Modified block modeling - A different approach to ore deposit modeling

Geology and separation of ore and waste are two fundamental factors in modeling epigenetic deposits. Epigenetic deposits are those deposits where there is a time lag between the deposition of the ore and the host rock. Geologic features such as lithology, facies, and faults are important contributing factors in ore deposition and should be taken into consideration during data categorization and modeling. Separation of ore and waste should be handled at the block level. Even though the conventional block modeling technique is claimed to take geology into consideration, this is not accomplished to the extent necessary to produce a representative model and to take advantage of all the available information. For example, two sand channels belonging to two depositional systems cannot be differentiated and modeled as such. In conventional block modeling ore and waste are not structurally separated. In another words, the exact location of geologic units containing ore and waste is lost due to the modeling. A new modeling technique developed by MKE, called “modified block modeling” (MBM), takes these geologic features into consideration during data categorization and continues using related information throughout the modeling process. MBM differentiates between ore and waste through blocks of variable height representing individual units of ore or waste separated by the geologic features. This technique has been applied successfully to various oil sand deposits throughout Canada during the past three years and it is currently being used at various locations for geologic modeling, long and short range mine planning and daily operations.