Analysis of geological and geotechnical risks is paramount as exploration companies seek deeper or “blind” ore bodies and mining companies extract ore to greater depths. Our geologists combine skills in structural and geological interpretation of ore deposits with the application of innovative modelling packages to construct dynamic 3D geological models.
The tools we use include Leapfrog, GOCAD, MapInfo, ER Mapper, ArcGIS, and FracSIS together with conventional packages such as Gemcom, DataMine, Vulcan, Minesight and Surpac. Our applied modelling workflow enables the integration of multiple 3D and 2D data sets and the rapid, real-time evaluation of exploration targets at district to deposit scales while assessing ground stability and the controls on ore distribution and hydrogeology. This allows rapid incorporation of results into mineral resource and reserve estimations, mine planning, and exploration targeting.
Our experts also undertake mineral resource domain modelling. Based on our geological models and the geological and structural controls on the spatial distribution of mineralization within a deposit, we define geologically and geostatistically unique 3D mineral resource domains. These facilitate generation of wireframes that can be used to constrain subsequent grade estimation during the mineral resource estimation process.
Services
- Compilation and integration of historical exploration and mining data sets into a 3D environment
- 2D and 3D GIS data set integration
- Terrane-scale modelling and 3D exploration targeting
- Evaluation of geological controls on mineralization in 3D
- Mineral resource modelling, using defined geological criteria as well as grade data
- Country rock domain modelling, defining geotechnical and hydrogeological domains
Thinking Outside the Box
Using a geologically controlled indicator approach to model emerald-bearing reaction zones was a vital tool for accurate resource estimation at the world-class Kagem Emerald Mine in Zambia.
