Define Sub-Levels (Prism Framework)

With the Prism framework orientation, stopes are evaluated at discrete vertical positions (sub-levels). MSO supports multiple sub-level framework types (see below).

This section of the Shapes screen controls how those sub-levels are defined and whether stope height can vary. You would adjust this when:

Matching stope design to mine sub-level spacing.
Allowing flexible stope heights.
Optimising dilution at the base or crown of stopes.

Note: These settings can be used to fine-tune the optimization of this framework type, and are all optional.

Sub-Level Framework Types

When defining sub-levels, the sub-level type defines how vertical stope positions are determined. The following types are supported:

Local Sub-Level

Automatically generates sub-levels within the framework using a minimum spacing. This can be useful when mine sub-levels are flexible or conceptual.
Mine Sub-Level

Uses existing mine sub-level definitions. Consider this when matching an established mine design.
Base Sub-Level

Uses a fixed base reference and manages crown dilution explicitly. May be important when crown control and dilution optimisation are critical.
Manual Sub-Level

Use custom sub-levels. Often useful for targeted testing or highly controlled designs.

Activity steps:

Display the Shapes screen.

Note: The activity outlined below is specific to the Prism framework type. Other framework types present a different screen.
Check Use Sub-Level Definition.
Select a Sub-Level Type. See Sub-Level Framework Types.
- Local Sub-Level
  - Minimum Separation – This is the minimum vertical distance between adjacent sub-levels when using a locally generated spacing.
  - Use Variable Stope Height – If checked, this allows stope height to vary during optimisation instead of using a fixed height. If unchecked, stope height is fixed.
- Mine Sub-Level
  - Use Variable Stope Height – If checked, this allows stope height to vary during optimisation instead of using a fixed height. If unchecked, stope height is fixed.
- Base Sub-Level
  - Crown Dilution – Set an allowance for dilution at the stope crown when using a base reference level.
  - Optimize Base Sub-Level Dilution – If checked, this allows the optimiser to adjust crown dilution to improve economic results (potentially at the cost of extended calculation times).
  - Use Variable Stope Height – If checked, this allows stope height to vary during optimisation instead of using a fixed height. If unchecked, stope height is fixed.
- Manual Sub-Level
  - Use the table to explicitly define which sub-levels are used by entering their identifiers manually.
Save your settings.