Three-dimensional quantitative mineralogical modelling of the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co Ovoid deposit: Confirming the mineralogical model using MLA techniques

摘要

Quantitative mineralogical characterization is essential for evaluating the genesis of an ore deposit and may aid in improving ore recoveries, beneficiation, guiding exploration of economic metals, and targeting other potential mineralized zones. A method was developed to quantify mineralogical data of the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co massive sulfide Ovoid deposit and integrate it into 3D block models. The method is built around an algorithm for translating large databases of whole-rock chemical assays into mineral abundances. The method can be used to establish mineralogical domains before a deposit is mined or processed, which can aid in predicting how to mine the deposit or predicting potential processing issues that may ensue. It is essential that the mineralogical model is verified by quantitative and automated mineralogical techniques. Quantitative mineral identifications and modal mineral abundances were confirmed by GXMAP and BSE modes using the JKTech mineral liberation analysis software, which successfully validated the mineralogical model.