Experience of CAE Fidesys application in numerical geomechanical modelling of Zhdanovskoe deposit

The Zhdanovskoe copper-nickel sulfide ores deposit is located in the north-west of the Murmansk region and is a mineral raw material source for JSC «Kola MMC». The main mining method used is sublevel caving. In some areas, due to the complex shape of the ore bodies, the open stoping mining method is used which requires determining stable parameters of stopes and pillars. It is necessary to study the stress-strain state of the deposit to ensure safe mining conditions. One of the possible solutions is the modeling of the stress-strain state of rock mass using the finite element method, for example, CAE Fidesys, which is FEMbased software. The use of CAE Fidesys for solving geomechanics tasks allows creating models of individual excavation units to determine the stability of stopes and pillars, and large-scale models that include several ore bodies and areas of the host rock mass. The article considers solutions of both types of geomechanic tasks using CAE Fidesys for conditions of the Zhdanovskoe deposit.

Application and Significance of Geological, Geochemical, and Geophysical Methods in the Nanpo Gold Field in Laos

As the main part of the Indosinian metallogenic province in the eastern part of the Tethys metallogenic domain, Southeast Asia has experienced multiple stages of tectonic magnetic activities accompanied by the formation of rich mineral resources. However, due to the undeveloped economy, low degree of geological work, dense vegetation cover, and lack of obvious prospecting marks, traditional geological prospecting work in the area is not optimal. Consequently, the combination of high-precision geophysics and geochemistry has become an important method of looking for ore bodies deep underground in this area. The Nanpo gold deposit is a hydrothermal gold deposit that occurs in the Indosinian felsic volcanic rock body, and its mineralization is closely related to felsic magmatism. This study carried out comprehensive geophysical and geochemical exploration methods of soil geochemical survey, induced polarization (IP) survey, and audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) survey. Based on the characteristics of geophysical and geochemical anomalies, geological inference, and interpretation, the integrated geophysical and geochemical prospecting criteria of the ore area have been determined: The large-scale and overlapping Au-Ag-Cu anomaly area in the host felsic magmatic rocks (mainly diorite, monzodiorite and granodiorite) is a favorable metallogenic area. Two anomalies, P1–H1 and P3–H6, with the best metallogenetic conditions and the deepest extensions of the known ore bodies, were further selected as engineering verification targets. After the study of the drill core, gold (mineralized) bodies consistent with the anomalies were found, indicating that the combined method is suitable for the exploration of mineral resources in this area, and the prospecting effect is good. At the same time, the metallogenic prediction shows that the deep part of the mining area still has great metallogenic prospects and prospecting potential. The characteristics of geophysical and geochemical anomalies and prospecting experience in the study area can provide references for the prospecting of hydrothermal gold deposits in the Luang Prabang–Loei structural belt.

Comprehensive analysis and assessment of prospective gold-ore zones using modern geophysical methods

В статье рассматривается комплексный анализ геологической и геофизической информации по проводимым исследованиям с целью выделения перспективных участков для проведения дальнейших геологоразведочных работ. Цель работы. Провести комплексный анализ и оценку перспективных золоторудных зон с применением современных геофизических методов. Методы работы. Вертикальное электрическое зондирование методом вызванной поляризации, метод вызванной поляризации в модификации срединного градиента, геоэлектрические разрезы по профилям, аномалии поляризуемости поля электрических сопротивлений, метод ТЗ электротомографии. Результаты работы. Авторами в 2019 г. в северной части участка на площади 2,87 кв. км были выполнены работы СГ-ВП по сети 50×10м с MN – 10 м. и АВ – 2000 м. Измерения DU и φвппроводились на частоте 1.22 Гц измерителями МЭРИ – 24 и ЭИН – 209 (режим измерения частотный). Использовался генератор ГЭР – 5000 – 25 (мощность 5 кВт). По результатам измерений построены карты изолиний поляризуемости и кажущегося сопротивления. Следует отметить, что при определении сдвига фаз φвп в частотном режиме сигнал, используемый для измерения сдвига фаз при равных DU с импульсным режимом измерений в 30-100 раз выше. Это основное преимущество фазовых измерений над импульсными. Как видно из приведенного сравнения уменьшение длины приемной линии и шага наблюдений позволило увеличить детальность исследований СГ-ВП и выйти на уровень рудных тел, заданных в техническом задании. По результатам ТЗ электротомографии и ВЭЗ-ВП получены близкие результаты, хотя методически и теоретически ТЗ обладает в данных условиях большей детальностью и информативностью. По результатам геофизических работ построены карты изолиний и графиков ρк и φвп, выявлена их связь с рудовмещающими структурами и отдельными рудными телами. Всего выявлено 14 локальных аномалий поляризуемости связанных с золото-кварц-сульфидными и сульфидными рудными телами. Выявлены площадные аномалии повышенной поляризуемости и низких значений электрического сопротивления СГ-ВП вдоль Западной рудно-тектонической зоны. Они связаны с метасоматическими процессами в пределах Западной зоны сбросо-сдвигов. На площади работ отмечены слабоконтрастные аномалии магнитного поля в северо-западной части Северной зоны. Отмечено сильное влияние рельефа на характер магнитного поля, вследствие чего наблюдается корреляция хребтов с минимумами магнитного поля. The article discusses a comprehensive analysis of geological and geophysical information on ongoing research in order to identify promising areas for further exploration. Aim. Conduct a comprehensive analysis and assessment of promising gold ore zones using modern geophysical methods. Methods. Vertical electrical sounding by the induced polarization method, the induced polarization method in the modification of the median gradient, geoelectric sections along the profiles, anomalies of the polarizability of the electrical resistance field, TK method of electrotomography. Results. The authors in 2019 in the northern part of the site on an area of 2.87 sq. km SG-VP works were performed on a network of 50 × 10m with MN -10m. and AB - 2000 m. Measurements of DU and φvp were carried out at a frequency of 1.22 Hz with meters MARI - 24 and EIN - 209 (frequency measurement mode). Used generator GER - 5000 - 25 (power 5 kW). Based on the measurement results, maps of isolines of polarizability and apparent resistivity were constructed. It should be noted that when determining the phase shift φvp in the frequency mode, the signal used to measure the phase shift at equal DU with the pulse measurement mode is 30-100 times higher. This is the main advantage of phase measurements over pulsed ones. As can be seen from the above comparison, a decrease in the length of the receiving line and the step of observations made it possible to increase the detail of SG-VP studies and to reach the level of ore bodies specified in the terms of reference. Based on the results of the technical specification for electrotomography and VES-IP, similar results were obtained, although methodologically and theoretically, the technical specification has greater detail and information content under these conditions. Based on the results of geophysical work, maps of isolines and graphs of ρк and φвп were constructed, their relationship with ore-bearing structures and individual ore bodies was revealed. In total, 14 local anomalies of polarizability associated with gold-quartz-sulfide and sulfide ore bodies have been identified. Areal anomalies of increased polarizability and low values of electrical resistance of SG-VP were revealed along the Western ore-tectonic zone. They are associated with metasomatic processes within the Western fault-strike zone. Low-contrast magnetic field anomalies in the northwestern part of the Northern Zone were noted in the survey area. A strong influence of the relief on the nature of the magnetic field was noted, as a result of which a correlation of the ridges with the minima of the magnetic field is observed

Multisource Seismic Full Waveform Inversion of Metal Ore Bodies

The seismic exploration method could explore deep metal ore bodies (depth > 1000 m). However, it is difficult to describe the geometry of the complex metal ore body accurately. Seismic full waveform inversion is a relatively new method to achieve accurate imaging of subsurface structures, but its success requires better initial models and low-frequency data. The seismic data acquired in the metal mine area is usually difficult to meet the requirements of full waveform inversion. The passive seismic data usually contains good low frequency information. In this paper, we use both passive and active seismic datasets to improve the full waveform inversion results in the metal mining area. The results show that the multisource seismic full waveform inversion could obtain a suitable result for high-resolution seismic imaging of metal ore bodies.

Three-Dimensional Audio-Magnetotelluric Imaging including Surface Topography of the Cimabanshuo Porphyry Copper Deposit, Tibet

Cimabanshuo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry copper (Cu) deposit with giant metallogenic potential, found in the western segment of the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. The average elevation of the deposit is greater than 5500 m and the terrain on which it is found is steep and complex. Therefore, it is untraversed, and the existing exploration works on it are weak. We used 59 AMT sites belonging to an array covering the main, proven mineralization zone and ore bodies of this deposit for an analysis of its underground electrical structure. Dimensionality and strike analysis revealed the apparent three-dimensional (3D) features near the Cu ore bodies. 3D inversion with topography was conducted for the AMT array data. A large range of high-resistivity anomaly (~500–2000 Ωm) appears beneath the proven Cu mineralization zone and ore bodies, which is interpreted as intrusive rocks with potassic alteration. Although containing chalcopyrite, it is characterized by middle–high resistivity due to a low sulfide content and poor connectivity. Moreover, a series of scattered conductors (~10–300 Ωm) around the Cu ore bodies are distributed in the shallow layer from near the surface to ~200 m, possibly indicating phyllic alteration containing pyritization and connected metal sulfides. The proven ore bodies of Cimabanshuo are mainly located at the junction regions between high-resistivity intrusive rocks and high-conductivity sericitization alteration zones. According to this research, the 3D inversion with topography of AMT data can visually display the 3D distribution of intrusive rocks and alteration zones beneath porphyry Cu deposits in high-elevation regions, and provides a reference for further exploration works.

Application of the Fine-Grained Soil Prospecting Method in Typical Covered Terrains of Northern China

In recent years, mineral resources near the surface are becoming scarce, causing focused mineral exploration on concealed deposits in covered terrains. In northern China, covered terrains are widespread and conceal bedrock sequences and mineralization. These represent geochemical challenges for mineral exploration in China. As a deep-penetrating geochemical technology that can reflect the information of deep anomalies, the fine-grained soil prospecting method has achieved ideal test results in arid Gobi Desert covered terrain, semi-arid grassland covered terrain, and alluvium soil covered terrain of northern China. The anomaly range indicated by the fine-grained soil prospecting method is very good with the known ore body location. The corresponding relationship can effectively indicate deep ore bodies and delineate anomalies in unknown areas. Overall, the fine-grained soil prospecting method can be applied to geochemical prospecting and exploration in covered terrains.

Factor analysis of the geochemical associations in the Plavica ore deposit, Republic of North Macedonia

The aim of this study is to investigate the geochemical associations in the Plavica deposit in Republic of North Macedonia. The analyses of drill core samples from the detail exploration works were statistically processed to determine the groups of chemical elements with common spatial distributions. The resulting geochemical groups represent different stages of the ore forming hydrothermal processes. The main ore elements are represented by geochemical association of ([As, Sb, Au, Sn] Cu, Bi, Fe, Ag) which group outlines the ore bodies.

The Pizhemskoye titanium deposit is a new object of the nearest development in the Arctic zone of Russia

The Pizhemskoye titanium deposit (Middle Timan) has become one of the most attractive deposits for the industrial development in Russia as a result of the successful protection and approval of reserves at the State Reserves Committee (November 2020). 60 years have passed since the first finds of titanium mineralization in the basin of the Pechora Pizhma and Umba rivers by the thematic teams of the Ukhta Geological Exploration Department and the Komi branch of the Academy of Sciences, and now the deposit is considered one of the largest in Russia and the World. Together with the Yarega oil-titanium deposit, they contain up to 80% of the reserves and predicted resources of titanium in Russia. Timan becomes the largest raw material base of titanium in the world, the intensive development of which is possible for several hundred years. The article highlights the geological structure of the Pizhemskoye deposit (revealed a cellular, bowl-like structure of ore bodies); material and complex polymineral composition of ores; the Neoproterozoic age. The author proves the hydrothermal-metamorphogenic genesis of the ores, considers the sources of the mineral matter and solution of the technological scheme for processing refractory ores. The Pizhemskoye deposit is classified as a new pseudorutile-leucoxene-quartz subtype of primary metamorphogenic deposits.

Mining Method Optimization of Gently Inclined and Soft Broken Complex Ore Body Based on AHP and TOPSIS: Taking Miao-Ling Gold Mine of China as an Example

The gently inclined thin to medium thickness ore body under a weak rock stratum is one of the typical difficult bodies to mine. In order to solve the fuzziness, randomness, and uncertainty in the process of mining method optimization for such ore bodies, a multi-level, multi-factor, multi-objective, and multi-index comprehensive evaluation system involving technology, economy, construction, and safety was constructed by combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Taking the Miao-ling gold mine in China as an example, the AHP-TOPSIS comprehensive decision model of mining method optimization is established, the comprehensive superiority degrees of the four mining schemes are 67.57%, 45.07%, 56.07%, and 31.63%, and the upward horizontal drift backfill mining method is determined as the optimal scheme. The method is verified in the actual production of the mine, which not only ensures the safe production of the mine, but also achieves better technical and economic effects. The research results provide a reference for the optimization of mining methods for gently inclined and soft broken complex ore bodies at home and abroad.

Genesis of the Dawadi potassium nitrate deposit in Lop Nor, China

Nitrate deposits are rare worldwide, especially potassium nitrate deposits; furthermore, their genesis remains disputed. There is a rare salt-lake type potassium nitrate deposit in the Dawadi area of Lop Nor at the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin, and the ore bodies show coexisting solid and liquid phases. Additionally, there are large sulphate-type potash deposits in the adjoining Luobei Depression, south of the Dawadi area. To determine why there are two different types of potash deposits in adjacent depressions with similar climates, field geological surveys were conducted and samples collected. It was found that the Tertiary clastic layer at the periphery of the Dawadi deposit was rich in high-salinity brine, with nitrate contents of up to 495–16,719 mg/L, much higher than those in the Luobei Depression, 1–35 mg/L. Additionally, a type of deep hydrothermal (Ca–Cl) brine was found in the fault zones, with nitrate contents of up to 8044 mg/L, dozens of times greater than that of ordinary groundwater. Using comprehensive analysis and research, we concluded that the Dawadi and Luobei depressions belong to different hydrological systems with no connection between them; thus, the two deposits belong to different metallogenic systems. Furthermore, groundwater played an important role in the mineralization of the potassium nitrate deposit, and a deep source may have been an important source of the ore-forming materials. The fault system widely developed in Lop Nor provides favorable channels for deep hydrothermal recharge, and the groundwater and deep hydrothermal brine could provide the source for the nitrate mineralization in the Dawadi Depression through water–rock reactions.