Geological modelling must keep pace with a continuous flow of drilling and mapping data. Yet many geological workflows still rely on disconnected tools, repeated data transfers and static models that are difficult to update, audit or reproduce.
Studio Geo is Datamine’s unified geological modelling platform, designed to turn raw geological data into updateable, auditable geological models and estimation-ready block models within a single, managed workflow. By bringing data ingestion, interpretation, structural modelling, domain construction, block modelling and automation together, Studio Geo enables teams to move from database to decision faster and with greater confidence.
A data-driven foundation for geological modelling
Studio Geo is built on a simple principle: geological models should evolve as data evolves.
Live drillhole data can be imported via drag-and-drop files or connected directly to drilling databases such as Fusion, acQuire or any ODBC source. Data is mapped, rules are configured and validations are remembered, allowing new drilling data to be merged seamlessly without remapping or rebuilding workflows. Common data issues can be identified and corrected early, reducing downstream risk.
This data-driven approach ensures geological understanding grows naturally as data density increases — without breaking continuity or introducing unnecessary rework.
A dynamic workflow that mirrors geological reasoning
At the core of Studio Geo is a dynamic, dependency-based modelling workflow that reflects how geologists work in practice.
The workflow progresses logically from drillhole data through to a complete resource-ready model. Drillholes are used to generate fault blocks, geological boundaries and grade domains, which are then combined into a coherent geological model. Estimation workflows add grade data to create the resource block model. Macros can be utilised throughout the process to customise steps, automate repetitive tasks and provide greater control over outputs.
Every step is explicit and traceable. Clear status indicators show what’s changed and what needs updating, so you can rerun individual tasks, execute only the pending steps, lock components while you interpret, or reorder tasks as needed. Implicit surfaces are always reproducible because the parameters used to build them are stored with the model, keeping your work portable and auditable. Geological modelling has never been this transparent.
This approach enables rapid iteration while maintaining full control over model evolution.
Domain building that reflects real geology
Studio Geo allows geologists to construct geological domains in a way that reflects real geological relationships.
Stratigraphic sequences can be built using contact surfaces, while cross-cutting units such as veins, intrusions and grade shells can be added and controlled explicitly. Age relationships between geological units are honoured, and multiple modelling approaches can coexist within a single workflow.
All individual models are automatically combined into a single combined solid, ensuring consistency and eliminating manual reconciliation between domains.
Multiple implicit modelling engines, chosen by geology
No single modelling method suits every deposit. Studio Geo therefore provides several implicit modelling types within one platform:
- Contact surfaces for layered or stratigraphic geology
- Vein modelling for surfaces with a distinct upper and lower bounding surface, with fine control over points, boundaries, thickness and fault interactions
- Categorical modelling, using machine-learning-guided Gaussian and ellipsoid approaches, suited to complex intrusions or heterogeneous units
- Grade shells for cut-off-driven geological or mineralised envelopes
Geologists can select the most appropriate modelling engine for the geological context, ensuring results remain geologically faithful rather than algorithm-driven.
Structural controls built into the workflow
Structural geology is treated as a first-class component of the workflow.
Faults can be built from traces, dip and azimuth data, with explicit control over cross-cutting and termination relationships. Fault blocks are generated automatically and can be used to offset veins, contacts and categorical models — including complex cases such as scissor faults.
This ensures geological domains honour structure consistently across the entire model.
Seamless transition to block modelling
Once geological domains and fault blocks are defined, Studio Geo automatically stamps them into a block model defined by the protomodel parameters, including block size, rotation and sub-celling rules.
As upstream models change, the block model updates automatically, maintaining continuity from interpretation through to estimation-ready outputs. This removes the need for repeated import-export cycles between software packages and significantly reduces turnaround time.
Automation, standardisation and extensibility
Studio Geo supports automation through macros, which can be inserted anywhere in the workflow. These macros can handle tasks such as compositing, estimation, dynamic anisotropy or saving interpretations.
Macros read from and write back into the live workflow using substitution variables, ensuring:
- Full traceability
- Repeatable execution
- Standardised best practices across teams and sites
This makes Studio Geo highly extensible while remaining auditable.
Collaboration and enterprise data governance
Studio Geo operates within Datamine’s open ecosystem, using lightweight DMX files that preserve both data and metadata. Legends, defaults and visual standards flow consistently through the workflow, supporting shared interpretation.
Integration with MineTRUST extends this capability into the cloud, enabling versioning, permissions, rollback and collaboration across Datamine applications. Geological models become company-owned assets rather than files tied to individual laptops — supporting modern, distributed teams and operational continuity.
Why it matters: high-level benefits
Studio Geo delivers value where geological decisions matter most:
Faster time to decision
Update only what has changed and refresh entire workflows in minutes rather than days.
Transparency and trust
Every task is visible, traceable and reproducible — not a black box.
Reduced risk and data friction
Fewer hand-offs between tools, early data validation and consistent governance.
Geologically faithful models
Choose the right modelling approach per geology and honour structural and stratigraphic relationships.
Continuity from geology to estimation
Geological interpretation flows directly into block models and estimation workflows.
Scalability across deposits and teams
Suitable for stratigraphic, intrusive and structurally complex deposits, in open pit or underground environments.
Future-ready collaboration
Cloud-enabled workflows ensure long-term ownership, continuity and accessibility of geological data.
A platform built for today, and for what comes next
Studio Geo is already delivering fast, reliable geological modelling today. At the same time, it is being developed as a long-term platform, with ongoing enhancements in areas such as stratigraphic modelling, subdomains and advanced reporting, guided directly by user feedback.
By unifying geological workflows into a single, transparent system, Studio Geo provides a robust foundation for better geological understanding, reduced risk and more confident decision-making across the mining value chain.
