Mineral Resources Reporting

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Questions and Answers

What is a 'Mineral Resource' defined as?

  • An extraction method for mining minerals.
  • A geological feature with potential for economic extraction. (correct)
  • A concentration of material with no economic interest.
  • A comprehensive list of all minerals found on Earth.

Which factors primarily influence the judgment of 'reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction'?

  • Historical mining practices in the area.
  • Technical and economic factors related to mining. (correct)
  • Global market demand for minerals.
  • Environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.

Which of the following categories of Mineral Resources has the highest geological confidence?

  • Measured (correct)
  • Indicated
  • Inferred
  • Probable

What must not be included in a Mineral Resource estimation?

<p>Portions lacking reasonable prospects for extraction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'diluting material' refer to in Mineral Resource reporting?

<p>Low-grade minerals that reduce overall quality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding documentation of Mineral Resource estimates?

<p>Assumptions must be disclosed if considered material. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a Mineral Resource to be classified as such?

<p>Adequate size and continuity of mineralization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context might the interpretation of 'eventual' vary?

<p>Depending on the commodity or mineral involved. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time period generally associated with the economic extraction of gold deposits?

<p>10 to 15 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of Mineral Resource has the highest level of confidence in estimating tonnage and grade?

<p>Measured Mineral Resource (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does an Inferred Mineral Resource indicate about data reliability?

<p>Low reliability with unverified continuity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be stated and described in a Public Report regarding mineral resource estimates?

<p>Any adjustments made to the data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources with continued exploration?

<p>They are often upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates an Indicated Mineral Resource from an Inferred Mineral Resource?

<p>Indicated resources have a higher confidence level and closer spacing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Measured Mineral Resources?

<p>They are based on detailed and reliable sampling data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered when determining the appropriate category of Mineral Resource?

<p>Company reputation of the Competent Person (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the JORC definition, which report type might require full disclosure of all mineralization?

<p>Coal inventory reports (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the category of Indicated Mineral Resource signify about geological continuity?

<p>Geological continuity can be confidently confirmed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding Inferred Mineral Resources?

<p>They can be used directly for detailed planning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is an Inferred Mineral Resource typically estimated?

<p>From limited data and geological evidence that is assumed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Competent Person play in mineral resource classification?

<p>They use skilled judgment to determine resource categories (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the application of technical and economic parameters to Indicated Mineral Resources?

<p>High confidence in the estimate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding Inferred Mineral Resources?

<p>Caution should be exercised in using these estimates for planning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When reporting Inferred Mineral Resources, how should figures be presented?

<p>Rounded off to appropriately significant figures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves?

<p>Probable Ore Reserves come from Indicated Mineral Resources while Proved Ore Reserves come from Measured Mineral Resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of using the terms 'ore' and 'reserves' in Mineral Resource estimates?

<p>They imply detailed planning and technical feasibility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors must be considered when assessing Ore Reserves?

<p>Mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, and governmental factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to disclose uncertainties in the criteria for Mineral Resource estimation?

<p>To clarify the reliability of the estimations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term ‘economically mineable’ imply in relation to Ore Reserves?

<p>Extraction has been demonstrated viable under reasonable financial assumptions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when reporting Mineral Resources publicly?

<p>Combining categories without proper details (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How must Ore Reserves be reported in Public Reports?

<p>By including estimated mineral processing recovery factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'Mineral Resource estimates are not precise calculations' imply?

<p>They can vary significantly based on limited information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Competent Person play in the determination of Ore Reserves?

<p>They allocate the appropriate category of Ore Reserve based on confidence levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When might rounding to the first significant figure be necessary in reporting estimates?

<p>When dealing with Inferred Mineral Resources and uncertainty exists (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Competent Persons in the context of Mineral Resource estimation?

<p>They are responsible for assessing geological and grade continuity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about Proved Ore Reserves in terms of confidence?

<p>They provide the highest confidence in the resource estimation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a ‘Probable Ore Reserve’?

<p>The economically mineable part of an Indicated or sometimes a Measured Mineral Resource. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be clearly stated in a Public Report when adjustments are made to Mineral Resource estimates?

<p>The nature of the adjustment or modification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there are uncertainties about the reported Ore Reserves?

<p>Err on the side of providing more information than necessary. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstance may NOT necessitate re-classification of Ore Reserves to Mineral Resources?

<p>A sudden drop in commodity prices expected to recover (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if an Ore Reserve report includes the term ‘marginally economic material’?

<p>The material is included despite being borderline profitable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the requirements for Mineral Resource reporting?

<p>Geological, grade continuity, and cutoff grades (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are ‘Mineral Reserves’ and ‘Ore Reserves’ used in Public Reports?

<p>Both must state that they mean the same as Ore Reserves as defined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not properly qualifying figures in Inferred Mineral Resource reporting?

<p>It may mislead investors or stakeholders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which report component is not typically required unless it materially affects estimation or classification?

<p>Comprehensive individual item discussions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should studies determining Ore Reserves achieve?

<p>A mine plan that is both technically achievable and economically viable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be provided regarding adjustments made to Ore Reserve data?

<p>The rationale and specifics of adjustments must be clearly stated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the term ‘realistically assumed’ vary with?

<p>The type of deposit and the level of study carried out. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be removed from a Probable Ore Reserve to convert it to a Proved Ore Reserve?

<p>The uncertainties in the Modifying Factors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of categorizing a Mineral Resource as Measured?

<p>It indicates the highest degree of confidence in the estimate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should one report tonnage and grade figures according to best practices?

<p>By rounding off to appropriately significant figures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must public reports specify regarding Ore Reserves?

<p>One or both of the categories of ‘Proved’ and ‘Probable’ must be specified. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included if figures for Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves are reported?

<p>A statement on whether Mineral Resources are inclusive of, or additional to, Ore Reserves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of Mineral Resources is always considered additional to Ore Reserves?

<p>Inferred Mineral Resources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What summarization is generally not permitted in public reporting of Ore Reserves?

<p>Combining Proved and Probable figures without break down. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is encouraged for Competent Persons when discussing Ore Reserve estimates?

<p>To discuss the relative accuracy and/or confidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with unmodified Mineral Resources in the report if relevant?

<p>A brief comment on their potential for conversion must be made. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might trigger significant changes in Ore Reserves according to the guidelines?

<p>Changes in economic or political factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental difference between Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves that should be understood?

<p>Ore Reserves may incorporate dilution material not included in Mineral Resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When figures for Ore Reserves are adjusted, what must be stated in the public report?

<p>The nature of the adjustment or modification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when tonnage and grade figures reported reflect the relative uncertainty?

<p>The figures are approximate and properly rounded. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mineral Resource

A concentration of economically-interesting material in the Earth's crust, with reasonable prospects for future extraction.

Categories of Mineral Resources

Mineral resources are categorized as Inferred, Indicated, and Measured, based on geological confidence.

Economic Extraction

The possibility of profitably extracting a mineral resource.

Geological Evidence

Data and knowledge used to estimate a mineral resource's location, quantity, grade, etc.

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Competent Person

A qualified individual assessing economic factors influencing resource extraction.

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Modifying Factors

Considerations affecting the estimation of ore reserves from mineral resource, such as the economic viability to extract from it

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Cut-off grade

The minimum quality of ore needed to make extraction worthwhile.

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Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction

A judgment by the Competent Person considering if a Mineral Resource can likely be extracted profitably.

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Inferred Mineral Resource

Part of a mineral resource estimated with low confidence, inferred from geological evidence.

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Indicated Mineral Resource

Mineral resource estimated with reasonable confidence, based on exploration data; locations spaced close enough to assume continuity.

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Measured Mineral Resource

Mineral resource estimated with high confidence, based on detailed data confirming geological and grade continuity.

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Ore Reserves

Resources estimated as economically extractable, from a confirmed mineral resource, based on technical and economic parameters.

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Economic Extraction Time

Length of time it's possible that mining would be economically viable to extract materials.

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Public Report

Document containing data on mineral resource estimates, with clear explanations of all adjustments.

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Geological Continuity

The consistent presence of a mineral deposit over a measured distance.

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Data Quality

Characteristics of the information used to estimate mineral resources, including accuracy and reliability.

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Confidence Level

Measure of certainty in estimating the quantity and grade of mineral deposits.

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Mineralization

Natural concentration of valuable minerals in the earth.

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Technical and economic parameters

Data used in evaluating a mine's economical viability (cost, market, etc).

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Geological and Grade Continuity

The consistency of mineral deposits in terms of patterns and concentrations of the mineral.

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Mineral Resource Estimate

An interpretation of data estimating the amount of minerals present, not an exact calculation.

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Rounding of Tonnage/Grade

Reflect the accuracy of estimates, especially important for Inferred Resources, rounding to appropriate significant digits.

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Public Reporting of Mineral Resources

Rules and regulations requiring explicit reporting of Mineral Resource categories (Measured, Indicated, Inferred).

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Aggregation with Ore Reserves

Mineral Resources are not allowed to be aggregated with Ore Reserves, avoid combining.

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Relative Accuracy and/or Confidence

Discussion of how reliable mineral resource estimates in the report are.

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Adjustments to Mineral Resource Estimates

Adjustments made to mineral resource estimates, such as reconciliation with production data.

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Reclassification of Ore Reserves

Changes in economic viability reclassify reserves back to mineral resources.

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Uncertainties in Estimation

Reporting of uncertainties that could affect the accuracy of resources estimation.

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Exploration Results

Results of exploration activities and investigations.

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Proved Ore Reserve

A category of Ore Reserve with the highest level of confidence, implying a high degree of certainty about its economic extraction.

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Probable Ore Reserve

A category of Ore Reserve with a high level of confidence but slightly less certainty than 'Proved', indicating a good probability of economic extraction.

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Converting Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves

The process of transforming Mineral Resources into Ore Reserves, based on economic and technical factors.

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Reporting Ore Reserves

The public disclosure of Ore Reserve estimates, adhering to strict guidelines and transparency.

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Reconciliation of Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource Statements

Comparing previous reports to current ones, explaining significant changes and differences in estimates.

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Uncertainty in Ore Reserve Estimates

The inherent uncertainty surrounding Ore Reserve calculations, influenced by various factors and limitations.

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Aggregation of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources

Combining Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources figures, providing a consolidated view.

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Qualitative Discussion of Uncertainties

A descriptive explanation of the potential limitations and uncertainties affecting Ore Reserve estimates.

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Economic or Political Factors Affecting Ore Reserves

External circumstances, such as market price fluctuations or changing regulations, influencing Ore Reserve estimations.

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Adjustment of Ore Reserves with Production Data

Updating Ore Reserve estimates based on actual production data, reflecting any deviations from initial projections.

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Economically Mineable

A resource that can be extracted at a profit based on all relevant financial and technical factors.

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What is 'realistically assumed'?

This term varies depending on the deposit type, study level, and the company's financial criteria. It's not a fixed definition, but considers all factors realistically.

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Ore Reserve vs. Mineral Reserve

While some companies prefer to use 'Mineral Reserve,' JORC advocates for 'Ore Reserve' to maintain clarity between resource and reserve.

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Coal Resources vs. Coal Reserves

These terms are used for coal reporting, with 'Coal Resource' representing potential and 'Coal Reserve' representing economically mineable portions.

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Why not include too little information?

It's better to err on the side of providing more information for transparency and completeness when reporting Ore Reserves.

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How are Ore Reserve categories assigned?

A Competent Person determines the category based on the level of confidence in the Mineral Resource and any uncertainties in Modifying Factors.

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Relationship between Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

There's a direct relationship between Indicated Mineral Resources and Probable Ore Reserves, and between Measured Mineral Resources and Proved Ore Reserves.

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Direct vs. Indirect relationship between Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

While the main relationship is direct (Indicated to Probable, Measured to Proved), there are situations where Measured Mineral Resources can be converted to Probable Ore Reserves due to uncertainties in Modifying Factors.

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What does 'Ore Reserve' signify?

It signifies that the extraction has been demonstrated to be viable under reasonable financial assumptions and that there are reasonable expectations of receiving the necessary approvals and contracts.

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What are the key factors to consider when converting Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves?

The most important factors to consider are the economic viability of the extraction process, the environmental impacts, and the social and legal implications. These factors can vary significantly from one project to another.

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Study Notes

Mineral Resources Reporting

  • Mineral Resource: A concentration of economically-interesting material in Earth's crust, with reasonable prospects for extraction. Location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics, and continuity are known, estimated, or interpreted from geological evidence. Subdivided into Inferred, Indicated, and Measured.
  • Exclusions: Material without reasonable prospects for extraction must not be included. Untested extraction methods or assumptions must be disclosed.
  • Scope: Includes mineralization (dumps, tailings) identified and estimated through exploration, potentially containing future Ore Reserves.
  • Reasonable Prospects: Implies a Competent Person's judgment of technical and economic factors impacting extraction potential (mining parameters, etc).
  • Realistic Inventory: Not an inventory of all mineralization; rather a realistic assessment of potentially-extractable mineralization under assumed conditions.
  • Cut-off Grades: May include material below cut-off grades if it forms adequately sized and continuous bodies amenable to various mining approaches.

Categories of Mineral Resources

  • Inferred Mineral Resource: Estimated with low confidence; inferred from limited, possibly uncertain geological and/or grade continuity data from outcrops, trenches, etc.
    • Low confidence; may upgrade to Indicated with more exploration.
    • Not suitable for detailed planning.
  • Indicated Mineral Resource: Estimated with moderate confidence; based on exploration, sampling, and testing. Locations are spaced closely enough to assume continuity but not close enough to confirm geological and/or grade continuity.
    • Intermediate confidence level between Inferred and Measured.
    • Allows application of technical and economic parameters for viability evaluation.
  • Measured Mineral Resource: Estimated with high confidence; based on detailed and reliable data with locations spaced closely enough to confirm geological and grade continuity.
    • High confidence; no reasonable doubt about tonnage/grade estimate.
    • Variations from estimate unlikely to affect economic viability.

Ore Reserves

  • Ore Reserve: Economically mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource after comprehensive assessments.
    • Considers mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, and governmental factors.
    • Demonstrates justified extraction at the time of reporting.
  • Categories of Ore Reserves:
    • Proved Ore Reserves: Highest confidence category, economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource.
    • Probable Ore Reserves: Moderate confidence category; economically mineable part of an Indicated Mineral Resource. Includes diluting materials and expected losses.

Reporting Requirements

  • Categories: Mineral and Ore Reserves must be reported as either Inferred, Indicated, Measured, Proved, or Probable.

  • Aggregation: Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves must not be aggregated in public reports; separate figures must be reported for each.

  • Accuracy and Confidence: Rounding, significant figures, and qualifiers (e.g., "approximately") are crucial for Inferred Resources to reflect inaccuracy.

  • Public Reports: Must be detailed and precise. Any adjustments to data (e.g., grade cut-off), assumptions, and uncertainties must be clearly stated. No amount of confidence in Modifying Factors can override the Mineral Resource confidence level.

  • Reconciliation: Revised reports must be reconciled to previous statements.

  • Relationship: Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve descriptions should clarify their interconnectedness (e.g., inclusive or additional)

  • Non-economic Considerations: Re-evaluation of Ore Reserves to Mineral Resources is not applicable for short-term or temporary decisions.

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