Abstract
Exploration for deep-seated sulfide orebodies is expensive and requires a considerable economic risk. The high costs result from the necessity for extensive drilling. It is, therefore, important to find different methods for estimating the results. Mathematical methods, especially the technique of simulation, are a flexible tool for this purpose.Mathematical models of a mining district and of a drilling procedure have been constructed. A set of parameters describes the geometry, the size distribution, and the density of the orebodies. Another set describes the geometry and the density of the boreholes. A simplified uniform bed-rock model has been used.From this simplified model it has been determined that deep-seated large bodies constitute about 20 percent of the total number of intersected bodies under the particular conditions of the Skellefte district in Sweden. It has also been determined that a deep exploration project should be extended to depth in the range 500 to 700 m. Finally, the sensitivity of the model to changes in certain parameters has been investigated.
