Application of an Inverse Distance Weighted Anisotropic Method for Rock Quality Designation distribution in Eastern Kahang deposit, Central Iran

Abstract

Estimation of Rock Quality Designation (RQD) distribution with low value of error is crucial for mining excavation based on geomechanical data. This paper proposes an application of an Inverse Distance Weighted Anisotropic Method (IDWAM) based on combined variograms to construct RQD block model in Kahang Copper-Molybdenum (Cu-Mo) porphyry deposit, Central Iran, using subsurface data. To do this, an appropriate voxel size was calculated and then RQD variography was carried in horizontal and vertical directions. In addition, Deere and Miller rock classification was used to classify RQD block model for a final open pit interpretation. Finally, correlation between results for RQD estimated derived via the IDWAM and raw data was carried out using jackknife method. The results obtained by the combination of IDWAM and experimental variogram showed that the excellent RQD zones are located in the central and North Western parts of this area.