Geometallurgical Block Model Template (Excel)
The Geometallurgical Block Model Template (Excel) is a standardized spreadsheet-based framework designed to integrate geological, geotechnical, mineralogical, and metallurgical data at the mining block level. It enables consistent spatial representation of ore variability and its impact on downstream processing performance. The template serves as a bridge between resource estimation and process engineering, supporting data-driven decision-making in mine planning and optimization.
📖 Overview
📑 Key Components
🎯 Applications
- ✓ Optimizing selective mining and ore-waste delineation based on process performance thresholds
- ✓ Feeding metallurgical simulations (e.g., in JKSimMet or METSIM) with spatially resolved feed characteristics
- ✓ Supporting life-of-mine scheduling with grade-and-recovery-aware constraints
📐 Key Formulas
Weighted Average Recovery per Mining Unit
∑(Recovery_i × Tonnage_i) / ∑Tonnage_i
Calculates blended metallurgical recovery for a group of blocks (e.g., a pushback or bench) based on individual block recoveries and their estimated tonnages.
Acid Consumption Estimate (kg H2SO4/t)
(0.015 × %Carbonates + 0.035 × %Sulfides) × 1000
Empirical approximation of sulfuric acid demand for sulfide-carbonate ores during heap leaching or agglomeration.
Composite Bond Work Index (BWIs)
∑(Wi_i × (ρ_i × V_i)) / ∑(ρ_i × V_i)
Mass-weighted average Bond Work Index across blocks, where Wi_i is the index for block i, ρ_i is density, and V_i is block volume—used for mill power and throughput forecasting.