Classification of Mining Reserves using Direct Sequential Simulation

Abstract

In mining operations, ore types are usually defined on the basis of technological criteria such as mining costs, processing\rplant performance and commercial costs, among others. Ore-type classification based on cut-off grades of estimated feed grades,\rtend to be biased when metal values or costs of ore type treatment are not linearly dependent on the feed grades. This paper\rpresents an ore-type classification methodology based on jointly simulated grades. Direct sequential simulation (dss) and\rco-simulations (dscs) are the simulation techniques proposed to generate equiprobable images of different metal grades. Metal\rvalues and operating costs are then computed with several simulated grades of a block, in order to a priori classify the block, assigning it to the ore type which maximizes the profit or minimizes the costs of misclassification.\r\rA case study on the Neves Corvo mine illustrates the proposed methodology.