Drillhole Spacing Analysis Using Simulated Information for Grade Control Optimization

Explore a comprehensive presentation on drillhole spacing analysis using simulated information delivered by Ian Glacken, Executive Consultant at Snowden Optiro, during the Geology Symposium 2022 in Perth. Delve into the importance of optimizing drill spacing for grade control and minimizing drilling costs to achieve indicated resources. Examine the principles of value optimization, including revenue, planned mining cost, ore loss, and dilution. Understand the consequences of misclassification and the benefits of using simulation techniques. Learn about multivariate simulation (MVS) and its application to various minerals. Follow a detailed case study on copper-nickel mineralization, exploring the multivariate simulation workflow from raw data inputs to post-processing of OK models. Analyze misclassification maps and interpret results showing drilling cost differences for various grids, misclassification examples, and drilling revenue patterns.

Drillhole Spacing analysis using simulated information. What is the optimum drill spacing for grade control?
Why is DHSA drillhole spacing analysis important? Drilling for grade control, minimise the drilling cost to achieve indicated resources
The principles of value optimisation: revenue, planned mining cost, ore loss, dilution
The consequences of misclassification - one model: drilling cost and opportunity cost
Why simulation? Histogram, variogram, equiprobable outcomes
What is a multivariate simulation MVS? Iron, silica, manganese, alumina, phosphorus
Multiple drilling grids from a simulation
Case study - Copper-nickel mineralisation
Multivariate simulation workflow
Simulation - Raw data inputs
Simulation - Gaussianisation
Simulation - Scatterplot of simulated factors
Simulation - Reproduction of sample histograms
Simulation resampling - Chosen realisation
Simulation resampling - Pseudo drillholes
Post-processing of OK models and value comparison
Misclassification maps - Example
Results - Drilling cost difference for various grids
Results - Misclassification example
Results - Drilling revenue to a drilling pattern