cursosgestArticulosGeostatisticsOreReserveEstimation.docVIP

Ore Reserve Estimation Method by Using Geographic Information Systems Hakan Uygucgil Can Ayday Anadolu University, Turkey ABSTRACT In this study, a reserve estimation attempt in a silver ore deposit was carried out by the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Using GIS, 3D model of the studied region, most suitable section planes and grade distributions were obtained and reserve estimation by cross-section method was approached. Besides, tabular cutting depth values were stored, and the relationships were encoded between the drillings, lithological units, and cross-section in a GIS database. 1. INTRODUCTION As mining operations become larger and more complex, large volumes of geological and production data, which are almost spatial, must be manipulated and interpreted on a day to day basis. Working with large volume of data brings out the need of sophisticated data storage strategies, and tools for interpretation and visualization in exploration and mining operations. In order to remain competitive, mineral industries must be adopted to the improvement of information technologies. Today, the classical methods used in mining operations are forced to work in a harmony with the information and computer technologies. When spatial data and information technologies were considered together GIS comes to mind, because spatial data from a variety of sources such as bore-hole locations, tabular cutting depth values, geological paper maps, can be captured in a GIS database, manipulated and transformed to extract particular features in the data, and combined together to produce new derived maps that are useful for decision-making and understanding more effectively. 2. OBTAINING DEM of STUDIED REGION In mining environment, almost all activities, such as surveying, drill hole data operations, open-pit design and optimization, underground mine design, mining block model creation, and ore reserve calculations have a 3D character. So a reserve estimation attempt co