Variable zone modeling – A different approach to ore deposit modeling

Abstract

Abstract Geology and separation of ore and waste are two fundamental factors in modeling epigenetic deposits. Epigenetic deposits are those deposits where there is a time lag between the deposition of the ore and the host rock. Geologic features such as lithology, facies, and faults are important contributing factors in ore deposition and should be taken into consideration during data categorization and modeling. Separation of ore and waste should-be handled at the block level. Even though the conventional block modeling technique is claimed to take geology into consideration, this is not accomplished to the extent necessary to produce a representative model and to take advantage of, all the available information. A new modeling technique developed by MK-Environ-mental, called “variable zone modeling” (VZM), takes these geologic features into consideration during data categorization and continues using related information throughout the modeling process.