Release Notes

Gemcom Whittle
Last Modified : Thursday, 21 October 2010
Version 4.4
New Features
Blending
New Linear Programming (LP) engine
Gemcom Whittle now uses a new linear programming (LP) engine. As a result, there is now no limitation on the
number of variables or constraints that the LP engine can use. Note that other limitations imposed by the software
still apply.
Block Model
Whittle now supports models greater than 999 blocks per dimension
Whittle can now optimise larger block models. The earlier limit of 999 blocks per dimension has been removed.
Models can now have up 99,999 blocks per dimension. Note that the total number of blocks (nx*ny*nz) that Whittle
can optimise is limited by the total memory available (up to 2GB).
Pit Shell Generation
Specify a non-minable area with a 2D mask
In a pit-shell node, it is now possible to specify a non-minable area using a 2D polygon mask. You can import a
Gemcom Surpac Polygon (STR) or a Gemcom GEMS Polygon (3DR) for this purpose.
Scenario Analysis
Specify the final pit shell number in a grade tonnage graph
When adding a grade tonnage graph node under a pit-shell node, it is now possible to specify the final pit-shell for
the calculations. Only the blocks that have a pit-shell number less than or equal to the final pit-shell are now
included in the statistics. In previous versions, the entire model was included in the calculation of the grade and
tonnages.
Custom mining limit
It is now possible to enter a mining limit based on a user-defined expression.
Simultaneous Optimisation
New Simultaneous Optimisation module
Achieve greater NPV using the new Simultaneous Optimisation module. You can unlock greater NPV from your
projects through the simultaneous optimisation of the mine schedule, cut-off grade, stockpiling and blending.
Simultaneous Optimisation increases NPV because it takes into account the interaction between these critical
aspects of mine planning.
Issue Fixed
Blending
Blend bins generator now produces correct cut-offs using equivalent metal grade
The blend bins generator now produces correct cut-offs when using the equivalent metal grade strategy.
Data Import and Export
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Version 4.4 Issue Fixed
Whittle can now merge models if the associated par file does not contain the elements
definition
In earlier versions it was not possible to merge models if the associated par file did not contain the elements
definition. This is now fixed.
Installation and Licensing
Whittle can now operate under Windows7-64 bit
Previously, the automatic protection used in Whittle was reporting "Error code 1025" on some computers when
running Whittle under Windows 7- 64 bit. This issue has now been fixed.
Scenario Analysis
It is now possible to use a model with more than 99 rocktypes and user expressions
In previous versions, scenario analysis was returning a fatal error when you had more than 99 rock types and you
were using expressions. This issue is now fixed.
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