MSO Shape Frameworks

In MSO, framework settings define the structural layout to generate mineable shapes.

In MSO terminology, this structure is called the framework and consists of a 3D grid of tubes; elongated volumes where the optimization engine evaluates and builds stopes.

For more information on the shape frameworks supported by MSO, see Stope Shape Frameworks.

The settings you provide to define your framework depends largely on the primary Orientation method you have chosen previously:

  • Slice Orientation – There are two types of slice framework; standard and advanced. Use the Framework screen to decide which is appropriate for your scenario.

    • A standard framework permits the specification of section and level parameters, and if (and how) to use ore development strings to recognize and respect the position of pre-existing development drives (like ore drives or exploration headings) when generating stope shapes.

    • An advanced framework gives you more control over the definition of optimization tubes and stope structure. Instead of relying on fixed or variable spacing, this mode uses user-defined inputs such as strings, wireframes, and templates to define precisely where and how tubes are built.

      Tip: This level of control is useful for deposits with irregular geometry, pre-designed production layouts, or advanced mine planning workflows that require exact positioning of stope volumes.

  • Prism Orientation – The Prism orientation method will let you define a library of possible stope volumes by using permutations of stope length, width and height (as rectangular prisms). The library can be defined as rectangular-prisms or defined as prisms with a centralised undercut-trough (a shape like an inverted milk carton).

  • Boundary Orientation – For narrow high grade reefs or lenses, where subcell modelling has some spatial accuracy limitations, it can prove more effective to model stope shapes off the geological wireframes directly.

See Define Slice Orientation, Prism Orientation Settings and Define Boundary Orientation.

Initial Framework Studies

For a first run consider a restricted framework size on a small test area to verify parameter selections are appropriate, and that the results generated are those expected. Alternatively, use the full framework but select an (x,y,z) coordinate as a validation test cell so that only one quad is optimized, or perhaps select several (x,y,z) coordinates to test several areas. Using a cut-down input model will also speed up this initial testing and allow you to start producing more specific, targeted runs thereafter.

Always do a visual check when using rotated frameworks; in particular, verify that the framework extent and orientation are the expected ones and that the framework extends beyond all the mineralization.

About Tubes

The way these tubes are organized has a direct impact on the quality, realism, and selectivity of the generated shapes. Defining a well-structured framework is critical for good results in MSO. Tubes must be aligned with the orebody and mining method to ensure realistic access, geometry, and sequencing. A poorly aligned framework can result in broken or disconnected stopes, or poor coverage of economic zones.

In summary: In MSO, a tube is a 3D rectangular search volume created from the intersection of a section and level. These tubes are the core units where the optimizer evaluates blocks and generates shapes. Their alignment must match the deposit's orientation and mining layout.

Summary

This part of the MSO workflow is used to:

  • Choose a slice framework method (Standard or Advanced).

  • Align with geological and operational constraints using extents, rotation, levels, and sections.