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By RICHARD A. THOMAS, Liming Yuan, Lihong Zhou, DAVOOD BAHRAMI

Mine ventilation simulation software has become an essential tool for the mining industry to design and manage mine ventilation operations. Building a well-calibrated mine ventilation network is time consuming, however, and requires great effort. In the last several decades, the mining industry has seen a steady increase in the use of air velocity sensors to monitor airflow and detect unexpected abnormal airflow in some key locations in underground mines. The present research work was carried out to explore the possibility and methodology of calibrating a ventilation network model using atmospheric monitoring system (AMS) data on a routine and ongoing basis.

Aug 1, 2022

By Charlie Sons

Pit and underground mine operators typically use a lot of big equipment tires. Just as typically, they spend a lot of money they shouldn't on these tires. That's because tire use and maintenance are not given enough attention. That often occurs because mine management and personnel do not know the basic facts of tire use and care. If a piece of large equipment is damaged or ruined, a good explanation better he forthcoming. A ruined tire is often just a shoulder shrug. But that sort of fatalistic acceptance can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year extra for big equipment tires. That does not have to be. There are some basic tire considerations that, if followed, will extend tire life and lower tire costs. Most companies have the inevitable conflict between the production department, which resists any restrictions that may reduce productivity, and the maintenance department. Production success is based on meeting a schedule of yards moved, while maintenance success is based on availability and equipment cost. When production falls behind schedule and equipment speeds are increased, maintenance may soon find its tire costs rapidly increasing, unless everyone understands the tires' vulnerability to damage. Unless the production department understands the problem, or restraint is applied by top management, costs may become exorbitant. At one job site, tire costs alone exceeded $250,000, to move 55 dam3 (72 000 yd3) of dirt on an 11-km cycle. The operation temporarily caught up with its schedule, but tire costs and attendant downtime soon made this a not-for-profit exercise. Because an operator must always attempt to move payload at the lowest cost, there are cases when higher than normal tire costs must be accepted. For example, in pioneering work with tandem engine scrapers, steep grades shorten tire life to less than normal. But the steep grades make shorter haul cycles possible, yielding more trips per hour than alternative earth-moving methods.

Jan 1, 1982

By Stefan Zanon, Ty Faechner, Clayton V. Deutsch

Secondary data are important in geostatistical simulation of continuous variables. Geophysical data and geological trends are used for modeling porosity and permeability. Multiple mineral grades must often be modeled for mining applications. Sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) is often used because of its relative simplicity and robustness. The two most common approaches to integrate secondary data in Gaussian simulation are with (1) locally varying mean, or (2) collocated cokriging. A significant problem with both of these techniques is variance inflation, that is, the variance of the resulting simulated values is too high because of an inappropriate decision of stationarity or an artifact of choosing a single secondary data in presence of many. We introduce a self-healing procedure for dynamic correction of this problem. The dynamic correction is different for the locally varying mean approach and for collocated cokriging since there are different reasons why each of these methods causes variance inflation. The reasons for variance inflation are discussed and the self-healing is applied to a number of data sets.

Jan 1, 2002

By Dale R. Ralston, Roy E. Williams, Gerry V. Winter, George L. Bloomsburg

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate the development of a method that we believe can be used for simulating and predicting mine water inflow. It will also show how important it is for personnel who model mine water inflow to have considerable experience with this subject, and with the conversion of hydrogeologic frameworks to conceptual models. Several of the models described previously are said to be three dimensional. However, closer examination reveals that there is considerable limitation in the variation possible in the third dimension. A true three-dimensional analysis would require a very large program. Therefore, it seems more reasonable to develop a procedure by which information from a two-dimensional model can be used for analysis of a three-dimensional problem. For a vertical mine shaft this is relatively easy because most two-dimensional models have an option for axisymmetric flow. If it can be assumed that axisymmetry exists about the centerline of the shaft it can be modeled easily as has been illustrated previously. For a horizontal drift or tunnel the analysis is not nearly as straightforward. However, the flow can be divided into two parts as indicated in Fig. 59. Part 1 considers the flow into the side of the drift while part 2 considers the flow into the end of the drift. To calculate the flow rate into the entire drift from the unsteady flow into a unit length the instantaneous flow per unit length may be integrated over the total length of the shaft. This procedure is shown in Fig. 60. The radial flow through any incremental length of the shaft is q. The total flow rate, Q, into the drift at any particular time is given by: The discharge q is a function of the time during which a particular segment has been draining that is dependent on the location x. In other words, a location at x = 0 has been draining during the entire time of expansion while a segment at x = L has only started to drain. Therefore, the time of draining at any point, x, is given by: [ ] where t' is the time over which the mine has been expanded. To determine the relationship between q and t it is necessary to refer to Polubarinova- Kochina (1962, pp. 566-569) and the equation given for the unsteady flow problem. This is: [ ] where q is the steady flow, q,, q, are the coefficients, and t is the time since drainage began. The expressions for q0, q1, and q2 are given as:

Jan 1, 1986

By Daniel Saramak, Agnieszka Saramak

A big issue in crushing and grinding operations in raw materials handling is high energy consumption and low breakage effectiveness. According to the Legendre [7], only 10% of energy input is directly consumed on the feed material breakage, while the remaining portion is dissipated in the form of heat and noise [8]. In the industry of limestone powder production, the grinding operations constitute integral part of technological circuits, and the energy consumption in operations of industrial comminution consume as high as 2% of world energy [14]. High-pressure grinding is the technology with proved energy benefits both in ore processing circuits and in limestone grinding. The promising results concerned mostly the achieved energy savings and good results of material breakage were achieved and demonstrated in numerous investigations [1,3,12]. However, it appears that a proper selection of operational parameters of the press devise, determination the feed material characteristics and adjustment of process course san be of a key-significance in improving an effectiveness the HPGR operation. Operational parameters of devices and process course should be verified towards the characteristics of the feed material, which mainly applies to the particle size and shape of the feed material and its moisture, and also mineralization in case of ores [2,4,9]. There are various investigations concerning an impact of the operational pressing force on comminution results which mostly refer to the determination of energy consumption and crushing ratio [5,6,10,13]. Investigations on the moisture content are less common, however their results suggest that, in general, the HPGR feed with higher moisture shows the tendency to higher comminution intensity, while the energy consumption increases together with increasing of feed material moisture. Investigations on olivine sand feed [11] showed that crushing ratio decreases for higher moisture, especially when the material is crushed at higher pressing force. HPGR devices, however, shouldn’t be regarded as a unique and perfect solution for comminution of each type of material. But they indeed may bring technological and economic benefits, comparing to conventional crushing and grinding machines, resulting in more favourable breakage of material particles and lower consumption of energy per unit mass of processed feed material.

Feb 1, 2025

By W. Haupt, M. Thormé, H. J. Ertle, K. Reim

Though Germany has a very old mining history, her experience in uranium mining only started in the late sixties. Today in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) there are only 5 small mines in the exploration stage, namely Menzenschwand and Müllenbach in the Black Forest and Mähring, Popenreuth and GroBschloppen in northern Bavaria. In all these exploration mines much development is required to define shape and size of ore bodies. Mining engineers, government authorities and environmentalists alike are very much concerned about environmental safeguards and protection of mine workers against radon and its daughter products. Miners are affected by internal and external radioactive exposure. In general the external [f3]- and [µ] -exposures can be considered as small in comparison to the internal exposure and are therefore not discussed in this paper. The internal exposure is caused by the inhalation of radon and its daughter products and is relevant to the lung as the critical organ. The nobelgas radon is inert and does not from compounds with other elements easily. Contrary to the physical half-life of 3,8 days the biological half-life of radon is only 10 to 20 minutes. During the rentention time in the body only approximately 1 % of the long-lived decay products are retained in the system (SCHOGER, 1976). In this connection is it important that the radon resorption as well as the radon secretion varies individually and depends to a large extent on the age of the person (SCHOGER, 1960). RENOUX et al. (1978) have determined that the greatest part of the a(-activity in the air is attached to aerosoles with a diameter of 0,4/14. The radiation exposure of the lung by radon is negligible if compared with the exposure by short-lived decay products. For this reason one has introduced the concept of the potential [o](-energy (P) of the short-lived radon decay products, which means the total [ct]-energy, which is produced when an atom decays in the decay-series down to the long-lived lead-210. [ ] The unity of the potential [o]-energy concentration in the SI-system is 1 j/m3 air. In radiation protection however a specific unit is used namely the working level (WL): [ ] The WL-unit, though internationally recognised has not been introduced officially in Germany. Because of the large amount of tunneling still to be done in the FRG, the various mines departments responsible for safety and health in mining ask searching questions such as: - What are the laws governing radon emanation in tunneling? - Can workers be adeguately protected against radiation hazards? - How should one drive through high grade uranium ore? - What happens if the ventilation system breaks down?

Jan 1, 1981

By W. J. Turbeville

The subject of this discussion is timely. The U.S. phosphate industry is suffering the throes of depression. It's plight is a matter of widespread concern. The future role of the U.S. industry in world markets is of particular interest. If we should prognosticate phosphate supply-demand on the basis of recent history, we would face a puzzling choice of scenario. In 1980, perhaps the best year ever for U.S. phosphate, 54.6 million metric tons of phosphate rock entered the market place. Of this, more than half was exported -- divided almost equally - as rock or phosphate fertilizer. During the last half of 1981 the situation had begun to change.

Jan 1, 1983

By C. R. McClung

"Molybdenum, in the form of molybdenite, is a common byproduct of many copper mining and concentrating operations. While the recovery of most copper sulfide minerals is principally liberation controlled, the recovery of molybdenite is much more complex, with fully liberated particles commonly lost to tailings.A geometallurgical investigation was undertaken of molybdenite from the Bingham Canyon deposit with the aim of determining what effects, if any, mineralogy and the mineralogical attributes of morphology, angularity, liberation and size have on molybdenite recovery in the processing circuit. A set of samples was collected from the ores and products of Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Copperton Concentrator. The samples were analyzed by normal polarized reflected light microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy using a Mineral Liberation Analyzer, revealing the presence of two distinct types of molybdenite, which are the two polytypes: hexagonal (2H) and rhombohedral (3R). The 2H polytype occurs as textbook-shaped particles in quartz-molybdenite veins located in the core of the deposit, while the 3R polytype occurs as disseminated, ball-shaped particles with a dull or frosted appearance along the margins of the mineralized intrusive body or central core. Each polytype exhibited metallurgical properties consistent with those reported in the literature. The 2H polytype is easily ground, kinetically “faster” floating and displays surface attributes that are amenable to higher rates of recovery. This commonly results in the production of a high-quality molybdenum concentrate under normal operating conditions at most copper concentration operations. The 3R polytype is difficult to grind, kinetically “slower” floating and displays surface attributes that are less amenable to recovery. Therefore, in deposits with higher concentrations of the 3R polytype, modifications to operating parameters may be necessary to improve the recovery of molybdenite.A preliminary investigation into the metal budget of porphyry copper and molybdenum deposits indicated a possible positive correlation between total economic metal budget and polytype content. Higher concentrations of the 3R polytype appear to be more prevalent in gold-enriched porphyries than in molybdenum-enriched porphyries. This may help explain why it is easier to obtain higher rates of recovery in molybdenum ± tungsten-rich deposits, which contain little to none of the 3R polytype. There is a potential for the metal budget of a porphyry deposit to be used as an indication of the molybdenite polytype present as well as its impact on the economics, in terms of exploration, and the processing circuit, in terms of plant design."

Jan 1, 2016

By W. Burger

For the development of deep hard rock mines fast access to the orebody is critical. In some cases the mineralized area is more than 1500 m (5000 ft) below surface. Excavation of shafts or declines is typically on the critical path of the project schedule. Saving time on those activities can significantly increase the net present value of the mining project. Mechanical excavation methods are a step-change in excavation performance and labor safety compared to drill and blast operations. In hard rock conditions roadheaders can not be used effectively, so disc cutting is the first choice. For excavation of declines tunnel boring machines (TBM) can be used in many cases. These provide in certain rock conditions considerably higher production rates compared to drill and blast excavation.

Jan 1, 2010

By Kenneth E. Merklin

The heavy media process is now being used extensively throughout the world for the gravity concentration of a great number of different minerals. The process is a commercial adaptation of the heavy liquid procedure which has been used in laboratories for many years to separate mineral of different specific gravities. In the heavy media process, a suspension of finely divided particles in water is used to increase the apparent specific weight of the fluid to the desired separating point. The original heavy media process used sand, galena, pyrite and occasionally other materials as the solid constituent of the separating suspensions. As the process developed, the need for a more universal media meeting the following requirements was recognized: 1. High specific gravity. 2. Resistance to abrasion. 3. Resistance to corrosion, 4. Readily reduced to a suitable size consist for suspension in water. 5. Available in quantity at economical price levels. 6. Easy to recover by a simple method.

Jan 1, 1958

By Douglas J. Lacke

1974 marked the start of a new era for Climax Molybdenum Co., a division of AMAX, with the initiation of an open pit operation above the existing successful underground block panel caving mine. A number of problems posed a challenge to the Climax open pit. Highly fractured rock, old mine workings, permafrost, and more than 7.6 m/a (300") of snowfall forced changes in normal operations. Final pit wall design was altered. Production bench heights were lessened due to old workings. These and other modifications contribute to a highly successful open pit operation.

Jan 1, 1981

By William J. McCloy, Robert L. Gamble

A coal-fired fluidized bed steam generator rated at 12.6 kg/s has demonstrated the industrial and institutional application of fluidized bed combustion by burning high sulfur coal in an environmentally acceptable manner within a populated area. Designed to provide steam for heating and cooling, the unit was placed into service at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and has already logged 5275 hours.* The unit has consistently operated well within Washington's strict regulations governing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulates. The Georgetown program, cofunded by the university and the US Department of Energy, has shown that fluidized bed combustion is a promising way to realize the full potential of coal, the nation's most abundant energy resource. In a fluidized bed steam generator, a layer of granular limestone is placed on top of a grid designed to prevent particles from falling through. Air is passed upward through the bed with sufficient force to lift and float the particles. At this point the bed material resembles a boiling liquid. Crushed coal is then introduced into the bed and ignited. When high sulfur coal is burned, limestone absorbs the SO2 produced. The operating temperature of a fluidized bed steam generator is relatively low (approximately 871°C). As a result, NO, formation is minimal. Another potential problem encountered in burning coal is fly ash, a form of particulate. A feature of the fluidized bed design, developed by Foster Wheeler Energy Corp., is a fly ash reinjection system. Fly ash is reintroduced into the bed where it is burned again, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. Nearly all remaining fly ash is captured by a baghouse dust collector. At Georgetown, the fluidized bed steam generator and all auxiliary equipment are enclosed in a structure aesthetically compatible with the surrounding university complex. The steam generator has two separate beds that can be fired independently, and operation to date has been with one and two beds in service, based on steam load demand. During several operating periods, when the fluidized bed unit was the only boiler in service, it supplied all the steam required by the 18.5 hm2 of buildings on campus. Initially fired with low sulfur coal, the unit was quickly switched over to higher sulfur fuel which will be used most of the time.

Jan 3, 1981

By Caibin Wu, Chengfang Yuan, Jiaqi Tong, Zhilong Cheng, Ningning Liao, Chong Zeng

In a series of Julius Kruttschnitt size-dependent breakage models, the cumulative percentage passing 1/10 of the initial size is used as a fineness indicator for scientific research and the selection of grinding equipment. However, in industrial practice, it is quite customary to use the mass percentage passing 75 μm as the indicator. In this paper, based on the energy-particle size model, quartz and calcite, two materials with distinctly different hardness, were used as test samples in a conical ball mill. At the same specific energy, the value of the cumulative percentage passing 1/10 of the initial size decreased while that of the mass percentage passing 75 μm increased with finer feed size. The experimental test values of the mass percentage passing 75 μm have a good linear relationship with the model predictions, which suggests that the particle size energy relationship of the mass percentage passing 75 μm and Ecs can be used instead of the cumulative percentage passing 1/10 of the initial size and Ecs. By building family curves, when particle size x < 300 μm, the family curve can be well fitted, and the fine particle size distribution of the whole product can be reconstructed.

Dec 22, 2022

By Irvine G. Reilly

Results of a preliminary study of the ammoniacal leaching of covellite (CuS) in an aqueous oxidizing system in the presence of a non-miscible organic sulfur solvent are described. Up to 60% of the sulfur can be recovered from the solvent as elemental sulfur 1 while achieving high degrees of solubilization of the mineral. The effects of temperature, particle size, oxygen pressure, ammonia concentration and ammonium ion concentration on the degree of sulfur recovery were investigated. Maximum recoveries were achieved at moderate temperatures and in well-buffered systems, with a large excess ammonia concentration. Oxygen pressure and particle size were found to have little effect on fractional recovery of sulfur. A simple empirical model based on electrochemical theory correlating the effects of some of the parameters cont-rolling the degree of sulfur recovery is presented. The results of this work also confirm that in any proposed reaction mechanism for the oxidative ammoniacal leaching of copper sulfides, the primary oxidation product of the sulfide ion in elemental sulfur.

Jan 1, 1978

By Mark Newton Lowry

In the garden of national problems recognized by the American public, imports of mineral products is a hardy perennial. Concern for the security of mineral supplies has preoccupied nations since the industrial revolution and the mechanization of warfare. Since 1973, Americans have also been sensitized to the potential economic costs of overseas mineral supply disruptions and the cartelization of foreign production. Though oil prices have plunged since 1981, the import dependency issue remains topical. Political turmoil in Southern Africa reminds us that mineral supply disruptions will occur in the future as they have in the past. Producers of iron and steel, copper, and refined petroleum products seek protection from imports on national security grounds. The Reagan administration is proposing sweeping changes in the management of the federal mineral stockpiles. s an enduring need to take stock of the mineral trade position of the United States. This article considers the changing role that the U.S. has played in the twentieth century in non-fuel minerals trade. We begin by enunciating some principles that are useful in analyzing this trade. The changing pattern of trade in the 1900-1969 period is then reviewed. There follows a more detailed analysis of mineral trade trends in the 1970-84 period. Some consideration is given in the final section to the significance of non-fuel mineral trade for the U.S. economy. THE ECONOMICS OF U.S. MINERAL TRADE The allocation of non-fuel mineral products in the United States has in this century been accomplished primarily through the market mechanism. Except where trade barriers have distorted price signals, this means that mineral supplies have been obtained from the least cost source, with little regard for their country of origin. Mineral prices facing U.S. firms are sensitive to shifts in the domestic supply and demand, but are also sensitive to economic conditions overseas. The balance of trade in each mineral product has depended on the amount that is profitably produced and consumed domestically at the world price. The nation has produced exactly as much as it has consumed only by chance. U.S. demand for non-fuel minerals is derived from the demand for manufactures, farm commodities, and other goods whose production requires mineral products as inputs. The demand for such goods can be quite volatile, and in most industries moves cyclically due to its sensitivity to the level of aggregate economic activity. The supply of mineral products depends on the cost of extracting and processing mineral raw materials. These costs do not vary greatly in the short run. Because of these attributes of mineral markets, U. S. trade in mineral products fluctuates considerably from year to year. Most of this volatility results from shifts in domestic and overseas demand and from changes in exchange rates and trade barriers. Longer run changes in the mineral trade pattern can also be discerned. These depend on secular trends in demand and in the cost of mineral extraction and processing at home and overseas. The United States was originally endowed with extensive reserves of an array of mineral-rich ores and fossil fuels. It is also a nation with an entrepreneurial climate and technological capability conducive to extracting and processing those reserves. Not surprisingly, it has at one time or another ranked among the world&apos;s leading producers of a great many mineral products. With a population that is large and an economy that is technologically advanced by world standards, the U.S. has also been a leading consumer of mineral products. Because of its voracious appetite, the bulk of mineral products produced domestically has traditionally been consumed domestically as well. Net exports have been sizable only in those industries in which the nation has enjoyed an extraordinary cost advantage. Depletion has gradually reduced the cost advantage that the U.S. mining industry once enjoyed. The economic conditions that encouraged early development of U.S. mineral resources have

Jan 1, 1986

By R. R. Smith

The meaning of the title, "Blank Piece of Paper," refers to the need for management to take a completely fresh viewpoint to the problems facing our industry. These problems are so severe and some so new that conventional thinking may not be adequate to resolve them. Innovation has to be a part of every company&apos;s approach to the solutions, our concept is to start with a "Blank Piece of Paper.&apos; The objective of &apos;this paper is to outline steps which can be taken to improve the profitability of a mining business. This is not an examination of technical solutions to individual problems, but rather recommendations for overall change in management thinking. This philosophy is based on our actual, hands-on experience in major open pit operations worldwide over the past 25 years.

Jan 1, 1987

By A. W. Randall

Geological Aspects of Ore Reserve Estimates of Pine Point District Zinc- Lead Deposits, N.W.T. Zinc-lead ores of the Pine Point District, Northwest Territories, Canada are hosted in paleokarst cavities within a Middle Devonian carbonate barrier complex. Of the nearly 100 deposits found, most are irregularly distributed along two main regional stratigraphically controlled trends. The ores, which occur predominantly as open space filling, form deposits most of which average one million tonnes in size with an average grade of 10% combined zinc plus lead. Geological features related to karsting control not only distribution of deposits but also their shape, size and grade. The higher grade ore in these deposits generally occurs in a relatively small core area. Consequently, accuracy of reserve estimation is dependent on drill hole density and understanding of karst geometry. Several case examples will be reviewed to demonstrate the relationship between shape, size and grade of deposit, geological reserves and drill hole density, along with a discussion of geological ore reserve estimation methods.

Jan 1, 1985

By John F. M. Sims

Political issues and a glaring infrastructure deficiency have retarded the emergence of a strong mining component to the Alaskan economy in recent years. Barriers to orderly mineral development are slowly being removed attendant upon changing political circumstances. Infrastructure development, as an investment avenue as well as a responsibility of the State, is receiving much greater attention than in the past. Alaska of course has a rich and varied mining history going back to the 19th Century. This paper, however, focuses on the mining potential, not the mining heritage of the 49th State. The mining industry is emerging from a nadir in the economic cycle - times during which it was buffeted by unsympathetic administrations and confused and confounded by the protracted land status- conflicts prior to enactment; of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and other milestone legislation. Today Alaska&apos;s mining industry looks toward a bright and healthy future and, in the process, will become a very important and vital component of the State and national economy.

Jan 1, 1982

By QINGXIANG CAI, Lin Li, PENG LIU, IZHAR MITHAL JISKANI, XIANG LU, Wei Zhou, YONGLI ZHOU

Green mining is the latest technological advancement to reduce mining’s environmental impact with minimal energy and resource consumption. Green mining — aimed at protecting nature and providing socio-economic benefits — is a multifaceted network of its connotations and key indicators. China has not yet defined its connotation and formed an effective evaluation system for surface mining. We defined its connotation and developed an evaluation index system based on the theory of green grades. As the indicators are selected based on extensive research, they express the advantages and disadvantages of various aspects of a mine. The index is composed of three attributes (safety, efficiency and environment), nine criteria and 35 indicators. The indicators were quantified according to experts’ opinions using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The results of a case study show that the environment is the most critical aspect, followed by efficiency and safety. This study can provide technical support for the development of green mining.

By K. Zabrusky

"Wireframe construction is an integral part of resource estimation. Wireframes control domaining of samples and data for geostatistical analysis and grade estimation. They may also provide 3D representations of lithology and grade domains. Thus, the way in which a wireframe is constructed has implications throughout the resource estimation process. Proper construction technique and understanding of wireframing processes should be a high priority in a model workflow. Herein is presented an overview of two main categories of wireframes: implicit and explicit. Construction differences between these two types are highlighted. Factors affecting the choice between the two wireframe types will be discussed, including data quantity, data distribution, and sampling technique. Deposit geometry also plays an important part in wireframe construction. The role of geologic knowledge, cross section orientation, and deposit type in regards to wireframe construction will be discussed. The effect of wireframe type on resource estimation will be examined. Finally, best practices for creating meaningful solids that contribute to a reasonable grade estimation are outlined. INTRODUCTION Wireframes are essential to many types of resource estimations. They provide a way to delineate a deposit into various domains. Domaining can be done by lithologic or geologic units, structures or structural zones, or by grade. Domaining is important for geostatistical analysis and grade estimation of a deposit. The purpose of domaining is to analyze and estimate like data with like. Grade distribution patterns may vary by lithology or by proximity to or existence within structural zones. Properly constructed wireframes are therefore a fundamental necessity to a properly executed geostatistical analysis and resource estimation model. The choices made in construction of wireframes have a trickle-down effect on the entire model and should be made according to best practices for the deposit type at hand.TYPES OF WIREFRAMES Explicit The term “explicit wireframe” is used in this paper to indicate wireframes that are constructed by the modeler. This usually involves the modeler drawing the wireframes “by hand”, e.g. still utilizing some sort of computer aided drawing software, but with the modeler making all decisions about the size, shape, and positon of the wireframe. These wireframes are drawn based on some type of key variable that the modeler determines is important to their system. Often, this key variable may be a lithologic unit that controls mineralization, an observable structural zone, or a grade cutoff. Explicit wireframes are generally constructed as a series of shapes drawn on 2D planes or cross sections that are then connected into a 3D shape. Figure 1 shows an example of an explicit wireframe that was drawn based on a grade cutoff on 2D sections (Figure 1a), then joined into a 3D shape (Figure 1b)."

Jan 1, 2015