3D visualization system for orebody modeling and grade estimation

To present the shape and ore grade distribution of orebody in three dimensional space, and apply visualization to ore resources evaluation and analysis, an interactive visualization system for orebody modeling and grade estimation were developed. A group of sophisticated algorithms were utilized to integrate the orebody surface model and block model to a new scheme of hybrid model. Orebody surface model was reconstructed from planar contours. To convert the complex surface model to block model, an octree was used as data structure, OBB trees and Feito-Torres algorithm were employed respectively to implement intersection test and inclusion test of a block and surface model. Ore grade of blocks within block model were estimated by geostatistical techniques. An example of a copper mine has been applied to the visualization system is presented. This system can be a basic requirement for orebody modeling and facilitates the understanding of ore resource under the earth. Users of this visualization system can find that its strengths lie in simplicity of complex orebody modeling and increased availability of important information in 3D space.