Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

INTRODUCTION

In This Section

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

OBJECTIVE OF THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

INTENDED AUDIENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HOW THIS MANUAL IS ORGANIZED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HOW TO OBTAIN HELP/SUBMIT SUGGESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

MINESIGHT AND MINERAL EVALUATION AND PLANNING

CREATING AN OVERALL PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

BASIC STEPS IN AN EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
KEY PROGRAMS IN AN EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Control Parameters
Raw Project Data
Composite Data
Mine Models
Pit Design
Reserves & Schedules
Cash Flow Analysis

Revised: 2 4 - A u g u s t - 0 1 Page INTROi

INTRODUCTION Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

Page INTROii Revised: 24-August-01

MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, inc. INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

OBJECTIVE OF THIS MANUAL The Program sub-section contains the details needed to run
each program. Included in each section is:
This manual was designed to provide a complete reference for
MineSight the Mineral Evaluation and Design System. a brief description of the program
a simple flowchart of input, calculations and output
a program overview
detailed run information
INTENDED AUDIENCE sample run files
a debug section for help with common problems
This manual in NOT intended to be self-instructional. It is
intended for mining professionals who have received training in These pages are numbered after the program name (i.e.,
the use of MineSight software. A corresponding workbook that program M101V1 pages are 101-xx).
explains the system flow, and an example set for a sample
problem are available. The Technical sub-section contains information on applying
MineSight towards individual tasks and problems within a
project. It may also contain more detailed explanations of
particular programs.
HOW THIS MANUAL IS ORGANIZED
Use this part of the manual as a reference in running the
This manual is organized into four basic sections: Introduction, programs on your own. There are many sample run files to
Program Series Sections, Menu Section, and Appendices. help you, along with some solutions to common problems and
errors.
The Introduction contains an overview of MineSight, a set of
flow charts and a Getting Started section. Use this section to The Menu Section contains information on the MineSight
review the basic concepts you learned in training. Compass and the procedure processor, along with
examples of various procedures. Procedures are little more
The Program Series Sections are the core of the manual. than run files using variables rather than set options. Use them
MineSight is divided into ten series of programs, following to perform repetitive tasks with Minesight.
the typical phases of a mine planning project.
The Appendices include:
Project initialization (100 series)
Graphics (120 series) a Glossary of MineSight terms
Drill-hole data entry (200 series) a Dictionary of Terms containing other words as
Geostatistics (300 series) they are used in relation to MineSight
Statistics (400 series) a list of general Pit Optimization error messages
Composite assay analysis (500 series) a list of general subroutine error messages
Mine model development (600 series) a list of general VBM error messages
(VBM series)
Mine design & reserves (700 series)
(GSM series)
Production scheduling (800 series)
MineSight

Each series is divided into a Program sub-section and a Technical

sub-section.

Revised: 24-August-01 Page INTRO-1

 MineSight
INTRODUCTION Proprietary Software: Mintec, inc.

HOW TO OBTAIN HELP/SUBMIT

SUGGESTIONS

One of the benefits of MineSight is the on-going support and

maintenance provided. When you have a problem, see the Getting
Started section What to Do When a Problem Arises. Should
the problem persist after you have followed all the suggestions,
call Mintec and ask for Tech Support.

Phone numbers:

United States 1-800-533-6337

Canada/Mexico 1-800-548-6337
Chile 123-0020-2154
Mexico 95-800-548-6337
Peru 001-800-533-6337
South Africa 0800-996052

Fax number:

Tucson 1-520-325-2568

This manuals format and content have been refined through use
by our users who offer suggestions and constructive criticism.
Suggestions may be submitted on a MineSight memo included
at the end of this chapter (photocopy as needed) or by writing to
us at:

Mintec, Inc.
3544 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85716-1705

Page INTRO-2 Revised: 24-August-01

MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, inc.
MINESIGHT AND MINERAL EVALUATION AND PLANNING
CREATING AN OVERALL PLAN
MineSight is designed to take raw data from a standard source
(e.g., drill-holes, underground samples, blastholes) and extend
the information to the point where a production schedule is
derived. Deriving the best plan (usually, the plan with the
maximum net present value) can only be achieved through
repetitive analysis, gradually adding details and reducing
simplifying assumptions. Various parameters are interrelated and
dependent upon one another, so that it is not possible to find an
exact solution in a single pass. For example:
! Ultimate reserves depend on knowing the mine cutoff
! Final pit limits depend on knowing reserves and costs
! Mine schedules depend on reserves within pit limits
! Equipment needs depend on knowing schedules and
costs
! Capital and operating costs depend on mine facilities
! The mine cutoff depends on capital and operating costs
Revised: 24-August-01
INTRODUCTION
BASIC STEPS IN AN EVALUATION
1. Develop an overall plan of action by determining what re-
sults are required and what data is available. It is important
that all data required in developing the mining plan is noted
and entered into the data base initially.
2. Enter the drill-hole data into your computer. This would
include the drill-hole locations, assays or coal quality, li-
thology, and the interval or seam depths.
3. Edit the drill-hole data and verify it with graphic displays.
4. Prepare cross-sections of the drill-hole data. The geologist
may draw his interpretation on top of these sections for com-
plex deposits. This geologic data can then be digitized, ed-
ited and stored in MineSight.
5. Develop a geometric model of the deposit from the digi-
tized or drill-hole data. MineSightallows three types of
models: 3-D Block Model, Gridded Seam Model and Vari-
able Block Model.
6. Composite the assay or quality data and develop an assay or
quality data model for the deposit.
7. Prepare maps displaying the model. These maps can include,
but are not limited to, displaying the grades and geology in
plan or section.
8. Based on the model developed, prepare a map showing the
most favorable areas to be mined.
9. Outline the cut boundaries or underground panels. Compute
the reserves for these areas.
10. Divide each individual area into sequences and compute the
reserves for each of these sequences.
11. Develop a mining schedule based upon these reserve se-
quences, showing tons of ore mined and the volume of waste
for each production period. The mine geometry at the end of
each period can be displayed.
Page INTRO-3
 MineSight
INTRODUCTION Proprietary Software: Mintec, inc.

KEY PROGRAMS IN AN EVALUATION

M633V1 Load topography into block model
M610V1 Load model codes into model
Control Parameters M624V1 Model interpolation; kriging
M612V1 User coded subroutines for mine model
100-SERIES M606V1 Plot model bench plans
M100TS Project initialization M607V1 Plot contoured model data
M101V1 PCF initialization M608V1 Statistical analysis of model data
M102TS MineSight Data File initialization M609V1 Plot model cross-sections

Raw Project Data Vn = more than one version of the program exists

200-SERIES
M200V1 Check drill-hole data Pit Design
M201V1 Load drill-hole data base
M203V1 List drill-hole assay data 700-SERIES
M204V1 List drill-hole survey data M701V1 Geometric pit expansion
M206V1 Plot drill-hole collar plan M654Vn Plot expanded pit
M216V1 Plot drill-hole cross-section M717TS Initialize floating cone routine
M718V1 Create a condensed model
300-SERIES M720V1 Calculate economic pits
M303V1 Calculate variograms for drill-hole data M721V1 Plot economic pits

400-SERIES
M401V1 Statistical analysis of drill-hole assays Reserves & Schedules

Composite Data 700 & 800-SERIES

M659V1 Block partials from expanded pit
500-SERIES M728V1 Block partials from economic pit
M501V1 Composite over benches M710TS Initialize reserve descriptors
M501SM Composite over seams M711V1 Compute reserves
M503V1 List composite data M712V1 Calculate reserve summaries
M504V1 Plot composite bench maps M706SM GSM resource by cutoff
506V1 Sort composite data for interpolation M708SM Basic GSM resources by mine categories
M516V1 Plot composite cross-sections M709SM Targeting from GSM resources
M805V1 Production scheduling

Mine Models

600-SERIES 3-D Data Modeling & Visualization

M601V1 Initialize model (block, surface, GSM)
M649V1 Load digitized data into VBM file MineSight
M655V1 Plot intersection of digitized data; cutting
plane
M654Vn Plot digitized data
M656V1 Generate model codes from digitized data
M657Vn Generate model codes from digitized
topography
M630V1 Load surface topography model

Page INTRO-4 Revised: 24-August-01

 MineSight Memo

Mintec, Inc.
3544 E. Ft Lowell Rd
Tucson, Arizona 85716-1705
Fax (520) 325-2568

FROM: __________________________________________ PROGRAM:

__________________________________________
REVISION DATE:
__________________________________________

__________________________________________ PLATFORM: PC Workstation

PHONE: __________________________________________

DO YOU WANT A REPLY? YES NO

DATE: __________________________________________

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: (Please attach any applicable input, output or other reference information)
 FOR MINTEC USE ONLY
RECEIVED:

REFERRED TO:

COMPLETED:

EXCEPTIONS REQUIRE AUTHORIZATION

LIST EXCEPTIONS:

AUTHORIZED BY:
MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc. GETTING STARTED

In This Section

OVERVIEW OF FILES

TYPE OF FILE: ASCII OR BINARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

PURPOSE OF FILE: INPUT OR OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MineSight DATA FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FILE NAMING CONVENTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Data Files
Run Files
Input/Output Data Files
Printer Output Files
Plot Files
PROJECT DIRECTORY FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Peripheral Interface Files
Menu System Files
Temporary Files
The Defil Sub-Directory Files

MINESIGHT GRAPHICAL INTERFACE

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
THE MGI SCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ICONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
THE ON-LINE HELP SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

RUNNING MINESIGHT PROGRAMS

INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
RUN FILE ORIENTED PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
THE MENU SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Revised: 24-August-01 Page START-i

 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

WRITING RUN FILES

NAMES LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
RUN INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
RUN OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Required
Commands with Numeric Values
Commands to Control Item Selection from Files
Commands to Specify Run Alternatives
Commands to Supply Additional Run Information
Auxiliary Commands
Commands to Control Print Output
END . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ADDITIONAL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
BASIC FORTRAN SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SAMPLE RUN FILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

WHAT TO DO WHEN A PROBLEM ARISES

I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

I DONT KNOW WHICH PROGRAM TO USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
THE PROGRAM DOESNT WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
I NEED TECH SUPPORT HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
I CANT FIND A SOLUTION FOR A TASK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
I NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.
OVERVIEW OF FILES
TYPE OF FILE: ASCII OR BINARY
MineSight uses two types of files: ASCII and binary.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Inter-
change) files are written in alphabetic and numeric charac-
ters, that is, readable text. ASCII files may be opened and
edited by using your computers text editor. Most ASCII
files are sequential, meaning they are accessed line by line.
Examples of ASCII files are:
MineSight program source files (usually written in
FORTRAN)
MineSight run files, containing the options and pa-
rameters needed to run a program
Printer output files, containing the results of the program
run
Project input files, such as drillhole data and digitized
topography and geology data
Project History File, which keeps a running record of
program runs
Binary files are written in binary code or machine language;
they are understood directly by the computer. You cannot
display or edit a binary file directly. You must run a
MineSight program in order to create the file or to display,
edit or update data stored in the file. Examples of binary
files are compiled (executable) programs and MineSight
data files.
Revised: 24-August-01
GETTING STARTED
PURPOSE OF FILE: INPUT OR OUTPUT
An input file is a file that contains information supplied to
or put in to a program. It is created by the user or output
from another program. Examples include run files, input
data files, such as drillhole data, and MineSight data
files.
MineSight run files are special input files. They con-
tain information that is necessary to run a program, such as
project filenames, options, parameters. You can create run
files with your computers text editor or with MineSight
menu system. You will need to follow a standard format
That format is described later in this chapter under
Writing Run Files.
An output file is a file containing information that has been
processed or put out by the program. It is the end result of
the program run. Examples include printer output files, plot
files, and data files.
The printer output file is a special MineSight output
file. It contains information about the program run, such as
date, time, input/output filenames, reports and printer maps.
These files are overwritten with each execution of a pro-
gram. If the results contained in this file are to be saved,
rename the file or change the filename in the run file before
the next run of the program.
Page START-1

GETTING STARTED
MINESIGHT DATA FILES
A MineSight data file is a binary file. Each one stores
a specific portion of the data needed for the mine project.
This data is used as input to MineSight programs. The
data files are created through special MineSight pro-
grams and, since they are binary, cannot be manipulated
with a text editor. Any listing or editing is done through
specific MineSight programs.
Each data file has been assigned a file reference number
which is used in the program run files. The files are often
referred to as File 11, etc. Projects may not require all the
data files listed.
File Ref. # and description
01 Project History File (contains a sequential log or audit
trail of each program run)
03 Printer Output File (usually an ASCII file)
08 Sorted Composite File
09 Composite File (unsorted)
10 Project Control File (PCF)
11 Assay File
12 Survey File
13 2-D Surface File
14 GSM Summary File
15 3-D Block or Gridded Seam (GSM) Model File
18 Material Summary File
19 Input or Output File (usually an ASCII file)
20 Secondary DIPPER Surface File (S-File)
21 Primary DIPPER Surface File (S-File)
22 Condensed DIPPER Mine Model File (B-File)
25 VBM Geometry File
30 Input or Output File (usually an ASCII file)
Page START-2
MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.
FILE NAMING CONVENTIONS
Each file on the computer is identified by a unique label or
file name. It is important to follow a file naming convention
so that you can distinguish between the several types of files
with which you will work.
The label consists of a filename and its extension, which
must be separated by a period. Although the maximum
number of characters differs on each machine, MineSight
allows a total of 10 characters for the filename, the
separating period, and the extension (e.g., SAMP10.DAT).
The extension can have no more than three characters.
Example: SAMP10.DAT where
SAMP10 = 1-6 character filename
. = period separator
DAT = 1-3 character extension
The MineSight file naming conventions described be-
low are those used in the menu system. They are applicable
to PC, Sun and VAX systems.
Data Files
Use the leading characters of the filename for the project
identification. Make the file reference number the last two
characters of the filename. The extension for a data file is
DAT.
Examples:
SAMP10.DAT for the sample project PCF
GOLD11.DAT for a gold project Assay File
Run Files
The leading characters of the filename are RUN. The last
three are a reference to the program the run file will execute.
The extension is alphabetic and is sequenced according to
the order in which the runs are made (e.g., A=first run,
B=second run, etc.).
Examples:
RUN201.A for the first run file for M201V1
RUN203.B for the second run file for M203V1
Revised: 24-August-01
MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc. GETTING STARTED

Input/Output Data Files

The leading characters of the filename are DAT. The last

three are a reference to the program requiring or generating
the data. The extension is I followed by an alphanumeric
reference for input and O followed by an alphanumeric
reference for output.

Examples:
DAT201.IA for the input file for M201V1
DAT207.OA for the output file from M207V1

Printer Output Files

The leading characters of the filename are RPT. The last

three are a reference to the program from which the report
is being produced. The extension is L (for Listing) followed
by an alphabetic sequence character indicating the order in
which the report was produced.

Examples:
RPT201.LA for the first printer output file from
M201V1
RPT204.LB for the second printer output file from
M204V1

Plot Files

The leading characters of the filename are PLT. The last

three are a reference to the program from which the plot file
is being produced. Both ASCII and binary plot files are
generated for processing by M122V1. The extension con-
tains an indication as to whether the file is ASCII or binary,
as well as an alphabetic sequence character indicating the
order in which the plot was produced.

Examples:
PLT607.PBA for the first binary plot file from
M607V3
PLT721.PAC for the third ASCII plot file from
M721V1

Revised: 24-August-24 Page START-3

 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

Temporary Files

All files that start with PIP and some that start with FOR are
temporary files created by the menu system procedures.
Files beginning with TMP are temporary work files. These
are deleted when a procedure finishes successfully. If a
procedure is interrupted, either by the user or by an error,
the PIP/TMP files may not be erased. If you notice any on
your disk, you can manually erase them.

Files starting with FOR can also be temporary report files.

They are created when you do not specify a report file name.

Page START-4 Revised: 24-August-01

MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc. GETTING STARTED

MEDSYSTEM GRAPHICAL INTERFACE

(EMPC and Unix Workstation versions only)

INTRODUCTION
In computer terminology, an interface is a connection be-
tween two parts of the computer system. For example, the
MineSight Interface Guide provides information on
making connections between your computer and its plotter
or digitizer. The Menu System is an interface between the
user and MineSight programs, making it easier to con-
nect with (use) those programs.
A graphical interface makes use of a computers extended
memory and enhanced graphic capabilities to form a more
user friendly environment. Buttons with pictures and
symbols substantially reduce the need for remembering and
typing commands. The interactive environment of Mine-
Sight Graphical Interface programs allows the user to
see changes as they are being made.
Programs that use the MineSight Graphical Interface
(MGI) are identified as such in the documentation. All have
screens similar to the one shown below. Some will not
include all of the icons and some will have a different
number of menus but the layout and functionality will be the
same. A pictorial guide to the pictures and symbols follows.
Full descriptions of the features are provided in the on-line
help for each program.

Icons
THE MGI SCREEN

VBM DATA LOADED : FTR NODES

Features: 34
FTR ENDPT
Points: 2766
plane: 2600.000 FTR LABEL
to - 4600.000 FTR FACES
by - 50.000
FTR DIREC
All features
VISIBILITY : FTR COLOR
plane: 2600.000 FTR RANGE
to - 4600.000 Menu
PLN RANGE
by - 50.000 Choices
All features VBM LIMIT
SELECTABILITY : COPLANAR
plane: 2600.000
NODE ATTR
to - 4600.000
.
by - 50.000 LOAD DATA
All features
EDIT FTR: NONE

FTR INDEX
FTR QUERY
SAVE VBM
UTILITIES
GRID
DISP MODL

CURS ATTR
Info Radar

1 2 3

Coordinate Readout Toggle Switches Active Menu

Message Area (Described in M650ED doc) Highlighted

Revised: 24-August-01 Page START-5

 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

ICONS

Color Icon Zoom In Icon

S e t s c o l o r o f b a c k- Enlarges a specified area
ground, menus, grid and of the project window
scalable cursor

Digitizer Icon Zoom Out Icon

Turns the digitizer func- Restores the project win-
tion on and off dow to the previous
zoom window

Metafile Manager Pan Icon

Controls use of metafiles Toggles the pan function
through the index file, on and off
PROJMETA.NDX

Add Objects Icon Help Icon

Allows you to create text A ctiv ates the on-line
and figures for overlays help system
that can then be stored as
metafiles

Hardcopy Icon Exit Icon

Creates Postscript, Exits the program
HPGL or CGM output
files from the current
screen image

Zoom Full Icon

Restores project display
to VBM limits

Page START-6 Revised: 24-August-01

MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc. GETTING STARTED

THE ON-LINE HELP SYSTEM

Pressing the ? icon activates the on-line help system and

a menu of topics is displayed. Use the mouse to choose the
topic of interest (click the left mouse button). Sometimes a
second menu is displayed; position the mouse and click left
again on the desired topic.

A screen of text explaining the topic is shown. If the text is

longer than one screen, there are three ways to scroll
through the file:

1. To scroll one screen at a time, position the mouse on the

slider bar above or below the arrows and click left.

2. To scroll two lines at a time, position the mouse ON

either slider bar arrow and click left.

3. To go to the beginning or the end of the file, click left

on the small button at the top or bottom of the slider bar.

Click right to exit the help text. Position the mouse inside
the help menu box and click right to exit a help menu.

Revised: 1August01 Page START-7

 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

RUNNING MINESIGHT PROGRAMS

There are two different types of MineSight programs,
interactive and run file oriented. An interactive program
will prompt you for information necessary to run the pro-
gram whereas a run file oriented program requires an input
file (the run file). Both types of programs can be run through
the menu system.
running, the run will continue normally. If the name does
not match, the following message appears on the screen:
*** PROGRAM IDENT = 101V1
LINE AS INPUT = 201V1
*** MEDS001 ERROR TERMINATION, M101V1.

NOTE: 101V1 and 201V1 are examples only. Your screen

will show the program number you are actually running.
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
This error ends the run. Correct the error and rerun the
MineSight program names that end with TS or FS program.
indicate that the program is interactive. Type the command
to run the program according to your computer system (e.g.,
MEDS M202FS). All further information necessary for the
program run is requested on the screen. THE MENU SYSTEM

In the TS program documentation, all computer messages
and responses are written in bold caps. All user responses
are in caps only. FS programs are illustrated with sample
screens, showing the forms used for data input and reports.
The menu system organizes procedures which make Mine-
Sight easier and more efficient to use. These procedures
have screens that will request the information needed for the
run file. The run file is prepared, the program is run and,
usually, the report file is shown on the screen.

After a project has been initialized, start the menus by

RUN FILE ORIENTED PROGRAMS
entering:

MineSight program names that end with V1, V2, SM, ms2compass or by selecting
etc. require a run file. The V1 designation indicates program
version one. Some programs have two or more versions. MineSight Compass in MS2.
The SM designation indicates a program used for projects
with a Gridded Seam Model. More detailed information is available in the Menu System
Section of Volume III.
To run one of these program, you must create a run file,
either through the menu system or with your text editor. The
format for the run file is described in the next section.

After you have prepared a run file, enter the command to run
a program according to your computer system (e.g. MEDS
M201V1). You will see the following message on your
screen:

** ENTER INPUT RUN FILE NAME (A10)

Enter the name of the run file you have prepared. If you
specify an invalid filename or the file does not exist, the
message will be repeated. Enter the correct name. Entering
EXIT, QUIT or STOP will allow you to exit the program.

After the filename is entered, the program reads the first line
in the file and checks for a valid program name. If the
program name in the file matches the program you are

Page START-8 Revised: 24August01

MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.
WRITING RUN FILES
Each run file must have the following information:
1. Names Lineprogram & file names (1 or 2 lines)
2. Run Information Line (1 line)
3. Run Options (multiple lines)
4. END Line (1 lines)
5. Additional data depending on program (multiple lines)
The following is a detailed description of each section in a
run file. A sample run file is found at the end of this section.
NAMES LINE
Each Names Line has the following format:
MEDSpgmnm 10=filename ##=filename
The first 10 columns are the system and program name
(MEDSpgmnm). The first 4 columns (MEDS) can be any
letters, such as COAL, URAN. They are followed by a
program name (e.g., 101V1). Do not include the M
(M101V1) in the program name.
10=filename is the name of the Project Control File that
every MineSight program accesses.
##=filename is the name of each additional file required by
the particular program. This information is found in each
programs documentation. ## is the MineSight data file
reference number.
The Names Line can sometimes require two lines of input.
If so, add a semicolon at the end of the first Names Line,
then start the second one with the same program name
(MEDS-nnnVn) and the additional filenames. A sample
Names Line for M201V1 is:
MEDS-201V1 10=SAMP10.DAT 11=SAMP11.DAT;
MEDS-201V1 12=SAMP12.DAT 3=RPT201.LA
Revised: 24August01
GETTING STARTED
RUN INFORMATION
The next line is your description of the run which will be
listed at the top of each page of printed output. You can
enter up to 80 characters on this line.
RUN OPTIONS
The number and type of options and parameters vary with
each program and are listed in each programs documenta-
tion. They are entered in the run file as:
option = value1 value2 . . . / comment
where option is a 3-5 letter command (listed below) and
value is the required numeric or alphanumeric values.
You can enter values for several successive options on a
single line for the ALF, IOP, PAR, MAP and PLT com-
mands. Use at least one blank space to separate each value
(e.g., if IOP1=1 and IOP2=2, both IOP values may be listed
on one line: IOP1=1 2). The / ends the input of informa-
tion; anything following it is considered to be a comment
for your own information.
The types of commands that are used in a run file are
described below.
Required
USR = ABC The users initials
Commands with Numeric Values
IOP# = value(s) Integer run options
PAR# = value(s) Real number parameters
MAP = values Map limits
PLT = values Plot specifications
NOTE: The # in IOP and PAR commands is an integer
between 1 and 40. The IOP values are integers while the
PAR, MAP and PLT values are real numbers.
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 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

Commands to Control Item Selection from Files Commands to Supply Additional Run Information

GET# = label(s) Items to be retrieved from a file COM Comment line to be listed on the first print
PUT# = label(s) Items to be stored into a file page
UPD# = label(s) Items to be updated in the file COM* Comment line to be listed on the first print
INP# = label(s) Items to be input by the program page and in the Project History File
OUT# = label(s) Items to be output by the program DOC Comment line to be listed at the top of each
print page
NOTE: The # above is the MineSight data file refer-
ence number. The labels must begin with an alphabetic NOTE: There can be any number of comment lines and up
character and be separated by at least one blank column. to five DOC lines per run, with each DOC line containing a
maximum of 50 characters.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use two lines to
contain all of the item labels. Start the second line with the
same command and reference number as the first. You do Auxiliary Commands
not need a semi-colon at the end of the first line as in the
Names Line. ALF# = label(s) Alphanumeric labels
FMT# = ( ... ) FORTRAN format statements
(See section below)
Commands to Specify Run Alternatives RUN = label Option in some programs to spec-
ify type of run
ITM# = label value Definition of run items

The # above refers to a sequential integer value starting with Commands to Control Print Output
1 for the first ITM command. ITM commands must always
be numbered sequentially regardless of the order of listing PAG = n n = number of lines to print on
in the documentation. Commonly used ITM commands are each page (Default = 60 for 6
RANGE, OMIT and TABLE. lines per inch)
I-O = 0, 1 or 2 Level of print output
ITM# = label-nn RANGE min-value max-value I-O = 1 Prints a full summary of files to
RANGE tells the program to use a range of values for be used during the run and, in
label-nn beginning with min-value and ending with max- some programs, will print a run
value. The program will automatically decrease the min- summary on the screen.
value and increase the max-value by the rounding factor that I-O = 2 Prints a summary of items for
is set for the project when it is initialized. each file on the screen along with
other information which will aid
ITM# = label-nn OMIT min-value max-value the engineer on call in resolving
OMIT tells the program to omit the values for label-nn from any problems.
min-value to max-value.

ITM# = label-nn TABLE IOPm IOPn END

TABLE tells the program to look for a table of values for
label-nn in IOPm through IOPn. Label-nn is an item se-
The END line indicates the end of options and parameters
lected from MineSight data file nn. You can use any
for a run. This line is required in every run file.
range of IOPs between 1 and 40 unless they are already used
in the program. This example from M208RP limits the
ROCK codes used to 1, 3 and 6 only.
ADDITIONAL DATA
ITM1 = ROCK TABLE 30 32
IOP30 = 1 3 6 The documentation for each program will inform you of any
data that may be required after the END line. Some exam-
ples are boundary points, drillhole selection lines, and input
data lines.

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MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc. GETTING STARTED

BASIC FORTRAN SPECIFICATIONS

F represents real variables. The form is Fw.d, where w is

the total number of positions used and d is the number
of those positions that will be to the right of the decimal
point. For example, 34.186 is F6.3, a total of six posi-
tions counting the decimal point with three positions to
the right of the decimal. If you have consecutive num-
bers with the same real format, you can specify that
number before the F. For example, 3F6.3 means the
next three numbers have an F6.3 format. Real formats
are right justified.

I represents integer variables. I5 allows an integer up to

five digits. The rule for consecutive real numbers also
applies to integers, e.g. 3I5. Integer formats are also
right justified. Blanks are inserted on output when the
integer is less than the number of columns allowed.

A represents alphanumeric characters. 10A1 represents

10 alphanumeric characters in ten locations. 2A4 repre-
sents alphanumeric characters in two locations with 4
characters in each location.

X represents blanks. 3X indicates that the next 3 positions

should be skipped.

An example of a FORTRAN format statement is:

(10A1,2F10.0,1X,I5)

FORTRAN formats are always entered in parentheses.

Revised: 24-August-01 Page START-11

 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

SAMPLE RUN FILE

MEDS-201V1 10=SAMP10.DAT 19=DAT201.IA 3=RPT201.LA; Names Lines

MEDS-201V1 11=SAMP11.DAT 12=SAMP12.DAT
** DRILLHOLE DATA ENTRY TO FILES 11 & 12 ** Run Information

USR = ABC User Initials

C O Comment Lines
M

COM D H D A T A L O A D F U N C T I O N
C O M

COM LOAD DRILLHOLE DATA TO FILES 11 & 12.

COM REF#s TO BEGIN STORING DATA ARE BY DEFAULT SET TO
COM ONE FOR INITIAL LOAD.

IOP1 = 1 / FIRST DATA UNIT TO BE STORED IN FILE 11 IS REF# 1 Run Options

IOP2 = 1 / FIRST DATA UNIT TO BE STORED IN FILE 12 IS REF# 1

IOP3 = 19 / n=UNIT# TO READ DATA; 0=DATA IN RUN FILE

IOP4 = 0 / 0=LIMIT PRINT OUTPUT; 1=PRINT ALL INPUT
IOP6 = 1 / 1=ADD INTERVALS IF DH GAPS; 0=IGNORE GAPS

COM INPUT DATA FORMATS SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THE

COM M200 RUN.
FMT1 = (1X,10A1,3F10.2,A1,F8.0,A1,F6.0,F1.0,F8.0)
FMT2 = (1X,10A1,3F9.2,F7.2,F7.3)

COM ASSAY ITEM ORDER WITHIN INPUT DATA.

INP11= FROM -TO- -AI- T-CU MOLY

I-O = 1 / LIST A LINE OF INFO FOR EACH DH INPUT

END End Line

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MineSight
Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A PROBLEM ARISES
The following information presents some suggestions for
common problems.
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT
a. Read the MineSight and Mineral Evaluation and
Planning Section in the Introduction.
b. Make a list of the data that needs to be created and the
results that are required from that data.
c. Compare the list from b above to the program summary
list available at the beginning of each program series.
This should give you an idea of which program you will
need to use. If necessary, see the I Cant Find a Solu-
tion paragraph below.
d. The MineSight flowcharts can also help you find
your next step.
I DONT KNOW WHICH PROGRAM TO USE
a. Check the program summary list at the beginning of
each series section -or-
the program overviews later in this section -or-
the MineSight flowcharts.
b. If the function doesnt seem to be available, see the
I Cant Find a Solution paragraph below.
THE PROGRAM DOESNT WORK
a. See the debug section within each program section.
b. Re-read the Run File Operations section for the pro-
gram you are using and check your run file.
c. For digitizer or plotter problems, re-read the section on
your model in the Interface Guide and check your set-
up.
c. If the problem persists, call Mintec, Inc. and ask for
Tech Support.
Revised: 24-August-01
GETTING STARTED
I NEED Tech Support HELP
To get the most efficient help from Tech Support, complete
the following steps before calling.
a. Run the program again to the point of the problem,
taking notes on each step.
b. Print out the run file you are using.
c. Print out the descriptors for the files you are using; use
M105TS or a print screen from Menu/Utilities.
d. For digitizer or plotter problems, print out the
DIGIT.INF or PLOT.INF file.
e. Print out your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
files for reference.
f. Be near your computer when you call.
I CANT FIND A SOLUTION FOR A TASK
MineSight may not always seem to have the exact
solution or report for every problem. Many times a solution
can be worked out using the existing programs. At other
times, small routines can be added to interface programs to
provide special calculations or reports. Mintec also has a
large base of applications for special problems.
MineSight users are encouraged to call Mintec to dis-
cuss the solution of new problems (or tasks). If possible,
please forward any maps, technical descriptions, etc., that
would assist someone in understanding the problem.
I NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT...
Mintec maintains a large amount of technical reference
material. We also have access to the University of Arizona,
College of Mines for additional material. MineSight
users may inquire about the availability of needed informa-
tion. Mintec encourages users to submit technical material
and procedures that may be of use to others.
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 MineSight
GETTING STARTED Proprietary Software: Mintec, Inc.

Page START-14 Revised: 24-August-01