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Burra Mine

 

The 3D model was constructed using a geo-referenced version of the original hand-drafted base map, which included elevation data points surveyed during final phase of mining.

These elevation locations and associated height data were digitised from the georeferenced map into a GIS point dataset.

Borehole and survey station points were captured and saved in separate point datasets.

The point dataset elevation values were transferred to the base plan polylines (where spatially coinicident), and these lines were used to generate a 3D triangular irregular network (TIN).

Elevation points not spatially coincident with base plan lines were added to the TIN separately.

The geology dataset was draped over the TIN in a 3D visualisation environment and output to Adobe 3D pdf for display in Acrobat ReaderTM.

 

Using the model

In order to increase its accessibility, the Burra Mine model has been converted to .pdf format, allowing for maximum portability and eliminating the need for the end user to purchase any specialised software.
 
The user can fully interact with the model using Adobe Acrobat’s 3D Toolbar (Note: the toolbar varies with the version of Acrobat Reader):

Adobe Acrobat 3D toolbar

  1. Rotate
  2. Spin
  3. Pan
  4. Zoom
  5. Default view
  6. Select view
  7. Toggle model tree
  8. Pause animation
  9. Use orthographic projection
  10. Model render mode
  11. Enable extra lighting
  12. Background colour (disabled if a gradient background is being used)

 

The user can also:

  • Selectively activate and/or deactivate any geological unit, cross section or isopach 
  • Enable geological surfaces to be displayed as transparent, solid or as a solid-wireframe

Software Information
The models can be viewed with Acrobat Reader 9 as it incorporates 3D visualisation capabilities. Acrobat Reader 9 can be downloaded free from the Adobe website.

 

Burra 3D geomodel layout

Burra - Click to enlarge

Burra open cut at cessation of mining operations before closure

About the mine

The Burra (Burra) Mine, situated 150 km north of Adelaide within the Adelaide Geosyncline, produced 2.7 million tonnes of copper ore in two major mining phases: 1845–1877 and 1970–1981.

The geology of the Burra open cut is divided in two by the Kingston Shear. On the west side, a diapiric body intruding the Skillogalee Dolomite occupies the entire length of the pit and may extend up to 500 m to the west. On the east side, the greater part of the pit is occupied by an overall east-dipping succession of the Kooringa Member, with pale-coloured dolomites of the Skillogalee Dolomite above and below.

Recognition that the porphyry and associated mineralisation are of similar age to the host Skillogalee Dolomite promotes large tracts of the Adelaide Geosyncline as prospective for similar mineralisation.

Details of the geological mapping and interpretation of the Burra Mine Project are available as a Report Book with associated datasets.

Report book 2008/16 Review of the Burra Mine Project, 1980-2008: a progress report

The 3D pdf version of the Burra Mine model (.pdf 7.1Mb, opens in new window)

Note: this model is presented as a 'proof of concept' only and the accuracy (spatial or otherwise) should not be relied upon for exploration or other decision making processes.