Geometallurgical resource estimation using a modified geostatistical approach; a case study of Sungun porphyry copper deposit, Iran

Abstract

Geometallurgical modeling involves a comprehensive approach to ore characterization in terms of critical processing attributes, particularly in complex deposits. In this study, an algorithm based on localized uniform conditioning (LUC) method is implemented for creation of spatial geometallurgical domains at Sungun porphyry copper deposit. Localized uniform conditioning (LUC) as a nonlinear method is appropriate for optimal grade estimation of small blocks when the input data spacing is too coarse. In some deposits with complicated geometry, the accuracy of the local estimation through this method depends on the block ranking techniques. The proposed idea is the application of direct block simulation (DBSIM) method realizations for the ranking purpose. The total and oxide copper grades were estimated using the main localized uniform conditioning and proposed algorithm at 30 × 30 × 15 m3 blocks. The outcomes show a satisfactory conformity with the geological facts of the Sungun deposit. Also, the comparison between the results of both methods and the real data confirms the superiority of the proposed method. Finally, the precise destination of each block in the mineral processing circuit has been predicted based on the estimated total and oxide copper grade. The results illustrate that the applied method is able to preserve the spatial variation of attributes and provides an accurate ranking and robust recoverable resource estimation.