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09 September 2020
First-Ever Virtual Model of Uranium Deposit Created in Russia
The virtual reality suit comprises a helmet, a computer, hand controllers, and unique software. It can make you find yourself under the ground in the producing horizon as a matter of seconds without leaving the workstation. The operator is able to view a three-dimensional ore body and well filter mapping, visualize the bed structure and move between the beds. In order to study the 3D deposit model in a comprehensive manner, the Seversk-based scientists have developed several modes. For example, the Bed Journey will let the operator plunge into the model, move in different directions and study the well and ore body data. With the On Top of the Desk, the model cannot only rotate but also move the layers apart to more accurately analyze the deposit structure. The Inside the Bed mode enables movements between the layers. The user can even capture the views of the virtual space by using the camera tool. This project was made possible thanks to a painstaking preliminary work. «All geological data has been digitalized at Khiagda, JSC for about a decade. As a result, we have developed a geological information system and, today, all data is entered onto it in the construction of new wells», says Prof. Mikhail Noskov, Seversk Institute of Technology within the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the idea originator and the project’s research supervisor.
The virtual model is based on the data of the Istochnoye deposit. It was there where they put into trial operation the Smart Polygon project, an innovative Uranium ISL intelligent solution, in 2018. The software systems help the company reliably assess the mining and geological environment in the deposit areas under development, model mining scenarios, accurately analyze completed operations and take prompt decisions in the analysis and forecast of the deposit development, geological modeling and planning.
Currently, the software and hardware product only enables viewing the original asset to be developed. The Seversk scientists together with their colleagues at Khiagda are confident that it could be modified in the future so as to develop a process model to include moving solutions and operating injection and extraction wells.
«ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. is one of the first companies in the world that pioneers smart technologies at all stages of the flow processes, from uranium exploration and production to ISL mine abandonment. Our task is to apply cutting-edge IT tools to improve the production process, increase its competitiveness, and, most importantly, to make it safe for the environment», said Vyacheslav Galaktionov, IT Director of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co.
