Recent developments in geostatistical resource evaluation - Learning from production data for optimized extraction of mineral resources

The resource model is the foundation for mineral project evaluation, mine planning and operations production control. The representativeness of such a model depends on both, the quality of data available and the modelling technique applied. This contribution reviews recent developments in geostatistical resource modelling first focusing on...

Data assimilation of sensor measurements to improve production forecast in resource extraction

The effect of geological uncertainty on achieving short-term targets: A quantitative approach using Stochastic process simulation

Optimal Inference of Modelling Parameters to Simulate Complex Trends across Soft Boundaries: A Case Study in Heavy Mineral Sands

A risk-robust development of a heavy mineral resource requires an assessment of the geological uncertainty and spatial variability of the key factors impacting the mining and processing operation. Attributes of interest are the total heavy mineral grade, the slime content and the amount of oversized particles. The modelling of a mineral sand...

Sensor-based Real-time Resource Model Reconciliation for Improved Mine Production Control: A Conceptual Framework

The flow of information, and consequently the decision-making along the chain of mining from exploration to beneficiation, typically occurs in a discontinuous fashion over long timespans. In addition, due to the uncertain nature of the knowledge about deposits and the inherent spatial distribution of material characteristics, actual production...

Embracing geological uncertainty in marine resource exploration and exploitation

Gemeinsame Nutzung von Radarinterferometrie und Geostatistik zur räumlichen Analyse von Bergsenkungen

The development of modern mostly satellite-based monitoring methods in the last two decades, especially of the SAR interferometry allows, particularly in built-up urban areas, a spatially dense collection of movements in relative short time intervals. Due to the almost extensive existence of measurement results, in contrast to the line-like...

Real-time mineral resource models: Approaches for the integration of online production data

The flow of information along the mining value chain from exploration through resource modelling, reserve estimation, mine planning, operations management and beneficiation occurs typically in a discontinuous fashion over long time spans. Due to the uncertain nature of the knowledge about the deposit and its inherent spatial distribution of...

Integrated geometallurgical modelling of heavy mineral sands accounting for profitability, extractability and processability under uncertainty

The development of a mineral resource is inherently connected with a substantial amount of risk due to the large financial investment required at the time that the geological knowledge is rather limited and the comprehension of the so-called “modifying factors” is incomplete. Ongoing research has shown that a great deal of the risk can be...

The use of sensor derived data in optimization along the Mine-Value-Chain

Sensor derived data can add value across the mining operating chain ranging from resource definition, extraction, pre-concentration, mineral process monitoring and assessment of product quality. Most documented studies on sensors in mining focus on specific technologies for specific applications. These studies do not take into account different...

Mining the ocean floor: Managing geological uncertainty

As land resources decrease, commodity prices increase, and technology evolves, deep sea mining is becoming a viable alternative to meet the increasing demand for minerals. Successful deep sea mining operations are built on sound identification of the resource, proper selection of equipment, a thoughtful production plan, and good project...