Deposit modeling procedure for steep-dipping veins (lithium project Koralpe) using Surpac

Andrea Martinez Rodriguez

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

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Abstract

The 80´s exploration data of the Koralpe lithium deposit have been thoroughly analyzed in terms of consistency and interpretation. Through a detailed statistical assessment on a global and individual scale, former data have been compared to a new up-to-date standards exploration campaign and validated for its use for deposit modeling purposes according to the JORC compliant. The required deposit model outputs are lithium grade and thickness. The selection of the suitable modeling method is mainly motivated by the spatial features of the deposit. It consists of a set of narrow veins which strongly resembles parallel planes: thickness varies from 0,25 m up to 5,5 m and the prominent dimensions are the extensions along the strike (up to 1,5 km) and in dip direction (around 450 m). An innovative 2D approach has been applied, neglecting the variations along thickness. Geo-statistics are used through a 2D block model definition which only extends along the strike and in dip direction of the veins. Vein thickness is calculated as another attribute to model, such as grade, whose results include reliability of the estimation and allow extrapolation. Therefore, the size of blocks may be optimized according to the data availability. The calculation is performed individually on a veinby- vein basis conforming to a geologically based vein assignment of samples. Results visualization and checking is conducted in 3D through a surface triangulated by means of linear interpolation. This method also enables a high level of automatization, so easy incorporations of new exploration data and interpretations are possible. Tonnage and lithium grade of the veins are provided. Local and global reliability of the modeling results are analyzed through indicator kriging and Monte Carlo simulation. Data validation and modeling results show good reliability and have been accepted by a competent person.
Translated title of the contributionLagerstättenmodellierung der Ganglagerstätte des Lithium Koralpe Projekts mit Surpac
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Oberndorfer, Thomas, Supervisor (external)
  • Hartlieb, Philipp, Supervisor (internal)
Award date30 Jun 2017
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Bibliographical note

no embargo

Keywords

  • deposit modeling
  • lithium
  • Koralpe
  • vein deposit
  • data validation
  • geostatistic

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