modern mining geology - australasian institute of … august 2014 3 introduction modern mining...

AusIMM / AIG 9th International Mining Geology Conference 2014 - Adelaide

Modern Mining Geology

19 August 2014 www.csaglobal.com 1

Presented by:

Gerry Fahey

Principal Mining Geologist

CSA Global

Modern Mining Geology

15 July 2014 www.csaglobal.com 2

• Introduction

• History

• What Does The Mining Geologist Do

• Mining Geology Process (12 point)

• Conclusions


Introduction Modern Mining Geology:

• Gained computing and improved data quality

• We have made great technological advances

Modern Mining Geology is falling down:

• Losing communicating skills (talking to the miners)

• Tonnes but where has the grade gone (big issue)


History of Mining Geology Mining Geology as a profession is only 100 years old

“what anatomy is to the modern surgeon, so is geology to the mining professional” (Park, 1906).

15 July 2014 www.csaglobal.com 5

History of Mining Geology “RIGHT OF APEX”

• DW Brunton patented the Brunton Pocket Transit in 1894

• Dr R H Sales started working at the Butte Mine in Montana in 1901 “Father of Mining Geology”


What does the Mining Geologist do? H E MCKINSTRY 1948

• Drilling Information

– keep mapping up to date

– plot up current assays

• Daily conversation with the mine foreman

• Recommending development

• Input to stope design

• Ore estimation

• Mineralogical aids in ore treatment

• Publication of scientific findings


What does the Mining Geologist do? ADVANCES IN MODERN MINING GEOLOGY

• Computers in the 1960’s

• The commercial assaying of ores (AAS analysis in the 1960’s), providing accurate quick turnaround

• Geostatistics (1970’s)

• Commonplace microcomputers (1980’s and 1990’s)

• GPS based survey systems (late 1990’s)

• Implicit geological modelling


12 Point Mining Geology Process

5 ASSAY DATABASE 4 QA/QC SYSTEMS 3 SAMPLING 2 GEOLOGY

9 REPORTING

8 TRACKING

4 ASSAY DATABASE 5 QA/QC 6 INTERPRETATION 7 SIGN

OFF

8 TRACKING

9 REPORTING

10 DOCUMENTATION

6 INTERPRETATION 7 SIGN OFF

10 DOCUMENTATION

9 REPORTING

8 TRACKING

4 QA/QC 5 SAMPLE DATABASE

2 GEOLOGY 3 SAMPLING

11 RECONCILIATION


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process 1. “BECOME THE GUARDIAN OF THE OREBODY”


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process 2. GEOLOGY MAPPING AND LOGGING

• Mapping should be a production tool - not just a pretty picture

• Data is not information until it is presented in a useful way

• Useful format (e.g. geotechnical engineers, mining engineers)

80%

5%

15%


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process 3. SAMPLING

• Representative samples

• Sampling theory

• Orebody geometry

• Mining schedule

• Assaying equipment and methods

• Communication - sampling program


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process 4. QA/QC

• QAQC theory

• Simple QAQC system

• Check QAQC results

• Standards at cut-off grade

• External standards (CRM)

• Internal standards correctly prepared and certified

• Results monthly (discuss with the assay laboratory)

Standard Analysis - October 2006

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

5

Time

Re

su

lt (

SD

fro

m m

ea

n C

RM

va

lue

)

Upper Warning Limit

Lower Warning Limit

Upper Control Limit

Lower Control Limit


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process

• Single master database

• Direct importation of data

• Nominate database manager

• Digital relational or flat file databases

• Avoid complex “black box” database

5. SAMPLE DATABASE



• Geological domains

• Mineralisation domains

• Geostatistics

• Interpolation

• Assign grades

6. OREBODY INTERPRETATION



• Peer review

• Sample programs and interpretations

• Development designs

• Stope and blast designs

• Daily, weekly and monthly plans

• Ore destinations

• Crusher feed blend

• Waste destinations (e.g. deleterious)

7. SIGNOFF



• Mining shapes

• Visual checks

• Stockpiles

• Truck tracking

• ROM / crusher feed

• Involve full production team

8. PRODUCTION TRACKING AND IMPLEMENTATION



• Daily, weekly and monthly

• Single database

• Stockpile movement

• Mined versus milled

• Monthly report daily / weekly information

• Written procedures

9. PRODUCTION REPORTING, 10. DOCUMENTATION


1 – 12 Mining Geology Process 11. RECONCILIATION, 12. TRAINING

• Monthly, Quarterly, Annual Reconciliation:

• Ore Reserve vs Grade Control model vs actual mined estimating future production scenarios

• Mine vs Mill grade control predicting plant feed


Conclusions WHAT HAVE WE GAINED SINCE MCKINSTRY’S TIME IN 1948:

• Digital databases

• Geostatisitics

• General mine planning (GMP) and 3D visualisation software

• Higher volume, cheaper assay determinations

• Higher productivity in surveying

All these advances should speed up the mine geology process.

BUT


Conclusions WHAT ARE WE POTENTIALLY LOSING SINCE MCKINSTRY 1948:

• Mapping and logging, the geology part of assay interpretation, communicating with the miners, documentation and training tend to be neglected when time is short

REMEMBER:

• Ore + Waste does not = More Ore

• Minimising dilution and ore loss

• Grade is king/adopt modern technology to assist with grade enhancement


Reconciliation = forgiveness of sins

modern mining geology - australasian institute of … august 2014 3 introduction modern mining...

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