Application of 3D models and numerical simulations as a predictive exploration tool in western Victoria

Abstract

3D models and computer-based numerical simulations have been used in the exploration industry for some time to visualise the geometry and mechanisms resulting in the formation of orebodies. However, due in part to computational limitations, few numerical simulations have been run on complex (real) geometries in order to predict the location of new ore systems. Presented here are the results of an exploration program developed by the Predictive Mineral Discovery Cooperative Research Centre (pmd*CRC) and MPI (now Leviathan Resources) in the orogenic-gold system of western Victoria that utilised 3D modelling and numerical finite-element simulations to successfully target several new orebodies a..