Addressing Application Challenges with Large-Scale Geological Boundary Modelling

Abstract For banded iron formation-hosted deposits accurate boundary modelling is critical to ore-grade estimation. Key estimation fidelity the separation of different domains within ore body, requiring boundaries between domains. This yields both theoretical and application challenges. We present a series solutions for challenges that arise when large-scale employing composition Gaussian Process models on exploration production hole data. demonstrate these in Hamersley Province Western Australia. several challenges: inclusion information derived from geologist-defined estimate incorporate domain knowledge data sparse regions, incorporation unassayed holes are implicitly defined as waste augment assay data, more holistic method defining regional bounds spatial rotations local spaces. Solution evaluated against range metrics show performance improvements over manually performed by an expert geologist delineating body Reconcilliation scores used evaluating quality predicted measured The situ surfaces also qualitatively ensure were be geologically sound field. In particular, better shown separating mineralised non-mineralised ore, consequently improving ore-grades mine site.