ₃ according to the formula: bearing from BH to BH _n (θ„) = atan2 (Northing BH - Northing BH _n ) / (Easting of BH - Easting ofBH _n j,

[0058] and finally predicting the blast movement direction of position-point P ( θ _p ) according to the formula: θ _p = (θ ₁ + θ ₂ + θ ₃ ) / 3.

[0059] Still referring to Figure 3, the post-bast position-point coordinates function 14F predicts the post-blast position-point Pb 4A of a position-point P 4, as shown in Figure 7, according to the following formulas:

[0060] Referring to Figure 7, following a real-world blast at the blast location (not shown), blast-site site-specific data (ergo corresponding to blast-movement vector V _P 3) is collected from the blast site by means of post-blast ore-location 18 measurements. This involves checking to which location the position-points P 4 moved to from their original location. [0061] Referring now to Figure 1, the error 26, if any, between the post-blast ore-block positionpoints P 4A and blast-movement vector V _p 3 values shown in Figure 7 predicted by the simulation model and those measured post-blast is then used to re-calibrate 28 the simulation model 10, shown in Figure 2, so that the error tends towards 0 by means of the following formula:

[0062] To assist excavation operators to excavate the target post-blast target ore-blocks, the shape of the ore-block on the muck-pile is marked-out with spray-paint or other markings by means of one or more unmanned vehicle such as a drone, or by one or more robots (not shown).

[0063] Still referring to Figure 1, in another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method 1 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations 1 wherein while ore is being excavated from a post-blast ore-block 18, as shown in Figure 7, the predicted positions of position-point P 4 tracking tags (not shown) are compared to the locations of excavated 32 and recovered 34 position-point P 4A tracking tags. The simulation model 10 for predicting post-blast ore locations shown in Figure 2 is adjusted and thus fine-tuned by reference to an acceptable level of error 36 between the predicted location of the position-point P 4A tracking tags and the measured location of the position-point P tracking tags (not shown).

[0064] In another aspect of the present invention, one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present invention is implemented in one or more software structures expressed in machine-readable code (not shown).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more functions 14A to 14F shown in Figure 3 of one or more aspects of the present invention is implemented in Excel or a similar spreadsheet.

[0066] It will be appreciated by the Person Skilled in the Art that where applicable, reference to ore-block "locations" includes references to ore-block boundaries.

[0067] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distributed system (not shown) for predicting post-blast ore-block locations. The system has a machine-readable code containing a set of instructions for implementing one or more methods according to one or more aspects of the present invention - the PSA will understand this to also refers to an expression of machine-readable code in the form of an Application. A database is used to store data used by the system. A user interface ("III") is provided for the user of the invention. A Ul implemented on a mobile device via the distributed Application provides a map or other suitable instructions to enable the excavation operator to accurately excavate the target ore-block (not shown).

[0068] To perform the method 1 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations, a user firstly acquires site-specific post-blast ore-block location data 2 including by means of standard field measurements, as shown in Figure 1. The method 1 is preferably implemented by a user (not shown) using a distributed system (not shown) with at least one Ul (not shown). However, the Person Skilled in the Art will appreciate that method 1 can be implemented in various systems and system configurations (not shown).

[0069] Next, the user calibrates 8 the simulation model 10 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations with the data, the simulation model 10 being shown in Figure 2. A suitable number of position-points P 4, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, are determined at the blast-site (ergo bench) (not shown) and marked with electronically-locatable position-point P tracking tags (not shown).

[0070] The user then simulates 12 a plurality n of blasts to cover all possible scenarios experienced at the given site, but at least 90, by means of the model 10 for predicting post-blast ore-block locations by using selected known simulation software (not shown). The simulation 12 provides data outputs (not shown).

[0071] Referring now to Figure 3, the predictive algorithm 14 comprises functions 14A to 14F with inputs and outputs (not shown). Outputted simulation data is input into the predictive algorithm 14 wherein the algorithm 14 computes the output in the form of a prediction of the most likely location of the post-blast ore-block 18 corresponding to position-points P 4A, as well as blast-movement vectors V _P 3, as shown in Figure 7. Position-points P 4A and blast-movement vectors V _P 3 are used to generate a 2- or 3-dimensional map 20 of the post-blast ore-block location 18 to display on a Ul (not shown). The user (not shown) can access the locations of position-points P 4 of a point in time of the blast-movement as well as the final locations of position-points P 4A.

[0072] The predictive algorithm 14 shown in Figure 3 is then used to select the blast simulation which predicts the most likely post-blast ore-block location 16 in terms of position-points P 4A shown in Figure 7. [0073] Normally, a real-world blast (not shown) at the blast location will follow. The user will then collect new site-specific blast-movement vector V _P 3 data as shown in Figure 7. This data will now also include measurements as to where the position-points P 4 have moved to 4A from their original location P 4.

[0074] Referring again to Figure 1, the user will then calculate the error 26 between the measured or collected data and the predictions 16 position-points P 4A and blast-movement vector V _P 3 as shown in Figure 7, and use the error to re-calibrate 28 the simulation model 1 as necessary. The accuracy of the model can be increased or maintained by iterative error 26 calculations and corrections 28 after each blast as necessary.

[0075] Once the post-blast ore-block locations P 4A shown in Figure 7 have been predicted by means of the method 1, one or more drones (not shown) with integrated paint-spraying apparatus are used to mark-out the shape of the target ore-block zones on the muck-pile (not shown), the zones corresponding to the post-blast location 18. Excavation operators (not shown) can then use the markings as guides to better access target ore-block zones and avoid off-target ore-block zones.

[0076] Excavation operators can access the 2- or 3-dimensional map 20 of the post-blast ore-block location 18 shown in Figure 7 by means of an operator Ul of the distributed system. The system preferably uses a tablet or other mobile device as a display means for the operator Ul and map. The data corresponding to the 2- or 3-dimensional map is stored on the distributed system database. The Person Skilled in the Art will appreciate that the invention can be implemented as a real-time system by using a real-time OS.

[0077] While ore is being excavated 32 by an operator, position-point tracking tags P (not shown) or any other sensing technology used can be recovered 34 and used to re-calculate the error 36 and update the predictive algorithm 38 and/or Figure 2 simulation model 10 shown.

[0078] It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art will be able to implement one or more aspects of the present invention also as a Web-based or Cloud-based system.

[0079] Throughout this specification, references to a Central Processing Unit-based system ("CPUbased Systems") are to be taken to include, without limitation and vice-versa, references to any one or more (with or without an Operating System) computing devices, including Mobile Devices, Computers, Personal Computers ("PC"), Embedded Systems, Quantum Computers, Distributed Systems, Microprocessors, Microprocessor-based systems, Microcontrollers, CPUs, Computer Systems, Multicore Processor-based Systems, or similar, or any combination thereof, and, any Peripherals to the foregoing, as deemed necessary by a Person Skilled in the Art ("PSA") to perform the embodiments presented in this specification, or other embodiments of the present invention. References to Peripherals, without limitation, are taken to include computer memory, and databases stored on computer memory, communication devices, and similar.

[0080] References to a Machine-readable Code Containing a Set of Instructions ("Machine-readable Code") are to be taken to include, without limitation and vice-versa, references to instructions (including in respect of a method or Algorithm) for a CPU-based System that can be implemented in machine code, assembly language, high-level computer languages, simulation and model-based design packages, or similar, or any combination thereof as deemed necessary by a PSA to perform the embodiments presented in this specification, or other embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] References to a Software Structure are to be taken to include, without limitation and vice- versa, references to software architecture expressed in the form of Machine-readable Code, including layered architecture, event-driven architecture, microkernel architecture, microservices architecture, space-based architecture, data flow architecture, independent component architecture, call and return architecture, data-centered (i.e., data-flow) architecture, virtual machine architecture, real-time architecture, or similar, or any combination thereof as deemed necessary by a PSA to perform the embodiments presented in this specification, or other embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] References to an Application are to be taken to include, without limitation and vice-versa, references to software, software programs, software systems, implemented in Machine-readable Code and/or as a Software Structure, or similar, or any combination thereof as deemed necessary by a PSA to perform the embodiments presented in this specification, or other embodiments of the present invention. The PSA is aware that an Application is designed to carry out one or more specific tasks typically for an end-user.

[0083] An Algorithm is a set of steps or rules that precisely defines a sequence of operations. A PSA will be keenly aware that certain methods such as of the present invention define algorithms that can be implemented into a computer algorithm, including by means of a top-down and/or object- oriented approach to implementing software programs. The PSA is aware that all software programs are algorithms but that the term "algorithm" is generally reserved non-trivial software programs or Soft-ware Structures.

[0084] A PSA will commonly use a top-down approach to implement an invention into a software program (i.e., a Software Structure) by breaking up a concept system/problem into subsystems/smaller problems and expressing them in code. Another approach used by the PSA to implement an invention into a software program is the object-oriented approach. This approach identifies the invention's relevant features (i.e., objects) for-to program equivalent general-form features implemented into distinct Software Structures called classes. The classes are used to generate multiple objects of the same class during program operation.

[0085] A software program is coded by using variables, statements, loops, guards, functions, data structures, dynamic memory, files, APIs, and other known software elements such that inputs processed by a complied software program provide outputs useful to the user.

[0086] Software implementation can include the use of intermediate software structures called Application Programming Interfaces ("API") enabling two Applications to communicate.

[0087] The PSA will appreciate that the invention, where possible, can be readily implemented into a Software Structure for operation on a single CPU-based System.

[0088] References to a Network, Computer Network, Communications Network, Cloud, are to be taken to include, without limitation, references to wired or wireless Networks, any type of Network Topology, and any related protocol to implement such a network where required, or similar, or any combination thereof as deemed necessary by a person skilled in the art to perform the embodiments presented in this specification, or other embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] A typical Web-based System includes a client machine with an OS, the client machine being adapted to access the internet via a Network. The client machine uses a web browser to communicate with a server machine via the internet by means of the server machine's one or more Application Programming Interface ("API"). The client machine sends one or more requests to access the application on the server machine. The Application on the server machine responds to the requests according to known protocols and allows the client machine to access the application. In simple terms, a user is able to provide inputs and receive outputs from the web-based application via the Web-based System. A web-based application typically has a GUI designed to allow user access to the features of the application.

[0090] A typical Distributed System includes a plurality of computing devices, or "nodes" Networked together such that portions of an application can be performed on dedicated or specialised computing devices/nodes to thus distribute the computational load. A Distributed System can include the internet to form part or the whole the network architecture. Processing task requests can be made between one node and another according to the requirements of the application. A node will perform a task and provide the results to the requesting node or another node to provide an output, for further processing, or data storage, for example. In simple terms, a user can provide inputs and receive outputs generated by a plurality of machines working together according to the demands of the application.

[0091] A typical Could-based System includes an application operating on a computing device being in Networked (i.e., via the internet) communication with a database distributed on one or more servers. A Cloud-based System can be an infrastructure-as-service (laaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), or a software-as-a-service (SaaS), wherein different portions of an Application are distributed on a client machine and the Cloud.

[0092] The PSA will appreciate that the integration of the present invention - but in absolute terms not the implementation of the invention itself as a standalone artefact - into or with a Web-based, Distributed, or a Cloud-based System involves well-known, generic processes, and routine design choices which normally largely dictated by the demands of the application, including database size, and budget, unless state otherwise.

[0093] The PSA routinely integrates applications/software structures with APIs for the purpose of integrating the applications/software structures into/with the contexts of the broader Web-based, Distributed, or a Cloud-based Systems.

[0094] It will be appreciated that the illustrated invention provides a simple, fast, safe, inexpensive, and effective way of adjusting and/or predicting post-blast ore-block polygon boundaries and locations. [0095] Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.