Geomodelling and Mineral Resource - HGEOL224
Geomodelling and Mineral Resource - HGEOL224
Geomodelling and Mineral Resource - HGEOL224
a) Drill-hole collars: Are the precise location of a diamond drill hole starting point.
These are essentially the longitude, latitude and altitude at which a drill hole starts at in
a given coordinate system. This information is essential for plotting and mapping drill
holes in three-dimensional space allowing for creation of geological models, and
calculating resource estimates.
BHID X Y Z
221836. 809938
BH01 1 8 1052.9
221839. 809939
BH02 2 0 1047.3
221840. 809939
BH03 1 3 1041.7
b) Geological logs: Are a record of the data and information identified on drilled core
and these including rock types, structures, rock competence, mineral identified &
content, and features observed. These logs are used for geological mapping,
understanding the geological context of the mineral deposit, and correlating drill holes.
Examples include rock type, color, texture, mineral content, structures (faults, folds),
water table depth.
BHID FROM TO RockType WeatheringOxidation COLOR GRAIN SIZEALTERATION Py% As% Po% Structure
BH01 74.12 75 Sch Fr Fr Gn Fg
BH01 75 75.68 Sch Fr Fr Gn Fg
BH01 75.68 75.85 Qtz Fr Fr Wt Cg
BH01 75.85 75.95 Sch Fr Fr Gn Fg
BH01 75.95 76.33 Qtz Fr Fr Wt Cg 3
BH01 76.33 77 Mdi Fr Fr Gy Mg SilStr,ChlMod,FelWk 4 MSh
BH01 77 78 Mdi Fr Fr Gy Mg SilStr,ChlMod 4 MSh
BH01 78 79 Mdi Fr Fr DkGy Mg SilStr,ChlMod 4 MSh
BH01 79 80 Mdi Fr Fr DkGy Mg SilStr,ChlMod 4 MSh
BH01 80 81 Mdi Fr Fr DkGy Mg SilStr,ChlMod 4 MSh
c) Down-hole survey: Are borehole orientations taken at intervals along the actual drill
hole. This tends to measure the deviation of a drill hole from its intended direction. This
is important for plotting, mapping and ensuring that drill hole intersects positions are as
accurate as possible there by enhancing accurate resource estimation.
FINAL DHS
BHID
AT BRG DIP EOH P-Azimuth P-Dip P-EOH
BH01 0.00 202.00 -60.36 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 8.00 202.96 -57.05 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 32.00 202.89 -56.92 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 56.00 202.69 -56.82 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 80.00 202.68 -56.69 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 104.00 201.81 -56.59 865.00 200 -60 750
BH01 128.00 208.82 -52.54 865.00 200 -60 750
d) Drilling parameters: These are the drilling conditions and performance, encounter
during the actual drilling and including drilling speed, rotary speed, torque, drill bit
usage, penetration rate and drilling fluid properties. This information is used for
evaluating drilling efficiency, optimizing drilling practices, calculating drilling costs and
inferring geological conditions of given ground formation.
Examples include drilling speed, rotation speed, torque, bit usage, rate of penetration
(ROP) and weight on bit (WOB).
e) Analytical parameters: Samples obtained from the drill core are send to the lab for
mineralogical assaying to determine target mineral or metal content. These assays are
used to assess the grade and quality of the mineral deposit.
Examples include gold grade (ppm), copper grade (%), mineral content (e.g., pyrite,
chalcopyrite), rock chemistry and analytical method used.
In Situ Bulk Density: Refers to the density of rock or mineral material in its natural,
undisturbed state, including the void spaces and fluid fill between particles. It is
measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
In situ bulk density is often used in the evaluation of iron ore deposits, where the density
of the ore body affects resource estimation and processing.
Dry Bulk Density: Is the density of the material after it has been dried to remove
moisture and excludes any voids. This measurement reflects the true density of the
solid material.
Dry bulk density is commonly used for evaluating mineral commodities such as coal to
determine its calorific value and economic potential.
The main objective of sampling QAQC (Quality Assurance and Quality Control) is to
ensure accuracy and reliability of geochemical data collected during mineral exploration
and mining operations. This involves implementing procedures (QAQC framework)
designed to eliminate and minimize errors and biases in the sampling process, data
collection, and analysis.
Parameters used for QAQC evaluation:
1. Duplicate samples: Duplicate samples refer to the same sample being split into
two then assigned different sample IDs to assess the consistency and accuracy
of the sampling process as well as existence of nuggets. By comparing the
results of duplicate samples, it is possible to identify potential errors or biases.
2. Certified reference materials (CRMs): These are samples with known
concentrations of specific elements or minerals. They are inserted into the drilling
process at regular intervals to monitor the accuracy of the analytical methods
used. By comparing the analytical results of CRMs to their known values, it is
possible to assess the accuracy and precision of the laboratory analysis.
3. Training of project personnel:
This principle helps determine the relative ages of different rock units. In the context of
mineral exploration, it can be used to identify potential mineral deposits within specific
stratigraphic intervals. For example, if a known mineral deposit occurs within a particular
rock formation, the principle of superposition can guide exploration efforts to similar
formations at different depths or locations.
This principle helps predict the lateral extent of mineral deposits. If a mineral deposit is
discovered in one location, it is likely to continue laterally within the same rock formation
until it encounters a geological barrier or changes in depositional conditions.
Typical example is the boundary between a high-grade gold ore zone and surrounding
low-grade material, often seen in vein-type deposits. Chromite seams in the Great Dyke
and coal seams in the Hwange basin.
An example is the transition from a high-grade copper zone to a low-grade copper zone
in porphyry deposits, where mineralization decreases gradually.
2.3 Diagrammatic Illustration of Grade Variations
3.1.1 The diagram provided is a histogram. Histograms are used to visualize the
distribution of numerical data by grouping data into intervals (bins) and representing the
frequency of data points within each bin with a bar.
All three histograms belong to the same data set and show a right-skewed distribution,
indicating that a majority of the data points are on the lower end. Histogram A has the
most pronounced skewness, while Histogram C has the coarsest representation due to
the larger bin size. The central tendency and dispersion measures will vary slightly
between the histograms, reflecting the differences in shape and bin size.
Histograms fall under the category of graphical statistical tools. They are valuable for
understanding the shape, central tendency, and dispersion of a dataset.
3.2 Chromite Ore Grade Analysis
To calculate the variance, we first need to find the mean of the sample values.
Next, we calculate the squared difference between each sample value and the mean:
Variance = (72.45 + 2.10 + 55.45 + 88.45 + 11.45 + 0.32 + 91.45) / (7-1) = 53.61
Units: Standard deviation is expressed in the same units as the original data, making it
easier to interpret in the context of the dataset.
Interpretability: It provides a clearer understanding of the dispersion of data points
around the mean, allowing for more intuitive comparisons between datasets.
Control charts are statistical tools used to monitor a process over time and identify when
the process is out of control. They are used in quality control in QAQC protocols in
mineral exploration.
Assay batch pass/fail protocol: Batches with QC sample plotting within the +/- 2S are
accepted as having passed while those falling outside are considered as failed batches.
Monitor process stability: Detect shifts or trends in the process that indicate a change in
the average or variability of the measured variable.
Line A: Upper limit which is the positive second standard deviation (+2S)
Line C: Lower limit which is the negative second standard deviation (-2S)
Data Reduction: To reduce the volume of data for easier analysis and
interpretation.
Smoothing: To smooth out short-term fluctuations in assay values and provide a
more consistent representation of the mineral grade.
Zonal Grading: To allocate distinct grades for different mineralised zonation or
different geological stratum.
Resource Estimation: To calculate the total mineral resource across an
intersection, cross section or block.
Compositing by bench: In open pit gold production, grade is often composited
by benches to allow for mine planning and reconciliation.
1. Inferred Mineral Resource: The first and the lowest level of confidence, based
on limited sampling and geological information. It suggests a potential mineral
deposit but requires further exploration to confirm its existence and grade. The
resource may be based on outcrop sampling a few wide spread trenches and drill
holes at spacing in excess of 250m in Au deposits.
2. Indicated Mineral Resource: A higher level of confidence based on more
extensive sampling and geological data. It indicates a mineral deposit with a
reasonable probability of existence and grade. More drill holes have been
completed and the drilling interval is in the vicinity of 50m in Au cases.
Reasonable three-dimensional model can be fairly delineated and probably pilot
mining has proved the economic viability of the deposit.
3. Measured Mineral Resource: The highest level of confidence, based on
detailed sampling and geological data. It represents a mineral deposit with a high
degree of certainty regarding its existence, grade, and tonnage. Drilling density is
having increased and drill hole spacing is below 25m interval. Other aspects of
the resource such as metallurgical properties, commutation properties are now
known and the resource is already being exploited.
A grade control system is a set of procedures and techniques used to monitor and
manage the grade of ore extracted from a mine. It involves collecting and analyzing
data on ore grade, ore tonnage, and mine production to ensure that the ore being mined
meets the economic cutoff grade.
Optimize Profitability - Grade control helps to maximize the value of ore extracted
by ensuring that only ore with a grade above the economic cutoff is mined.
Minimize Waste - By accurately predicting the grade of ore, grade control can help
to minimize the amount of waste rock mined.
Improve Mine Planning - Grade control data can be used to update mine plans
and optimize production schedules.
Reduce Dilution - Effective grade control minimizes the inclusion of waste material
in the ore, reducing dilution and ensuring that the processed material meets
specified grade thresholds.
Ensure Compliance - Grade control systems are essential for complying with
mining regulations and reporting requirements.
MVCR is a process of reconciling the value of ore extracted from a mine with the value
of the products produced from that ore. It involves tracking the flow of ore through the
mining value chain, from extraction to processing and refining, to identify any
discrepancies or losses in value.
5.4 Objectives of MVCR
1. Identify Value Losses: MVCR helps to identify any losses in value that occur
during the mining process, such as losses due to dilution, processing
inefficiencies, or theft.
2. Optimize Operations: By understanding where value is being lost, mining
companies can take steps to improve their operations and increase profitability.
Spatial Reconciliation:
Involves comparing the grade of ore extracted from different parts of a mine. For
example, comparing the grade of ore from different stopes or benches within a
mine.
Example: If the grade of ore extracted from one area of a mine is significantly
lower than expected, spatial reconciliation can help to identify the cause of the
discrepancy.
Temporal Reconciliation:
Involves comparing the grade of ore extracted over time. For example,
comparing the grade of ore mined in different months or years.
Example: If the grade of ore being extracted from a mine is declining over time,
temporal reconciliation can help to identify the reasons for this decline and take
corrective action.
By conducting both spatial and temporal reconciliation, mining companies can gain a
better understanding of their ore grade variability and identify areas for improvement in
their operations.