Mineralized Zone Geology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of constructing cross sections and plans in geologic mapping and mineral deposit evaluation?

To illustrate the geometry of a mineralized zone and associated rock units in a systematic fashion.

Why are drill sections densely packed with information?

Because data are more concentrated along sections arranged perpendicular to the principal direction of geologic continuity of the deposit under investigation.

What is the limitation of highly sophisticated software packages for three-dimensional modeling?

They can lead to smooth interpolations that depart substantially from reality, oversimplifying geologic contacts or domain boundaries.

How are plans constructed in geologic mapping and mineral deposit evaluation?

By transferring interpreted information from sections to plans at desired elevations and interpolating between sections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of understanding the built-in interpolation routines in three-dimensional modeling software?

To avoid oversimplifying geologic contacts or domain boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of three-dimensional views in mineral deposit evaluation?

They are a powerful aid to conceptualizing a mineral deposit for purposes of mineral inventory estimation and mine design. Signup and view all the answers

How do cross sections and plans facilitate the evaluation of a mineral deposit?

By providing a systematic illustration of the geometry of a mineralized zone and associated rock units. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between drill sections and cross sections?

Cross sections generally coincide with drill sections, but may be interpolated between them in some cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practice in manually prepared sections and plans for mineral inventory estimates?

Providing a single, very specific interpretation as if it were fact. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to indicate the locations of data on which an interpretation is based on plans and sections?

To provide a factual basis for evaluating the quality of an interpretation and to indicate where the interpretation is most suspect. Signup and view all the answers

What does the evolution of the conceptual geometry of the Neves–Corvo copper–tin mine in Portugal illustrate?

The importance of obtaining additional geologic information during exploration and development. Signup and view all the answers

How did the addition of initial underground information to earlier exploration drill information at the Neves–Corvo mine affect the interpretation of the ore's geometric continuity?

It revealed a greater structural complexity to the geometric continuity of the upper part of the ore. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of having abundant underground information at the Neves–Corvo mine?

The ore zones were seen to be highly complex geometrically compared to the initial interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of indicating the locations of data on which an interpretation is based, in terms of evaluating the quality of the interpretation?

It provides a factual basis for evaluating one aspect of the quality of an interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to remember that interpretations can change significantly even in cases of relatively short-range interpolations?

Because interpretations can be refined or modified as new data becomes available. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of incorporating multiple data sources in developing a three-dimensional image of a deposit or mineral zone?

It provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the deposit's geometry and complexity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geologic Mapping and Mineral Deposit Evaluation

Geometry of a mineralized zone and associated rock units is illustrated on a series of cross sections or plans in a systematic fashion.
Cross sections often coincide with drill sections, but may also be interpolated between drill sections.
Plans are constructed by transferring interpreted information from sections to plans at desired elevations and then interpolating between sections.

Data Collection and Display

Data are more concentrated along sections arranged perpendicular to the principal direction of geologic continuity of the deposit under investigation.
Sections are commonly relatively widely spaced compared to data spacing within a section.
Computer-based graphic display systems provide three-dimensional views, but caution is urged in using them due to potential oversimplification of geologic contacts or domain boundaries.

Three-Dimensional Modeling and Interpretation

Three-dimensional views are a powerful aid to conceptualizing a mineral deposit for purposes of mineral inventory estimation and mine design.
However, interpretations can change significantly even with short-range interpolations, and locations of data on which the interpretation is based should be indicated.
Underground workings and drill holes provide a factual basis for evaluating the quality of an interpretation and indicate where the interpretation is most suspect.

Evolution of Conceptual Geometry

The Neves–Corvo copper–tin mine in Portugal illustrates the evolution in conceptual geometry as additional geologic information is obtained during exploration and development.
As additional data becomes available, the interpretation of geometric form becomes more complex and refined, revealing potential complexities in geometry at depths where only widely spaced exploration drill data existed.

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Description

This quiz covers the illustration of mineralized zone geometry and associated rock units on cross sections and plans. It explores how cross sections coincide with drill sections and how plans are constructed at various elevations.