Geological Modeling and Resource Estimation

GeoMine GeoModeler (GeoModeler), the mining and exploration industry’s high-performance 3D geological software tool for resource modeling and estimation, is engineered to model and visualize large and complex deposits. Underpinning GeoModeler is its innovative 2-in-1 hybrid modeling kernel that supports both 3D Block Modeling with Sub-blocking and 2D Gridded Seam Modeling (GSM) schemes (note that the GSM module requires a separate license).

Traditional 3D Block Modeling software has difficulty handling gridded seam models where model extent in the XY plane can be orders of magnitude larger than the Z-extent (e.g., phosphate or coal seam deposits). Hence, a separate GSM-based package is usually called for. With GeoModeler, this is no longer the case, as both modeling schemes are supported simultaneously.

In addition to the hybrid modeling kernel, GeoModeler also sports a state-of-the-art Dynamic Anisotropy interpolation system that allows the search volume to be calibrated to follow the mineralization trend precisely. It is an ideal tool for preparing accurate resource estimates as input to subsequent mine design optimizations. To learn more about the DA system provided by GeoModeler, please refer to the following article, “Dynamic Anisotropy – What is it and why should you care?”.

The latest additions to GeoModeler’s tool chest are Fault Network Modeling and Unfaulting for Unfaulted Interpolation of Faulted Deposits and Unfolding for Unfolded Interpolation of Folded Deposits. 

Unfaulting, in the context of geological modeling and resource estimation, is a space transformation and partitioning technique that transforms drillhole composites back to their unfaulted space. Block Model
The interpolation happens in the unfaulted space, and the interpolated blocks are then transformed back into the faulted space. This technique is best suited for faulted deposits where the fault network was formed after the orebody had been deposited. Since the orebody is assumed to have existed prior to faulting, interpolation in the unfaulted space would tend to result in a more accurate resource estimate.

Unfolding is a space transformation technique that transforms composites and block models into flattened spaces. The interpolation happens in the flattened space, and the interpolated block attributes are then transformed back to the original (folded) space. This technique is best suited for a folded orebody where it was folded due to tectonic pressure after it had been deposited. Since attributes are assumed to have existed prior to folding, interpolation in unfolded space would tend to result in a more accurate resource estimate.

In summary, GeoModeler is a comprehensive geological software tool that natively supports both 3D Block Modeling with Sub-blocking and 2D Gridded Seam Modeling schemes with both implicit modeling (RBF) and explicit modeling (Kriging and IDW with Dynamic Anisotropy, Unfaulting and Unfolding) techniques.