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Orebody Modelling

The document discusses the importance of ore body models in mining, detailing their components, construction methods, and the data collection and interpretation processes involved. It outlines the steps for creating a geological model, including domaining, resource estimation, and grade estimation techniques, while emphasizing the need for continuous updates as new data becomes available. The conclusion highlights the role of geological models in decision-making throughout the mining project lifecycle.

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46 views23 pages

Orebody Modelling

The document discusses the importance of ore body models in mining, detailing their components, construction methods, and the data collection and interpretation processes involved. It outlines the steps for creating a geological model, including domaining, resource estimation, and grade estimation techniques, while emphasizing the need for continuous updates as new data becomes available. The conclusion highlights the role of geological models in decision-making throughout the mining project lifecycle.

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bsamalesu2
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES

Topic : OREBODY MODELS AND MODELLING


Introduction

A key point in the design and operation of a mine is the construction of what is called an ore
body model.

The proper description of an ore body is the foundation upon which follow up mine
decisions are taken. An ore body model has three distinct components,
• (i) the physical geometry of the geologic units that formed and host the ore body;
• (ii) the attribute characterisation in terms of assays and geo-mechanical properties of
all materials to be mined; and
• (iii) the value model in terms of economic mining of the ore body.
Introduction
• The ore body model is constructed by interpolating between sample points and extrapolating onto the
volume beyond sample limits.

• The modelling depends on considerations such as sampling methods, reliability of data, specific purpose
of estimation and required accuracy.

• The basic concept of ore body modelling is to conceive the entire ore body as an array of blocks arranged
in a three dimensional X Y Z grid system (X representing Easting, Y representing Northing and Z
representing Elevation) by making certain assumptions about the continuity of the ore body parameters.

• Each block of uniform size represents a small volume of material to which the value of width, grade,
tonnage and other geological entities are assigned.
Introduction
There are four conditions that an ore body model must satisfy,

(i) the parameters of a model chosen should allow estimation to be made;

(ii) the model must be able to provide an answer to a relevant question;

(iii) the model must be compatible with data; and

(iv) the predictions of the model should be verified or checked by experience


3.1.Geological Data collection

 Ore body models begin with a comprehensive collection of


geological data, which may include geological maps, drill core
samples, geophysical surveys, and geological interpretations. This
data forms the foundation for constructing the model.
The collection of the relevant geological information in a suitable
database or file format. Typically, we consider geological contact
points (i.e., points on the interface between relevant geological units,
or points on a fault plane) and orientation measurements.
Geological data is acquired through logging i.e.
Rock type (e.g.basalt, granite etc), mineralogy
(sulphide or oxides) and structures (fault, fold,
veins) (Jones,(2019). Core “sample” needs to be
assayed to get grade.

Figure:2 Showing core from SR001 FQM.


Table:1- Showing a log sheet of the hole SR001.
3.2.GEOLOGICAL DATA INTERPRETATION

Geologists analyze the collected data to interpret the geological features and
structures that influence the formation and distribution of the ore body. This
includes identifying the host rock, mineralization zones, fault lines, and other
geological attributes.
After drilling and assay data have been collected, the data must be interpreted
visually using various softwares.
Combine geology and assays to interpret ore/gradezone from the drilling
information as shown I figure-3.
4.1.ASSAY & PLOTTING

Figure:3. Showing a section of the assays of the SR001 hole.


3.3. Domaining (polygons)

The first step in the modeling process involves creating a three-dimensional


geological model of the deposit(Kumral & Rendu,(2016).
This model represents the various rock types, structures, and geological features
present in the deposit. It helps to understand the spatial relationships between
different geological units(Mathieu,2019).
Domaining is the process of subdividing a mineral deposit into distinct domains
or subregions based on geological or mineralogical characteristics. This process
identifies areas within the deposit that exhibit similar geological features or other
relevant attributes.
It is important because it allows for a more accurate estimation of the
distribution and grade of mineral resources within a deposit figure.4.
SECTIONS(DOMAINS)

Figure-4.Sections of grade and geology.


3.4.Creation of polygons and triangulation.

• This stage is done for the purpose of easy calculation of tonnage and grade.
Different techniques like Triangulation are used, depending on the shape of
the orebody. Borehole sections are corelated between sections to model
geology and grade domains in 3D, shown in fig.5. Solid model allows
estimation of “global” grade and tonnage (Johnson & Boisvert,2021)
• The geological ore body model is often divided into blocks, each with an
assigned grade and ore reserve estimation takes as showm in figure 5.
Figure:5.Triangulation of sections(Leap frog).
3.5.Resource estimation

Interpolation methods -block models

 Modelled (triangulated) ore


body divided into blocks.
 Individual blocks = Selective
Mining Unit (SMU) e.g. 20x20x20
m parent blocks or 2 x2x2 m
child blocks 3.

Figure:6-Showing interpolation.
3.6.Grade estimation using data interpolation
Once the mineralization model is established, grade estimation techniques are applied to assess
the average grade of the ore body and estimate the quantity of minerals present (Deutsch,2008).
 Common methods include inverse distance weighting, kriging, and geostatistical simulations.

Figure 7: Diagram showing grade interpolation using the polygon method


3.7.Ore resource and reserve classification.
The modeled ore body is typically categorized into different resource classes based on
confidence levels and data density(Dowd, (2017).
These classes may include measured, indicated, and inferred resources, Probable and
Proved each with varying levels of certainty and exploration data coverage
(Goovaerts,2019).

Figure:8-Ore resource and


reserve classification.
4.Examples of orebody models

Figure 9: 3D model of orebody A in Maptek Vulcan (Jones,2019).


Figure:10. Final Kloof-South Deep ore body model with incorporated
seismically mapped faults, which can be integrated into data mine
packages for mine planning and design purposes(Dowd,2017).
Figure 11: 3D IDW model of mineralization of the Tangshan copper deposit,
China. (Fallara et al., 2006)
Figure:102Three-dimensional (3D) ore-body modeling of Zhaoxian gold deposit
(Manzi,2019).
Modelling process flow.

Modelling process flow.

Figure:1. Modelling process flow at Lumwana mine (Barrick).


8.Conclusion

Ore body models and modeling are dynamic hence they are
continually updated and refined as new data becomes available. They
serve as critical references for decision-making throughout the life
cycle of a mining project, from exploration to production.
Geological models serve as powerful tools for understanding
subsurface structures and predicting geological phenomena. This
research has highlighted the advancements and applications of
geological models, including various modeling techniques, software
tools, and data integration approaches.
5.References
• Deutsch, C. V., & Journel, A. G. (2008). GSLIB: Geostatistical Software Library and User's Guide (2nd
ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Dowd, P. A. (2017). Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimation: The AusIMM Guide to Good
Practice. The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
• F. FALLARA, M. LEGAULT, O. RABEAU; 3-D Integrated Geological Modeling in the Abitibi Sub province
(Québec, Canada): Techniques and Applications. Exploration and Mining Geology 2006; 15 (1-2):
27–43. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gsemg.15.1-2.27
• Goovaerts, P. (2019). Geostatistics for Natural Resources Evaluation. Oxford University Press.
• Jones, N. (2019). Applied Mineral Exploration.
• Johnson, P., & Boisvert, J. (2021). 3D Geological Modeling for Mine Planning and Mineral Resource
Estimation. Elsevier.
• Kumral, M., & Rendu, J. M. (2016). Orebody Modeling and Strategic Mine Planning - Uncertainty
and Risk Management Models. Society for Mining, Metallurgy.
• Mallet, J. L. (2004). "Geological modeling," Geological Society Special Publications, 239(1), 7-16.
• Manzi, Musa & Malehmir, Alireza & Durrheim, Raymond. (2019). Giving the legacy seismic data the
attention, they deserve. First Break. 37. 89-96. 10.3997/1365-2397.n0050.
• Mathieu, F. (2019). "Geological modeling: A unified approach.

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