If the ore volume has been computed in cubic meters, the volume multiplied by the specific gravity is the tonnage in metric tons directly. If working in the English system, the tonnage factor is calculated as follows: ‘Sp gr x 62.5 (Ib per cu ft water) =Ib per cu ft ore = 2000 Ib perton _ oer ton ore a A es cucore EPH For example, if a porphyry copper ore has a specific gravity of 2.8, then: 2.8 x 62.5 (Ib per cu ft of water) ~ 175 Ib per cu ft ore ‘Tonnage factor - 2009 - 31.43 cu feper ton ore For purposes of ore reserve estimation, a single or even a few samples of core or ore specimens would not be suitable. Specific gravity determinations would be made of both the mineralization and gangue from many drill hole and other samples. A third method of calculation, which is only occasionally employed, but is preferred by the authors, is to carefully measure the volume of an excavation and weigh all the material extracted. The tonnage factor is simply the volume of the excavation in cubic feet divided by the weight of the material recovered in tons. In reality, this bulk density procedure provides the most accurate ton- nage factor possible for bulk material sampled. Other procedures do not allow for differences related to void spaces such as fractures. Problems are encountered with use of a constant tonnage faétot where the deposit changes character in different portions of the body. In such cases, sep- arate tonnage factors for each portion of the body must be calculated. For massive sulfide deposits and replacement deposits with simple mineralogy it is often possible to prepare a nomograph relating tonnage factor to assay data. The tonnage factor used for ore is keyed to changes in the ore content and grade.