Simulation of cement raw material deposits using plurigaussian technique

Abstract

Plurigaussian simulation is a powerful and very effective technique for modelling subsurface rock type domain distribution and in-situ mining reserve analysis. Modelling of subsurface to reveal the rock type distribution plays a key role for raw material extraction planning and plant operations such as extraction, transportation and comminution strategies. Because, the raw material distribution defines the plant operations and final product quality (cement modulus). This study addresses the application of plurigaussian simulation technique to reveal the subsurface rock type distribution of a cement raw material deposit in Turkey. The rock type domains include the limestone, clayey limestone, marl and sandstone which are the basic four rock type classes effecting the cement modulus in the field. The simulation process is carried out using these four rock type data on a determined grid system. A series of tests are made for the validation of the plurigaussian simulation. As a result, the rock type distributions are presented as both 2D-3D graphics and tabulated. The limestone is found as a dominant rock type in the deposit. The marl - a natural clinker - is another widespread raw material in the field and is found interbedded with limestone across the study field. The unwanted sandstone existence exhibited a sparse distribution in reserve body. The results indicated that, the deposit can provide the required raw material for the plant, showing the localised rock type distribution. A detailed raw material extraction planning and scheduling may be made using the results of this study.