Evaluation of the resources of a slate deposit using indicator kriging

The paper commences with a description of the mining resource studied (roofing slate), the particular features of slate deposits and state mining techniques. We then describe the methodology used for drilling core studies, the most reliable method for ornamental rock mining exploration. From the drill-core data, applying statistical techniques (kriging) with the assistance of the powerful DATAMINE 5 software package ([MICL, 1999. "Datamine 5". Datamine Group. Mineral Industries Computing Limited.]) can make an assessment of the exploitable resources in a quarry. To do this, the research domain is first delimited - in terms of the top and bottom of the exploitable seam, as well as the sidewall boundaries - employing ordinary kriging. A wireframe model of the deposit (the domain) is constructed and is sub-divided into blocks (block model). The resources in the deposit are then evaluated using indicator kriging and taking into account the anisotropic directions of the slate deposit. This produces data in the form of locations, tonnages and percentages of exploitable slate. The final step compares results obtained from the model with results obtained from mining in order to arrive at conclusions respecting the methodology. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.