Visualisation, 3D Modelling and Spatial Analysis of the Rustenburg Layered Suite, Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa

Abstract

Adequate knowledge of the regional subsurface geometry depth relationship between the limbs and distribution of mineral zones within the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) is required for better understanding of the emplacement geometry, distribution of economic mineral zones and structural evolutionary issues. This will lead to improved exploration prospects that could assist in less degradation mining activities and environmental hazard control and management. Incompleteness of surface outcrops and limited availability of seismic data has been a hindrance to this. This research focused on the determination from available borehole data, the geometry and depth relations to modern topography of the RLS. Extensive Geostatistical analysis of hundreds of borehole log data was carried out to better constrain the complex geologic structural framework and architecture of the RLS. This has helped to identify and visualize the subsurface stratigraphic units, their geometric forms and improved the understanding of the geology and structure of the RLS.