CHAPTER 3

Orebody description

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Today, most potential orebodies are explored using diamond core drilling. The small diameter core
collected from each hole provides a continuous 'line' of geologic information. Each of the
recovered cores is studied in detail and the contained information recorded. The process is called
'logging'. Each 'line is subsequently subdivided into a series of segments representing a particular
rock type, structural feature, type of miner- alization, grade, etc. By drilling a pattern of such holes,
a series of similarly segmented

lines are located in space. Using this information, together with a knowledge of the geologic
setting and other factors, the mining geologist proceeds to construct a 3-dimensional
representation of the mineralized body. The objective is to quantify, as best possible, the size,
shape and distribution of the observable geologic features The distribution of ore grades are
correlated to lithology, alteration, structure, etc. The result is a mineral inventory or geological
reserve. At this point in the evaluation process, economics have not been introduced so that terms
such as 'ore' or 'ores reserve' are not involved

The development of a mineral inventory involves substantial judgement, assumptions being made
regarding sample and assay quality, and the interpretation and projection

ill of geologic features based upon very limited data. The geologic data base, properly
gathered and interpreted,- should remain useful for many years. It forms the basis for current and
future feasibility studies, mine planning and financial analyses. The success or failure of a project
can thus be directly linked to the quality of its recorded data base, the drill logs and the maps. This
chapter covers some of the basic techniques involved in the development and presentation of a
mineral inventory.

3.2 MINE MAPS

The fundamental documents in all stages of mine planning and design are the maps. Maps are
essential for the purpose of:

— collecting,

outlining, and

— correlating

a large portion of the data required for a surface mining feasibility study. These maps are drawn to
various scales. The 'scale' is the ratio between the linear distances on the and the corresponding
distances it the site. In the system this scale relates

'inches' as measured on the map to 'feet' in the field. This nay he expressed as
Map distance (in) = Nir,• x Actual distance (ft) (3.1)

where Ki.; is the English map scale. A typical map scale might lac `J

Kr = .= 1:200

00

This means that an actual distance of 200 ft would be represented by a length of 1 inch on the
map. In the metric system, the map scale relates similar map and actual distance units:

Map distance (m) = x Actual distance (m)

or (3.2)

Map distance (cm) = KAf x Actual distance (cm)

where KAf is the metric map scale. A scale of 1:1000 means that a length of I meter on the map
represents 1000 meters in the field. Similarly a length of 1 cm represents a distance of 1000 cm A
metric scale of I : 1250 is very close to the English scale of 1 in = 100 ft.

One speaks of a map being of larger or smaller scale than another. Figure 3.1 shows a particular
area drawn to a scale of 1:50. In Figure 3.2 the region within the dashed lines of Figure 3.1 has
been drawn to a scale of 1:20. In this figure the building appears larger. Titus the scale of the 1:20
map is larger than that of the 1:50 map. A .map of

scale 1:40 would be of larger scale than one drawn to 1:200.

The general rule is the greater the ratio (50 is greater than. 20), the smaller is the

scale

The selection of the most appropriate scale for any map depends upon:

The size of the area to be represented.

The intended uses for the map.

As more detail and accuracy is required, the scale should be increased.

Figure. 3.1. Plan map drawn to scale