Resource Classification in Mining
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Questions and Answers

What do Greenfields classification typically involve regarding mining rights?

  • Reclamation rights
  • Prospecting rights (correct)
  • Production rights
  • Mining permit/rights

Which type of resource classification indicates limited geological evidence?

  • Measured Resources
  • Inferred Resources (correct)
  • Probable Reserves
  • Proven Reserves

What does the term 'Probable Reserves' imply in resource classification?

  • Measured Resources with detailed understanding
  • Resources with an uncertain recovery rate (correct)
  • High confidence in geological estimates
  • Resources expected to be economically viable

What activity is allowed under Measured Resources classification?

<p>Resource modelling and early mine design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a 'Competent person' in resource classification?

<p>Ensure accurate resource reporting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of resource classification typically demonstrates the highest level of geological confidence?

<p>Measured Resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Brownfields classifications signify concerning mining rights?

<p>Mining permit/rights (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does successful Greenfields exploration typically generate?

<p>A database of resources and opportunities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the classification of Proven Reserves indicate?

<p>Solid evidence supports economic viability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resource classification level is characterized by a high degree of geological certainty?

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

What is the primary purpose of geological modeling in the mine value chain?

<p>To create computerized representations of the Earth's crust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered in the reserve estimation process?

<p>Market demand for the commodity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does modifying factors in reserve estimation affect?

<p>The location of ore blocks in an economic block model (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the mining model, which aspect is primarily addressed?

<p>Mine design and operational logistics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cut-off grade in the reserve estimation process?

<p>To categorize which ore blocks are economically viable to mine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the ore reserve model is true?

<p>It involves the classification and reporting of ore reserves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'grade control' entail in the mining process?

<p>Ensuring that ore extracted meets predetermined quality standards (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which modeling type helps create an economic block model through economic evaluations?

<p>RESERVE ESTIMATION – ORE RESERVE MODEL (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the mine value chain follows resource estimation?

<p>Ore reserve estimation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total amount of measured resources calculated in million ounces?

<p>7.6 Moz (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the original resources was actually converted into reserves?

<p>61.1% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did the grade of gold decrease from measured resources to proven reserves?

<p>0.83 g/t (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the spot price of gold is $2650 USD/oz, what is the financial total for proven reserves in million USD?

<p>6,890 M$ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which measure indicates that more work and money are needed to convert to reserves?

<p>Indicated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilution effect experienced in the conversion from resources to reserves?

<p>Decrease in total quantity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the total financial cost change from measured resources to proven reserves?

<p>Decreased by 12.6 billion USD (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many kt of resources were indicated at the Goldfields South Deep Mine?

<p>35,774 kt (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key factor should engineers consider to reduce costs during mining operations?

<p>Cut back on spending for modifying factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the current spot price of gold stated in the content?

<p>$2650 USD/oz (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Resource Classification

Categorization of mineral deposits based on geological knowledge and exploration data.

Reserve Classification

Categorization of mineral resources that are economically and legally viable to extract.

Greenfield Exploration

Prospecting for minerals in areas with limited previous exploration.

Brownfield Exploration

Mineral exploration in areas with existing mining permits or rights.

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Inferred Resources

Mineral resources with limited geological data; exploration is needed to convert it to indicated resources.

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Indicated Resources

Mineral resources with more geological data than inferred resources; further exploration and modeling can lead to Measured resources.

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Measured Resources

Mineral resources with comprehensive geological data and detailed resource models.

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Proven Reserves

Mineral reserves that are confirmed by existing geological data and legally viable for extraction due to Mining Laws.

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Probable Reserves

Mineral reserves with a high probability of economic extraction but with limited current data.

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Competent Person

A qualified professional with expertise in mineral resource assessment and classification.

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Geological Model

A 3D representation of the Earth's crust based on geological and geophysical data. It helps visualize and understand the distribution of mineral deposits.

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Ore Resource Modifying Factors

Factors that influence the economic viability of extracting a mineral resource. These include costs, revenues, and cut-off grades.

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Ore Reserve Model

A 3D model that estimates the amount of economically viable ore that can be extracted from a deposit. It considers factors like grade, recovery, and mining costs.

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Cut-off Grade

The minimum grade of ore that is economically viable to mine, considering factors like cost, revenue, and recovery.

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Economic Block Model

A 3D model that shows which blocks of ore are economically viable to mine based on cut-off grades and other factors.

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Mining Model

A 3D model that represents the mining operation, including mine design, equipment, ventilation, and access.

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Grade Control

The process of monitoring and managing the grade of ore during mining to ensure it meets quality standards.

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Production & Reconciliation

The process of matching actual ore production to the predicted reserves in the models.

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3D Modeling in Mining

The use of 3D computer models to represent geological, resource, and mining information, assisting in planning and decision-making.

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Resource vs. Reserve

Resources are estimated quantities of raw materials potentially available for extraction, while reserves are quantities that have been proved to be economically viable and recoverable by current methods.

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Mineral Reserve

The economically viable and potentially profitable deposit that can be extracted at a given time (when considering geological, economic, and legal factors).

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Grade

Concentration of a given metal in a rock in a specific area, generally expressed as grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per ton (oz/t).

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Dilution

Lowering the grade of a known ore body by mixing or including unwanted material.

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Economic Viability

When the cost of extracting a resource is less than or equal to the market price

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Conversion of Resources to Reserves

Proving enough geological evidence and economic factors to ensure the resource becomes profitable to be mined.

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Value of Resources / Reserves

Calculating the worth of a mineral deposit considering the gold price and grade.

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Study Notes

Resource and Reserve Classifications

  • Greenfields: Prospecting rights
  • Brownfields: Mining permit/rights
  • Inferred Resources: Estimated quantity and grade based on limited geological evidence. Geological evidence implies but does not verify continuity. Allows for grassroots and greenfields exploration.
  • Indicated Resources: Estimated quantity, grade, density, shape, and physical characteristics with sufficient confidence to apply modifying factors for mine planning and economic viability assessment. Allows for greenfields exploration, resource modeling, and early mine design, with sampling mostly via drilling.
  • Measured Resources: Precise quantity, grade, density, shape, and physical characteristics estimated confidently for detailed mine planning and economic viability evaluation. Geological evidence is detailed and reliable with confirmed geological and grade continuity. A higher confidence level than indicated or inferred resources.

Mine Value Chain

  • Exploration and Data Collection: Includes the resource database and exploration 3D modeling.
  • Geological Interpretation and Modelling: Includes interpretation, modeling, and statistical analysis.
  • Mineral Resource Estimation: Includes classification and reporting of the ore resource.
  • Modifying Factors: Economic, mining, metallurgical, legal, environmental, social, and governmental factors are considered, impacting mine planning and reserve conversion.
  • Ore Reserve Estimation and Classification: Estimating economically mineable ore and classifying it as proved, probable, or possible.
  • Risk and Sensitivity Assessments: Evaluating mine risks impacting estimations.
  • Grade Control, Production, and Reconciliation: Monitoring mined resources and reserves, ensuring production and reconciliation with resource estimations.

Resource and Reserve Classifications (Financial Implications)

  • Conversion cost: The difference in financial value between a mineral resource and a reserve due to modifying factors.
  • Modifying Factors: Economic, social, legal, environmental factors influence conversion from resources to reserves. Cutting costs in modifying factors can determine profitability.
  • Gold Price: A key element in valuing and converting resources to reserves.

Reserve Classifications

  • Proven Reserves: Economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource, implying high confidence in modifying factors.
  • Probable Reserves: Economically mineable part of indicated or measured resource, with lower confidence in modifying factors than proven reserves.

Different Types of Modeling

  • Geological Resource Model: Computerized and schematic representation of Earth's crust. Based on geophysical and geological observations.
  • Reserve Estimation- Ore Reserve Model: Economic factors such as costs and expected revenues used to determine cut-off grades and block location for ore reserves.
  • Mining Model: Mine design, equipment, ventilation, service portals, access, and stope scheduling considerations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on different classifications of resources and reserves in mining. This quiz covers the distinctions between greenfields, brownfields, and various resource categories such as inferred, indicated, and measured resources. Understand how these classifications impact mine planning and economic assessments.

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