3D Modeling of Structural Domains in Western Africa for Gold Fields

SRK provided consulting services in structural geology for the Essakane gold deposit in Burkina Faso and for the Damang open pit cutback feasibility study in Ghana. Both projects involved reviews of drill core and mapping of surface exposures, as well as extensive 3D modeling with Leapfrog software.

Essakane is a structurally complex gold deposit hosted in folded Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in eastern Burkina Faso. Gold grades are variable and there is a high nugget effect. SRK Australia reviewed oriented drill core and field exposures to improve interpretations of structural controls on gold mineralisation. We combined surface mapping and drilling data in a 3D model and used Leapfrog software to interpret structures and to provide wireframe domains for resource estimation. In addition, SRK provided training in structural mapping for site-based geologists.

As part of the feasibility study for the Damang open pit cutback, SRK consultants from Perth and Cardiff reviewed geology and resource models to improve structural interpretations, and to guide near-mine exploration. A key finding was that higher grade mineralisation is associated with gently dipping vein arrays within the steeply-dipping conglomerate host unit. Leapfrog software was used to model the high-grade and low-grade domains and to provide wireframe models for resource estimation. The models were also used to successfully target extensions of higher-grade mineralisation below the existing open pit.

Paul Hodkiewicz: phodkiewicz@srk.com.au

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