Mineral resource estimation has changed considerably in the past 25 years: geostatistical techniques have become commonplace and continue to evolve; computational horsepower has revolutionized all facets of numerical modeling; mining and processing operations are often larger; and uncertainty quantification is becoming standard practice. Recent books focus on historical methods or details of geostatistical theory.
So there is a growing need to collect and synthesize the practice of modern mineral resource estimation into a book for undergraduate students, beginning graduate students, and young geologists and engineers. It is especially fruitful that Mineral Resource Estimation is written by authors with years of relevant experience performing mineral resource estimation and with years of relevant teaching experience. Mineral Resource Estimation is a comprehensive textbook and reference which fullfils this need.
- Statistical Tools and Concepts
- Geological Controls and Block Modeling
- Definition of Estimation Domains
- Data
- Spatial Continuity
- Mining Dilution
- Recoverable Resources: Estimation
- Recoverable Resources: Simulation
- Model Validations and Reconciliations
- Uncertainty and Risk
- Short Term Models
- Case Studies
- Conclusions