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Resource Development and Production Solutions
SGS offers a broad range of services to the mining industry to reduce risk and enhance value. We have experience providing the mining industry with computer-assisted ore reserve estimation and are experts in orebody modeling and reserve evaluation. We bring the disciplines of geology, statistics, and internationally accepted mining engineering together to provide you with accurate and timely resource development and production services. Our experts combine practical experience to provide you with assistance in the following areas:
With over 300 consulting projects completed worldwide, SGS is well equipped to minimize your operational and financial risks. You can depend on us to ensure effective solutions to your development and production challenges.
Orebody Modeling And Resource Estimation
Data Validation and Software Consulting Solutions
In typical mining projects, consulting and software solutions are required in tandem. A typical project involves the construction of a geological and resource model from data from various sources. Depending on the nature of the information, whether the data is hard copy or computerized, the principal steps of computer modeling are:
- Creation, standardization and validation of the database.
- Section plotting and interactive geological modeling.
- Geostatistical analysis.
- Block modeling.
Modeling
An orebody model serves as the geological basis of all mine planning and production scheduling work. SGS has been providing computer-based orebody modeling, as well as computerized mine planning services since 1981. Our clients have included precious and base metal mines, as well as those involved in the extraction of energy and industrial minerals.
At SGS, an orebody modeling project starts with a critical review of existing drill hole and surface or underground sample data as well as maps and plans with current geological interpretation. Drill hole and/or sample databases are set-up to suit all the quantitative and qualitative information necessary to build a resource model. From there, we can provide you with the following expert services:
- Computer-based 3D orebody modeling
- Sectional, longitudinal, 3D and multi-seam modeling
- Geostatistical analysis, variographic analysis of composite spatial continuity
- Resource estimation using industry standard methods from Inverse Distance interpolation to Kriging (determination of grade values at unobserved points)
- Resource classification with application of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM) code or the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC)
Geostatistical Resource Estimation
SGS offers geostatistical services to aid in ore resource estimation and grade control. We conduct a detailed geostatistical analysis of existing computerized sample data. We then composite drill hole samples in standardized interval lengths, examine histograms and correlation diagrams of composite grades, calculate and model 2D or 3D variograms and perform various types of kriging (ordinary, lognormal or indicator) of block grades. Specific problems that can be solved with this type of analysis are:
- The determination of a capping value in precious metal deposits with outliers
- The precision of resource estimates and its improvement with fill-in drilling
- The pooling of different sample information (drill hole vs. channel or muck) in the block grade interpolation
In operating mines, a geostatistical analysis of existing grade control information indicates the gains in recovery that can be expected with an automated processing method like blast hole kriging. It also indicates what the parameters of that method (type of transformation, search window, variogram models) should be. In all cases, our technical experts will ensure that you receive cost effective solutions tailored to your individual needs.
Deliverables
Whatever the method used, the final product of a modeling and resource estimation project by SGS is a file with block coordinates and another file with block calculated or estimated tonnage and grade values. Resource reports are produced showing variations with cut-off(s) and confidence if geostatistical interpolation methods have been used. It also shows sections and bench maps showing block outlines and values. SGS technical reports are NI 43-101 and JORC compliant, and we employ professionals that can act as your Qualified Person (QP) if needed.
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Pit Optimization, Underground Mine Design And Production Scheduling
Prediction of grade and recoverable tonnages is essential for planning and operational purposes. SGS offers computerized mine planning services. Specific areas of expertise are pit optimization and production scheduling in open pits, open cuts or dredging operations. Our pit optimization services can be used at the scoping, prefeasibility, feasibility or productions stages of your project, and have been utilized by producers of various commodities including gold, base metals and industrial minerals worldwide. The same tools and expertise are also applied to underground mine design and production scheduling.
SGS engineers and technicians can produce a computer model from data on paper or use existing computerized information. Additionally, we can update on a regular basis any existing computer model with new sampling information or geologic interpretation. Once a resource block model has been constructed, we can conduct pit optimization sensitivity analysis using various types of models, block sizes and shapes, and geological limitations.
At SGS, our goal is to optimize your operations, and maximize your return. Leverage our mine planning capabilities and allow us to assist you with:
- Ore reserve estimation
- Mine optimization and design
- Mine planning
- Sampling optimization
- Blending optimization
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Grinding Circuit Design and Production Forecasting
SGS Minerals Services is the industry leader in producing geometallurgically enabled models for major ore bodies. The Comminution Economic Evaluation Tool (CEET®) was introduced to the market in 1999 and since then we’ve completed over 300 comminution benchmarking projects.
CEET® is an internet-based software tool that enables accurate design and forecasting of plant throughputs, operating costs and grind quality. Capital investment and production planning decisions can thus be based on well-defined representative data sets representing the resource model. CEET® links a grinding circuit design model with the mine resource block model to:
- Ensure throughput tonnage targets are consistently achieved
- Determine best circuit design for the ore body and mine plan
- Improve revenue-stream predictions for both budgeting and metal sales
- Optimize the mine plan for throughput and grind quality
- Minimize capital investment & operating costs for desired production rates
- Trade off capital investment with variance in throughput
- Quantify uncertainty arising from throughput predictions
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Independent Qualification Reports
At SGS we understand the need for accuracy and integrity in the disclosure of scientific and technical information about your mineral project to the public. We have a number of professionals who can act as your Qualified Person (QP) and will ensure industry standards are met. We have successfully completed Independent Qualification Reports for companies worldwide, and can provide you with the following:
- NI 43-101 qualified persons
- Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) qualified persons
- Due diligence – audits
- Technical Reports
- Property evaluation
- Preliminary economic assessment
- Prefeasibility studies
- Certification of reserves
Accurate resource estimation by a QP is an essential part of due diligence, important to investors and a key part of your commitment to NI 43-101 and JORC. SGS is an experienced leader in geostatistical techniques and will ensure your resource estimations are accurate, confidential, and timely.
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Training and Education
SGS is dedicated to the transfer of technology and knowledge. Over the years, hundreds of engineers, geologists and technicians have benefited from our expertise and experience. Partner with SGS and let us reduce your financial risk and maximize your mining operations. We offer on-site general training or short courses on specific topics. Courses available include:
- Geostatistics for the mineral industry.
- Geometallurgy.
- Computer orebody modeling and resource estimation.
- Sampling optimization for the mining industry.
- Open pit optimization.
- Sampling optimization for the environment.
- Conditional simulation for the mining industry.
- Quarry survey and digital terrain model management.
- Statistical processing of environmental sampling data.
- Advanced geostatistics and modeling, sampling theory and practice for the cement industry.
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