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Documente Profesional
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Abstract
Resource modelling and Ore Reserve estimation procedures are different for open pit and
underground mines. A statistical approach to the spatial location of orebody limits is unhelpful in
underground Ore Reserve estimation, while experience with practical mining outcomes and
economics is fundamental.
Resource modelling for underground ruining relies heavily on geological interpretation and
experience. When converting Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves, the chosen grade interpolation
technique, while important, has less significance than the raining, geotechnical and economic
considerations which determine mining dilution and recovery.
Mining dilution and recovery are difficult to measure and more difficult to predict. There is no
alternative to careful measurement coupled with experience-based adjustment. It is possible that a
`Competent Person' for the purpose of preparing a Mineral Resource estimate may not be `competent'
to estimate Ore Reserves for the same deposit.
Introduction
Definitions
(1)
1. Managing
Director,
AMC
Consultants
19/114
William
Street,
Melbourne
E-mail: pmccarthy@amcconsultants.com.au
Pty
Vic
Ltd,
3000.
(2)
Formulae (1) and (2) ignore the fact that `waste' may contain
payable values, so that the economic impact of dilution is less
severe. Dilution may also be expressed as a grade reduction.
Thus;
Dilution (%) = (resource grade - diluted grade) x 100 / (resource grade)
(3)
cut-off grade,
Predicting Dilution
For ore reserve purposes dilution must be estimated from data
obtained from drilling and development, and from experience.
Key variables are:
Conclusions
The Ore Reserve estimate derives from a Mineral Resource
estimate. For an underground mine, particular limitations are
placed on the resource modelling technique. In particular,
geostatistical models which purport to include dilution are
likely to lead to errors in estimation.
The conversion of a Mineral Resource estimate to an Ore
Reserve estimate for an underground mine requires
consideration of mining dilution and mining recovery. These
two variables are the result of a multitude of factors that are
difficult to assess. Thus careful measurement, management,
judgment, experience and a thorough understanding of the
proposed mining method are required. The use of `textbook
factors' by inexperienced practitioners should he avoided. It is
possible that a `Competent Person' for the purpose of preparing
a Mineral Resource estimate may not he 'competent' to prepare
an ore reserve estimate for the same deposit.
There are several ways of expressing mining dilution and
recovery, all of which are valid. It is essential that these terms
be defined wherever they are used.
References
Dunne, K and Pakalnis, R C, 1996. Dilution aspects of sublevel
retreat .stope at Detour Lake Mine Rack Mechanics, (Eds:
Aubertin, Hassani and Mitri) (Balkema).