Ore reserve estimation is the process of determining the quantity and quality of economically

recoverable mineral resources within a defined geological deposit. This estimation is a critical
component of the feasibility study for a mining project and serves as the basis for planning
and decision-making in the mining industry. The goal is to assess the economic viability of
extracting minerals from the deposit under existing technological and economic conditions.
Here's an overview of how ore reserve estimation is typically done:
1. Exploration and Sampling:
 The process begins with exploration, which involves systematically collecting
geological data through methods such as drilling, trenching, and sampling.
Drill core samples, rock chips, and other data are collected to understand the
geological characteristics of the deposit.
2. Geological Modeling:
 Geological modeling involves creating a three-dimensional representation of
the deposit based on the collected data. Geologists use this model to
understand the distribution, shape, and orientation of the ore body. The model
incorporates information on lithology, mineralogy, and structural features.
3. Resource Classification:
 Based on the geological model and the level of confidence in the data, the
mineral resources are classified into categories such as inferred, indicated, and
measured. These classifications are often defined by industry standards like
the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) or other reporting codes.
4. Grade Estimation:
 The next step is to estimate the grade of the mineralization within the deposit.
This involves determining the concentration of valuable minerals (e.g., gold,
copper, or iron) in the samples. Various methods, including statistical
techniques and geostatistics, are used to interpolate grades between sample
points.
5. Ore Body Domains:
 Ore bodies are often divided into domains based on geological characteristics
and grade variability. This allows for more accurate modeling and estimation
within specific zones of the deposit.
6. Estimation Methods:
 Different estimation methods are employed based on the characteristics of the
deposit. Common methods include kriging, inverse distance weighting, and
ordinary block modeling. These methods consider the spatial distribution and
correlation of data to create a reliable estimate of grades and tonnages.
 7. Uncertainty Assessment:
 Ore reserve estimation is inherently uncertain, and geostatistical techniques
are often used to assess and quantify this uncertainty. Simulation and
sensitivity analyses help evaluate the impact of variations in key parameters
on the estimates.
8. Cut-off Grades:
 Cut-off grades represent the minimum grade required for economic extraction.
Economic factors such as commodity prices, extraction costs, and processing
costs are considered when determining cut-off grades. The economic viability
of mining a specific portion of the deposit is assessed based on these factors.
9. Reporting Standards:
 The results of the ore reserve estimation are reported according to industry
standards, such as those outlined by the JORC Code, the Committee for
Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO), or other
regional reporting codes. These standards provide guidelines for transparent
and consistent reporting of mineral reserves.
10. Feasibility Studies:
 The ore reserve estimation forms a critical part of feasibility studies, which
include detailed technical, economic, and environmental assessments.
Feasibility studies help determine whether the project is viable and provides
the basis for investment decisions.
It's important to note that ore reserve estimation is an iterative process that involves
continuous refinement as additional data becomes available. Furthermore, the estimation is
subject to periodic updates and reviews as mining progresses and more accurate information
becomes accessible.
Ore reserve estimation is a crucial step in the evaluation and development of mineral
deposits. It involves determining the quantity and quality of mineral resources that can be
economically recovered. Various methods are employed for ore reserve estimation, each with
its advantages, limitations, and suitability for different types of deposits. Here are some
common methods:
1. Cross-Sectional Methods:
 Cross-Sectional Method: This involves creating geological cross-sections
across a deposit and estimating the volume of ore using the cross-sectional
area and the average ore thickness. This method is suitable for simple, tabular
deposits.
2. Polygonal Methods:
 Polygonal Method: Based on the division of the deposit into polygons, this
method involves calculating the volume of each polygon using geological
 data. Suitable for irregularly shaped deposits, this method is practical when
there's a clear geological control.
3. Grid Methods:
 Grid Method: The deposit area is divided into a grid, and geological data
(such as drill hole information) are used to estimate the ore content within
each grid cell. This method is efficient for deposits with relatively uniform
mineralization.
4. Triangulation Methods:
 Triangulation Method: This involves dividing the deposit into triangles, and
the volume of each triangle is estimated based on geological data.
Triangulation is often used for irregularly shaped deposits and is suitable when
there's a lack of detailed information.
5. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW):
 IDW is an interpolation method where the grade of known samples is used to
estimate the grades at unsampled locations. The method assumes that the
influence of a sample decreases with distance, and the estimated value at a
particular location is a weighted average of nearby sample values.
6. Kriging:
 Kriging is a geostatistical method that considers both the spatial distribution
and the variogram of the ore grade. It provides more sophisticated estimates
by accounting for the spatial correlation of the data. Ordinary kriging,
universal kriging, and indicator kriging are variations of this method.
7. Inverse Distance Squared (ID2):
 Similar to IDW, ID2 is an inverse distance weighting method that applies a
squared term to the inverse distance. This gives more influence to closer
sample points and is commonly used in resource estimation.
8. Geostatistical Methods:
 Variogram Analysis: Geostatistical techniques involve analyzing the spatial
variability of the ore grades using variograms. Variograms help in
understanding the spatial continuity of mineralization, which is crucial for
predicting ore grades at unsampled locations.
9. Block Modeling:
 Block Modeling: This involves dividing the deposit into a three-dimensional
grid of blocks. Each block is assigned an estimated grade based on available
data. Block modeling is widely used in open-pit and underground mining for
detailed ore reserve estimation.
10. Conditional Simulation:
  Conditional simulation involves generating multiple realizations of the ore
body based on available data. This method provides a range of possible ore
distributions, considering the uncertainty in the geological model and grade
data.
11. Resource Classification Systems:
 Various resource classification systems, such as those defined by the Joint Ore
Reserves Committee (JORC) or the Committee for Mineral Reserves
International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO), provide guidelines for
reporting ore reserves and resources. These systems help standardize the
reporting of mineral estimates.
It's important to note that ore reserve estimation is a complex process, and the choice of
method depends on factors such as the deposit's geological characteristics, available data, and
the level of detail required for decision-making. It's common for a combination of methods to
be used to improve accuracy and reliability. Additionally, regulatory bodies often have
specific requirements for reporting ore reserves, and adherence to these standards is crucial in
the mining industry.