Leapfrog update delivers ‘unrivalled depth’ in every layer of subsurface modelling for mining
Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has released what it says is a major update to its Leapfrog solution for mining – advancing workflows in drill hole planning, stratigraphic modelling and data preparation for resource estimation – to improve productivity and decision making across the mining and mineral exploration value chain.
A powerful suite of new capabilities has been introduced to the industry-leading 3D geological modelling and mineral resource estimation tools, Leapfrog Geo and Leapfrog Edge, in 2026.1. With deeper integration, advanced algorithms and streamlined, data-driven workflows, the release delivers greater depth and precision across every layer, the company says. From drill hole design through to resource estimation, the seamless workflow with reduced manual intervention increases confidence in decision making. By improving targeting precision and accelerating planning cycles, Leapfrog Geo 2026.1 also helps reduce drilling costs, the largest expense in exploration.
Dr Rachel Murtagh, Manager, Product Management – Geology, Geostatistics and Data Science, Seequent, says Leapfrog 2026.1 reflects Seequent’s continued focus on delivering value for customers.
“Improving productivity, reducing risk and maximising return on investment are critical for our mining and mineral exploration customers,” she says. “In this release, we’re doubling down on our implicit modelling capabilities to further advance geological modelling, with major advances in stratigraphic modelling.
“In addition, new features in drill hole planning and estimation create a more seamless, end-to-end workflow across the modelling and resource estimation process — improving consistency, reducing manual effort and increasing confidence in results, helping geologists work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions as project complexity grows.”
Key Leapfrog Geo updates for exploration and project geologists include:
- A powerful new grid-pattern planning tool enables rapid layout of large, systematic drill patterns with live 3D interaction, while maintaining the flexibility to edit individual, targeted holes precisely;
- Intuitive new interactions, including snapping collars directly to any surfaces and adjusting collar and target point positions with more control, reduce time spent adjusting and reworking planned drill holes;
Leapfrog Geo integration with Orica Digital Solutions’ AXIS Connect, powered by Seequent Evo, Seequent’s powerful geoscience data and compute platform, connects drillhole planning directly to drill rig execution; and - Together, these capabilities make it easier to design more effective, data-driven drilling campaigns — maximising the value of each drill hole and minimising costly errors.
In Leapfrog Geo 2026.1, an advanced stratigraphy surface is introduced to enable faster, more data-driven geological modelling, even in the most complex geological settings. Driven by a new algorithm and the stratigraphic data explorer interface, this enhanced workflow produces geologically sound results for layer thickness, pinch-outs and tight fold geometries. Models are dynamically linked to the data, reducing the need for manual edits and freeing up time for higher-value interpretation.
These capabilities enable more dynamic, scalable stratigraphic models that accelerate project timelines, lower risk and turn complex layered data into clear insights, with supporting statistics that strengthen confidence in modelling outcomes and improve communication with stakeholders.
Highlights for modelling geologists include:
- New tools for stratigraphic sequence analysis and statistics;
- Invalid drill holes can be visualised to quickly identify logging inconsistencies and resolve them early; and
- Implicit control over surfaces reduces manual intervention and achieves geologically representative results.
Building on Leapfrog’s robust estimation capabilities, this release introduces a dedicated data preparation workflow that brings structure, transparency and confidence to the core of the geostatistical modelling process, the company says.
This integrated approach strengthens Leapfrog Edge as a resource estimation tool and creates a rigorous, end-to-end environment for geostatistical modelling. New capabilities simplify validation, reduce reliance on external tools and manual processes and accelerate the path to reliable resource estimates – increasing productivity, lowering costs and reducing operational and financial risk. The new workflow strengthens confidence in reporting and improves scalability for large, complex, multi-domain deposits.
Key updates for resource geologists include:
- A new dedicated data preparation folder within Leapfrog Edge streamlines the estimation workflow;
- Interactive tools for capping and declustering enable rapid testing and comparison of multiple scenarios, supporting more informed modelling and defensible outcomes; and
- The estimation dataset integrates seamlessly into domained estimation, ensuring consistency, traceability, and efficient progression from raw data to final model.
Beyond the headline additions, Leapfrog 2026.1 delivers improvements throughout the product, including in its integration with Seequent Evo, Seequent’s powerful cloud-based platform, which helps connect data across geoscience applications, promoting more integrated workflows.
Dr Murtagh says: “We’re continuing to redefine how customers can work with their data to drive innovation with Leapfrog, enabled by Seequent Evo, to solve operational challenges and unlock new value across the mining lifecycle.”
The post Leapfrog update delivers ‘unrivalled depth’ in every layer of subsurface modelling for mining appeared first on International Mining.