Application of implicit modelling tools, Oyu Tolgoi Copper

and Gold Mine, Southern Mongolia

T Otgonbayar1, T Erdenebayar2, L Dorjbat3, O Otgonbayar4 and G Crook5

1.Manager, Mine Technical Services, Surface Operation, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Monnis Tower, 14240,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Email: OtgonbayarT@ot.mn
2.Senior Geologist, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Monnis Tower, 14240, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Email: ErdenebayarT@ot.mn
3.Geologist, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Monnis Tower, 14240, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Email: DorjbatL@ot.mn
4.Geologist, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Monnis Tower, 14240, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Email: OtgonbayarOch@ot.mn
5.Chief Advisor Resource Development, Copper & Diamond, Rio Tinto PLC, Level 25, 125 Albert
Street, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Email: Graham.Crook@riotinto.com

ABSTRACT
The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Southern Mongolia contains Mineral Resources that make
it one of the world’s largest known copper and gold deposits. The project is a significant contributor
to regional development and is jointly owned by the Government of Mongolia.
There are several deposits that make up the Oyu Tolgoi project, which is planned to be mined by
open-pit and underground methods. Oyu Tolgoi has been mining the open pit since 2011 and the
underground mine, ‘Hugo North’, is currently under construction and will be mined as a block cave.
In mid-2016, Oyu Togloi’s geologists implemented implicit modelling techniques for open pit
geological models and adopted a centralised data sharing platform which allows tracking changes
in models. Prior to using implicit modeling, the geologists used to have a manual and paper based
‘section-by-section’ system to record and understand surface mapping, which they would then
digitize to build an explicit model.
Today, all geological models are built using implicit modelling software and every new model is
published onto a platform where geologists can discuss, hypothesise and add annotations to areas
which need focus and reinterpretation. The platform that has been implemented is also allowing the
geologists to produce different versions, facilitating even more flexible modelling and fostering
discussions. Publishing and storing models in this platform enables the team to work on models and
conduct peer review from different locations. Using an integrated version control platform as a control
point not only makes the team more efficient, but it also allows geologists to easily interact and
collaborate as a wider team.
Following successful application in the open pit, implicit modelling will be introduced to the Hugo
North underground project and potentially Oyu Tolgoi-wide exploration projects.

INTRODUCTION
The Oyu Tolgoi is a copper and gold mine in Southern Mongolia (Figure 1). Oyu Tolgoi’s open pit
geology team has implemented implicit modelling software for creating geological models, along with
a central share platform application which replaced the old explicit modelling approach. This paper
discusses the transition from explicit to implicit modelling and outlines its application at Oyu Tolgoi’s
open pit mine.
Implicit modelling is a mathematical surface-fitting method that interpolates points on the surface to
give a smoother fit. Implicit modelling can be considered the opposite of “explicit modelling”. Explicit
modelling is a process in which boundaries are created on sections and then linked to create
surfaces or wireframes (Rose, 2014).

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 Figure 1: The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine location (Langfitt, 2012)

Implicit modelling automatically updates the model as new data becomes available in the database
within a few minutes. In order for the implicit modelling tool to automatically run efficiently and
smoothly, a clear database management and maintenance must be in place with quality control and
quality assurance.

Geology models (Lithology and Fault models)

The first geological model of the Oyu Tolgoi deposit was constructed in 2013; the process involved
extensive manual works using paper-based vertical and horizontal cross-sections drawn on different
bench levels (Figure 2) and digitising into 3D files (triangulations, solids and surfaces).Keeping clear
track of updated versions took a lot of effort.

Figure 2: Examples of horizontal and vertical cross-sections through different levels and azimuths.

Not only did the explicit model consume a significant amount of time developing model from polygons
created by connecting every single points in software but it was also hard to create the exact shapes
as geologists were satisfied with. In some cases, it was impossible to create models that reflect the
geological interpretation and imagination.
For example, creating offsets and displacements along a fault planes in the 3D model was a
painstaking task that often cost hours of work from many geologists.
The implicit modelling solution was first introduced into the Oyu Tolgoi’s open pit geology team in
2016 and it met and satisfied our expectations and requirements.
Advantages of Implicit Modelling:
Implicit modelling tool chosen by Oyu Tolgoi has a simple interface and is intuitive to use.
Implicit modelling tool can be linked to the geoscience database such as acQuire.

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 Lithology and fault models are automatically created from data and models can be modified
easily as needed in the interface.
It automatically converts and gives true dip and dip direction from alpha and beta
measurements of structural core logging data.
When creating a model, it accounts for the cross cutting relationship and age orders set by the
modeller.
Master model can be shared with other users using version control platforms and browsers.
Enables users to report errors and discrepancies in the model, thus making the QA/QC process
easier and efficient.
Approved models can be downloaded from a central browser for further review and approval
by competent person.

IMPLICIT MODELLING SYSTEM

Oyu Tolgoi uses Leapfrog Geo® as the main modelling interface and models are automatically
updated as new data becomes available in the database.
Lithology model: This was originally developed from exploration drill hole data and has been
updated by data collected from blasthole logging and additional geotechnical and hydrogeology
drilling campaigns. Continuous improvement and validation of the model is achieved by fixing errors
in a central geosciences database.
Faults and dyke models: Every single fault and dyke is modelled as an individual geological
feature. They are created and validated from various data sources including points, polylines, drill
hole intersections, structural measurements and blasthole logging data. These data types are named
by their respective features in the database so that new input data can be used to update and refine
the model automatically.

Geology Database
All geological data from Oyu Tolgoi’s open pit are stored in two databases - the first stores data
collected during the exploration stage and the second stores data collected from the mining
operations, which includes blasthole logging and face mapping. Many key data inputs from various
sources from these two databases are directly linked to the implicit modelling solution. Point data,
for example, comes from drone image, crack coordinates, geology interpretation, and face mapping.
Therefore, careful and clear database management is important.
Some additional information on what those two databases store and interact is below:
1. Global exploration database: This database contains drill hole information including all holes
drilled as part of exploration, geotechnical, hydrogeological, and geometallurgical
campaigns. Drill hole structural measurements, drill hole geological logging, and downhole
geophysical Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) data are used for fault and dyke modelling from this
database.
2. Ore control database: This database contains daily blasthole logging information, 3D
photogrammetry and face mapping data for structural modelling. The implicit modelling
project has been setup to create a geology model within the extent of mine as-built from
blasthole logging data in this database. The implicit modelling system is used to update fault
models from face mapping measurements (disks) and survey points from this database.
Blasthole logging data is used for lithology modelling.

Modelling
Besides updating lithology, fault and dyke models from the exploration database, the Oyu Tolgoi
implicit modelling system can also import 3D photogrammetry data as .obj files. The imported 3D
images have real colour and textures allowing geologists to pick features like contacts, faults and
their dip and dip directions (Figure 3). Bringing in multi-bench photogrammetry improves spatial
accuracy and the structural interpretation. Point and structural measurements (dip and dip directions)

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made on the image can be then imported into the exploration database with their respective labels.
Once this information is entered into the database, the implicit modelling system can be re-run and
the model gets updated accordingly.

Figure 3: 3D photogrammetry image with geological features (contacts, and fault disks) picked up.

Oyu Tolgoi introduced drone operations in the open pit in March 2019. 3D drone images are also
directly imported into the implicit modelling system with its original texture and coordinates enabling
geologists to make direct measurements and update the existing model with accurate and precise
data (Figure 4). Besides improving data quality, application of drone generated images in modelling
significantly decreases the need for geologists to do face mapping in the field, thus effectively
eliminating the health and safety hazards associated with working inside the mine.

Figure 4: 3D drone image of Oyu Tolgoi’s open pit mine wall imported in implicit
modelling software with structural annotation.

Fault model is created from face -mapping, 3D photogrammetry, and drone data (points and disks)
and further validation is made from drill hole intersections, blasthole logging and face mapping data
(Figure 5).
Some faults are modelled as fault zones (with volume) with termination and offsets. Outcrop mapping
and ground magnetic survey are used to extend some faults beyond open pit walls.

Geology models
There are three lithology models, four fault models, and one alteration model created in the implicit
modelling system for various uses in open pit operation.
Ore Control (OC) Geology model: Lithology model is modelled based on all blasthole data
within the current pit. It is updated on a server when new benches are excavated or expanded each
time. This data is used for face mapping, blasthole logging, geotechnical, and drill and blast tasks.

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 Figure 5: Example image showing fault model with its validation sources. Notice this
particular fault is well constructed by data from four different sources.

Short Term Resource Model (STRM) Geology model: Lithology model is produced three
benches below and on the sides of current pit based on the blasthole and exploration data. It is used
for short and medium-term planning, as well as for production and estimation work. The STRM is
updated 3-4 times in a year.
Global model: A whole of deposit-scale geology model is modelled for the entire Oyut deposits.
This model is generated 1-2 times a year and is valuable for defining structure, regional geology and
long-term planning.
1st priority faults: Used in Mineral Resource Estimation and other modelling and have been
identified and validated during exploration drilling and mine operations. The cross-cutting
relationships with other major faults are well understood and fault characteristics are clearly
identified.
2nd priority faults: Faults which were identified during mine operation and validated against
exploration drilling. Faults are identified in two or more face mapping exercises and faults that control
alteration, mineralization and dykes are prioritised in this category. Cross-cutting relationship of
these priority structures is unknown against the 1st priority faults.
3rd priority faults: Minor faults which were identified during face mapping and drilling. Dykes and
larger joints are also included in this priority and will be modelled as planes. These priority faults can
move to the 2nd priority when more evidence is uncovered.
4th priority faults: Based on geophysical data, new linear features are identified beyond the open
pit boundary. These are modelled with vertical dips.

Alteration model:
The alteration model is created from near-infrared spectral data from blasthole samples inside the
open pit, and spectral data from diamond and RC drilling is used to extend the model beyond the
actual pit limit.
Clay surfaces, weathering and oxidation zone models are created from diamond drill hole and
blasthole logging data as needed.

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CENTRAL BROWSER

QA/QC and Approval

Once the geology model is updated, it is uploaded into the integrated model version control platform
where models can be downloaded to local computers by users. The model review and validation is
completed by experienced and senior geologists. It enables the reviewer to create cross sections in
any direction and annotate the area of the section that needs to be double-checked (Figure 6).
Annotated sections can be saved as scenes in the integrated model version control platform so other
geologists can easily see and change the interpretation. Once the review is completed, particular
sections that need to be changed are updated in the geoscience database so the model can be re-
run and refined accordingly.

Figure 6: Example-cross section in central browser with annotations on the right for given scene.

Oyu Tolgoi uses Leapfrog Central® as an integrated model version control platform. This platform
allows geologists to compare new models with previous versions, and alternative interpretations.
Once the reviewed model is approved by the geology superintendent, the final model can be shared
to the integrated model version control platform for use by other teams.

CONCLUSIONS
Implicit modelling and the integrated model version control platform are a single platform solution for
achieving following processes without any other software or tools:
Database connection
Implicit modelling
Efficient QA/QC process
Well-structured approval system
Effective version control
Furthermore, the implementation of the implicit modelling at Oyu Tolgoi has brought a significant
reduction in modelling time due to its ease of use and better representation of the reality, and has
allowed geologists to spend more time on solving geological problems rather than spending time on
making the model.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Oyu Tolgoi LLC for approving the publication of this paper. We would
also like to thank geologists at Oyu Tolgoi’s Open Pit Geology team, and Geoscience Data
Management team, and Leapfrog Mongolia company staff for carrying out the successful
implementation of the implicit modelling project in the open pit mine.

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REFERENCES
Langfitt, F. 2012. Mongolians Scramble For A Share of Mining Wealth. Retrieved from
https://www.npr.org/2012/05/23/152781641/mongolians-scramble-for-a-share-of-mining-wealth
Rose, S., & Ireland, J, 2014. Implicit Modelling Applied to Grade Control Data. Ninth International Mining Geology
Conference / Adelaide, SA, 18-20.
Erdenebayar, T, 2019. Internal Memo_OP_Quarterly Structural Model Update_Oyu Togloi Copper and Gold Mine,
Southern Mongolia

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