CIDA China Methods1b08 2003

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Ore reserve and mineral resource estimation methods - current

practices and comparisons
Conference Paper · September 2003
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Methods for Ore Reserve and
Mineral Resource Estimation
Ben Whiting, P.Geo.
Mine Financing & Mineral Management

Canadian International Development Agency
Queen’s University, Canada
Ministry of Land and Resources, China
August 2003
Methods For Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimation August 2003
All Ore Reserve and Resource
Estimates are Wrong!
 They are “estimates”, not “calculations”,
based on limited geological observations,
sampling and testing.
 They are “estimates”, not “calculations”,
based on limited geological observations,
sampling and testing.
 Deposits can vary from simple to complex
in shapes, grade distributions, deleterious
elements, specific gravities, rock
mechanics, etc..
 They are “estimates”, not “calculations”, based on
limited geological observations, sampling and
testing.
 Deposits can vary from simple to complex in
shapes, grade distributions, deleterious elements,
specific gravities, rock mechanics, etc..
 It is important to minimize the errors so as to
approach the correct answers.
“Art” vs “Science”
 Reserve and resource estimating is as much
an “art” as it is a “science”.
 The judgement of the Qualified Persons
(QP) doing the estimating is very important.
 The judgement of the Qualified Persons
(QP) doing the estimating is very important.
 Overly strict regulations can hamper the QP
from determining an optimum approach for
a specific deposit being studied.
 Reserve and resource estimating is as much an
“art” as it is a “science”.
 The judgement of the Qualified Persons (QP)
doing the estimating is very important.
 Overly strict regulations can hamper the QP from
determining an optimum approach for a specific
deposit being studied.
 Guidelines of “best practices” can improve the
performance of the QP.
How much is sampled?
 The amount of sampling required depends on
the complexity of the deposit.
 The following example illustrates the
proportion of the deposit that is actually
physically sampled and analysed.
Example – Tabular Deposit (1)
 Example: A tabular deposit 5 m thick may be

initially drilled at 25 m centres.
 One drill hole would represent 25 x 25 x 5 m =
3,125 m3. At a specific gravity of between 3.0 and
3.1, this block would equal about 10,000 tonnes.
 Drill core of NQ size has a diameter of 0.048 m.
The 5 m length of drill core would weigh about
0.1 tonnes.
 Thus the physical sampling of the deposit is 1 part
in 100,000.
Example – Tabular Deposit (2)
 However, the laboratory analysis is
performed on a smaller split, or sub-set of
the core sample.
 One sample per metre of core and 50 g per
sample would yield 0.00025 tonnes being
analysed.
 Thus, the analytical sampling of the deposit
is 1 part in 40,000,000.
Preferred Estimation Methods
 There are often preferred approaches to ore
reserve and resource estimation, but there is
seldom a single correct answer.
 Using multiple methods and examining the
differences in the results is herein
recommended.
differences in the results is herein recommended.
 The most mathematically intensive, computerized
modelling is not always the best method.
differences in the results is herein recommended.
 The most mathematically intensive, computerized
modelling is not always the best method.
 Reconciling reserve estimates against mining
results can help to refine the estimation process.
Underlying Principles (1)
 Each method of estimation has its strengths
and weaknesses in application.
 The “rule of gradual change” and the “rule
of nearest points” are the two underlying
principles for all methods.
 Rule of Gradual Change
– Factors of an ore deposit, expressed
numerically, change gradually along a straight
line, or numeric function, between two
adjoining measurement stations.
 Rule of Nearest Points
– Differs fundamentally from gradual change in
its application.
– It incorporates a “sphere of influence”
surrounding a specific sample location and its
associated values.
Examples of Conventional Methods
 Polygonization
 Triangulation
 Metre-% Contouring
 Cross Sectional
 Longitudinal Sectional
Polygonization
Polygonization - 2
Polygonization - 3
Triangulation
Metre-% Contouring
Cross Sectional
Examples of Geostatistical Methods
 Block Modelling
 Gridded Terrain Modelling
 Cutback-Slice Modelling
 Wire-Frame Modelling
 3D Solids Modelling
Block Modelling
3D Solids Modelling
Distribution of Grades
 Variography
– Linear models
– Spherical models
– Exponential models
– Nested variograms
Variography
Assigning Grades to the Models
 Inverse Distance Weighting Methods
– Power Functions
– Block Splitting Conditional
 Kriging Methods
– Simple Kriging
– Ordinary Kriging
– Indicator Kriging
– Multiple Indicator Kriging
– Cokriging
– Nonlinear Kriging, etc.
Examples of Experimental Methods
 Many computer intensive, mathematical

methods are being developed, but are not
yet in regular use.
– Neural Network Modelling
– Expert System Modelling
– Fuzzy-Logic Modelling
– Realtime Geosensing, etc.
Conclusions
 Ore Reserve and Resource estimation is an
“art” as well as a “science”.
Conclusions
 Ore Reserve and Resource estimation is an
“art” as well as a “science”.
 Judgement plays a key part in interpreting
geology, selecting sample density,
estimating tonnages and grades, and
designing appropriate mining and milling
methods.
Conclusions
 Ore Reserve and Resource estimation is an “art”
as well as a “science”.
geology, selecting sample density, estimating
tonnages and grades, and designing appropriate
mining and milling methods.
 Many estimation methods are available and their
results will vary.
Conclusions
 Ore Reserve and Resource estimation is an “art”
as well as a “science”.
geology, selecting sample density, estimating
tonnages and grades, and designing appropriate
mining and milling methods.
 Many estimation methods are available and their
results will vary.
 Reconciling estimated reserves against mining
results on a bench or stope basis is recommended
to help refine the estimation process.
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See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

Ore reserve and mineral resource estimation methods - current

Conference Paper · September 2003

Barsele Gold Project View project

Pinabete Project View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Ben Whiting, P.Geo.

Mine Financing & Mineral Management

 Example: A tabular deposit 5 m thick may be

 Many computer intensive, mathematical

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