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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1992; v. 63; p. 191-196;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1992.063.01.20
© 1992 Geological Society of London

Computerized grade control in complex porphyry copper deposits

P. J. Franklin

President, GEMCOM Services Inc., 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3B6, Canada

Grade distribution within porphyry copper deposits can sometimes be erratic in nature. Conventional, manual grade control techniques for open pit mining have proved to be inadequate for accurately predicting mining head grades and for delineating ore and waste contacts.

This paper describes a highly interactive computerized grade control system that uses a combination of geostatistical modelling and graphical techniques to perform the daily grade control operations. The software is used to improve the reliability of grade predictions and to perform reconciliation of mined materials with planned materials.

The paper is illustrated with examples from operating copper open pits located in western Canada.