05.02.2013 Views

Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

With continued experience, it is clear that the geological model of<br />

an ore body provides the fundamental platform for all subsequent<br />

development; hence the quality of the model is critical. If the resolution of<br />

the model is too low, the information incomplete, or the interpretation on<br />

which it is based is flawed, it could have disastrous consequences for<br />

subsequent production planning and/or engineering design projects, with<br />

serious financial implications.<br />

The development of mineral resources and their transformation to<br />

reserves is a complex process involving many variables (Figure 6). This<br />

process therefore requires widespread collaboration across many different<br />

functions to deliver optimised mine plans to achieve required and<br />

acceptable levels of profitability and to ensure that the mineral resource is<br />

depleted in a responsible manner in accordance with legislative<br />

requirements.<br />

Geology Sampling Estimation<br />

Identification and measurement of<br />

continuity & spatial character of<br />

mineralisation distribution<br />

Sample support size, spacing, integrity,<br />

representivity<br />

Statistical characteristics, estimation<br />

methodology<br />

Increasing Confidence<br />

Resources<br />

in situ<br />

Inferred<br />

Indicated<br />

Measured<br />

Reserves<br />

mineable<br />

Probable<br />

Proved<br />

• Governmental, Legal, Social, Environmental<br />

• Mineability - Block size, Geotechnical, Mining, Recovery, Dilution etc.<br />

• Recoverability - Metallurgical constraints<br />

• Payability - Economic, Technical & Financial risk<br />

Figure 6. The critical path used for mineral resource to mineral reserve transformation by<br />

De Beers based on SAMREC.<br />

INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 581

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!