MINE DESIGN I

MNE 503
Engr. Dr. Musa Adebayo Idris
Department of Mining Engineering
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Introduction
• Course Contents
Prospecting, exploration and reserve categories.
Ore deposit modelling
Pit limits determination
Pit geometrical layout design (bench design and haul roads)
Production phases planning and scheduling
Unit operations: drilling, blasting, loading and hauling
Mine closure and reclamation
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 Ore Prospecting, Exploration, and
Reserve Categories (Introduction)
• Ore prospecting, exploration, and reserve estimation are crucial aspects
of mining engineering. They play a vital role in determining the viability
and profitability of mining operations
• Ore Prospecting:
• Ore prospecting refers to the systematic process of identifying and evaluating
potential ore deposits in a given area
• Importance of Ore Prospecting
• Enables the identification of economically viable mineral resources.
• Provides vital information for mine planning, design, and development

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Key Steps in Ore Prospecting
• Preliminary research and data collection
• Geological mapping and reconnaissance
• Geochemical and geophysical surveys
• Drilling and sampling
• Laboratory analysis and interpretation of results
• Resource estimation and evaluation

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Ore and its Exploration
• Ore is a natural aggregate of one or more solid
minerals which can be mined, or from which one or
more mineral products can be extracted, at a profit
• Ore exploration involves detailed investigations
and sampling to assess the extent, quality, and
potential value of identified ore deposits

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 Exploration Methods, Targets and Risk
• Exploration Methods:
• Geophysical methods (e.g., magnetic, electrical, seismic surveys)
• Geochemical methods (e.g., soil and rock sampling, stream sediment sampling)
• Remote sensing techniques (e.g., satellite imagery, aerial photography)
• Drilling and sampling (core drilling, reverse circulation drilling)
• Geological mapping and interpretation
• Exploration Targets:
• Exploration targets are areas with a high probability of containing
economically viable mineral deposits based on preliminary prospecting data
• Exploration Risks:
• Exploration is associated with inherent risks, including geological
uncertainties, high costs, and the potential for unsuccessful outcomes
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 Reserve and Resource Categorization
• Reserve Categories:
• Proven Reserves: Reserves with a high degree of confidence, based on geological
evidence and extensive sampling
• Probable Reserves: Reserves with a lower level of confidence than proven reserves,
often estimated based on limited data and inferred geological information
• Reserve categories provide information about the level of confidence in the
existence and economic viability of mineral resources
• Resource Categories:
• Measured Resources: Mineral resources with a high degree of confidence, but not
yet classified as reserves due to economic viability factors
• Indicated Resources: Mineral resources with a reasonable level of confidence based
on geological evidence, but still requiring further evaluation for economic viability.
• Inferred Resources: Mineral resources with a lower level of confidence, typically
based on limited data and geological extrapolation 7
 Ore Deposit Modelling
• Ore deposit modelling is a critical step in mine design, where geological
and geostatistical techniques are used to represent the spatial distribution
and characteristics of mineral deposits.
• It aids in accurately estimating and visualizing the orebody, allowing
efficient mine planning and optimization
• Importance of the Modelling:
• Enables estimation of orebody tonnage, grade distribution, and other critical
parameters
• Guides the selection of appropriate mining methods and equipment
• Facilitates mine planning, scheduling, and optimization
• Assists in resource estimation and reserve calculations
• Supports economic evaluation and investment decisions
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 Compositing in Ore Deposit Modelling
• Compositing involves combining assay data from various sampling points
within a specific interval to create representative composites
• It reduces the impact of sampling variability and ensures accurate
estimation of average grades and other parameters
• Steps in Compositing:
Selecting a suitable interval length based on geological characteristics and
sample spacing
Sorting assay data within each interval in ascending or descending order
Applying compositing rules (e.g., arithmetic mean, weighted mean) to
calculate the composite grade
Recording composite data in a database or spreadsheet for further analysis

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Compositing in Ore Deposit Modelling
Ore Intercept Compositing

g: ore-zone composite for each bore holes

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Compositing in Ore Deposit Modelling

• For large uniform deposit where the transition from

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Block Model in Ore Deposit Modelling
• A block model is a three-dimensional representation of the orebody, where
the deposit is divided into small blocks or cells
• Process of Creating a Block Model:
• Determining the block size based on the required level of detail and the scale of
mining operations
• Estimating the grade of each block by assigning a representative value (e.g.,
composite grade, interpolation from neighbouring samples)
• Assigning attributes to blocks (e.g., rock type, density, metallurgical
characteristics) for detailed mine planning purposes.
• Interpolating and validating the block model using geostatistical techniques (e.g.,
kriging, inverse distance weighting)
• Visualizing and analysing the block model using specialized software for further
mine planning and optimization

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Application of Ore Deposit Modelling in Mine Design

• Resource Estimation:
• Ore deposit models assist in estimating mineral resources by integrating
composites and block model data with geological and geostatistical
methods
• Mine Planning and Optimization:
• Block models aid in designing pit limits, determining optimal extraction
sequences, and evaluating different mining scenarios
• Grade Control:
• Ore deposit models contribute to effective grade control through the
accurate allocation of mining units and guidance on blending strategies
• Economic Evaluation:
• Accurate estimation of tonnage, grade, and other parameters helps in
assessing the economic viability of the mining project 13