Advanced Structural Modelling at Tujuh Bukit Project
Riansyah Widisaputra2, Yunav Aqni Sindu Bramasta1 and Mochammad Hafid Rahadi1
1
PT Bumi Suksesindo, Desa Sumberagung, Kec. Pesanggaran, Banyuwangi, East Java 68488,
Indonesia
2
PT. Merdeka Mining Service, Jakarta, Indonesia
[email protected]
Abstract. The Tujuh Bukit project is located in the southern Java structural corridor which
trends in NW-SE and NE-SW directions. On the district scale, the deposit predominantly lies
on the releasing bend of the dextral NW-SE structural corridor and develops a miniature pull-
apart basin. This structural setting provides dilatant space for porphyry and high sulphidation
epithermal mineralization. The compression phase occurs afterward, generating sinistral NE
and EW trending fault and consider as a post-porphyry deformation. Geological fault
modelling was conducted by a manual wireframeing (explicit) technique using structure
logging data. This method takes a long-time during model updating with new
data/interpretation. Therefore, data-driven fault modelling is necessary to build a model that
can be updated automatically and effectively. Leapfrog with its dynamic updating can easily
solve this problem using the implicit modelling technique which is able to update the model
based on the data. Core photo re-logging was carried out to validate previous fault data.
Hyperspectral mineralogy, assay, and equotip data were considered for supporting the model
construction. Implicit modelling requires a domain to distinguish each fault, in consequence,
geological interpretation is needed during fault domaining. Using the “vein system” modelling,
these fault domains are assigned into categories that are modelled as faults. With the implicit
fault modelling technique, the model can be updated automatically and periodically. Fault
modelling using the implicit technique is beneficial to support the demand of the actual fault
model, especially for multi-engineering purposes.
1. Introduction
The Sunda-Banda arc is 3,940 km long and the eastern Sunda arc is part of it. The eastern Sunda arc
trends to the east along Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa with a total length of 1,800 km. The magmatic
arc extends from the west with a NE-dipping oblique subduction system in Sumatra (the western
Sunda arc) through Java, Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa with an N-dipping subduction system (the
eastern Sunda arc) to the Flores and Banda islands in the east (the Banda arc) with a more complex
arc-trench configuration. The recent tectonic regime (subduction vs. collision) and reversal in
Quaternary arc polarity created major differences between the eastern Sunda and Banda arcs. The
eastern Sunda arc is characterized by a Quaternary volcanic chain along the northern parts of the
islands formed as the result of subduction of the Indian oceanic crust. (Maryono, et al., 2018).
The Tujuh Bukit project is located in the southern Java structural corridor which trends in NW-SE
and NE-SW directions. Fault structures at Tujuh Bukit are related to arc normal convergence due to
subduction of the Indian-Australian Plate beneath Java. They include the prominent NE-trending
sinistral strike-slip faults that dominate the Indonesian archipelago, as well NW-trending dextral faults
and E-W trending thrust faults.
Geological structures play a major role in controlling the occurrence of alteration processes and
mineralization processes. The distribution pattern of alteration and mineralization in epithermal
deposits is generally controlled by geological structure in addition to being controlled by lithology.
This is because both are able to reflect the paleo-permeability conditions in the epithermal system. The
existence of the geological structure is a weak zone where the hydrothermal fluid is released which
controls the alteration and mineralization processes.
2. Problem Identification
Geological structure measurements on surface or fault interpretation through any
geophysical/topography data must be visualized to better understand the presence, continuity, and
potential of faults in certain areas. Therefore, fault modelling is needed to represent the fault in the 3D
form. Tujuh Bukit already has several versions of the previous fault model, both the Tujuh Bukit
model itself and those made by the consultants. Geological fault modeling was done by manual
wireframing (explicit modeling), where this method is a method of drawing existing faults manually in
the software. With the implementation of this explicit modeling method, it will take a long time to
update the fault model with the addition of new data or new interpretations. Therefore, a data-driven
fault model is needed to create a model that can be updated automatically and effectively. Leapfrog
with dynamic updating capability can easily answer this problem by using Implicit modeling which
can update the model based on data. The main objective of this paper is to see how the fault modeling
process in TB is carried out. By showing the advantages of modeling with the implicit method and
how it impacts the need for an actual fault model.
3. Methodology
3.1 Structural Modelling Workflow
The workflow begins with collecting all data related to geological structure, analyzing the data, and
comparing the data (fault model or structure measurement) with the conceptual structure in Tujuh
Bukit. The next step is to validate the fault plane with the evidence in drill holes. The interval fault
obtained in the drill holes will be the basic data for the implicit modeling technique, which requires
geological interpretation (domaining and chronology). After the 3D fault model of Tujuh Bukit is
generated, the next thing that needs to be done continuously is to review, monitor, and update the
existing models.
Figure 1 Advanced Structural Modelling Workflow
3.2 Data Collection and Preparation
Data collection begins with compiling structural measurement data in the area around Tujuh Bukit
district. Several previous fault models are also used as the background of the new fault model.
Furthermore, spectral readings, mean Equotip leebs measurements, and assay will be additional data.
The number of parameters used will increase the level of complexity. Therefore, it is necessary to have
an interpretation and domaining of each existing fault before getting into the model.
Figure 2. Fault Model; (A) TB Fault (2021), (B) Dave Gray (2019), (C) Simon Meldrum, (D) Golder
3.3 Modelling Process
The previous fault model is used as a reference for the new fault model, by comparing the fault planes
with structural measurements on the surface, this can validate the direction and kinematic stresses of
the existing fault plane. In addition, predictions were made using hyperspectral mineralogy, assay, and
equotip data to help vector the fault continuity. It should be noted that not all the data is related to the
presence of a structure, therefore filtering is needed to avoid the data being biased or misinterpreted.
• Spectral data can be a powerful tool in helping predict fault continuity. The spread of silica can
vector along faultfaults that potentially being form a pathway of the high sulphidation deposit
system and also clay data which can be vectoring for along a structure that is destructive without
carrying any mineralization.
• Assay data such as gold, copper, and arsenic are often related to the structure, further research is
needed to determine the carrier structure of these elements.
• Equotip data that can be used as vectors for the rock hardness level, because fault can generate
damaged zone and make surrounding rock incompetent.
As a complement, core relogging was carried out on each fault plane. This is done by checking
fault evidence on drill holes intersecting with the interpreted fault plane. The classification was made
based on the evidence levelorientation and characteristics of the fault. The fault classification helps
determine each fault characteristic, affecting domaining and understanding of the structural evolution.
Figure 3. Fault type class and terminology. Fault type A to E is based on the evidence level of fault
founded on the core. (modified Golder 2022)
Figure 4 Fault interval evidence on core, showing variability along the plane of the fault
The results of the core relogging are points of fault interval, the points will be used as the basis of
implicit modeling. Implicit modeling requires a domain to distinguish each fault, in consequence,
geological interpretation is needed during fault domaining. Using the “vein system” modeling on
Leapfrog software, these fault domains are assigned into categories that will be modeled as faults
(Figure 5). The main task is to determine the chronology of each fault plane, fault chronology is
important for terminating (one fault “stops” against another fault), for understanding the offsets
between different faults, and for the resulting compartmentalization (fault bounded by another fault)
(Figure 6).
Figure 5. Fault plane generated from fault interval using implicit modelling
Figure 6 Fault termination and compartmentalization stages
4. Result and Discussion
4.1 Fault Model Result
Fault modeling using implicit techniques produces a fault system consisting of many faults that
terminate and are set bound to each other according to the chronology based on geological
interpretation. In total, there are currently 67 fault planes generated from fault intervals in drill holes
(Figure 7). The fault model uses not only one parameter. Field measurements were used as a reference
for the striking of fault plane, then spectral, assay, and equotip data were used to find the fault plane
continuity and completed with a core relogging stage, to prove the evidence of fault.
Figure 7 Fault Model result based on interval fault on drillholes using Implicit modelling technique.
Figure 8 Comparison between explicit (left) and Implicit (right) modelling technique
Explicit modeling was done by manually pulling the fault plane and making the wireframe one by
one for each fault, and also in drawing the fault plane, the boundaries between faults are less visible,
and the results of the fault planes must be clipped manually to topography. On the other hand, using
implicit modeling techniques, only need to have fault interval data from drill holes, and domaining
each interval, then it can directly generate fault plane according to the data, which makes this fault
model data-driven. From this technique, the model using the implicit method will be more actual
where the boundary between one fault and another is clear and we can also apply the principle of
cross-cutting relationship between faults according to geological interpretations.
4.1 Updating the Fault Model
The implicit fault modelling technique allows the model to be updated automatically and periodically.
If there is a new drill hole fault interval, it can be directly assigned to an existing fault plane, or if
needed to create a new fault plane, just pick some fault interval data and make a fault domain from it,
the data will automatically form a new fault plane and get into the existing model. In addition, to
modify an existing fault plane, it only needs to delete or change the fault domain, and then the fault
domain will be immediately changed.
Figure 8 Fault Model updating with new data generated new fault planes
5. Conclusion
The 3D shape of the geological structure is needed to give us a clearer understanding of the structure
orientation and continuity, therefore a fault model needs to be created. The fault model using the
implicit technique has a lot of advantages, such as the modelling process that takes less time, easier to
update the fault model, and data-driven. Fault model is needed for multi-engineering proposes. Tujuh
Bukit has an underground development area, which requires a caving method in the mining scheme,
this model is mandatory for the underground development forecasting and caving scenario building.
Besides that, prognoses on the drilling activity can help the drilling operation to be aware of the
potential fault intercept which potentially stops the drilling activity.
6. Acknowledgments
Author would like to thank Rob Taube as a Geology Manager of the Tujuh Bukit Operation, Fera
Kirana as Superintendent Resource Definition Section, and M. Hafid Rahadi as Senior Study
Geologist for the guidance and suggestion for this paper. Also, all Tujuh Bukit Geologists who have
participated in the process of developing the new fault model.
7. Reference
[1] Gray D. Internal Report : THE 2019 TUJUH BUKIT STRUCTURAL MODEL. The Model, Tujuh Bukit
Faulting and Model Development for Merdeka Copper Gold. 2019 Dec.
[2] Harrison RL, Maryono A, Norris MS, Rohrlach BD, Cooke DR, Thompson JM, Creaser RA, Thiede DS.
Geochronology of the Tumpangpitu porphyry Au-Cu-Mo and high-sulfidation epithermal Au-Ag-Cu
deposit: Evidence for pre-and post mineralization diatremes in the Tujuh Bukit district, Southeast Java,
Indonesia. Economic Geology. 2018 Jan 1;113(1):163-92.
[4] Maryono A, Harrison RL, Cooke DR, Rompo I, Hoschke TG. Tectonics and geology of porphyry Cu-Au
deposits along the eastern Sunda magmatic arc, Indonesia. Economic Geology. 2018 Jan 1;113(1):7-38.
