Validation of Au grade estimation models in a sector of the Golden Hill deposit

Abstract

Validation of grade estimation models in the mineral resource estimation process guarantees the quality and reliability of results and the correct definition of mineral reserves in the most objective mining planning possible. This research presents the results of the validation of Au grade estimation models in Three Hills sector of the Golden Hill gold deposit (Las Tunas province), used as a case study. We worked with the information obtained in the detailed exploration and exploitation exploration campaigns, as well as with the estimation models of the Au grade; these models were compared with the standard curves of grade, tonnage and metal quantity, obtained by Geostatistical simulation for 10 simulated equiprobable Au grade scenarios. A procedure is proposed that allows validating the Au grade estimation models in similar deposits, based on the loss or excess of the amount of metal between the tonnage-grade curves, those obtained in the estimation models in two moments (stages 1 and 2) of exploitation exploration and the average predictive standard curves of simulated grade, tonnage and amount of metal. It is shown that stage 1 model should not be considered for defining gold resources, since it undervalues the estimates, although the stage 2 model is close to the simulated pattern-curves, it must also be reworked.

Keywords

• validación
• modelos de estimación
• simulación geoestadística
• tonelaje-ley
• yacimiento aurífero golden hill.