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Research Paper | Geology | Indonesia | Volume 6 Issue 4, April 2017

3D Block Model of Elements Distribution in Laterite Nickel Deposits

Andi Ilham Samanlangi

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the 3-dimensional block model of elements in laterite nickel deposit. The method used in this study included drilling data, then analyzed using X-RF to get value of the element and grade from laterite nickel and ArcGIS program used to model the distribution of nickel elements laterally. The study concluded that in the block model, distribution of Ni colored yellow indicating Ni grade range from 0 to 1.2 %, red color from 1.2-1.5, blue color from 1.5 to 1.8 and green color > 1, 8 % of Ni grade. In block model of Fe distribution colored blue indicating Fe grade range from 3.15 to 10.25 %, yellow color from 10.25 to 25.14 %, green color from 25.14 to 35.69 %, and brown color > 35, 69 % of Fe grade. In block model of MgO distribution colored red indicating MgO grade range from 0.25 to 10 %, blue color 10-20 %, yellow 20-30 %, and green color > 30 % of MgO grade. In block model of Co distribution colored yellow indicating Co grade range from 0-0.1 %, green color 0.1-0.2 %, red color 0.2-0.3 %, and blue color > 0.3 % of Co grade. In block model of SiO2 distribution indicating SiO2 grade range from 1-15 %, green color 15-30 %, yellow color 30-45 %, and blue color > 45 % of SiO2 grade. Elements distribution vertically indicated the degree of variation and mobility difference of the elements. Ni, MgO and SiO2 tended to be concentrated in the saprolite zone while Fe and Co tended to be concentrated in the limonite zone.

Keywords: Nickel, Distribution Elements, 3D Models, ArcGIS, X-RF

Edition: Volume 6 Issue 4, April 2017,

Pages: 1728 - 1731