This book provides a practical perspective of all the processes involved in estimating mineral resources and reserves, including mine-to-mill reconciliation. It provides an integrated step-by-step explanation of processes for performing each step, including insight from academic and industry practitioners. Each chapter details a specific aspect of the estimation processes in a practical manner. It contains examples and case studies to illustrate the practical application of geostatistics in mineral resource estimation, mineral reserve conversion, and reconciliation.

Features

Provides a step-by-step guide with over 10,000 lines of Python code for hands-on demonstration, from start to finish, for both linear and non-linear geostatistical methods.

Explains practical geostatistics processes and functionality.

Simplifies explanation of mathematical /statistical concepts and application.

Discusses generalised examples to aid the process steps.

Reviews processes involved in the mineral resources’ estimation and ore reserve conversion.

This book is intended for third-year and postgraduate students in Mineral Resources Management, Geology, Spatial Statistics, and Mining Engineering, as well as practising professionals.

Table of Contents

1. Setting the Scene for Mineral Resources Estimation. 2. A Brief History of Mining Geostatistics. 3. Sampling for Mineral Resources Estimation. 4. Geological Considerations in Mineral Resources Estimation. 5. Preliminary Mineral Resources Estimation Processes. 6. Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Estimation Process. 7. Post-Mineral Resources Estimation Processes. 8. Nonlinear Geostatistical Methods and Conversion of Mineral Reserves. 9. Grade Control in Mineral Resources Management and Mine Planning. 10. Mine-to-Mill Reconciliation for Efficiency, Resource Utilisation, and Profitability. 11. Cut-Off Grade, Net Present Value, and Profit Margin Optimisation.