Assessment of uncertainty associated with grade–tonnage curves using geostatistical simulation

Authors: Tercan, Erhan A.; Akcan, Elif

Source: Mining Technology, Volume 113, Number 2, 2004 , pp. 129-136(8)

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Abstract:

Grade–tonnage curves are important decision making tools at both the planning and operating stages of a mining project. In this study, uncertainty resulting from estimation of these curves is studied by simulation. In particular, the effect of short-scale variability, change of support and type of data distribution on the uncertainty are examined. The ratio R = Co/(Co+C) is considered as a measure of the short-scale variability and simulations are carried out for two extreme values of this ratio. Point support and block support with size of 20 x 20 m 2 are taken into account. Normal and log-normal data distributions are used. As a simulation technique, unconditional sequential Gaussian simulation is considered. The results show that short-scale variability, change of support and type of distribution affect the uncertainty considerably.

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/037178404225004995

Publication date: 2004-06-01

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