Enhancing core recovery and RQD analysis in porphyry Cu deposits through fractal modeling, case study: Sungun mine (NW Iran)

Interpreting core samples is a critical task in mineral exploration, essential for mine planning and design. Core Recovery (CR) and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) are key factors in assessing the geomechanical properties of a deposit during coring operations. This is particularly important in porphyry deposits, which are notable for hosting significant, deep copper mines. The accurate determination and interpretation of core recovery and RQD are crucial for these porphyry deposits. This study applied number-size (N-S) fractal modelling to enhance the interpretation of core recovery and RQD in ongoing exploratory drilling at the Sungun porphyry deposit, a prominent copper mine in Iran. Our findings revealed that core recovery and RQD exhibited a multifractal nature. Key zones for core recovery and RQD began at thresholds of ۷۵% and ۶۳%, respectively, with high-intensity zones for both parameters started at ۸۹%. Additionally, the study explored correlations between these zones and other drilling parameters, such as mud flush return, drilling time, and core length, using an overall accuracy (OA) matrix. These parameters were analyzed using the N-S fractal model, indicated a strong relationship between core recovery, core length, flush returns, and drilling time. This integrative approach enhances our understanding of the deposit's geomechanical properties and guides more effective exploration strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Core Recovery (CR) ، Rock Quality Designation (RQD) ، Number-Size (N-S) fractal modeling ، Porphyry ، Sungun