Ore/Waste Delineation

Delineating ore from waste is the core function of grade control. Polygon Generation Inverse Distance Weight nearby samples by inverse of distance. Kriging Geostatistical method incorporating spatial variability. Geological Domaining Respect geological boundaries in estimation. Cut-off Grades Economic Cut-off Minimum grade that pays for mining and processing. Operational Cut-off May differ based on mill blend requirements. Material Destinations - Mill feed ore - Stockpile marginal grade - Waste dump - Low-grade stockpile Marking in Field - Paint or flag ore/waste boundaries - Communicate with operations - Adjust for dig tolerance

All lessons in Open Pit Geology — Return to the complete Open Pit Geology course outline.
Previous lesson: Bench Mapping — Bench mapping documents the geology exposed on mining faces. Purpose - Validate geological model - Identify structural controls - Guide grade control …
Next lesson: Production Sampling — Ongoing sampling during production monitors mill feed grade. Sample Points - Truck sampling random selection - Stockpile sampling - Conveyor belt…

Verification resources

Cross-check terminology, classification, methods, and safety with these authoritative external resources.

Mineral Exploration Best Practice Guidelines — Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Professional guidance for geological data, sampling, interpretation, security, and QA/QC.
The life cycle of a mineral deposit — U.S. Geological Survey. Scientific context for mineral deposits, extraction, processing, and reclamation.
Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines — CIM Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Committee. Professional guidance for appropriate estimation support, geological constraints, economic assumptions, uncertainty, validation, and documented classification decisions.

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Ore/Waste Delineation

Continue Open Pit Geology

Verification resources