Geometallurgical modeling – A novel approach of combining geological and metallurgical information to optimize resource evaluation

Design aspects of the mining projects, including resource geological modelling, mining methodology, mineral processing and production rates have a significant impact on the project economics and overall value. To generate a resource model, typically tonnes, grade and the tonnes/grade above the cut-off are applied as the economic criterion, which are not adequate alone. Geometallurgy combines geological and metallurgical information to provide spatially-based predictive model for mineral processing plants. This novel field has been introduced to integrate the various parameters such as hardness, grindability, recovery, liberation, concentrations, mineral texture, etc. Geometallurgical modeling requires to develop matrix an x-y-z plot where two of the axes represent geological factors (e.g., rock type and alteration) and the third axis represents critical parameters (hardness, texture, liberation degree of ore, distribution of penalty elements, etc.) that plays an important role for deposit domaining. The spatial distribution of response parameters is determined based on the primary parameters, which must consider nonlinear relationships and conversion scales between the experimental, pilot or industrial modes. The proposed algorithm represents a “value chain” approach in geometallurgical model compared to the common concept of mine planning evaluations.