Dynamic Exploration Grid Optimization for Raw Material Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geological exploration of raw material deposits lack efficiency in calculating exploration grids and optimizing spatial volumes for reliable and accurate deposit assessments, particularly in allochtonous and secondary deposits.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a multi-stage process starting with geological-mineralogical and geophysical initial findings, using conventional approaches like surface mapping and geophysical tests, followed by drilling and prospecting. It calculates correlations between ore content and minerals, determines spatial volumes, and adjusts exploration grids based on probabilities and statistical certainties to optimize sampling efforts and increase exploration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional exploration methods are used with fixed exploration grids, then exploration coverage is achieved, but exploration efficiency and cost-effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of exploration grid spacing based on deposit characteristics. The grid spacing is not fixed but varies according to the correlation coefficient r0 calculated from preliminary sampling, allowing denser sampling where deposits are more variable and sparser sampling where deposits are more uniform, thereby optimizing both efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of exploration grid spacing from a fixed value to a variable determined by statistical parameters (correlation coefficient r0, probability P01, volume V1). This parameter transformation enables the exploration grid to adapt to actual deposit conditions, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining reliability
2Measurement precision
If exploration grid spacing is reduced to improve accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but exploration costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses statistical parameters (correlation coefficient, probability levels, volume) to dynamically determine optimal grid spacing, replacing fixed conservative spacing. This allows larger spacing where statistical analysis shows lower variability, reducing exploration time while maintaining required accuracy through probability-based confidence levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies differential sampling density - using denser sampling only where statistically necessary (high variability areas) and sparser sampling where sufficient (low variability areas). This partial action approach achieves required measurement precision overall while reducing total exploration time compared to uniform dense sampling
3Measurement precision
If exploration grid spacing is reduced to improve accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but exploration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms grid spacing from a fixed conservative value to a statistically optimized parameter based on correlation coefficient r0 and probability P01. This parameter change enables cost-effective exploration by calculating the minimum necessary sampling density to achieve desired accuracy, avoiding wasteful oversampling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial dense sampling only where statistically required rather than uniform dense sampling across the entire exploration area. This reduces total exploration costs by concentrating resources in high-variability zones while maintaining required measurement precision through targeted dense sampling
4Productivity
If multi-stage exploration with statistical optimization is implemented, then exploration efficiency improves, but calculation complexity and method complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides exploration into distinct stages (preliminary sampling, statistical analysis, grid optimization, detailed exploration) with clear sequential steps. Each stage has specific inputs and outputs, making the complex multi-stage process manageable through segmentation into discrete, standardized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where preliminary sampling results (correlation coefficient r0) feed into grid spacing calculations, which then guide detailed exploration sampling. The statistical parameters calculated from initial data continuously inform subsequent exploration density, creating a self-optimizing system that manages complexity through iterative feedback rather than static complex planning
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for exploring raw material deposits with a multistep exploration process, comprising a first step producing geologically mineralogical and/or geophysical initial findings with sampling and determination of the correlation r0 between the ore content and the accompanying minerals of the samples taken and a volume V1 of a spatial body, and where, for subsequent steps n (n = 1, 2,... ) of the exploration, first a volume 0n of exploration zones is determined according to the following formula (I), in which: Vn is the spatial volume of the spatial body to be examined in the nth step; P0n(t) is the prediction reliability of the exploration results of the nth step; nn(t) is the number of samples per unit of effort in the nth step; a is the technical range of used technical exploration methods; rn_1 is the correlation between the ore content and the accompanying minerals of the samples taken in the (n-1)th step; and tn is the effort provided for the nth step, distances dn for the use of the technical exploration methods being determined on the basis of the volumes V0n, and where samples are obtained using the technical exploration methods, and a correlation rn between the ore content and the accompanying minerals is determined for said samples.