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The process of creating a geological block model as the basis for a further detailed design and planning of mining operations is a very responsible task. Errors made during this initial process are transferred to all other phases of the mining project. Certainly, one of the most important decisions for the modelling process is the choice of the app...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... block models are numerical 3D networks of small blocks (mini-blocks), arranged in columns, rows and levels, which capture the correct 3D geometric space in which the deposit is and the required space around the deposit (model space) with different possibilities of their visual display. That means that each block has its own location, size and qualitative characteristics (attributes) in 3D space, as shown in Figure 1. The estimation of resources is based on the block model and the corresponding cut-off grade, so that blocks with grade above the cut-off are declared as "possible ore" and blocks with grade below as waste. ...
Context 2
... factor is closely related to the recovery rate so that the recovery is decreased with increase in the amount of dilution (Abdollahi, 2020). The impact that block size has on ore quantities and contents is well illustrated by Coombes (2004), (Figure 10). The graph from Figure 10 shows that smaller blocks give higher grades, but the possibility of their selective excavation is decreased and becomes questionable. ...
Context 3
... impact that block size has on ore quantities and contents is well illustrated by Coombes (2004), (Figure 10). The graph from Figure 10 shows that smaller blocks give higher grades, but the possibility of their selective excavation is decreased and becomes questionable. Larger blocks, which are more realistic selective units for a particular method of excavation, have a higher dilution and include a larger amount of rock per unit of metal in the resources, and thus affect the assessment of exploitation economy. ...
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... final results of this analysis are shown in Table 8. The presentation of the results is also given through the graph shown in Figure 12, where it is possible to see which block size is the best, according to the considered analysis criteria. ...
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Citations
The production plan of an open-pit mine depends on the block model, so it's crucial to determine the appropriate method and size for partitioning it. This study proposes a new method based on a closed shell three-dimensional geological model for determining block model size in open-pit mines. Instead of using regular block models, the shell model is directly cut, and the discrete geological body is referred to as the "mining model." Mining parameters and the shovel-truck's performance are integrated into the method. Bench height determines the Z-axis size, bench slope angle determines the inclination angle, and shovel width determines the X-axis size of the block model. The operation efficiency of the shovel-truck considers the probability distribution of simultaneous operations, allowing the determination of the Y-axis size of block models for different types of shovels. The developed "Mining Model" module in the software "Life Cycle Mining System" is used for practical implementation. By comparing the results with traditional block models, the superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated. This study provides a more accurate model for optimizing the production plan of open-pit mines throughout their life cycle.
