Data

This Cancha Data Guide is provided to help Cancha users collect the data that should be on hand before starting a geometallurgical model.There are examples for early stage projects, late stage projects, and operations.

While this document explains what data to collect, the Cancha User Manual explains how to operate the Cancha software.

Early Stage Projects

When conducting metallurgical sampling for a preliminary economic assessment, or scoping study, there is not usually a lot of information about mine planning. Geological information and assay data may be limited, as will the overall deposit understanding and interpretation.

The samples for early stage projects are often aimed at metallurgical flowsheet development, and are less concerned with mapping geometallurgical variability. There is usually a limited quantity of drill core available for metallurgical sampling, and the existing core may be spoiled by oxidation, over sampling, or animal infestation.

Geometallurgical understanding in the early stage projects are critical, as it will direct data collection campaigns in later stages. 

Advanced Projects

In advanced stage projects, the focus often changes from flowsheet development, and instead focuses on risk reduction by improving understanding of geometallurgical variability.

Usually at this stage there is dedicated funding toward metallurgical drilling, with the goal of achieving a “representative sample” population for the project.

Engineering and investment decisions will be made on the geometallurgical predictions, so they should be well substantiated and communicated.

Operations

Operating mines usually have a great understanding of the geology, mine plan, and parameters that may influence geometallurgical targets.

In some cases, they may actually have fewer features available, as they have reduced costs for geochemical analysis and core logging, for example, in order to reduce in-fill drilling costs.

On the other hand, it is expected that they would have existing block models, mine plan, metallurgical testwork, and existing plant performance data.