COMPUTER BASED FACIES SIMULATIONS IN OREBODIES: BENEFITS, DRAWBACKS AND PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

Facies simulation within reservoirs and orebodies has paralleled advancements in computational ability. Several approaches have been employed, including sequential indicators, multiple point statistics, Boolean, Markov chains, and plurigaussian simulations. Modeling comes with inherent problems and its precision is only as good as its supplementary data. The first step is acquisition of reliable seismic data, specifically the bounding surface units and faults. After a 3D structural framework has been established and the sequences of reservoir units have been defined, the empty volume within the constructed block can be filled. This presentation will discuss several computer based approaches to filling this volume with a brief outline of benefits and drawbacks. In addition, examples of how these approaches are utilized in both a uranium roll front system and a copper porphyry deposit will be presented.