Geostatistical estimation of a section of the Perseverance nickel deposit

Abstract

This is a case study illustrating the application of geostatistics to a vein-type nickel deposit. Data are defined in relation to the structural aspects of the geology of the deposit and variograms are calculated for thickness and nickel accumulation. Variogram models are validated by the back estimation technique. A shape preserving spline surface is fitted to the mid-points of drill hole intersections with the orebody and this surface is used to control subsequent estimation. Various drilling densities are evaluated, global reserves are calculated and orebody shape and location are estimated on various horizontal planes. Geostatistical estimates of reserves and orebody shape are compared with the known orebody in a mined area.