Geology & Resource Modelling

Carlson Geology is a module within the Carlson Mining suite providing geological modelling capabilities for both stratigraphic (layered) deposits and hardrock ore bodies. It uses drillhole and sample data to create subsurface models using industry-standard algorithms. Key features include drillhole data entry, cross-sections and fence diagrams, fault modelling, mine reserves calculation, kriging and variograms, block viewing, and optimized pit design. The module runs on AutoCAD and includes IntelliCAD built-in.

DomainMCF (Maptek Compute Framework) is a cloud-based machine learning tool for geological domain modelling, launched in 2021. It represents a fundamentally different approach: geologists feed in drillhole or sampling data, and DomainMCF uses ML to generate domain boundaries and grade models in minutes rather than the days or weeks traditional methods require. Processing runs on Maptek's Compute Framework cloud infrastructure.

GeologyCore (also referred to as Vulcan GeologyCore) is Maptek's dedicated geological modelling environment, released in 2021. It provides a workflow-based interface guiding geologists through six key steps: loading and validating data, defining geological domains, and generating, validating, and publishing models. It supports multiple modelling techniques — machine learning, traditional vein modelling, stratigraphic modelling, and implicit modelling — within a single, streamlined interface.

GeoModeller builds complex, implicit 3D geological models using a geostatistical vector field (CoKriging) interpolator from structural data, cross-sections, drillholes, and geophysics. Formation-specific anisotropy settings enable realistic geological representation even with sparse data. The stratigraphic pile defines model topology, enabling transfer of external geological knowledge into the model.

Geoscience ANALYST is available as a free 3D viewer (base version) and in premium modules: Pro, Pro Geophysics, and Pro Geology. The free viewer enables visualization of integrated multi-disciplinary geoscience data and models, functioning as a team communication tool. The Pro modules add object creation, editing, data processing, interpretation, targeting, geophysical modelling/inversion, and AI-assisted geological interpretation.

GOCAD Mining Suite is Mira Geoscience's flagship 3D geological modelling software, rooted in the SKUA-GOCAD technology co-developed with Emerson (Paradigm). Available in multiple packages — the Geoscience Exploration Package (for building and querying integrated exploration models) and advanced configurations including cross-section digitizing, block model interrogation, geostatistical interpolation, estimation, and simulation.

Hexagon MinePlan's Geosciences Suite is a comprehensive set of integrated modules for exploration and resource geology, embedded within the MinePlan 3D visualization platform. It is not a single standalone product but rather a collection of specialized tools sold as packages. The Resource Geo package integrates data management, visualization, QA/QC, statistics/geostatistics, geologic modelling, block modelling, and resource estimation. The Exploration Geo package adds field-to-model workflow connecting the GeoSlate mobile logging app (Android tablets) with MinePlan 3D.

Isatis.neo is Geovariances' flagship platform, released in 2019 as a complete ground-up rebuild of the legacy Isatis product. It features a modern interface, 3D visualization, parallelized algorithms, and extensive Python scripting and batch automation capabilities. The latest release is version 2025.3. Available in three editions — Standard, Mining, and Petroleum — the Mining Edition is specifically configured for resource geologists and geostatisticians.

K-MINE Geology is the geology and resource estimation module within the K-MINE platform. It covers the full workflow from exploration and database creation through geological modelling, resource estimation, and reporting. The module supports drillhole database management, 3D geological modelling, block modelling (with sub-blocking for complex structures), cross-section creation, and resource estimation using multiple interpolation methods: Nearest Neighbor, Inverse Distance Weighted, Simple Kriging, Ordinary Kriging, Lognormal Kriging, and External Drift Kriging.

Leapfrog Edge is Seequent's resource estimation tool, designed as an extension of Leapfrog Geo. It puts block modelling, variogram analysis, grade interpolation (Ordinary Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting, and other methods), sub-blocking, and resource classification directly into the hands of resource geologists through an intuitive visual interface. Unlike many traditional resource estimation tools that require separate software, Edge integrates estimation directly with geological modelling — when the geological model updates in Leapfrog Geo, the resource model can be automatically refreshed.

Leapfrog Geo is Seequent's flagship product and a widely recognized tool for implicit geological modelling. Rather than requiring geologists to manually digitize interpretations on cross-sections, Leapfrog Geo constructs geological surfaces mathematically from data using its proprietary implicit modelling engine. This approach is faster, more reproducible, and easier to audit than traditional explicit methods. The software supports drillhole data, GIS data, maps, geophysical data, structural measurements, and geochemical data in dynamic, linked workflows that update instantly when new data is added.

Micromine Origin

by Micromine

Micromine Origin is Micromine's flagship geology and resource estimation software, covering the full workflow from early-stage exploration through geological modelling, resource estimation, and grade control. It provides comprehensive tools for drillhole data management, GIS/spatial data visualization, implicit and explicit modelling, geostatistics, block modelling, resource estimation with compliant reporting, and grade control. The software supports 70+ file formats from 25+ industry tools and handles datasets exceeding 15 million rows.

MineScape

by Datamine

MineScape is a specialized geological modelling and mine planning platform tailored for coal and stratigraphic deposits. Originally developed by Mincom (an Australian mining software company, released as MineScape 1.0 in 1988), it became part of Datamine through a chain of acquisitions (Mincom → CAE → Constellation/Vela/Datamine in 2015). It is actively developed and maintained by Datamine.

Promine's suite includes dedicated geology modules for creating polygonal evaluations, generating block models from drillhole data, performing resource estimation and geostatistics, and viewing fault planes within orebodies. The software covers the full mining workflow including 3D drift and raise modelling, stope design, drill and blast planning, and scheduling. Its survey module accommodates multiple file formats, and the Grid module produces scalable layouts.

Studio RM

by Datamine

Studio RM (Resource Modelling) is Datamine's flagship product and one of the most established geological modelling packages in the industry, with a lineage spanning 40+ years. It provides a comprehensive toolkit for geological interpretation (both implicit and explicit 3D modelling), block modelling, geostatistical analysis, grade estimation (including multiple kriging methods), and resource classification compliant with JORC, SAMREC, NI 43-101, S-K 1300, and Guide 7.

Supervisor

by Snowden Optiro

Supervisor (current version: Supervisor 9) is a specialized geostatistical support tool designed to complement, not replace, general-purpose mining software packages. It streamlines the most time-consuming and complex parts of the resource estimation process. It is explicitly positioned as a companion tool to be used alongside Datamine Studio RM, Surpac, Vulcan, Leapfrog, or any other primary modelling package.

Vulcan is Maptek's flagship product and one of the most widely used mining software platforms globally, with a heritage dating to the early 1980s as the world's first true 3D mining software. It provides a comprehensive 3D visualization environment for managing, validating, and transforming geological data into geological models, mine designs, and operational plans across open pit and underground operations.