Improving resource density models via surface gravity inversion

Abstract

Density is one of the fundamental physical properties required in a mining operation, underpinning the calculation of ore tonnages and thus metal produced. The resource density model captures this information, but is often based on a relatively sparse collection of density measurements. Gravity data are a direct reflection of the true distribution of subsurface density, and can be used to improve the resource model. The example of the Ravensthorpe nickel laterite mine illustrates the improvement in the resource density model that results from combining high resolution surface gravity with the set of borehole logged density readings.