Constraints on the Geometry and Gold Distribution in the Black Reef Formation of South Africa Using 3D Reflection Seismic Data and Micro-X-ray Computed Tomography

Geological and geophysical models are essential for developing reliable mine designs mineral processing flowsheets. For resource assessment, planning, processing, a deeper understanding of the orebody's features, geology, mineralogy, variability is required. We investigated gold-bearing Black Reef Formation in West Rand Carletonville goldfields South Africa using approaches that components transitional framework toward fully digitized mining: (1) high-resolution 3D reflection seismic data to model orebody; (2) petrography characterize Au associated ore constituents (e.g., pyrite); (3) micro-X-ray computed tomography (µCT) machine learning determine association composition. Reflection reveals planar horizon dips < 10° has well-preserved uneven paleotopography. Several large-scale faults dikes (most dipping between 65° 90°) crosscut Formation. Petrography gold commonly with pyrite, implying µCT can be used assess grades pyrite as proxy. Moreover, we demonstrate discriminate based on physical characteristics. The this study intended supplement rather than replace traditional methodologies. In study, demonstrated they permit novel integration micro-scale observations into macro-scale modeling, thus permitting better orebody assessment exploration, estimation, mining, metallurgical purposes. envision such integrated will become key component future geometallurgical frameworks.