Geological 3D model of the Thaba Chrome Mine, Bushveld Complex, South Africa


Geological 3D model of the Thaba Chrome Mine, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Schwäbe, A.; Gutzmer, J.; Bachmann, K.

This 3D geologic-stratigraphic modelling project is based on comprehensive drilling data originating from the Thaba mining lease area in the Western Bushveld Complex, South Africa. The geometric shape and distribution of manifold ultramafic and mafic rock types of the cyclic units of Lower and Upper Critical Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite is subject of this study. These 2.06 Ga old Paleoproterozoic successions occur as layered sequences at Thaba Mine and are characterized by shallow inclination towards SE (dipping angles 15° to 27°), distinct lateral and vertical continuity of the layering and the regular stratigraphic order of the horizons.
Therewith, the requirements for the 3D geologic modelling approach are complied. The technique is called ‘Integrated Stratigraphic Modelling’ and is utilized by Maptek’s Vulcan modelling suite. The project is started by compiling a drilling database of more than 400 boreholes that host collar, survey, geology, and assay data. The present rock types of the source data are classified into five classes (chromitite, ‘silicate’, alteration, structure, burden) and a stratigraphic list of 42 horizons is developed based on the positions of chromitite horizons in the drilling data. Preparations for the modelling include modifications of original drilling data by applying the succession of horizons on the stratigraphy field in the geology table of the database.
The developed stratigraphic horizon list is utilized by the software to sequence and interpolate floor and roof positions of each horizon. In total, the model consists of 21 chromitite layers (LG1 to MG4b) and 21 mafic interlayers. Interlayer horizons with the suffix -‘SIL’ comprise all rock types between two chromitite layers. Pyroxenite, harzburgite, and norite are most dominant; the higher in the stratigraphic column the more likely are rock types that contain cumulus plagioclase, e.g. anorthosites. Altered rock types such as troctolites and serpentinites are also occurring relatively frequent, but also discordant IRUP bodies as well as dykes and pegmatitic rocks.
Chromitite layers are representing the basal parts of cyclic units with average thicknesses between a few centimeters and one meter, in some cases up to a few meters. Especially Lower Group chromitites are occurring with relative constant thicknesses over the entire study area. The farms Schilpadnest, south-west Zwartkop, and Elandskuil are parts of the study area where the layering is developed best. Middle Group chromitites and their mafic host rocks are distributed much more discontinuous on the farms Zwartkop (north-east), Roodedam, and Middellaagte.
A pronounced lateral variation of the distribution of chromitites and host rock interlayers is recognizable in different parts of the study area, particularly areas of intense faulting between the farms Zwartkop and Middellaagte plus between Middellaagte and Elandskuil. Additionally, the consistency of the modelling results is reduced in areas were dominantly short boreholes occur, especially on the north-east section of farm Zwartkop.

  • Master thesis
    TU BA Freiberg, 2018
    Mentor: Jens Gutzmer
    90 Seiten

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Publ.-Id: 28823