Validation of geostatistical simulations of porphyry deposit through geological approach using ioGAS

Abstract

Geostatistical simulations of ore body deposits are useful to quantify risk and uncertainty, testing mine planing algorithms, generating drill holes databases, among others. Geostatistical simulations are a common tool to generate different scenarios, but these are mathematical algorithms that need to be validated with a geological approach. Tools such as histograms, correlations and variograms can validate distributions, numerical associations and spatial variability in a simulation, but many other tools can be used to validate geological coherence (e.g. lithological facies, correlations in minerals of hydrothermal alterations, mineral zones, etc). This article summarizes some of these tools that can be used to interpret data with a geological approach, with the aim of avoiding geological inconsistencies. Validations are shown in a case study, a porphyry copper deposit located in northern Peru, Cajamarca region in Andean mountains.