MINERAL RESERVES ESTIMATION

by Dr. Alastair Sinclair

Course Presenters Schedule General information

Summary

The mineral inventory of a mining or exploration company is quantified as resource/reserve estimates with associated error levels that, in many cases, are unknown. Consequently, the estimation procedure should incorporate efforts to minimize errors at every level of decision.

This short course will consider the detailed methodology of various resource/reserve estimation methods that are in common use in the Mining Industry. Emphasis will be on general procedures, inherent assumptions, and advantages and limitations of each of the principal methods. Methods to be discussed include: polygonal estimation, nearest neighbour estimation triangular estimation, contour estimation, method of sections (plans) estimation, inverse distance estimation and ordinary kriging estimation. All of these estimation methods have significant practical limitations for appropriate use.

For many of the estimation methods, decisions are required that have a bearing on classification of resources/reserves. Consequently, criteria for classification will be discussed from the perspective of the estimation procedure.

All methods require assumptions, either implicit or explicit, that impact significantly on quantity and quality of estimated resources/reserves, for example, block size, search radius, anisotropy, geological continuity, grade continuity, stationarity, etc. The nature of these assumptions will be discussed in detail.

Some of the procedures and concerns will be illustrated with software that will be provided. A laptop computer, while not essential during the course itself, would be useful.

Pre-Course e-Learning

Prior to the course, registered delegates are provided with an internet url, user name and password. All participants are expected to be familiar with the EduMine online course titled Empirical Methods of Resource / Reserve Estimation. This course provides delegates with important background material which increases their understanding and appreciation of the classroom course. Review of this material prior to the course, including completion of the interactive reviews, enables delegates to derive maximum benefit from the live sessions.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies for the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies, a continuing education initiative by the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining at the University of British Columbia. Delegates who (1) register for the Certificate in Mining Studies, (2) complete online certification in the required EduMine e-learning modules, (3) attend this course, and (4) complete a take-away project will receive credit towards a Mining Certificate from UBC Continuing Studies. more details »

Who Should Attend?

The course is aimed at geologists, mining engineers, surveyors, geostatisticians and any other professionals dealing with the estimation of resources/reserves in a mining context.