Grade control method without sampling preparation based on spectrometric techniques and the use of electronic detonators in an open pit tungsten deposit

• Autorzy: Martín Ruben Alcalde , Diego Isidro , Castañón César , Alonso Teresa

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.24425/ams.2023.148151

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Grade control is crucial for ensuring that the quality of extracted ore aligns with the geological model and mining plan. This process optimises production, reduces dilution, and maximises profits. It involves geological modelling, sampling, assaying, and data analysis. However, adhering to short-term planning in mining operations can be challenging due to operational bottlenecks that arise during the grade control process and blast design, along with their associated costs. Industry standards for grade control require acquiring extensive information and knowledge to achieve a high level of certainty, which takes time. Despite that, time constraints may necessitate making decisions under risk with incomplete information. In such cases, it is important to consider the opportunities, risks, likelihood, consequences, and potential success associated with each alternative. This study presents the testing results of alternative quantitative analytical methods on samples from the Barruecopardo tungsten deposit in Spain. Spectrometric techniques, including Delayed Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (DGNAA), Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence (FPXRF), were employed to determine the tungsten content. Based on the findings of this investigation, a real-time decision-making tool for grade control in open-pit mining has been developed. This tool utilises representative samples directly from the blasting debris, considering the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the process.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

spectrometry; geostatistics; open pit; tungsten; sample preparation; grade control

PL

spektrometria; geostatystyka; wolfram

• Wydawca: Instytut Mechaniki Górotworu PAN
• Czasopismo: Archives of Mining Sciences
• Rocznik: 2023
• Tom: Vol. 68, no. 4
• Strony: 587--601
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 20 poz., fot., tab., wykr.

Twórcy

autor

Martín Ruben Alcalde

• Oviedo University, Oviedo School of Mines, Spain

• https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8109-9597

autor

Diego Isidro

• Oviedo University, Oviedo School of Mines, Spain

• https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1554-4679

autor

Castañón César

• Oviedo University, Oviedo School of Mines, Spain

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6592-670X

autor

Alonso Teresa

• Oviedo University, Oviedo School of Mines, Spain

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4702-1314

Bibliografia

• [1] I.C. Runge, Mining economics and strategy. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Littleton, Colorado (1998).
• [2] R.C.A. Minnitt, Sampling: the impact on costs and decision making. J. S. Afr. I. Min. Metal. 107 (7), 451-462 (2007). https://www.saimm.co.za/Conferences/AnalyticalChallenges/13-Minnitt.pdf.
• [3] C. Alvarez-Llamas, PhD thesis, Desarrollo de instrumentación y metodologías innovadoras basadas en libs para el análisis de muestras geológicas y forenses. Oviedo University, Spain (2017).
• [4] C. Alvarez-Llamas, J. Pisonero, N. Bordel, A novel approach for quantitative LIBS fluorine analysis using CaF emission in calcium-free samples. J. Anal.-Atom. Spectrom 32 (1), 162-166 (2017). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6JA00386A.
• [5] M.A. Rey Ronco, PhD thesis, Desarrollo de un método rápido basado en técnicas de activación neutrónica para la determinación del contenido de flúor en muestras de mineral de fluorita. Oviedo University, Spain (2007).
• [6] M.P. Castro García, PhD thesis, Activación neutrónica cíclica para la determinación del contenido en flúor de muestras de mineral de fluorita. Oviedo University, Spain (2016).
• [7] T. Hussain, M.A. Gondal, Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a rapid tool for material analysis. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 439 (1), 012050 (2013). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/439/1/012050.
• [8] R.K. Glanzman, L.G. Closs, B. Milkereit, Field portable X-ray fluorescence geochemical analysisits contribution to onsite real-time project evaluation, Proceedings of Exploration, Fith International Conference on Mineral Exploration 7, 291-301 (2007).
• [9] K. Engström, K.H. Esbensen, Optimal grade control sampling practice in open-pit mining – a full-scale blast hole versus reverse circulation variographic experiment. Trans. Inst. Min. Metall. B, 126 (4)176-87 (2017). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03717453.2017.1414104.
• [10] A. Khan, S. Sapuan, A method for optimal cut-off grade policy in open pit mining operations under uncertain supply. Resour Policy 60, 178-184 (2019). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.05.005.
• [11] V. Miranda, P. Couceiro, J. Blazquez, Rioblast: Software de diseño y simulación de voladuras en entorno 3D. IV In Congreso Nacional de Áridos. Madrid, Spain.
• [12] https://www-nds.iaea.org/exfor/.
• [13] https://www.nndc.bnl.gov/nudat2/.
• [14] https://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/ASD/https://oscar.desu.edu/libs/.
• [15] http://rgeostats.free.fr/, acceso 1/10/22.
• [16] https://www.w3.org/TR/xml/, acceso 1/11/22.
• [17] R. Dimitrakopoulos, Conditional simulation algorithms for modelling orebody uncertainty in open pit optimisation. Int. J. Surf. Mining. Reclam. Environ. 12, 173-179 (1998). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09208118908944041.
• [18] C.C. Amadu, S. Owusu, G. Foli, B.A. Brako, S.K. Abanyie, Comparison of Ordinary Kriging (OK) and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Methods for the Estimation of a Modified Palaeoplacer Gold Deposit: A Case Study of the Teberebie Gold Deposit, SW Ghana. Malay. J. Geos, 6 (1), 19-28 (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.26480/mjg.01.2022.19.28.
• [19] Y.V. Vasylchuk, C.V. Deutsch, Improved grade control in open pit mines. T. I. Min. Metall. A. 127 (2), 84-91 (2018). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14749009.2017.1363991.
• [20] J. Domingo, F. Leite, V. Mirada, I. Carrasco, Dilution, ore grade and blast movement calculation model. Proceedings of 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, FRAGBLAST 11, 71-78 (2015).

Uwagi

PL

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2024)