CFSG – Module 3 – Recoverable resources | Training course

Learn how to compute recoverable resources considering mining selectivity and quantify the uncertainties.

Objectives

The Specialized Training Cycle in Geostatistics, known as CFSG, is a high-level training program in mining geostatistics delivered by the Geostatistics Team from Mines Paris and Geovariances. Its objective is to give you a comprehensive and deep knowledge of geostatistics for mineral resource estimation so that, when you return to work, you will be able to build the block models that your company needs for confident mine planning. By attending the program, you learn the theory behind the techniques presented to you and practice them through numerous exercises and a real-life project.

The 2023 edition of CFSG is delivered online in 6 modules over 10 weeks starting end of January 2023. This module is the third one of the series. At the end of it, you will be able to estimate recoverable mineral resources accounting for mining selectivity.

Outlines

  • Half of the training program is devoted to methodological presentations, the other half to practical exercises to deepen the understanding of concepts.
    – The methodological courses are given
    by Mines Paris professors and are scheduled to match the audience’s time zone. For more convenience, these courses are recorded and made available to participants.
    – Geovariances’ consultants will drive the practical sessions, either from our French office (for those whose time zone is compatible with the French one) or from our Australian and Brazilian offices for the other participants.
  • A typical training week would then be:
    – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: theoretical course (on a half-day) and hands-on practice with Isatis.neo Mining Edition (on the half-day following the theoretical course).
    – Thursday or Friday: Homework using Isatis.neo Mining Edition with compulsory rendering at the end of the day.
    – Friday: Live correction and comments from the teaching team. Validation of prior learning.
  • CFSG is a full-time training. You are required to be present for the duration of the sessions.
  • CFSG is a certification training. The knowledge acquired in each module is validated through an examination. At the end of each module, you will get a training certificate with a distinction that officially recognizes the full completion of the module.
  • Course material and a temporary software license are provided.
  • A minimum number of 5 participants is required for a module actually to take place.

Note that sessions scheduled at AWST Perth time are designed for people from the Asia-Pacific region, as sessions scheduled at CET/CEST Paris time are meant for people from Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Practical sessions are planned to adapt to the Americas, the whole of Europe, and the Asia-Pacific.

Who should attend

CFSG training program is meant for mining geologists and engineers who are willing to achieve a high level in geostatistics.

Content

THEORY

  • Selectivity curves for recoverable resources
    – Reminders:
    . Rules for selection: cutoff and support (sample vs. Selective Mining Unit)
    . Tonnage, Average Grade, Metal and Conventional Benefit
    . Support effect of the variable
    . Information effect
    – Limitations of Linear Kriging
    – Non-linear estimation vs. simulations
  • Gaussian Simulations
    – Why resort to the Gaussian Model?
    – Transform from Raw to Gaussian quantities: Normal score and Anamorphosis
    – Properties (univariate, multivariate), covariance function
    – Simulation techniques: Sequential Gaussian Simulations, Turning Bands Simulations, Conditioning Kriging
  • Non-linear models
    The indicator approach:
    – Coding data into indicators
    – Indicator properties
    – Simple models (mosaïc, diffusive)
    – Simple and cross-variograms of indicators
    – Transition probabilities (border effect)
    – Cokriging of indicators and post-processing
    The Top-Cut Model:
    – Splitting the input variable into three parts: the capped grade, the exceedance, and the indicator of the exceedance
    – The modeling stage: choosing the threshold for capping and variogram fitting
    – Cokriging the three ingredients
    The Gaussian approach:
    – Translating the Anamorphosis function into Hermite polynomials
    – Conditional Expectation, Multi-gaussian Ordinary Kriging
    – Example: lognormal kriging
    Change of support:
    – Global viewpoint:
    . Change of support and Information  Effect
    . Selectivity curves at different support sizes
    – Local viewpoint:
    . Discretizing the orebody into small blocks
    . The multi-support model (panel, block, and point)
    . Processing: Conditional Expectation, Direct Block Simulation, Uniform Conditioning

PRACTICE

Several exercises to learn how to run point and block simulations, Uniform Conditioning,  Direct Block Simulations and post-processing (statistics, simulation reduction, grade-tonnage curves) with Isatis.neo Mining Edition.

Prerequisites

This course is ideal for newcomers to mining geostatistics.

The course is delivered in English and requires a good level of this language. Good notions of mathematics are also recommended.

We recall that the CFSG program is made of 6 modules:
Module 1: Geostatistics Fundamentals
Module 2: Advanced in-situ resources
Module 3: Recoverable resources
Module 4: Facies simulations
Module 5: Domaining
Module 6: Coupling Machine-Learning and geostatistical techniques using Python

Modules can be attended à la carte, according to your needs, independently from each other. Module 1 is mandatory if you have never used Isatis.neo or have no prior experience in geostatistics.

We offer a 25% discount on the purchase of all six modules and a 15% discount on the purchase of the four modules 1, 2, 3, and 4.