Print Email Facebook Twitter A Simulation-Based Geostatistical Approach to Real-Time Reconciliation of the Grade Control Model Title A Simulation-Based Geostatistical Approach to Real-Time Reconciliation of the Grade Control Model Author Wambeke, T. (TU Delft Resource Engineering) Benndorf, J. (University of Technology Bergakademie Freiberg) Date 2017-01-01 Abstract One of the main challenges of the mining industry is to ensure that produced tonnages and grades are aligned with targets derived from model-based expectations. Unexpected deviations, resulting from large uncertainties in the grade control model, often occur and strongly impact resource recovery and process efficiency. During operation, local predictions can be significantly improved when deviations are monitored and integrated back into the grade control model. This contribution introduces a novel realization-based approach to real-time updating of the grade control model by utilizing online data from a production monitoring network. An algorithm is presented that specifically deals with the problems of an operating mining environment. Due to the complexity of the material handling process, it is very challenging to formulate an analytical approximation linking each sensor observation to the grade control model. Instead, an application-specific forward simulator is built, translating grade control realizations into observation realizations. The algorithm utilizes a Kalman filter-based approach to link forward propagated realizations with real process observations to locally improve the grade control model. Differences in the scale of support are automatically dealt with. A literature review, following a detailed problem description, presents an overview of the most recent approaches to solving some of the practical problems identified. The most relevant techniques are integrated and the resulting mathematical framework is outlined. The principles behind the self-learning algorithm are explained. A synthetic experiment demonstrates that the algorithm is capable of improving the grade control model based on inaccurate observations on blended material streams originating from two extraction points. Subject Ensemble Kalman filterGeostatisticsGrade control modelReconciliation To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:156a2011-5926-4457-b5f6-e757c170ff3c DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11004-016-9658-6 ISSN 1874-8961 Source Mathematical Geosciences, 49 (1), 1–37 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2017 T. Wambeke, J. Benndorf Files PDF 10.1007_s11004_016_9658_6.pdf 5.58 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:156a2011-5926-4457-b5f6-e757c170ff3c/datastream/OBJ/view