Application of 3-D Geoscience Modeling Technology for the Estimation of Solid Mineral Reserves

Abstract: Applying new approaches, methods, and technologies for the estimation of reserves can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of assessments of solid mineral resources. After analyzing the development of 3-D geoscience modeling technology (3-D GMT), this paper discusses the application of 3-D GMT for the estimation of solid mineral reserves, emphatically introducing its workflow and two key technologies, 3-D orebody surface modeling, and property modeling. Moreover, the paper analyzes the limitations of traditional methods, such as the section method and geological block method, and points out the advantages of 3-D GMT: building more accurate 3-D orebody models, expressing the internal inhomogeneous attributes of an orebody, reducing the potential for errors in the estimation of reserves, and implementing dynamic estimations of reserves.     

The Present Research and Prospect of Chinese Geosciences History

It has been over a hundred years since the birth of research on Chinese geosciences history, which was accompanied by the continuous progress of Chinese geosciences. For hundreds of years, it has grown out of nothing to brilliant performance by several generations of Chinese geologists committing their hearts and minds with the spirit of exert and strive without stop to promote the process of China's industrialization and to produce the significant impact on serving the society. The study of Chinese geosciences history reflects objectively and historically the history of geosciences in China, which has recorded, analyzed and evaluated the dynamic process sitting in the background and clue of the history of Chinese geosciences development. The study of the history of geological science has roughly experienced two stages in China. The first stage is the study of individual researchers. It spanned approximately 70 years from the early 20th century to the end of the 1970s. The research contents were mainly based on the evolution of geological organizations, the development and utilization of individual mineral species, the history of deposit discovery and the research of geological characters. The main representatives are Zhang Hongzhao, Ding Wenjiang, Weng Wenhao and Li Siguang, Ye Liangfu, Huang Jiqing, Yang Zhongjian, Xie Jiarong, Gao Zhenxi, Wang Bingzhang and etc. The most prominent feature of this period is the accumulation of a very valuable document for the study of the history of China's geological history and lays a foundation for the exchange of geological science between China and foreign countries. The second stage is organized group study. It took around 60 years from the 1920s to 1980s. It includes the history of Chinese geology, the history of geological organizations, the history of geological disciplines, the history of geological education, the history of geological philosophy, the history of Chinese and foreign geological science communication, the history of geologists and etc. The most chief feature of this stage is the birth of academic research institute―the establishment of the Commission on the History of Geology of the Geological Society of China.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987111001411

正Three-dimensional geological modeling(3DGM) assists geologists to quantitatively study in three-dimensional(3D) space structures that define temporal and spatial relationships between geological objects.The 3D property model can also be used to infer or deduce causes of geological objects.3DGM technology provides technical support for extraction of diverse geoscience information,3D modeling,and quantitative calculation of mineral resources.Based on metallogenic concepts and an ore deposit model, 3DGM technology is applied to analyze geological characteristics of the Tongshan Cu deposit in order to define a metallogenic model and develop a virtual borehole technology;a BP neural network and a 3D interpolation technique were combined to integrate multiple geoscience information in a 3D environment. The results indicate:(1) on basis of the concept of magmatic-hydrothermal Cu polymetallic mineralization and a porphyry Cu deposit model,a spatial relational database of multiple geoscience information for mineralization in the study area(geology,geophysics,geochemistry,borehole,and cross-section data) was established,and 3D metallogenic geological objects including mineralization stratum,granodiorite, alteration rock,and magnetic anomaly were constructed;(2) on basis of the 3D ore deposit model,23,800 effective surveys from 94 boreholes and 21 sections were applied to establish 3D orebody models with a kriging interpolation method;(3) combined 23,800 surveys involving 21 sections,using VC++ and OpenGL platform,virtual borehole and virtual section with BP network,and an improved inverse distance interpolation(IDW) method were used to predict and delineate mineralization potential targets (Cu-grade of cell not less than 0.1%);(4) comparison of 3D ore bodies,metallogenic geological objects of mineralization,and potential targets of mineralization models in the study area,delineated the 3D spatial and temporal relationship and causal processes among the ore bodies,alteration rock,metallogenic stratum,intrusive rock,and the Tongshan Fault.This study provides important technical support and a scientific basis for assessment of the Tongshan Cu deposit and surrounding exploration and mineral resources.     

Relationship between Geological Structures and Hydrocarbon Enrichment of Different Depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin

The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geological structures and hydrocarbon enrichment of the depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin. Based on the Paleogene strata distribution and the length to width ratio of different depressions, their geological structures are divided into three types in plan-view: open(length/width 2), narrow(length/width 4) and transitional types(length/width 2–4). In cross section, the geological structures can be divided into dustpan I, dustpan II and double-faulted types. Based on tectonic evolution and sedimentary characteristics, the depressions are classified into early-formed, inherited and late-formed categories. Generally, narrow depressions are mainly located in the northeast and southwest of the Bohai Bay Basin, while open depressions are dominantly distributed in the central area of the basin; late-formed depressions are mainly around the Bohai sea area, and early-formed depressions are mostly located in the periphery of the basin. Geological structures of the depressions control the formation of the source, reservoir and cap rocks as well as hydrocarbon accumulation setting, and further influence the pay zones and oil-bearing sequence. In detail, dustpan II and doublefaulted depressions mainly have A-type sags, which often possess better hydrocarbon generation conditions than dustpan I ones; hydrocarbons in open dustpan II depressions tend to accumulate in the central uplift areas or buried hill, while those in narrow dustpan I depressions always accumulate in gentle slope belts. The oil-bearing sequence for different evolutional depressions corresponds well with the sedimentary strata of the main development stages of depressions. In early-formed depressions, hydrocarbons are mainly enriched in deeply buried reservoirs, while in late-formed depressions hydrocarbons are abundant in the relatively shallow traps. In summary, most inherited and late-formed dustpan II depressions are enriched in hydrocarbons due to their extensive source rocks and good source–reservoir–seal assemblages, whereas dustpan I and early-formed depressions are relatively poor in hydrocarbons.     

Potential and Suitability Evaluation of CO2 Geological Storage in Major Sedimentary Basins of China, and the Demonstration Project in Ordos Basin

From 2010 to 2012, the China Geological Survey Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey (CHEGS) carried out the project “Potential evaluation and demonstration project of CO2 Geological Storage in China”. During this project, we developed an evaluation index system and technical methods for the potential and suitability of CO2 geological storage based on China’s geological conditions, and evaluated the potential and suitability of the primary basins for CO2 geological storage, in order to draw a series of regional scale maps (at a scale of 1:5000000) and develop an atlas of the main sedimentary basins in China. By using these tools, we delineated many potential targets for CO2 storage. We also built techniques and methods for site selection and the exploration and assessment of CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers. Furthermore, through cooperation with the China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Ltd., we successfully constructed the first coal-based demonstration project for CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers in the Yijinhuoluo Banner of Ordos in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which brought about the basic preliminary theories, techniques, and methods of geological CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers under China’s geological conditions.     

A 3D Geological Model Constrained by Gravity and Magnetic Inversion and its Exploration Implications for the World-class Zhuxi Tungsten Deposit, South China

The Zhuxi tungsten deposit in Jiangxi Province, South China, contains a total W reserve of about 2.86 Mt at an average grade of 0.54 wt% WO3, representing the largest W deposit in the world. Numerous studies on the metallogeny of the deposit have included its timing, the ore-controlling structures and sedimentary host rocks and their implications for mineral exploration. However, the deep nappe structural style of Taqian–Fuchun metallogenic belt that hosts the W deposit, and the spatial shape and scale of deeply concealed intrusions and their sedimentary host rocks are still poorly defined, which seriously restricts the discovery of new deposits at depth and in surrounding areas of the W deposit. Modern 3D geological modeling is an important tool for the exploration of concealed orebodies, especially in brownfield environments. There are obvious density contrast and weak magnetic contrast in the ore-controlling strata and granite at the periphery of the deposit, which lays a physical foundation for solving the 3D spatial problems of the ore-controlling geological body in the deep part of the study area through gravity and magnetic modeling. Gravity data (1:50000) and aeromagnetic data (1:50000) from the latest geophysical surveys of 2016–2018 have been used, firstly, to carry out a potential field separation to obtain residual anomalies for gravity and magnetic interactive inversion. Then, on the basis of the analysis of the relationship between physical properties and lithology, under the constraints of surface geology and borehole data, human–computer interactive gravity and magnetic inversion for 18 cross-sections were completed. Finally, the 3D geological model of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit and its periphery have been established through these 18 sections, and the spatial shape of the intrusions and strata with a depth of 5 km underground were obtained, initially realizing “transparency” for ore-controlling bodies. According the analysis of the geophysical, geochemical, and geological characteristics of the Zhuxi tungsten deposit, we discern three principles for prospecting and prediction in the research area, and propose five new?exploration?targets in?its?periphery.     

Potential and Suitability Evaluation of CO2 Geological Storage in Major Sedimentary Basins of China, and the Demonstration Project in Ordos Basin

From 2010 to 2012, the China Geological Survey Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey (CHEGS) carried out the project “Potential evaluation and demonstration project of CO2 Geological Storage in China”. During this project, we developed an evaluation index system and technical methods for the potential and suitability of CO2 geological storage based on China’s geological conditions, and evaluated the potential and suitability of the primary basins for CO2 geological storage, in order to draw a series of regional scale maps (at a scale of 1:5000000) and develop an atlas of the main sedimentary basins in China. By using these tools, we delineated many potential targets for CO2 storage. We also built techniques and methods for site selection and the exploration and assessment of CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers. Furthermore, through cooperation with the China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Ltd., we successfully constructed the first coal-based demonstration project for CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers in the Yijinhuoluo Banner of Ordos in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which brought about the basic preliminary theories, techniques, and methods of geological CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers under China’s geological conditions.     

Sedimentary Microfacies and Porosity Modeling of Deep-Water Sandy Debris Flows by Combining Sedimentary Patterns with Seismic Data: An Example from Unit I of Gas Field A, South China Sea

Sandy debris flow deposits are present in Unit I during Miocene of Gas Field A in the Baiyun Depression of the South China Sea. The paucity of well data and the great variability of the sedimentary microfacies make it difficult to identify and predict the distribution patterns of the main gas reservoir, and have seriously hindered further exploration and development of the gas field. Therefore, making full use of the available seismic data is extremely important for predicting the spatial distribution of sedimentary microfacies when constructing three-dimensional reservoir models. A suitable reservoir modeling strategy or workflow controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic data has been developed. Five types of seismic attributes were selected to correlate with the sand percentage, and the root mean square (RMS) amplitude performed the best. The relation between the RMS amplitude and the sand percentage was used to construct a reservoir sand distribution map. Three types of main sedimentary microfacies were identified: debris channels, fan lobes, and natural levees. Using constraints from the sedimentary microfacies boundaries, a sedimentary microfacies model was constructed using the sequential indicator and assigned value simulation methods. Finally, reservoir models of physical properties for sandy debris flow deposits controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic inversion data were established. Property cutoff values were adopted because the sedimentary microfacies and the reservoir properties from well-logging interpretation are intrinsically different. Selection of appropriate reservoir property cutoffs is a key step in reservoir modeling when using simulation methods based on sedimentary microfacies control. When the abnormal data are truncated and the reservoir properties probability distribution fits a normal distribution, microfacies-controlled reservoir property models are more reliable than those obtained from the sequence Gauss simulation method. The cutoffs for effective porosity of the debris channel, fan lobe, and natural levee facies were 0.2, 0.09, and 0.12, respectively; the corresponding average effective porosities were 0.24, 0.13, and 0.15. The proposed modeling method makes full use of seismic attributes and seismic inversion data, and also makes the property data of single-well depositional microfacies more conformable to a normal distribution with geological significance. Thus, the method allows use of more reliable input data when we construct a model of a sandy debris flow.     

Assessment of Geological Security and Integrated Assessment Geo‐environmental Suitability in Worst‐hit Areas in Wenchuan Quake

Abstract: The Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and geo-hazards triggered by the earthquake caused large injuries and deaths as well as destructive damage for infrastructures like construction, traffic and electricity. It is urgent to select relatively secure areas for townships and cities constructed in high mountainous regions with high magnitude earthquakes. This paper presents the basic thoughts, evaluation indices and evaluation methods of geological security evaluation, water and land resources security demonstration and integrated assessments of geo-environmental suitability for reconstruction in alp and ravine with high magnitude earthquakes, which are applied in the worst-hit areas (12 counties). The integrated assessment shows that: (1) located in the Longmenshan fault zone, the evaluated area is of poor regional crust stability, in which the unstable and second unstable areas account for 79% of the total; (2) the geo-hazards susceptibility is high in the evaluation area. The spots of geo-hazards triggered by earthquake are mainly distributed along the active fault zone with higher distribution in the moderate and high mountains area, in which the areas of high and moderate susceptibility zoning accounts for 40.1% of the total; (3) geological security is poor in the evaluated area, in which the area of the unsuitable construction occupies 73.1%, whereas in the suitable construction area, the areas of geological security, second security and insecurity zoning account for 8.3%, 9.3% and 9.3% of the evaluated area respectively; (4) geo-environmental suitability is poor in the evaluated area , in which the areas of suitability and basic suitability zoning account for 3.5% and 7.3% of the whole evaluation area.     

Quantitative Geoscience and Geological Big Data Development: A Review

After long-term development, mathematical geology has today become an independent discipline. Big Data science, which has become a new scientific paradigm in the 21 st century, gives rise to the geological Big Data, i.e. mathematical geology and quantitative geoscience. Thanks to a robust macro strategy for big data, China’s quantitative geoscience and geological big data’s rapid development meets present requirements and has kept up with international levels. This paper presents China’s decade-long achievements in quantitative prediction and assessment of mineral resources, geoscience information and software systems, geological information platform development, etc., with an emphasis on application of geological big data in informatics, quantitative mineral prediction, geological environment and disaster management, digital land survey, digital city, etc. Looking ahead, mathematical geology is moving towards "Digital Geology", "Digital Land" and "Geological Cloud", eventually realizing China’s grand "Digital China" blueprint, and these valuable results will be showcased on the international academic arena.     

工程地质空间多场耦合构模技术研究

现有的三维地质模拟技术没有考虑地质空间几何结构场与属性参数场之间的耦合关系,从而限制了计算机模拟结果的真实性和实用性。工程地质空间多场耦合构模问题已成为制约三维地质模拟技术深入发展应用的瓶颈。在综合国内外研究现状与发展趋势的基础上,提出了工程地质空间多场耦合构模的总体研究框架和基本工作流程,给出了研究过程中所遇到的主要科学问题的解决思路或实现方案,并通过实例说明地质体多场耦合模型在三维地质建模及可视化系统中初步实现后的效果。这些研究成果为建立一套完整的地质体多场耦合构模理论体系和方法体系奠定了基础,有助于推动工程地质数字化建模分析技术的深入应用。     

固体矿产资源智能采矿关键技术研究

智能采选矿技术是当今矿山建设、矿产开采的重要方向,是国家能源开发的战略核心之一,也是未来深部固体矿产井下自动化无人开采的关键技术。本文针对传统采矿技术在矿山规划建设及环境保护、采矿技术操作及生产安全等方面存在的问题,以现有先进的地质找矿基础理论、三维可视化地质建模技术、随钻测量与定向钻井技术、水力采矿和气举反循环钻进技术等为基础,通过相关技术的集成创新,提出了一项基于GGD(Geology、Geophysics、Drilling)的固体矿产资源智能采矿技术全新理念,并阐述了其可行性和工业化应用的基本解决方案。上述技术的应用将会带来大型矿山机械设计制造业和采矿业产业结构的深度变革。     

基于线框架模型的三维复杂地质体建模方法

提出了一种基于线框架模型的复杂地质体三维建模方法,在准确表达复杂地质体各要素空间几何形态与相互关系的基础上,实现地层交错情况下断层面、地层面模型及复杂地质体模型的准确快速构建.建模实践表明:基于线框架模型的复杂地质体三维建模方法是准确高效的,能适应常见复杂地质条件下三维复杂地质体模型的构建.     

基于多源数据和先验知识约束的复杂地质体三维建模研究

三维地质模型可以直观的展现地下地质情况,对传统地矿行业的转型升级和城市规划建设都具有重要意义。针对复杂地质条件下三维模型的构建,笔者等提出了一种基于多源数据和地质先验知识约束的三维地质建模方法。以成都市为例,基于MapGIS10.0 软件三维地学建模模块,在DEM数据、数字地质图、综合地质剖面图、钻孔数据、物探解译数据、构造纲要图等多源数据,以及地质体展布形态、产状和厚度变化,断层性质、延伸方向、产状变化、对地质体的错切,褶皱类型、形态特征、两翼产状变化等地质先验知识的共同约束下,开展复杂地质条件下三维地质模型构建研究。笔者等详细介绍了复杂地质体三维建模数据源的准备、建模流程与方法、模型的构建与可靠性分析。认为采用分块建模技术可有效降低复杂地质体三维模型构建的难度,提高建模效率,实现模型的无痕拼接,且易于后期模型的修改完善。本次基于多源数据和地质先验知识约束,采用分块建模技术首次构建了成都市三维地质模型。笔者等通过地质先验知识（地质规律）和静态数据（可视化和抽稀钻孔数据）对模型的可靠性进行了分析,其中抽稀钻孔数据分析采用未参与建模的真实钻孔对三维地质模型中地质体埋深和分层厚度进行误差计算,获得地质体埋深误差均值为33.15 m,分层厚度误差均值21.37 m,认为模型的可靠性较高,可为成都市城市规划和重大工程选址提供重要的基础地质数据支撑。     

基于多源数据和先验知识约束的复杂地质体三维建模研究

三维地质模型可以直观的展现地下地质情况,对传统地矿行业的转型升级和城市规划建设都具有重要意义。针对复杂地质条件下三维模型的构建,笔者等提出了一种基于多源数据和地质先验知识约束的三维地质建模方法。以成都市为例,基于MapGIS10.0 软件三维地学建模模块,在DEM数据、数字地质图、综合地质剖面图、钻孔数据、物探解译数据、构造纲要图等多源数据,以及地质体展布形态、产状和厚度变化,断层性质、延伸方向、产状变化、对地质体的错切,褶皱类型、形态特征、两翼产状变化等地质先验知识的共同约束下,开展复杂地质条件下三维地质模型构建研究。笔者等详细介绍了复杂地质体三维建模数据源的准备、建模流程与方法、模型的构建与可靠性分析。认为采用分块建模技术可有效降低复杂地质体三维模型构建的难度,提高建模效率,实现模型的无痕拼接,且易于后期模型的修改完善。本次基于多源数据和地质先验知识约束,采用分块建模技术首次构建了成都市三维地质模型。笔者等通过地质先验知识（地质规律）和静态数据（可视化和抽稀钻孔数据）对模型的可靠性进行了分析,其中抽稀钻孔数据分析采用未参与建模的真实钻孔对三维地质模型中地质体埋深和分层厚度进行误差计算,获得地质体埋深误差均值为33.15 m,分层厚度误差均值21.37 m,认为模型的可靠性较高,可为成都市城市规划和重大工程选址提供重要的基础地质数据支撑。     

三维地质建模过程中综合地质剖面构建方法研究

综合地质剖面是三维地质建模重要的数据源,在地质构造复杂地区运用综合地质剖面构建三维地质模型的方法应用较为广泛。本文以成都市为例,详细介绍了综合地质剖面构建需要准备的地质资料、剖面的部署原则和构建方法,并解决了剖面构建过程中遇到的同时代、同层位的不同地层之间的连接问题。实践表明,通过综合地质剖面的构建,可以充分发挥地质技术人员在三维地质建模中的主观能动性,准确刻画复杂地质体在三维空间的展布情况,有效实现复杂地质体交互式半自动建模,提高三维地质建模的效率和精准度。     

三维地质建模及可视化系统的设计与开发

三维地学模拟是三维地质信息GIS可视化的核心内容。基于基础GIS软件平台MAPGIS,利用功能强大的三维可视化开发平台MAPGIS-TDE,设计、开发具有自主版权的三维地质建模及可视化系统。MAPGIS-TDE包括MAPGIS内核模块、MAPGIS-TDE基础平台、MAPGIS-TDE构建平台和基于MAPGIS-TDE的应用系统等4个层次。基于MAPGIS-TDE的三维地质建模及可视化系统分为地质数据管理、二维地质分析、地质断面处理、地质结构建模和地质属性建模等5大功能模块。系统实现时,将空间数据库划分为基础地理图形库、区域地质数据库、工程地质数据库、水文地质数据库、地球物理数据库、地球化学数据库等6类。该系统不仅提供了强大的地质数据管理、三维地质建模以及模型的可视化功能,还为专业技术人员提供了一个可视化的分析、设计平台。     

三维GIS环境下的地质体可视化和特征分析

地质体的三维可视化建模是三维GIS研究的一个重要方向,具有重要的应用价值.三维GIS环境下的地质体可视化的两个关键方面是地质体的表面模拟和可视化实现,文章介绍了地质体三维可视化的基本框架,以带约束Deluanay剖分法为例阐述了地质体表面模拟的原理和方法,并从取景变换、消隐、光照模型、纹理映射等方面论述了可视化的具体实现方法.最后以西部某铜矿为例,建立了三维可视化地质体模型(一个地层矿体综合模型和一个矿体三维模型),阐述了三维可视化建模的基本过程和方法,并对两个模型进行了地质特征分析.     

地质实体模型的三维交互与分析技术研究

地质实体模型的三维可视化涉及到复杂地质体结构构造和相关地质属性数据的视觉表达与分析,利用科学计算可视化技术来充分、完整、交互式地展示与分析三维地质实体模型一直是三维地质建模领域的研究热点。研发的三维地质建模及可视化系统中可实现通用三维交互操作,包括三维模型的几何变换、三维交互定位与空间属性查询、三维模型的剖切、虚拟钻探、基坑开挖、隧道生成与虚拟漫游等。这些操作采用面向软件的技术,通过对现有的二维设备（如鼠标、键盘等）进行三维仿真,为全方位、多角度的认识和理解地质实体模型提供了强有力的支持。     

基于平面地质图的地质体三维建模

文章针对大尺度研究区域勘探范围有限、不能直接基于勘探数据构建区域地质体三维结构模型的问题,提出了一种以平面地质图为研究对象的地质体三维建模方法。此方法以平面地质图为基础,利用Section软件在DEM模型(数字高程模型)约束下半自动绘制一系列图切剖面图,将二维剖面映射到三维空间,利用三维剖面上轮廓线的对应性和连续性构建地质体三维模型。通过广西东平地区地质体三维模型构建实例,验证了该方法的可行性。