Mineral resource estimation produces a model of deposits for extraction and is made up of various complex processes. In part one of this two-part series, Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken discusses the history and common practices of resource estimation.

In this episode:

0:42 What are the main estimation methods used in mineral estimation worldwide? 1:33 What is the origin of the term 'Kriging'? 2:40 There are multiple methods for resource estimation, but why don't we all use the same one? 4:57 Ordinary Kriging is probably the most popular technique. Why is that? 6:56 Some techniques of resource estimation are controversial, like inverse distance and polygonal methods. Why? 9:40 Now we have better technology than ever before. How does this affect the methods used for resource estimation? 10:51 What is geostatistics and how has it influenced resource estimation?

For more information:

• Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: [email protected]
• Optiro website

Links:

Monograph 30 – Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimation – The AusIMM Guide to Good Practice - https://ausimm.com/product/monograph-30-mineral-resource-and-ore-reserve-estimation-the-ausimm-guide-to-good-practice/