Geostatistics Applied in Mine Production Planning

F Zerdin 1, S Markic2 and A Subelj3

ABSTRACT The statistic data for 2.5 m levels are:

Long-tenn plan for lignite mine Velenje has been made by using mean value: 11.0 - 12.8 GJ
technical pararnetrisation method where the basis for periodical, middle- variance: 2.75 - 7.15
tenn and short-tenn plans as well as for scheduling has been already
fixed. For a certain time period a plan of chosen stope has been made. standard deviation: 1.66 - 2.67
Plans are presented by grade (heating value in Gl), quantity of ROM coal number of samples in levels: 32 - 49
in tons and quantity of excavated material in cubic metre for each Figure 2 shows a part of the statistic data for 2.5 metre levels:
sequence of the stope or whole stope as well as for all working stopes in mean value, variance, standard deviation and number of intervals
the mine as a whole which correspond to a defined time period. Grade
planning aims at achieving unifonn product quality to meet contractual
(samples). No proportional efect is present.
obligations. Economists should use data of tehnical pararnetrisation
obtained in tenn plans (as well as in other plans) to make an economic Etaz=FORT63 m= 0.115E+02 sgm= 0.710E+01 std= 0.266E+Ol n= 32
elaborate of stope or whole mine and to obtain required coal quality in Etaz=FORT64 m= 0.117E+02 sgm= 0.631E+0J. std= 0.251E+01 n= 34
Etaz=FORT65 m= 0.122E+02 sgm= 0.465E+Ol std= 0.216E+01 n= 33
daily production. Etaz=FORT66 m= 0.120E+02 sgm= 0.473E+Ol std= 0.217E+Ol n= 39
Etaz=FORT67 m= 0.123E+02 sgm= 0.473E+Ol std= 0.218E+01 n= 40
Etaz=FORT68 m= 0.123E+02 sgm= O. 488E+Ol std= O. 221E+Ol n= 38
Etaz=FORT69 m= 0.121E+02 sgm= O. 528E+Ol std= O. 230E+Ol n= 38
INPUT DATA FOR ESTIMATION AND THEIR Etaz=FORT70 m= 0.122E+02 sgm= 0.377E+01 std= 0.194E+Ol n= 38
PROCESSING
In Velenje Lignite Mine a sublevel caving method is used. FIG 2 - Statistic data of borehole intervals in one metre levels.
Height of stope is ten metres which is divided into the 2.5 - 3.0
metre high levels. Lignite and excavated material are transported
by chain conveyers from each stope and belt conveyers from the
mine. Estimated block are shown in Figure 3. Each block consists of
To give an idea of the procedures used the following steps are estimated caloric value, variance of estimation and categorisation
used: class.
data from borehole intervals have been splitted into intervals
of 2.5 - 3.0 metres; .,. Kriging results ."
using 2D KRIGING method blocks of dimensions 25 m x 25 LEVEL: FORT38
m or 50 m x 50 m have been estimated; 1 10 4525.00 7525.00 13.7 2.35 12.80 0.396 4.446
4525.00 7475.00 13.7 2.34 12.92 0.383 4.200
next step was linking three or four blocks together to meet 1
1
11
12 4525.00 7425.00 13.7 2.34 13.04 0.369 3.940
the height of stope. 1 13 4525.00 7375.00 13.7
13.7
2.34
2.33
13.17
13.33
0.354
0.338
3.666
3.291
1 14 4525.00 7325.00
A general variogram is given in Figure 1. 1
1
15
16
4525.00
4525.00
7275.00
7225.00
13.7
13.7
2.33
2.30
13.63
14.01
0.322
0.263
2.590
1.603
1 17 4525.00 7175.00 13.7 2.23 14.36 0.080 0.637
1 18 4525.00 7125.00 13.7 2.26 14.25 0.154 0.948
VARIOGRAM 1 19 4525.00 7075.00 13.7 2.33 13.85 0.290 1.999
1 20 4525.00 7025.00 13.7 2.35 13.49 '0.314 2.890
VELENJE TEST - Heat Value 1 21 4525.00 6975.00 13.7 2.36 13.24 0.324 3.455
DIRECTION = O. ANGLE 45. MEAN VALUE 0.119E+02 1 22 4525.00 6925.00 13.7 2.36 13.10 0.335 3.759
KORAK = 50. VARIANCE 0.527E+01 2 11 4575.00 7475.00 13.7 2.35 12.86 0.380 4.273
MAlt. DISTANCE 1000. STAND. DEIIIA. 0.230E+01 2 12 4575.00 7425.00 13.7 2.34 12.97 0.365 4.035
LOGARITMIC-NO RELATIVE VARIOGRAM-NO NO OF SAMPLES 2607 2 13 4575.00 7375.00 13.7 2.34 13.08 0.350 3.791
2 14 4575.00 7325.00 13.7 2.34 13.19 0.334 3.534
2 17 4575.00 7175.00 13.7 2.29 13.65 0.203 2.419
2 18 4575.00 7125.00 13.7 2.30 13.62 0.229 2.498
O.520E... 01 x 2 19 4575.00 7075.00 13.7 2.34 13.45 0.292 2.888
0.494E+01 x x 2 20 4575.00 7025.00 13.7 2.36 13.25 0.306 3.310
0 .. 468E+01 x x 2 21 4575.00 6975.00 13.7 2.36 13.11 0.316 3.614
O.442E+01 x 2 22 4575.00 6925.00 13.7 2.37 13.00 0.326 3.854
G 0.416E+01... x x 2 23 4575.00 6875.00 13.7 2.38 12.88 0.337 4.091
7 21 4825.00 6975.00 13.7 2.57 10.97 0.301 3.934
A 0.390E+01 +
7 22 4825.00 6925.00 13.7 2.57 8.72 0.303 4.651
M 0.364E+01 ... 4.717
7 23 4825.00 6875.00 13.7 2.58 8.68 0.310
M 0.338E+01... x 6825.00 13.7 2.58 8.64 0.320 4.814
A 0.312E+01 of- x 7 24 4825.00
O.286E+01 x
0.260E+01 ...
'*' 0 .. 234E+01 ...
HO.208E+01 + FIG 3 - Part of estimated blocks dim 50 m x 50 m in 2.5 m level.
'*' 0.182E+01... x
0.156E+Ol +
0.130E+01 +
o.104E+01 x
O.780E+OO ...
0.520E+00 +
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ Next step is linking four estimated 2.5 metre levels together
O. 200. 400. ~OO. 800. 1000.
DISTANCE *H* that present a stope height. Lengths of borehole intervals serve
as a weight coefficient in grade and error estimation of the stope.
Linking results are. presented in Figure 4.
FIG 1 - A general variograrn for Velenje lignite mine borehole data of After linking method a categorisation has been done.
heating value. . Categorisation is presented in tables that show all estimated
blocks and their thickness, estimated caloric value, variance of
estimation and categorisation class.
1. Dipl Eng Min, NlF, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Some parts of categorisation results are shown in Figure 5.
2. Dipl Eng Min, IRGO, Ljubljana, Slovenia. The longwall-face stopes have been built into estimated and
3. Dipl Min Eng, IRGO, Ljubljana, Slovenia. linked levels. For this purpose the coordinates of edges for each

Third Regional APCOM Symposium Kalgoor1ie, WA, 7 - 9 December 1998 61

F ZERDIN, S MARKIC and A SUBELJ

VELEMJE PRELOGE: GABERKE 1 (heat.v.): K (4

LEVEL: PG1ET2
LEVEL: FORT38 ELEVATION: 14 ELEVATION: 64.0
1 5 4525.00
Coordinates of stope (X, Y)
1775.00 14.00 9.66 12.49 0.120 1.392 1 2 3
1 6 4525.00 7725.00 14.00 9.50 5726.00 7840.00
12.55 0.116 1.345 1 2 3
J. 7 4525.00 7675.00 14.00 9.65 12.62 0.112 1.302 1 2 3
6120.00 8217.00
1 8 4525.00 7625.00 14.00 9.70 12.69 0.108 1.248 1 2 3 6195.00 8146.00
1 9 4525.00 7575.00 14.00 9.71 12.77 0.105 1.192 1 2 3 5802.00 7770.00
1 10 4525.00 7525.00 14.00 9.71 12.85 0.102 1.131 1 2 3 Coeff. of small block:
1 11 4525.00 7475.00 14.00 9.72 12.93 0.098 1.068 1 2 3 'kx = 1 ky = 100
1 12 4525.00 7425.00 14.00 9.73 13.01 0.094 1.001 1 2 3
1 13 4525.00 7375.00 14.00 9.74 13.09 0.090 0.930123 Specific weight 1.14
1 14 4525.00 7325.00 14.00 9.75 13.21 0.086 0.834 1 2 3 Technologic height of stope
1 15 4525.00
10.00
7275.00 14.00 9.76 13.41 0.082 0.655123 Average height of stope
1 16 4525.00 7225.00 14.00 9.82 9.41
13.67 0.067 0.405 1 2 3
1 17 4525.00 7175.00 14.00 9.98 13.90 0.020 Surface of stope 56167.48
0.161 1 2 3
1 18 4525.00 7125.00 14.00 9.92 13.82 0.039 0.239123 Surface of small block 561. 67
1 19 4525.00 7075.00 14.00 9.77 13.56 0.074 0.505 1 2 3 Wieght coeff. of grade estim. 0.94
1 20 4525.00 7025.00 14.00 9.74 13.31 0.080 0.731123 Average grade 10.726 Bstim. variance 0.63686
1 21 4525.00 6975.00 14.00 9.72 13.14 0.082 0.876 1 2 3 Block variance 0.073J.5
1 22 4525.00 6925.00 14.00 9.71 13.05 0.085 0.954 1 2 3
1 23 4525.00 6875.00 14.00 9.70 12.96 0.088 1.022 1 2 3 Reliability 0.90 Lower confidence limit 9.335
1 24 4525.00 6825.00 14.00 9.70 12.88 0.091 1.087 1 2 3 Upper confidence limit 12.116
1 25 4525.00 6775.00 14.00 9.69 12.80 0.094 1.149 1 2 3
1 26 4525.00 6725.00 14.00 9.69 12.72 0.097 1.207 1 2 3
2 5 4575.00 7775.00 14.00 9.60 12.46 0.119 1.392123
2
2
6
7
4575.00
4575.00
7725.00
7675.00
14.00
14.00
9.64
9.65
12.52
12.59
0.114
0.111
1.355 1 2 3
1.308 1 2 3
FIG 6 - Data of stope processed using stochastic simulation method.

FIG 4 - Part of linked data of stope. description of planning excavated grade (heating value in GJ),
which corresponds to medium- or short-time period (several
months to one year) and to scheduling.
Grade planning is based on detailed estimation of kJjging of
VELENJE - TEST (HEATING VALUE) STOPE LEVEL 15 blocks by using estimated error values. The next step is to
transfer block estimation data onto the contour of the mining
district (stope, or part of the level). The mining of such a region
I
TABLE NO. 1
PV* ZV* BETAV P (ZV*>ZC) M(ZC) I
lasts from 50 days to one year. Since there are several regions,
I BLOCK I the planning requires their selection for exploitation so as to
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I I I ensure planned grade production in the mine. As in all
I 30 21 15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.412 0.730 12.53 I estimations, it is necessary to establish possible grade variations.
I I I
I 30 22 15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.411 0.730 12.53 I This is done by middle- and short-tenn planning in all operating
I I I
I 30 23 15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.411 0.729 12.53 I districts or stopes and in the mine as a whole.
I I I
I 30 24 15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.412 0.729 12.53 I More detailed planning requires managing the production
I I I
I 30 25 15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.412 0.729 12.53 I process, and scheduling in each stope is essential in order to
I
I 30 26
I
15 15 I 0.73 12.53 1.413 0.729 12.53
I
I
achieve the required daily quality in delivery. The procedure in
I I I planning and scheduling is based on the transfer of estimated
grade and error of estimation in blocks onto the contour surface,
by stochastic simulation method. The planning provides
TABLE NO.2
I ZA*60/MO estimated grade, error of estimation and confidence limits of the
I BETAV 60/MO MO KAT
BLOCK
I A B C
0 grade, both for the mining region, individual stopes and the entire
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I I I
mine.
I
I
30 21 15 15 I
I
1.412 0.11 0.01 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321. 66 I
I
This procedure, using geostatistical estimation, enables grade
I 30 22 15 15 I 1.411 0.11 0.01 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321. 66 I planning for useful components in ore/coal production. For
I I I
I 30 23 15 15 I 1.411 0.11 0.01 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321. 66 I tracking harmful components, a more detailed homogenisation
I I I
I 30 24 15 15 I 1.412 0.11 0.01 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321. 66 I procedure is recommended, by using disjunctive kriging and
I
I 30 25
I
15 15 I 1.412 0.11 0.01 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321.66 I
I stochastic simulation of daily production, ranging from the
I I I excavation of stopes, mine output, and storage bunker at the
I 30 26 15 15 I 1.413 0.11 O.OJ. 0.23 0.19 0.11 B 321. 66 I
I I I initial stage of the technological process (such as in cement
industry and thennal power plants).
FIG 5 - Some parts of categorisation outputs.
MIDDLE- AND SHORT-TERM PRODUCTION
PLANNING
sequence of the stope or for the stope as a whole have been A specimen for the Velenje coal mine is provided. The plan
destined. Each stope or sequence of the stope have been outlay is shown in the report shown in Figure 7.
processed using the stochastic simulation method. Numeric data The following data were obtained for each stope:
obtained for a stope are shown in Figure 6. Level and elevation - Mining district - Number of active stope
The report for each site contains the following data: Stope - Stope output (in tons) - Stope's share in production - Average
contour coordinates; Stope surface area; Technological height; grade (GJ/t) - Estimation variance (GJ**2) - Reliablity (0.90) -
Real height; Production share of the stope taking part in planned Lower confidence limit - Upper confidence limit
production distribution.
Mine data:
THE ROLE OF GEOSTATISTICS IN MINING Number of operating stopes - Total mine output (tons) - Average
PRODUCTION PLANNING grade (GJ/t) - Estimation variance (GJ**2) - Reliability (0.90) -
The first part of the report describes the procedure in estimation Lower confidence limit - Upper confidence limit
of deposits by 2D- kriging and linking estimated blocks in levels, In addition, a database was given of technical parametrisation
in excavation carried out in sublevels by the longwall-face for plotting the optimal curve for the mine, to be used by
method with vertical concentration. This is followed by the economists for economic planning of the mine in Figure 8.

62 Kalgoorlle, WA, 7 - 9 December 1998 Third Regional APCOM Symposium

 GEOSTATISTICS APPLIED IN MINE PRODUCTION PLANNING

LEVEL: FORT38 ELEVATION: 13.7 DISTRICT: Sl

VELENJE No. of active stope 1
Stope production (t/day) 5765.43
LEVEL: FORT38 ELEVATION: 13 7 DISTRICT Sl Stope share in mine production 0.43
No. of active stope 1 Average grade (GJ/tl .9.848
Stope production (tons) 11657.03 Estimation variance (GJ**2) 1.09791
Stope share in mine production 0.46 Reliability 0.90 DeL 8.119
Average grade (GJ/t) 9.955 UCL 11.577
Estimation variance (GJ**2l 1.34655
Reliability 0.90 DeL 8.040 LEVEL: FORT25 ELEVATION: 44.0 DISTRIST: T2
UCL 11. 869 No. of active stope 2
Stope production (t/day) 6042.90
LEVEL: FORT25 ELEVATION: 44.0 DISTRICT T2 Stope share in mine production 0.45
No. of active stope 2 Average grade (GJ/tl 11.436
Stope production (tons) 11992.92 Estimaation variance (GJ**21 1. 34414
Stope share in mine production 0.47 Reliability 0.90 DeL 9.523
Average grade (GJ/t) 11.360 UCL 13.349
Estimation variance (GJ**2) 1.53374
Reliability 0.90 DeL 9.317 LEVEL: PG1ET2 ELEVATION: 64.0 DISTRICT: PG12
UCL 13.404 No. of active stope 3
Stope production (t/day) 1723.82
Stope share in mine production 0.13
LEVEL: PG1ET2 ELEVATION: 64.0 DISTRICT PG1ET2
Average grade (GJ/t) 10.500
No. of active stope 3 Estimation variance (GJ**2) 0.61634
Stope production (tons) 1796.13 Reliability 0.90 DeL 9.205
Stope share in mine production 0.07 UCL 11. 796
Average grade (GJ/tl 10.726
Estimation variance (GJ**2) 0.71001 DAILY MINE PRODUCTION
Reliability 0.90 DeL 9.335 Number of operating stopes 3
UCL 12.116 Daily mine production (t/day) 13532.14
Average grade (GJ/t) 10.640
MINE DATA Estimation variance (GJ**2) 1.20187
Number of operating stopes 3 Reliability 0.90 DeL 8.831
Mine production (tons) 25446.08 UCL 12.449
Average grade (GJ/t) 10.672
Estimation variance (GJ)**2 '1.43444
Reliability 0.90 DCL 8.695 FIG 9 - Daily scheduling.
UCL 12.648

FIG 7 - Short-tenn planning data in Velenje Coal Mine. Specimen for

VELENJE TEST (heat value): LEVEL 14. DISTRICT RS1 - FACE: S1
three stopes at various levels. NO.DISTR. KN LEVEL ZC GRADECGJ/tl HEAT.V. COl COALCTI EXC.MATERIALCVI
Real:
1 1 7.000 9.848 113.55 11530.86 576.54
Reduced:
1 1 7.000 9.355 107.87 11530.86 576.54

Average est. error: 0.106 ... Error of reduced heat.v.: 11.48

VELENJE TEST (heating value): LEVEL 14 DISTRlc:T RSl

NO.DISTR. KN LEVEL ZC GRADE (G.1/t) HEAT.V. CQ} COAL(T) EXC.MATERrAL(V)

Real:
1114 7.000 9.955 1164.30 1165703.12 58285.16 FIG 10 - Technical parametrisation data in daily scheduling.
Reduced:
1 1 14 7 .. 000 9.457 11024.08 1165703.12 58285.16

Average est. error: 0.110 Error of reduced heat.v .. : 1212.42

FIG 8 - Technical parametrisation data: Number of stope - Number of cut
of grade - Level- Cut of grade (Ze) - Grade (in GIlt) - Heating value (Q)
(in GI) - Coal (T) - Complete material extracted (V) in cubic metres.
The first line contains real production data; the second
contains reduced data, after processing (coal separation); the last
line shows average estimation errors and reduced heating value
errors.
The entire report of faces and mine planning gives enough data
about the grade (heating value) and is the basis for economic
report, which is intended for selecting optimal planning for the
subsequent planning period.
SCHEDULING
Scheduling aims primarily at planning of grade (heating value) in
daily mining production. Grade regulation is carried out by
planning daily output of each stope, so that the procedure does
not harm productivity. .
While previous planning determines stope surface area, ie the
quantity of coal at each stope, daily production is regulated by
planning excavation time. A report on daily scheduling is given
in Figure 9.
Technical parametrisation data for daily scheduling are given
in Figure 10.
Description of data in Figures 9 and 10 are given in previous
figures.
CONCLUSIONS
This report emphasises the importance of transferring deposit
estimation data into planning, ranging from long-term planning
to daily scheduling, so that mining experts become involved not
only with the quantity of production (of ore or coal), but with the
grade of the product as well. The grade of ore and coal LINKS
TOGETHER geologists who estimate the ore and coal in
deposits, mining engineers who organise excavation and
processing of concentrate, and economists. The outlined
planning procedure can unite ALL EXPERTS involved, from ore
estimation in deposit to final market product, to work together on
their basic goal: grade planning and control, in order to achieve
better economic effect. Geostatistics applied in planning can
realise this goal.
Presented procedure of planning from long-term and periodic
up to middle-term and daily plans acts as integrity which is based
on the same estimation data and gives, if monitoring is applied,
an increasement of confidence in economic efect of achieved
coal production and create confidence in coal consigmnent
regarding the contract with consumer.
It is important to emphasise that all quoted data are given as
stochastic values which are obtained by treatment of kriged
variance and by application in all following steps of planning.
REFERENCES
Burne. G C S. 1973. Long Tenn Mine Production Scheduling, in
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Metallurgy, Johannesburg).

Third Regional APCOM Symposium Kalgoorlle. WA, 7 - 9 December 1998 63

F ZERDIN, S MARKIC and A SUBELJ
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Third Regional APCOM Symposium