GĘSTOŚĆ PRZESTRZENNA RUDY – PARAMETR ZASOBOWY DRUGIEGO PLANU? ZŁOŻE Cu-Ag POLKOWICE–SIEROSZOWICE, LEGNICKO-GŁOGOWSKI OKRĘG MIEDZIOWY

Abstract

THE VOLUMETRIC DENSITY OF ORE – RESOURCE PARAMETER OF SECONDARY IMPORTANCE? THE POLKOWICE–SIEROSZOWICE Cu-Ag DEPOSIT, LEGNICA-GŁOGÓW COPPER DISTRICT

Abstract. Volumetric density of the detailed lithological units in Polkowice-Sieroszowice Cu-Ag deposit has been compared to the density of the three basic ore types. Eight diferrent lithologies of the Cu-Ag deposit have been taken into account. It appeared that the resources in them estimated on the basis of volumetric densities are approximately 3% higher than analogous estimates for volumetric densities attributed to the basic ore types. The correlation and regression analysis have shown that the porosity of rocks is the dominant factor affecting the volumetric density, whereas the Cu content plays a secondary role. Some of the lithologies have revealed some heterogeneity of spatial density that can be explained by the variability of mineral cement and porosity as well as the presence of non-copper heavy minerals (e.g., galena, pyrite). The knowledge of the density of individual lithologies enables more accurate estimation of their resources leading to more effective production.