COMPUTING RESERVES

OF MINERAL DEPOSITS: PRINCIPLES

CONVENTIONAL METHODS

By Constantine C. Popoff

+ 4 + 4 4 + 4 r 4 + r information circular 8283

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERICIR

Stewart L. Udall, Secretary

BUREAU OF MINES
Reprinted by:
Walter R. Hibbard, Jr., Director Bureau of Land Management
Phoenix Training Center
This publicat~onhas been cataloged as follows:

Popoff, Constantine C
Computing reserves of mineral deposits: principles and
conventional methods. [Washington] U. S. Dept. of the Inte-
rior, Bureau of Mines [ 19661

113 p. illus.. t a b l e s . (U. 5. Bureau of Mines. Information circular

8283)
Includes bibliography.
1. Mines and mineral resources. I. T i t l e . ( S e r i e s )

TN23.U71 no. 8283 622.06173

U. S. Depc. of the Int. Library

Abstract .................................................................
Introduction ..............................................................
Acknowledgments ..........................................................
Part 1 . . .............................................................
General
.....................................................
Principles

...................................
S i g n i f i c a n c e of computations
...................................................
Requirements
..................................
C r i t e r i a f o r method s e l e c t i o n
........................................
Computing r e s e r v e s procedure
...................................
A n a l y s i s of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a
......................................................
Procedure
..................................................
Main elements
....................................................
B a s i c assumptions
........................................
P r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n
........................................
Rule of g r a d u a l changes
....................................
M a t h e m a t i c a l procedure
.........................................
Graphic procedure
....................
Rule of n e a r e s t p o i n t s . o r e q u a l i n f l u e n c e .
.............
Case of two underground i n t e r s e c t i n g workings
.............................
Case of two p a r a l l e l workings
......................
General c a s e of underground workings
..............................
Case of e q u i l a t e r a l t r i a n g l e
................................
Case of an obtuse t r i a n g l e
..............................................
General c a s e
..................................
Geologic and mining i n f e r e n c e
.........................................
Rule of g e n e r a l i z a t i o n
............................
V a r i a b i l i t y within mineral d e p o s i t s
......................................................
Weighting
....................................................
Application
Computations ........................................................
B a s i c parameters ................................................
Thickness and a r e a .............................................
Planimetering.............................................
Templates.................................................
....................................
Geometric.computations
..........................................
I n d i r e c t methods
Volume .........................................................
Weight.........................................................
...........................................
Tonnage f a c t o r s
..........................................
Specific gravity
.......................................
Conversion formulas
Grade..........................................................
Errors ..............................................................
......................................
Accuracy v e r s u s p r e c i s i o n
............................
E r r o r s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o r a n a l o g y
Tschnical.......................................................
....................................................
Random
....................................................
Eiased
 CONTENTS.. Continued
PaRe
Analytical .....................................................
Part 2 .. Conventional.methods ...........................................
..................................
G e n e r a l f e a t u r e s and c l a s s i f i c a t i o n
....................................
Average f a c t o r s and a r e a methods
.......................
Assumptions and c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s f e a t u r e s
..............................................
Method of a n a l o g y
...........................................
Average f a c t o r s
.......................................
S t a t i s t i c a l factors
......................................
Method of g e o l o g i c b l o c k s
Advantages
Application
.....................................................
....................................................
Mining b l o c k s method ................................................
............
Block exposed on f o u r s i d e s by underground workings
..............
Determining a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r each working
................
Determining a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r each b l o c k
...........
Block exposed on t h r e e s i d e s by underground workings
Block exposed on two s i d e s.....................................
........................
Underground workings on two l e v e l s
.........................
I n t e r s e c t i n g underground workings
Block exposed on one l e v e l and i n t e r s e c t e d a t d e p t h by d r i l l i n g
Application ....................................................
...............................................
C r o s s - s e c t i o n methods
....................................
P r i n c i p l e s and requirements
.............................
S t a n d a r d method.. p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s
.................................................
Procedure
.......................................
Volume computations
......................................
Tonnage computations
...................
The s t a n d a r d method f o r n o n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s
................................
Angle l e s s than 10 d e g r e e s
.............................
~ n g l eg r e a t e r than 10 d e g r e e s
Linear method ..................................................
Advantages .....................................................
Application ....................................................
Method of i s o l i n e s ..................................................
........................................
P r i n c i p l e s and formulas
......................
Requirements. advantages. and l i m i t a t i o n s
Application ....................................................
Method of t r i a n g l e s.................................................
........................................
P r i n c i p l e s and formulas
Procedure ......................................................
..................................
Laying o u t t h e t r i a n g l e s
.................
Determining a r e a s of i n d i v i d u a l t r i a n g l e s
...................................
S t u d i e s by d i f f e r e n t a u t h o r s
Modifications ..................................................
Distinctive features ...........................................
Application ....................................................
Method of polygons ..................................................
Principles .....................................................
 CONTENTS.. Continued
Page

......................... 85
Procedure and c o n s t r u c t i o n of polygons
....................................
Case of v e r t i c a l holes 86
................................. 87
Case of l i n e a r workings
............................................. 87
P r i n c i p a l formulas
.....................
I r r e g u l a r d i s t r i b u t i o n of d r i l l h o l e s
.............................. 8788
Regularly spaced d r i l l h o l e s
...................... 88
Requirements. advantages. and l i m i t a t i o n s
Application .................................................... 89
Combined methods ................................................. 90
............................ 92
Source of e r r o r s i n r e s e r v e computations
Sunnnary .................................................................. 92
Bibliography ............................................................. 9 6
Appendix A .- .......... 102
English and m e t r i c systems and conversion f a c t o r s
Appendix B .- Usage of v a r i o u s methods f o r r e s e r v e computations f o r
....................................... 103
s o l i d m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s i n U.S.S.R
Appendix C .- A comparison of r e s e r v e computations made by v a r i o u s
methods (U.S.S.R.). ..................................................... 104
Appendix D .- ................................................... 105
Formulas
Appendix E .- ...................................................
Glossary 113

ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig.
1
2
.
. Transforming a t r u e mineral body i n t o an imaginary a u x i l i a r y one ...
True. h o r i z o n t a l . and v e r t i c a l thicknesses.. a n a l y t i c a l r e l a t i o n s h i p
3. .
A n a l y t i c a l i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of v a l u e s between two a d j o i n i n g s t a t i o n s
4. Finding t h e l o c a t i o n of point D w i t h t h i c k n e s s 5 f e e t by means of
vectors ..........................................................
...................................
5
6 .. Finding t h i c k n e s s td f o r point D
Finding t h i c k n e s s tc f o r point C and f i n d i n g p o i n t D f o r t h i c k n e s s

7 . .......................
t, = 5 f e e t by means of a s p e c i a l template
....
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n of v a l u e s between two a d j o i n i n g h o l e s i n s e c t i o n
8 . ..........
Template o r guide t o f i n d t h e midpoint between two p o i n t s
9 . Angle b i s e c t o r manner of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of v a l u e s between two
i n t e r s e c t i n g underground workings ................................
10 . .
~ n t e r ~ r e t a t i oofn v a l u e s between two p a r a l l e l underground workings
11 . _ I n t e r p r e t a t i o n of v a l u e s f o r t h e c a s e of p a r a l l e l and i n t e r s e c t i n g
workings .........................................................
12 . Construction of a r e a s of i n £ luence i n equi l a t e r a 1 t r i a n g l e s ........
13 . Perpendicular b i s e c t o r versus a n g l e b i s e c t o r manner of c o n s t r u c t i n g
...........................
a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e i n obtuse t r i a n g l e s
14 . Correct c o n s t r u c t i o n of areas of i n £ luence (polygons) by
........................................
perpendicular b i s e c t o r s . .
15 . ..............
I n c o r r e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n of polygons by a n g l e b i s e c t o r s
16. . . ..
Areas of i n f l u e n c e f o r q u a d r i l a t e r a l f i g u r e s (Rule of g r a v i t y )
17 . .
Areas of i n £ luence f o r q u a d r i l a t e r a l f i g u r e s (Rule of n e a r e s t
points.) .........................................................
18 . Areas of i n f l u e n c e f o r a square block ..............................
 ILLUSTRATIONS.. Continued
Fig .
Area of inf1uenc.e f o r an i s o l a t e d h o l e.............................
Geologic i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of a r e a s o f i n f l u e n c e between two
adjoining stations ................................................
C o n s t r u c t i o n of g e o l o g i c b l o c k s on t h e b a s i s of s t r u c t u r a l c h a n g e s
Square p a t t e r n t e m p l a t e
Dotted p a t t e r n template
............... ............................
=
............................................
P a r a l l e l l i n e s template............................................
T r a p e z o i d formula ..................................................
Trapezoidal r u l e ...................................................
Simpson's r u l e f o r determining a r e a s ...............................
........................
Accuracy a n d p r e c i s i o n of chemical a n a l y s e s
...................
A r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e method of computing t h i c k n e s s
Geologic b l o c k s method .............................................
Mining b l o c k s exposed on f o u r s i d e s ................................
Mining b l o c k s exposed on t h r e e s i d e s ...............................
Mining b l o c k s exposed on two s i d e s ( v e i n t h i c k n e s s l e s s t h a n the
width of workings) ...............................................
Mining b l o c k s exposed on two s i d e s ( v e i n t h i c k n e s s more t h a n t h e
w i d t h of workings) ...............................................
Mining b l o c k s exposed by d r i f t a n d d r i l l h o l e s .....................
Block l a y o u t by c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods ..............................
C r o s s - s e c t i o n methods.. s t a n d a r d and l i n e a r .........................
..................
S t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method ( p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s )
Frustum formula v e r s u s mean-area formula ...........................
Truncated wedge.. s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method .....................
Blocks between p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s
on volume computations
. I n f l u e n c e o f t h e s h a p e of a r e a s
...........................................
..............
C o n s t r u c t i o n of a u x i l i a r y a r e a R f o r Bauman's f o r m u l a
.................
S e c t i o n and l i n e a r reserves..cros s . s e c t i o n methods
S t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method f o r volume computations.. n o n p a r a l l e l
sections .........................................................
..................
L i n e a r method.. b lock between n o n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s
.................................................
Method of i s o l i n e s
I s o p a c h and i s o g r a d e maps f o r r e s e r v e computations.- method of
isolines .........................................................
................................................
Method of t r i a n g l e s
Two manners of c o n s t r u c t i o n of t r i a n g u l a r p r i s m s f o r a r e c t a n g u l a r
prism ............................................................
Method of polygons .................................................
...................
R e g u l a r l y spaced d r i l l holes.. method of polygons
 TABLES
*
P r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a used i n
..................
c o n s t r u c t i o n of b l o c k s and r e s e r v e computations 22
...................
T e c h n i c a l e r r o r s i n determining b a s i c p a r a m e t e r s 33
P e r m i s s i b l e a v e r a g e f o r random t e c h n i c a l e r r o r s i n c h e m i c a l
analyses ......................................................... 34
Usage of v a r i o u s methods f o r r e s e r v e computations f o r m e t a l mines
.................................................
i n United S t a t e s 37
Determination of a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s and a v e r a g e g r a d e f o r a b l o c k
..................................
by a r i t h n e t i c a v e r a g e procedure 40
......
Determination of thickness-weighted a v e r a g e g r a d e f o r a b l o c k 40
....
Computation of r e s e r v e s and a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r t h e e n t i r e body 41
Reserve computations.. method of analogy ............................ 42
D e t e r m i n a t i o n of a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e of f a c t o r s f o r i n d i v i d u a 1
blocks ........................................................... 46
R e c a p i t u l a t i o n of r e s e r v e s f o r m i n e r a l body (by c a t e g o r i e s ) and
...................................
d e t e r m i n a t i o n of a v e r a g e g r a d e 47
Computation o i r e s e r v e s by s t a n d a r d method of c r o s s s e c t i o n s ....... 57
A p p l i c a t i o n of v a r i o u s formulas i n computing volumes of s o l i d
..........................
b o d i e s i n s t a n d a r d c r o s s s e c t i o n method 71
Determination of a v e r a g e a r . i t h m e t i c g r a d e f o r each t r i a n g l e by
t r i a n g u l a r method ................................................ 80
Determination of t h i c k n e s s - w e i g h t e d a v e r a g e g r a d e f o r each
..................................
t r i a n g l e by t r i a n g u l a r method 80
Computation of r e s e r v e s by polygonal method ........................ 86
 THIS PAQE
r INTENTSONALLY
Bh56gEK
 COMPUTING RESERVES OF MINERAL DEPOSITS: PRINCIPLES
A N D CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Constontine C. Popoff '

ABSTRACT

This r e p o r t reviews and analyzes, by a s i m p l e a n a l y t i c a l and l o g i c a l

reasoning, t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l methods of r e s e r v e computations of mineral d e p o s i t s
described i n v a r i o u s domestic and f o r e i g n p u b l i c a t i o n s . It b r i n g s t o g e t h e r ,
f o r m u l a t e s , and e v a l u a t e s t h e p r i n c i p l e s u n d e r l y i n g i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of explora-
t i o n d a t a ; and t i e s such p r i n c i p l e s t o t h e proposed c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of methods.
The m a t e r i a l i s d i s c u s s e d i n s u f f i c i e n t d e t a i l t o a l l o w g e n e r a l a p p l i c a t i o n .

INTRODUCTION

Computation of r e s e r v e s i s recognized by t h e m i n e r a l i n d u s t r y a s a d i s -
t i n c t o p e r a t i o n of i n c r e a s i n g importance i n t h e e v a l u a t i o n of mineral d e p o s i t s
i n a l l s t a g e s o f t h e i r dwelopment. P r e v i o u s l y , v a l u a t i o n was based on f a c t s ,
e x p e r i e n c e , and i n t u i t i o n ; methods have inproved because o u r knowledge of min-
e r a l d e p o s i t s , sampling, and mining t e c h n i q u e s has i n c r e a s e d .

O r i g i n a l l y , computation methods followed p r a c t i c e s of e a r t h excavation

and road c o n s t r u c t i o n , both standard s u r v e y i n g o p e r a t i o n s . Advances i n e a r t h
s c i e n c e s and e n g i n e e r i n g r e s u l t e d i n t h e m o d i f i c a t i o n of o l d and i n t r o d u c t i o n
of new methods.

The purpose of t h i s i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s t o review some of t h e common methods

and t h e i r m o d i f i c a t i o n s used i n r e s e r v e computations of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s . The
scope of t h i s paper i s l i m i t e d t o s o l i d m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s ( t h a t i s , metal, non-
m e t a l l i c , c o a l , and o i l s h a l e ) , because t h e background d a t a r e q u i r e d , proce-
d u r e , and methods f o r w a t e r , o i l , and gas a r e d i s s i m i l a r . An attempt i s made
t o s y s t e m a t i z e and s t a n d a r d i z e t h e methods and terminology.

For convenience, t h e paper i s d i v i d e d i n t o two p a r t s . The f i r s t ,

" P r i n c i p l e s " , d e a l s with assumptions and s c i e n t i f i c p r i n c i p l e s underlying t h e

1 Former mining en.gineer , Bureau of Mines, Area V I I , S e a t t l e Office of Mineral

Resources, S e a t t l e , Wash.

Work on manuscript completed February 1965.

u s e of v a r i o u s methods, and provides a g e n e r a l d i s c u s s i o n of t h e elements of
computations, procedure, and e r r o r s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n . The second p a r t ,
"Conventional Methods1', covers t h e following methods and t h e i r m o d i f i c a t i o n s :
average f a c t o r s and a r e a (analogous and g e o l o g i c b l o c k s ) , mining b l o c k s , c r o s s
s e c t i o n s ( s t a n d a r d , l.inear, and i s o l i n e s ) , t r i a n g u l a r and po lygona 1 prisms,
and combinations of these.

The t e x t o f t e n r e f e r s d i r e c t l y t o o r e d e p o s i t s , because t h e problem of

computing t h e i r r e s e r v e s i s g e n e r a l l y more complicated due t o d i v e r s i t y of
form and s i z e of mineral bodies and i r r e g u l a r d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a l u e s . The
same methods a r e used f o r c o a l and nonmetallic d e p o s i t s .

S t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s i s a v a l u a b l e t o o l of r e s e a r c h f o r a l l t h e methods
of computations. Application of v a r i o u s methods of s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s t o
sampling and e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a i s under c o n t i n u i n g i n v e s t i g a t i o n by t h e Bureau
of Mines. These methods and t h e use of computers f o r r e s e r v e computations a r e
d i s c u s s e d by t h e Bureau and o t h e r s c i e n t i s t s i n s e v e r a l r e c e n t p u b l i c a t i o n s .
They a r e beyond the scope and i n t e n t of t h i s paper.

Reference i s made t o " e x p l o r a t i o n " workings f o r b r e v i t y ; however, t h e

t e x t a p p l i e s t o mineral d e p o s i t s i n a l l s t a g e s of e x p l o r a t i o n , development,
and e x p l o i t a t i o n . I n t h e l a t t e r c a s e , computations a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y c r i t i c a l
from t h e s t a n d p o i n t of economics b u t , once a c c e p t e d , a r e u s u a l l y s u b s i d i a r y
and r o u t i n e o p e r a t i o n s .

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

G r a t e f u l acknowledgment i s made t o J. A. P a t t e r s o n , a s s i s t a n t c h i e f of
Ore r e s e r v e Branch, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Grand J u n c t i o n , Colo., f o r
t h e opportunity t o study unpublished m a t e r i a l on r e s e r v e computations.

PART 1. - PRINCIPLES

Genera 1

S i g n i f i c a n c e of Computations

The purpose of r e s e r v e computations of a m i n e r a l body i s t o determine t h e

q u a n t i t y , t h e q u a l i t y , and t h e amenability t o conrmercial e x p l o i t a t i o n of raw
material (ore, rock, coal, etc.). Computations a r e made d u r i n g a l l s t a g e s of
t h e l i f e of a mining e n t e r p r i s e from discovery t o robbing p i l l a r s and c l o s i n g .
They a r e t h e most r e s p o n s i b l e and i r r e p l a c e a b l e t a s k s i n t h e v a l u a t i o n of a
m i n e r a l d e p o s i t . Efficiency i n e x t r a c t i o n and p r o d u c t i v e n e s s i s impossible
without a c c u r a t e r e s e r v e computations.

Reserves a r e computed t o determine t h e e x t e n t of e x p l o r a t i o n and develop-

ment; d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a l u e s ; annual o u t p u t ; probable and p o s s i b l e p r o d u c t i v e
l i f e of t h e mine; method of e x t r a c t i o n and p l a n t d e s i g n ; improvements i n
e x t r a c t i o n , t r e a t m e n t , and p r o c e s s i n g ; and requirements f o r c a p i t a l , equipmer
Labor, power, and m a t e r i a l s . Such computations a r e used t o a s s i s t developmen.
planning; t o determine production c o s t s , e f f i c i e n c y of o p e r a t i o n s , and mining
l o s s e s ; f o r q u a l i t y c o n t r o l ; f o r f i n a n c i n g mining v e n t u r e s ; f o r s a l e , pur-
c h a s e , and c o n s o l i d a t i o n o f companies; t o d e t e r m i n e t h e p r o d u c t i o n c o s t per
u n i t of a m a r k e t a b l e p r o d u c t ; f o r a c c o u n t i n g p u r p o s e s such a s d e p l e t i o n and
d e p r e c i a t i o n ; and i n some S t a t e s f o r t a x p u r p o s e s .

Requirements

No computations a r e j u s t i f i e d u n l e s s c a l l e d f o r and u s e d ; t h e y s h o u l d b e
made when r e q u i r e d . The i d e a l method s h o u l d be s i m p l e , r a p i d , r e l i a b l e , con-
s i s t e n t w i t h t h e c h a r a c t e r of t h e m i n e r a l body and a v a i l a b l e d a t a , and s u i t a -
b l e f o r r a p i d checking. Computations a r e e x p e c t e d t o b e i n e x p e n s i v e when
compared w i t h t h e c o s t of e x p l o r a t i o n and development, and t h e r e f o r e , more
complex methods a r e sometimes j u s t i f i a b l e , p a r t i c u l a r l y when l a b o r - s a v i n g
d e v i c e s ( c a l c u l a t o r s and computers) a r e a v a i l a b l e . I n s e l e c t i n g a method, t h e
p e c u l i a r i t i e s and c o n v e n i e n c e s o f a u t o m a t i o n s h o u l d b e c o n s i d e r e d , a s w e l l a s
t h e magnitude and a c c u r a c y r e q u i r e d .

The method s h o u l d b e s e l e c t e d c a r e f u l l y , p r o c e d u r e s worked o u t i n d e t a i 1,

a n d c o m p u t a t i o n s made a c c u r a t e l y . Formulas s h o u l d b e s i m p l e . P r o p e r l y
s e l e c t e d p r o c e d u r e s w i l l f a c i l i t a t e t h e p r o c e s s o f c o m p u t a t i o n s and p r o v i d e
t h e same d e g r e e of a c c u r a c y a s more c o m p l i c a t e d methods.

O b j e c t i v e t r e a t m e n t o f f a c t u a l d a t a i s c o n s i d e r e d by many e a r t h s c i e n -
t i s t s t h e most i m p o r t a n t r e q u i r e m e n t . H a r d i n g , f o r example, s t a t e s t h a t h i s
s t u d i e s and formulas were provided by a d e s i r e t o f i n d "a method of c a l c u l a t -
i n g which e l i m i n a t e s a l l f a c t o r s of t e s t and judgment and r e s t s on p u r e
mathematics, .. .a method which can b e h a n d l e d a l m o s t e n t i r e l y by a c a l c u l a t i n g
mzxhine" (l3).>

Computations s h o u l d a l s o meet t h e p u r p o s e of t h e v a l u a t i o n a n d , when

a p p r o p r i a t e , i l l u s t r a t e t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a r i a b l e s .

The r e l i a b i l i t y of r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s depends c h i e f l y on t h e accuracy

and c o m p l e t e n e s s of o u r knowledge of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t . It a l s o depends on
a s s u m p t i o n s a c c e p t e d f o r i n t e r p r e t i n g t h e v a r i a b l e s , on b o u n d a r i e s of m i n e r a l
b o d i e s , on a c c u r a c y of a v e r a g e s , and on m a t h e m a t i c a l f o r m u l a s . Requirements
f o r t h e q u a n t i t y and t h e d e n s i t y of o b s e r v a t i o n s f o r a c e r t a i n c a t e g o r y of
r e s o u r c e s depends p r i m a r i l y on t h e s i z e and t y p e o f t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t .

During t h e l a s t s e v e r a l decades t h e a c c u r a c y of computing r e s e r v e s has

g r a d u a l l y improved. T h i s was made p o s s i b l e by o u t s t a n d i n g advances i n t h e
f i e l d of economic geology; i n c r e a s e d s p e c i a l i z a t i o n ; improvements i n e x p l o r a -
t i o n , s a m p l i n g , mining, and v a l u a t i o n ; b e t t e r i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of f i e l d informa-
t i o n ; u s e of s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s ; and more e f f i c i e n t management.

The growing u s e of d a t a - p r o c e s s i n g machines h a s made i t p o s s i b l e t o

r e c o r d l a r g e amounts of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a i n t h e form of punch c a r d s , punched
t a p e , magnetic d i s k , o r m a g n e t i c t a p e . The computers p e r m i t a p p l i c a t i o n of

s u n d e r l i n e d numbers i n p a r e n t h e s e s r e f e r t o i t e m s i n b i b l i o g r a p h y a t t h e end
of t h i s r e p o r t .
two o r more c o n v e n t i o n a l methods and produce improved a c c u r a c y , i n c r e a s e d
s p e e d , and l a b o r and c o s t s a v i n g s i n r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s . The t e c h n i q u e s
and a d v a n t a g e s of t h e u s e of computers a r e d i s c u s s e d i n s e v e r a l r e c e n t
p u b l i c a t i o n s (2,2,23-25, 38).
C r i t e r i a f o r Method S e l e c t i o n

I n g e n e r a l , s e l e c t i n g a method f o r r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s depends upon t h e

geology of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t , e x p l o r a t i o n method, a v a i l a b i l i t y a n d r e l i a b i l -
i t y of f a c t u a l d a t a , purpose of c o m p u t a t i o n s , and t h e r e q u i r e d d e g r e e o f
accuracy.

I f c o m p u t a t i o n s a r e p r e l i m i n a r y o r a r e r e q u i r e d i m e d i a t e l y , s i m p l e meth-
o d s , which do n o t demand c o n s t r u c t i o n of s p e c i a l maps, a r e s e l e c t e d . I f com-
p u t a t i o n s a r e f o r mine d e s i g n , t h e method s e l e c t e d depends on t h e c o n t e m p l a t e d
mining system. The c u t o f f grade, r e c o v e r y , d i l u t i o n , e f f i c i e n c y of equipment
and l a b o r , and c o s t p e r u n i t of o u t p u t v a r y w i t h t h e s y s t e m o f e x t r a c t i o n . A
s i m p l e method may b e a d e q u a t e f o r open p i t o p e r a t i o n s h e n s e l e c t i v e e x t r a c -
t i o n of w a s t e o r weakly m i n e r a l i z e d r o c k i s e x c l u d e d . Computations o f
r e s e r v e s f o r a bedded d e p o s i t i s l e s s complex t h a n f o r h i g h - g r a d e , small
volume, s t o c k - t y p e d e p o s i t s with i r r e g u l a r l y d i s t r i b u t e d v a l u e s .

E x p l o r a t i o n , whether random, by g r i d , o r by c r o s s - s e c t i o n l i n e s , may a l s o

i n £ l u e n c e method s e l e c t i o n . It i s o f t e n d e s i r a b l e d u r i n g e x p l o r a t i o n t o u s e a
method p e r m i t t i n g s t e p - b y - s t e p a d d i t i o n of r e s e r v e s t o p r e v i o u s f i g u r e s
i n s t e a d of p e r i o d i c recomputations.

The n a t u r e of t h e v a r i o u s methods s h o u l d b e c a r e f u l l y c o n s i d e r e d . Simple

methods a r e p r e f e r r e d , b u t more c o m p l i c a t e d o n e s may b e j u s t i f i e d . Both
extremes, o v e r s i m p l i f i c a t i o n l e a d i n g t o c o m p l e t e d i s r e g a r d of t h e g e o l o g i c
n a t u r e o f t h e d e p o s i t and o v e r c o m p l i c a t i o n l e a d i n g t o unwarranted p r e c i s i o n ,
expense, and even i m p r a c t i c a b i l i t y , s h o u l d b e a v o i d e d . The q u e s t i o n of maxi-
mal u s e o f a l l f a c t u a l d a t a c o l l e c t e d i n t h e p r o c e s s of e x p l o r a t i o n i s a n
i m p o r t a n t c o n s i d e r a t i o n . Poor p l a n n i n g and o v e r e x p l o r a t i o n r e s u l t s i n e x c e s -
s i v e d a t a n o t necessary f o r the accepted accuracy of computations.

Computing Reserves P r o c e d u r e

Analysis of E x p l o r a t i o n Data

Reserve c o m p u t a t i o n s o f a minera 1 d e p o s i t i s a t e c h n i c a l t a s k , c o n s i s t i n g
of s e v e r a l o p e r a t i o n s . The importance of f o l l o w i n g a d e f i n i t e p r o c e d u r e ,
p r o p e r l y s e l e c t e d f o r a c e r t a i n d e p o s i t , c a n n o t b e overemphasized (5). The
o p e r a t i o n s i n o r d e r of t h e i r u s u a l e x e c u t i o n a r e g e o l o g i c a p p r a i s a l , e x p l o r a -
t i o n and sampling methods a p p r a i s a l , e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a a p p r a i s a l , d e l i n e a t i o n
of t h e m i n e r a l body, and s e l e c t i o n of an a p p r o p r i a t e method f o r c o m p u t a t i o n s .

The i m p o r t a n c e of t h e knowledge of t h e geology of t h e d e p o s i t f o r t h e

u n d e r s t a n d i n g of t h e s i z e , shape, and g r a d e d i s t r i b u t i o n , and f o r i n t e r p r e t a -
t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a has been emphasized by many s c i e n t i s t s (2, 34).
Geologic a p p r a i s a l i n c l u d e s o b t a i n i n g , c h e c k i n g , and p r e s e n t i n g e x p l o r a t i o n
d a t a i n t h e form of g r a p h s , t a b l e s , maps and s e c t i o n s of a p p r o p r i a t e s c a l e ,
and assuming a working hypothesis on t h e o r i g i n of m i n e r a l i z a t i o n . The explo-
r a t i o n method; t h a t i s , t h e kind and d e n s i t y of workings and sampling, i s
s t u d i e d t o determine t h e adequacy and accuracy of t h e d a t a from t h e standpoint
of geology, geometric con£ i g u r a t i o n of t h e rninera 1 b o d i e s , d i s t r i b u t i o n p a t -
t e r n of v a r i a b l e s , e r r o r s , and c a t e g o r y of r e s e r v e s . Such an a p p r a i s a l ' i s
o f t e n supplemented by s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s and by comparison with o t h e r
d e p o s i t s s i m i l a r i n t y p e and form.

The a n a l y s i s of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a , o f t e n t h e most n e g l e c t e d s t e p i n valua-

t i o n , i s accomplished by d e f i n i n g i n s i d e and o u t s i d e parameters of economi-
c a l l y minable p o r t i o n s of t h e mineral body; by determining t h e p r e c i s i o n of
measurements and a n a l y s e s ; and by determining whether t h e amount of explora-
t i o n of v a r i o u s p o r t i o n s of the m i n e r a l body meets t h e requirements f o r com-
p u t i n g r e s e r v e s of a c e r t a i n category.

Procedure

For r e s e r v e computations t h e m i n e r a l body i s f i r s t d e l i n e a t e d and then

subdivided by s e v e r a l methods i n t o segments or blocks of v a r i o u s degrees of
reliability.

The u s u a l procedure f o r volume computations i s t o s u b s t i t u t e g r a p h i c a l l y

t h e i r r e g u l a r shape of t h e mineral body by an imaginary and a u x i l i a r y one with
base s u r f a c e l y i n g i n t h e plane of a plan o r l o n g i t u d i n a l s e c t i o n ; the o t h e r
s u r f a c e , i r r e g u l a r i n form, shows d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h i c k n e s s e s ( f i g . 1 ) . This
a u x i l i a r y body i s t h e n r e p l a c e d by one o r s e v e r a l simple s o l i d f i g u r e s , v o l -
umes of which can b e computed by geometric formulas.

D i v i s i o n of t h e m i n e r a l body i n t o blocks i s done a c c o r d i n g t o a s e l e c t e d

method, s o t h a t each block can be d i r e c t l y r e l a t e d t o one o r a s u i t e of
f a c t u a l exploration values.

The r e s e r v e s of t h e e n t i r e body a r e computed by determining a r e a s and

volumes f o r each b l o c k , c o n v e r t i n g block volumes t o tonnages of raw m i n e r a l
m a t e r i a l , determining average grades and tonnages of v a l u a b l e components, and
f i n a l l y , t a b u l a t i n g t h e r e s u l t of blocks of t h e same c a t e g o r y and, i f p o s s i b l e ,
a s s e s s i n g t h e r e l i a b i l i t y of computations.

Main Elements

Reserve computations r e q u i r e a knowledge of t h e dimensional and q u a l i t a -

t i v e f e a t u r e s of t h e m i n e r a l body. This knowledge i s gained d i r e c t l y by obser-
v a t i o n s (measurements, chemical a n a l y s e s , and t e s t s ) and i n d i r e c t l y by assump-
t i o n s , i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s , and computations. A l l v a l u e s of t h e b a s i c block
elements, t h i c k n e s s , l e n g t h , breadth, weight f a c t o r , and g r a d e , whether they
a r e s i n g l e o b s e r v a t i o n s o r computed averages, may be p r e s e n t e d on maps by
numbers p i n p o i n t e d f o r a d e f i n i t e l o c a t i o n , or a s a l i n e w i t h . the numerical
length p l o t t e d t o s c a l e .
 X The s y s t e m
s e l e c t e d f o r meas-
uring linear dis-
tances, a r e a s ,
volumes, a n d
weights s h o u l d be
followed through-
out. U n i t s of
measure and weight
and c o n v e r s i o n
factors for
English and m e t r i c
systems a r e given
i n appendix A.
When s e l e c t i o n i s
Y possible, the
metric system i s
preferable; i t
saves time and
reduces t h e chance
X of e r r o r .
A
The formulas
f o r a l l methods
a r e based on corn-'
8 p u t i n g s o l i d s with
t h e i r b a s e s con-
structed i n the
plane; v e r t i c a l
1 t h i c k n e s s i s used
for horizontal
plan; h o r i z o n t a l
thickness f o r ver-
t i c a l o r longitu-
dinal sections;
and t r u e t h i c k n e s s
FIGURE 1. - Transforming a True Mineral Body Into an Imaginary Auxiliary f o r i n c l i n e longi-
One. A, Vertical section of true body; B,vertical section of t u d i n a l s e c t i o n s
distorted auxiliary body. drawn i n t h e plane
of t h e d i p of t h e
m i n e r a l body. The r e l a t i o n s h i p s between t h e t r u e , h o r i z o n t a l , and v e r t i c a l
thicknesses are:

ttr = th s i n g = t o c o s g ( 1)
where 9 i s t h e t r u e d i p of t h e body ( f i g . 2A).

I n r e s e r v e computations, t h e t r u e s t r i k e and t h e t r u e d i p of t h e d e p o s i t ,
o r i t s p o r t i o n under c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a r e determined f i r s t of a l l . C o r r e c t i o n s
f o r d i p t a k e n i n a d i r e c t i o n n o t p e r p e n d i c u l a r t o t h e s t r i k e a r e made from
s p e c i a l l y prepared t a b l e s or by a p r o t r a c t o r d e s c r i b e d i n f i e l d geology
textbooks (ll,33).
 w
FIGURE 2 , - True, Horizontal and Vert ical Thicknesses-Analytical Relationsh ip. A, t t r =
th sin @ = t, cos 8 ; B , strike correction - ttl = t cos a ( p = 90° e = 0); c,
'? p
dip correction (a = OO); D, general case - block dtagrarn.
 I n e x p l o r a t i o n , t h i c k n e s s e s u s u a l l y a r e measured a t o b l i q u e d i r e c t i o n s t o
t h e t r u e s t r i k e and t h e t r u e d i p of t h e body. Such a p p a r e n t t h i c k n e s s e s a r e
c o r r e c t e d by g r a p h i c a l means, by t r i g o n o m e t r i c f o r m u l a s , and by c h a r t s and
tables .
When t h i c k n e s s i s measured a t a n o b l i q u e a n g l e t o t h e s t r i k e , i t 'is c o t -
r e c t e d by c o s a i n a s i m p l e c a s e of a v e r t i c a l o r e body and h o r i z o n t a l work-
i n g s , where a i s a n a n g l e between t h e a p p a r e n t t h i c k n e s s p l a n e and a p l a n e
p e r p e n d i c u l a r t o t h e s t r i k e ( f i g . 22).

When t h e t h i c k n e s s i s measured a t a n o b l i q u e a n g l e t o t h e t r u e d i p of t h e
d e p o s i t , t h e t r u e t,. h o r i z o n t a l t h , and v e r t i c a l t, t h i c k n e s s e s i n a s i m p l e
c a s e of a e q u a l 0" ( f ~ g .22) a r e

sin (B + 8)
t h = t a p sin@ '

s i n (B + 8)
and tv = t a p
COS 0 '
where 0 i s a n a n g l e i n t e r s e c t i n g t h e body i n t h e p l a n e of t h e t r u e d i p ;
P -
t h e d i p of t h e body; and
t,, -
apparent thickness.

I n a g e n e r a l c a s e when t h e d i p of t h e body and h o l e i n c l i n a t i o n a r e uncon-

formable ( h o l e c r o s s i n g t h e body a t s h a r p a n g l e t o t h e s t r i k e and t o t h e d i p ) ,
t h e t h i c k n e s s e s a r e found by f o r m u l a s ( f i g . 2 s )

t t , = t,, cos $ c o s 0 (COS a t a n + tan a), or

= t,, (cos a s i n B cos 0 t cos B sin a), (5)

th = t a p (COSa c o s 0 + c o t a n i! s i n 0 ) , (6)

and & = t a p cos 0 ( c o s a t a n B + t a n e), (7)

where a is a n a n g l e between t h e p l a n e of t h e d i p and t h e p l a n e of h o l e

direction;
6 -
d i p of body; and
0 -
a n g l e of t h e h o l e i n t e r s e c t i n g t h e body.

B a s i c Assumptions

whatever method i s used f o r r e s e r v e computations s e v e r a l assumptions a r e

t a k e n f o r g r a n t e d . The c h i e f one i s t h a t t h e b a s i c e l e m e n t s of a m i n e r a l body
observed o r e s t a b l i s h e d a t any s t a t i o n ( s u r f a c e exposure, d r i l l h o l e , o r under-
ground workings) change o r e x t e n d t o t h e a d j o i n i n g a r e a a c c o r d i n g t o an appro-
p r i a t e p r i n c i p l e of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a . It i s assumed a l s o
t h a t o b s e r v a t i o n s a r e m d e i n c o n f o r m i t y with t h e n a t u r e of a g i v e n d e p o s i t
 and t h a t t h e samples a r e
Hole A C Hole B taken w i t h the same p r e c i -
s i o n and a r e r e p r e s e n t a -
t i v e of a s e l e c t e d p o r t i o n
of t h e mineral body. When
o b s e r v a t i o n s a r e doubtful
o r i n a d e q u a t e i n number,
t h e r e s u l t s of t h e compu-
t a t i o n s a r e u n c e r t a i n or
erroneous.

Another important
presumption i s t h a t t h e
m i n e r a l d e p o s i t has been
4explor ed by an a p p r o p r i a t e
e x p l o r a t i o n method, and
-
FIGURE 3. Analytical Interpretation of Values Between Two t h a t t h e n e t of workings
Adjoining Stations (Rule of Gradual Changes). prove t h e c o n t i n u i t y of
t h e body. This hypothesis
p e r m i t s c o n s i d e r a t i o n of any element a s having a c o n s t a n t v a l u e f o r a block,
segment, o r t h e e n t i r e m i n e r a l body. Thus, t h e problem of computation i s
reduced t o determining t h e volume of a block, segment, o r body by mathematical
means.

F i n a l l y , i t i s assumed f o r t h e purpose of computations, t h a t the t r u e and

o f t e n complex form of t h e mineral body can be r e p r e s e n t e d with reasonable
accuracy by a h y p o t h e t i c a l body with a b a s e s u r f a c e l y i n g i n t h e plan or sec-
t i o n . Such a n i d e a l i z e d body may embrace t h e e n t i r e d e p o s i t , o r i t may be
composed of l a r g e segments o r small b l o c k s , each c h a r a c t e r i z e d by a s i n g l e o r
a s u i t e of recorded v a r i a b l e s .
P r i n c i p l e s of I n t e r p r e t a t i o n

The r e a s o n i n g used i n i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of v a r i a b l e s between any two a d j a -

c e n t o b s e r v a t i o n s i n a m i n e r a l body determines t h e block c o n s t r u c t i o n and t h e
accuracy of computations. These p r i n c i p l e s a r e a n a l y t i c a l , n a t u r a l o r i n t r i n -
s i c , and empirical. The a n a l y t i c a l group i n c l u d e s t h e r u l e of gradual s t r a i ' g h t
l i n e changes of a l l b a s i c elements of a m i n e r a l body and t h e r u l e o f n e a r e s t
p o i n t s , or e q u a l s p h e r e of i n £ luence. Geologic, techno l o g i c , and economic
c r i t e r i a make up t h e n a t u r a l or i n t r i n s i c group, and g e n e r a l i z a t i o n t h e empiri-
c a l r u l e of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n .

A p p l i c a t i o n of t h e a n a l y t i c a l and n a t u r a l p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n
a r e l i m i t e d t o s p e c i f i c c o n d i t i o n s , necessary and s u f f i c i e n t f o r c e r t a i n type
and s i z e of d e p o s i t s , and f o r c e r t a i n c a t e g o r i e s of r e s o u r c e s .
Rule of Gradual Changes
Mathematical Procedure
According t o t h e r u l e of gradual changes o r law of l i n e a r f u n c t i o n , a l l
elements of a m i n e r a l body t h a t can be expressed n u m e r i c a l l y change gradually
and continuously along a s t r a i g h t Line connecting two a d j o i n i n g s t a t i o n s ( f i g ,
3 ) . Let us c o n s i d e r two a d j o i n i n g s t a t i o n s o r h o l e s A and B with thicknesses
t, and h . Location of a point C on l i n e AB with a g i v e n t h i c k n e s s t, may be
found a n a l y t i c a l l y and g r a p h i c a l l y by t h i s r u l e ; v i c e v e r s a , t h e t h i c k n e s s t,
may be found f o r a given point C by s i m i l a r procedures. To l o c a t e p o i n t C
with given t h i c k n e s s t, on l i n e AB, t r i a n g l e s A 1 C 2 q and A 1 & B I a r e s i m i l a r ,
thus

Al C& = AC and A1 & = AB ,

AC =
(tc - tl)
AB;
(t2 - tl

and t o determine t h i c k n e s s t, f o r a given p o i n t C ,

-G= - AlG or ( t , -
t l ) = -AC
BrBz 1 % (tz-ti) AB'

t o - tl
AC
=;iii(t2 - t,),

and

I n surveying, equations (8) and ( 9 ) a r e known a s formulas of simple

interpretation.

The r u l e of g r a d u a l changes can be a p p l i e d t o o t h e r parameters of a

mineral body such a s grade and weight f a c t o r s , a s w e l l a s t o a r e a s , l i n e a r
r e s e r v e s , volumes, and tonnages. It may b e used a l s o i n d e l i n e a t i n g t h e com-
m e r c i a l p o r t i o n of t h e deposit and t o determine a given v a l u e a t an unknown
p o i n t on t h e e x t e n s i o n ' o f a l i n e beyond known s t a t i o n s . I n p r a c t i c e , i n t e r -
p o l a t i o n and e x t r a p o l a t i o n a r e done by graphic means.

Graphic Procedure
To determine by v e c t o r s p o i n t D with a g i v e n t h i c k n e s s td of 5 f e e t , on a
l i n e AB with t, e q u a l t o 4
f ~ - ~ f f'e e t a t s t a t i o n A and

-
f2-7ff equal t o 7 f e e t a t s t a t i o n B,
AwA2 B td fd-5fr
5- r a i s e a p e r p e n d i c u l a r from
s t a t i o n B e q u a l t o t2 td , -
o r 2 f e e t , and drop a per-
A2 p e n d i c u l a r from s t a t i o n A
4 0 4
e q u a l t o t, -
tl , o r 1 f o o t
scots. feet ( f i g . 4 ) . Connect p o i n t s
A2 and & with a s t r a i g h t
-
FIGURE 4. Finding the Locotion of Point D With Thickness l i n e ; t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n of
Five Feet b y Means of Vectors (Rule of Gradual l i n e s A2 & and AB i s
Changes). p o i n t D.
 FIGURE 5. - F i n d i n g Thickness
td for P o i n t D (Rule
of Gradual Changes).

FIGURE 6. - F i n d i n g Thickness t, for Point C and F i n d i n g Point D for Thickness t d = 5 Feet

b y Means of a Special Template (Rule of Graduol Changes).
 F i n d i n g t h i c k n e s s td f o r any given p o i n t on l i n e AB i s i l l u s t r a t e d by
f i g u r e 5. R a i s e a p e r p e n d i c u l a r A& e q u a l t o tl from s t a t i o n A and a perpen-
d i c u l a r B& e q u a l t o t2 from s t a t i o n B. Connect t h e p o i n t s A2 and & w i t h
s t r a i g h t l i n e . The t h i c k n e s s f o r a given p o i n t D on l i n e AB w i l l b e t h e
l e n g t h of a p e r p e n d i c u l a r DLk r a i s e d from D t o t h e l i n e A2& .
For t h e same p u r p o s e s p e c i a l t e m p l a t e s may b e u s e d , c o n s i s t i n g of a
s e r i e s of p a r a l l e l l i n e s drawn t o s c a l e on t r a c i n g c l o t h o r engraved on c l e a r
p l a s t i c . The l i n e s a r e e q u i d i s t a n t and may be marked by a p p r o p r i a t e u n i t v a l -
ues ( f i g . 6 ) . To f i n d , i n our example, t h i c k n e s s t, f o r p o i n t C on l i n e AB,
t h e t e m p l a t e i s p l a c e d s o t h a t B w i l l c o i n c i d e w i t h t h e l i n e marked 7 f e e t .
Let u s t u r n t h e t e m p l a t e around p o i n t B u n t i l A i n t e r s e c t s t h e l i n e marked 4 .
A supplementary l i n e drawn p a r a l l e l t o o t h e r l i n e s w i l l show t h i c k n e s s f o r
p o i n t C e q u a l t o 6.2 f e e t . A p o i n t D w i t h t h i c k n e s s of 5 f e e t between t h e v a l -
ues of A and B i s found by a s i m p l e i n t e r s e c t i o n of 5.0 f e e t l i n e and l i n e AB.
?
Rule of Nearest P o i n t s , o r Equal I n f l u e n c e

According t o t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s , o r "equal s p h e r e of i n £ luence",

t h e v a l u e of any p o i n t between two s t a t i o n s i s c o n s i d e r e d c o n s t a n t , e q u a l t o
t h e v a l u e of t h e n e a r e s t s t a t i o n . I n a g e n e r a l c a s e of h o l e s A and B w i t h
t h i c k n e s s tl and tz , t h e v a l u e of each one e x t e n d s t o t h e m i d p o i n t X between
holes ( f i g . 7). I n p r a c t i c e t h e midpoint i s found by t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n of two
a r c s of a c i r c l e w i t h r a d i i s l i g h t l y more t h a n h a l f t h e d i s t a n c e between t h e
s t a t i o n s , o r by a s p e c i a l template ( f i g . 8). Any p o i n t on l i n e AB, e x c e p t X ,
i s i n s i d e t h e " l i n e a r i n f l u e n c e t t of a s t a t i o n A o r B and n e a r e r t o i t t h a n t o
t h e a d j o i n i n g one. Thus, t h i s p r o p e r t y g i v e s t h e r u l e i t s name of n e a r e s t
p o i n t s . I n t h e s e c t i o n AB t h e a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e f o r a g i v e n t h i c k n e s s tl of
h o l e A and f o r a g - i v e n t h i c k n e s s ta of h o l e B a r e shown by d i f f e r e n t p a t t e r n s
(fig. 7).

The r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s i s widely used f o r c o n s t r u c t i o n of e q u a l

s p h e r e s of i n f l u e n c e f o r a r e a s and volumes of i n d i v i d u a 1 workings. The

FIGURE 7. - lnterpretat ion of Values

Between Two Adioining
Holes i n Section (Rule
of Nearest Points).
 FIGURE 8. - Template or Guide
toFind the Midpoint
Between Two Points
(Rule of Nearest

u
Scale, units

a p p l i c a t i o n v a r i e s due t o t h e type and d i s t r i b u t i o n of w o r k i n g s , and whether

t h e s e workings a r e p r e s e n t e d on maps i n t h e form of d o t s o r l i n e s . S e v e r a l of
t h e more common c a s e s a r e d e s c r i b e d below.
Case of Two Underground I n t e t s e c t i n ~Workings
When a d r i f t and a r a i s e i n t e r s e c t i n a p l a n e of a map, t h e a r e a s of
e q u a l i n f l u e n c e of each working are found by b i s e c t i n g t h e a n g l e between them.
Any p o i n t on t h e b i s e c t o r i s e q u i d i s t a n t from both workings, a n d any point
w i t h i n each a r e a of i n f l u e n c e i s n e a r e r t o t h e a d j o i n i n g working than t o t h e
other (fig. 9).
Case of Two P a r a l l e l Workings
A line c o n s t r u c t e d e q u i d i s t a n t between two p a r a l l e l w o r k i n g s , such a s
trenches, d r i f t s , c r o s s c u t s , r a i s e s , and d r i l l holes, w i l l d i v i d e t h e i n t e r -
vening a r e a i n t o two a r e a s of equal i n f l u e n c e , each s a t i s f y i n g t h e p r o p e r t y of
n e a r e s t p o i n t s ( f i g . 10).

G e n e r a l Case of Underground Workings

When a b l o c k i s developed by d r i f t s and r a i s e s on a l l f o u r s i d e s , t h e

area between them i s d i v i d e d i n t o f o u r a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e by a combination of
a n g l e b i s e c t o r s and p a r a l l e l l i n e s ( f i g . 11). To s a t i s f y t h e p r o p e r t y of
 FIGUR E 9. - Angle Bisector Manner of Interpreta-
Raise tion of Values Between Two Inter-
secting Underground Workings (Rule
of Nearest Points).

,'= Drift

FIGURE 10. - Interpretation of VoluesBe-

tween Two Parallel Under-
ground Workings (Rule of
Nearest Points).

1
FIGURE 11. - lnterpretotion
of Values for the
Case of Parallel
Raise and Intersecting
Workings (Rule of
Nearest Points).
Drift

e q u a l i n f l u e n c e - f o r each p a i r of workings i n t h e b l o c k , only t h e i l l u s t r a t e d

construction i s possible.

Case of E q u i l a t e r a l T r i a n g l e

I n a n e q u i l a t e r a l t r i a n g l e t h e a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e of each v e r t e x a r e
found by c o n s t r u c t i n g p e r p e n d i c u l a r b i s e c t o r s from t h e midpoint of each s i d e
( f i g . 12A). The i n t e r s e c t i o n of t h e b i s e c t o r s i s e q u i d i s t a n t from t h e v e r -
t e x e s ; i t i s t h e c e n t e r of a c i r c l e p a s s i n g t h r o u g h t h e t h r e e v e r t e x e s .

By c o n s t r u c t i n g a n g l e b i s e c t o r s , d i f f e r e n t shaped a r e a s a r e formed
( f i g . 12;) i n comparison with p e r p e n d i c u l a r b i s e c t o r s . T h i s manner of
d i v i d i n g a t r i a n g l e i s c a l l e d t h e r u l e of g r a v i t y .

Case of a n Obtuse T r i a n g l e

I n an o b t u s e , t r i a n g l e , the angle b i s e c t o r s w i l l divide the f i g u r e i n t o

t h r e e a r e a s d i f f e r e n t i n shape, b u t e q u a l i n s i z e ( f i g . 13). The p o i n t of
 B i n t e r s e c t i o n of the
a n g l e b i s e c t o r s , o r the
c e n t e r of t h e g r a v i t y o f
t h e t r i a n g l e , i s much
c l o s e r t o t h e v e r t e x of
t h e obtuse angle than t o
the other vertexes.
Therefore, t h e c e n t e r as
c well a s other points o f
t h e t r i a n g l e , a r e incon-
s i s t e n t with the r u l e o f
nearest points.

FIGURE 12. - Construction of Areos of Influence in Equilateral
Triangles (Rule of Nearest Points). A, Perpen-
dicular bisector manner of constructing areas of
influence (areas are to vertexes A, 6, and C); B,
angle bisector manner of constructing areas of
influence (areas ore to l i n e s AB, BC, and AC).
s a t i s f y t h e p r o p e r t y of t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s .
Areas of i n f l u e n c e
c o n s t r u c t e d by perpendic-
u l a r b i s e c t o r s i n an
o b t u s e t r i a n g l e a r e of
erent sires, b u t t h e
v e r r e x e s are e q u i d i s
from t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n of
t h e p e r p e n d i c u l a r s . The
a r e a s of i n £ h e n c e o f
such a c o n s t r u c t i o n

G e n e r a l Case

Both manners of c o n s t r u c t i o n of a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e a r e used i n computing

r e s e r v e s . The a n g l e b i s e c t o r manner i s l i m i t e d t o workings p r e s e n t e d on plans
and s e c t i o n s a s l i n e s , such a s i n t e r s e c t i n g underground workings ( f i g . 1 1 ) .

FIGURE 13. - Perpendicular Bisector Versus Angle Bisector Manner of Constructing Areos of
lnfluence in Obtuse Triangles. 11, Perpendicular bisector manner of construct-
ing areos of influence for vertexes A, B, and C; 8, angle bisector manner of
constructing areos of influence for lines AB, BC, and AC; C, angle bisector
manner of constructing areas of influence for vertexes A , 6,and C. T h e last
method i s Incorrect from the standpoint of rule of nearest points ( 0 i s closer to
6 than to A and C).
When t h e workings a r e presented on t h e map a s d o t s ( d r i l l h o l e s ) , t h e a r e a s of
i n f l u e n c e of each one a r e found by t h e p e r p e n d i c u l a r manner of c o n s t r u c t i o n
( f i g . 14). I n t h e l a t t e r case t h e a n g l e b i s e c t o r manner of c o n s t r u c t i o n i s
i n c o r r e c t ( f i g . 15). For the q u a d r i l a t e r a l f i g u r e (ABCD) , t h e a n g l e b i s e c t o r
construct1,on may produce two d i f f e r e n t r e s u l t s , depending on how t h e t r i a n g l e s
a r e drawn ( f i g . 1 6 ) . Construction of a r e a s by perpendicular b i s e c t o r s
( f i g . 17) produces only one s o l u t i o n . For f u r t h e r d i s c u s s i o n s e e s e c t i o n
e n t i t l e d "Method of Polygons".

An a r e a of i n f l u e n c e f o r t h e o u t s i d e perimeter of t h e m i n e r a l body, o r
f o r an i s o l a t e d h o l e , can be c o n s t r u c t e d by t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s , when
H G

LEGE
0 Drill
0 D
Case of exploration by vertical drlll holes. Case of exploration by vertical drill holes

FIGURE 14. -Correct Construction of Areas of FIGURE 15. - Incorrect Consfruction of Poly-
Influence (Polygons) by Perpen- gons by Angle Bisectors (Rule
dicular Bisectors (Rule of Near- of Gravity).
est Points).
L E G E N D
A,gC,D, d r i l l holes

A ABD a n d A BCD

A ABC and
h ACD

Two solutions - depending on constructlon of t r i a n g l e s

( both incorrect 1
FIGURE 16. - Areas of Influence for Quadrilateral Figures (Rule o f Gravity).
 FIGURE 17. - Areas of Influence for Quadriloterol
Figures (Rule of Nearest Points).

O n l y one solution
( correct 1

77------
7 7 - 1 a " s t a n d a r d " mean r a d i u s of
influence f o r a c e r t a i n cate-
Extropolot~on of gory of r e s e r v e s and type of
areas of influence d e p o s i t i s a c c e p t e d . Such
by rule of nearest a r e a s may be c o n s t r u c t e d by a
c i r c l e equal t o the standard
r a d i u s of i n f l u e n c e ( f i g s . 18
and 1 9 ) .

Geologic and Mining

I n f e r enc e

When i n t e r p r e t i n g v a r i a -
b l e s between two ad j o i n i n g
w o r k i n g s , t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of
L E OENO segments o r b l o c k s of a min-
e r a 1 body may b e governed by
7 Armo of intlurnee
insid. p w i m e t r r d i r e c t g e o l o g i c , mining, o r
economic c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . I n

1- ( A r e a of l n f l u r n c r
outside p r r l r n r t e r
a s i m p l e c a s e o f two d r i l l
h o l e s with c o r r e s p o n d i n g t h i c k -
n e s s e s ti and t, of o r e and a
-
FIGURE 18. Areos of Influence for a Square Block fault
(Rule of Nearest Points). between them, t h e s p h e r e of
i n f l u e n c e ( a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e s
f o r s e c t i o n and p l a n ) may be assigned on b a s i s of g e o l o g i c i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , a s
i l l u s t r a t e d i n f i g u r e 20; t h a t i s , t h e t h i c k n e s s tl i s c o n s i g n e d t o o r e
Setween t h e h o l e A and t h e f a u l t , and t h e t h i c k n e s s t2 between t h e f a u l t and
h o l e B.
 FIGURE 19. - Area of Influence for an Isolated Hole.

Vertical f o u l t

LEGEND

Area of i n f l u e n c e
for A h o l e

Area of influence
for B h o l e

PLAN
FIGURE 20. - Geologic Interpretation of Areas of Influence Between T w o Adioining Stations.
 Motives f o r geologic i n f e r e n c e i n c l u d e n a t u r a l geologic boundaries due to
s t r u c t u r a l f e a t u r e s ( s y n c l i n e s , a n t i c l i n e s , f a u l t s , or o t h e r d i s l o c a t i o n s ,
changes i n s t r i k e o r d i p ) ; changes i n c h a r a c t e r of m i n e r a l i z a t i o n ; t h i n n i n g
o u t o r p i t c h i n g of o r e s h o o t s ; zoning; w e a t h e r i n g ; d i f f e r e n t p h y s i c a l proper-
t i e s ; heterogenous composition; v a r i e d a l t e r a t i o n ; and presence of d e t r i m e n t a l
c o n s t i t u e n t s , such a s ash and s u l f u r i n c o a l .

C o m n technologic, physiographic, and economic grounds f o r i n f e r e n c e i n

c o n s t r u c t i o n of blocks a r e topography, t h i c k n e s s of overburden, r a t i o of over-
burden t o t h i c k n e s s of m i n e r a l body, d e p t h , water l e v e l , mining methods, proc-
e s s i n g methods, and c o s t of e x t r a c t i o n ; a l s o p r o p e r t y , s e c t i o n , township, and
s t a t e boundaries. An example of block c o n s t r u c t i o n on t h e b a s i s of s t r u c t u r a l
changes i n a phosphate r o c k d e p o s i t and a v a i l a b i l i t y of o r e f o r open p i t
mining i s given i n f i g u r e 21.

Scale, feet

FIGURE 21. - Construction of Geologic Blocks on the Basis of Structural Changes.

 Rule of G e n e r a l i z a t i o n

The r u l e of g e n e r a l i z a t i o n i s a l s o known as t h e e m p i r i c a l method and, i n

i t s extreme, a s t h e r u l e of thumb. It i s used f r e q u e n t l y f o r i n t e r p r e t a t i o n
of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a . .In c o n t r a s t with t h e more o b j e c t i v e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
d e s c r i b e d p r e v i o u s l y , such a r u l e is used r a t h e r a r b i t r a r i l y . It i s o f t e n
adapted f o r l a c k of o t h e r c r i t e r i a on t h e b a s i s of l i m i t e d e x p e r i e n c e , o r a s
a m a t t e r of judgment and g e n e r a l l y r e f l e c t s p a s t e x p e r i e n c e and opinion.
.
I n many c a s e s , t h e use of t h e r u l e i s j u s t i f i a b l e and unavoidable.
Adapting a d e f i n i t e weight f a c t o r f o r r e s e r v e computations from o t h e r s i m i l a r
m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s i s probably t h e most common example. S e l e c t i n g s p e c i f i c
limits f o r t h e s i z e of blocks i n c l a s s i f y i n g r e s e r v e s by c a t e g o r i e s f o r c e r -
t a i n m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s o r assuming f a c t o r v a l u e s f o r r e s e r v e s on t h e b a s i s of
production d a t a , r a t h e r than d i r e c t l y from widely spaced d r i l l h o l e s with
i r r e g u l a r o r d o u b t f u l v a l u e s , a r e g e n e r a l i z a t i o n s . P r o j e c t i n g c o n t i n u i t y of
a m i n e r a l body beyond t h e outlying workings a l o n g t h e s t r i k e o r a t depth and
f i x i n g c u t o f f boundaries f o r computations a r e o t h e r examples.

The following procedure was used f o r e x t r a p o l a t i o n of boundaries of

uranium d e p o s i t s between d r i l l h o l e s , some of which c r o s s e d o r e , s t r o n g l y min-
e r a l i z e d ground, weakly mineralized ground, and b a r r e n r o c k . The c u t o f f
boundary between two h o l e s was s e l e c t e d a s t h r e e - f o u r t h s o r t w o - t h i r d s t h e
d i s t a n c e from o r e t o a strongly m i n e r a l i z e d h o l e , one-half t o a weakly min-
e r a l i z e d h o l e , and one- t h i r d t o a b a r r e n h o l e (63).

Many e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s e x e r c i s e t h e above p r i n c i p l e by a r b i t r a r i l y reduc-

i n g a r e a s , average t h i c k n e s s e s , and grades f o r i n d i v i d u a l blocks and bodies
and even c o r r e c t i n g t h e computed r e s e r v e s by s u b j e c t i v e c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r s .

V a r i a b i l i t y Within Minera 1 Deposits

The preceding r u l e s and t h e i n f e r e n c e s based on g e o l o g i c and mining con-

d i t i o n s lead t o well-defined methods f o r r e s e r v e computation. Commonly , how-
e v e r , t h e information a v a i l a b l e i s such t h a t i n f e r e n c e s and t h e a p p l i c a b i l i t y
of t h e preceding r u l e s i s not always c l e a r c u t . This may occur i n t h e e a r l i e r
s t a g e s of e x p l o r a t i o n where t h e amount of information i s s p a r s e . It may a l s o
occur i n any s t a g e of development i f the n a t u r a l v a r i a b i l i t y w i t h i n t h e min-
e r a l d e p o s i t i s r e l a t i v e l y high. This v a r i a b i l i t y tends t o mask t h e s i g n i f i -
cance and r e l a t i o n s h i p s t h a t a r e p r e s e n t i n t h e i n f o r m t i o n g a t h e r e d on a
mineral d e p o s i t . It i s the f u n c t i o n of s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s t o remove t h i s
mask and t o a s s e s s t h e s i g n i f i c a n c e and r e l a t i o n s h i p s t h a t a r e i n h e r e n t i n a
s e t of d a t a . I f t h e v a r i a b i l i t y w i t h i n a d e p o s i t i s r e l a t i v e l y h i g h , t h e
a p p l i c a t i o n of some s t a t i s t i c a l procedure may be n e c e s s a r y b e f o r e a n i n t e l l i -
gent s e l e c t i o n of method of r e s e r v e computation can be made. On t h e o t h e r
hand, i f t h e v a r i a b i l i t y i s r e l a t i v e l y s m a l l a s compared t o meaningful pat-
t e r n s and t r e n d s i n t h e information, t h e s e l e c t i o n of a method of r e s e r v e
computation may r e q u i r e no p r i o r s t a t i s t i c a l t r e a t m e n t of t h e d a t a .

I n t h e mining i n d u s t r y s t a t i s t i c a l procedures have been used i n examining

mine and e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a t o d e t e c t p a t t e r n s and t r e n d s , t o c o r r e l a t e
v a r i a b l e s , and " t o develop numerical d a t a from which t h e r e l i a b i l i t y of e s t i -
mates can b e assessed" (32). P a r t l y because t h e s e procedures a r e w e l l adapted
t o e l e c t r o n i c computing, they have been u s e f u l i n o b t a i n i n g t h e maximum amount
of information from s p a r s e e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a and i n handling l a r g e amounts of
d a t a from o p e r a t i n g p r o p e r t i e s . The a p p l i c a t i o n of s t a t i s t i c a l methods t o . t h e
r e s u l t s of sampling and r e s e r v e computations has been d i s c u s s e d i n many
p u b l i c a t i o n s (4-2, 15-18, 22, 62).

S t a t i s t i c a l procedures a r e g e n e r a l l y u s e f u l i n i s o l a t i n g changes o r v a r i -
a b i l i t y t h a t i s due t o chance from changes t h a t a r e "real." The r e l i a b i l i t y
of e s t i m a t e s i s developed from t h e v a r i a b i l i t y t h a t i s due t o chance. I n d a t a
obtained from m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s , t h i s v a r i a b i l i t y may a r i s e from a random d i s -
t r i b u t i o n of v a l u e s w i t h i n t h e region considered. As t h e region considered i s
enlarged, " r e a l " changes o r t r e n d s i n v a r i a b l y appear and t h e v a l u e s w i t h i n
t h i s enlarged r e g i o n can no longer b e c o n s i d e r e d random. It i s g e n e r a l l y use-
f u l and l o g i c a l t o c o n s i d e r changes i n v a l u e s w i t h i n a d e p o s i t a s t h e super-
p o s i t i o n of changes which a r e r e a l or due t o a t r e n d and changes which a r e due
t o chance and explained by a l o c a l l y random d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a l u e s .

According t o most e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s , an assumption of random d i s t r i b u t i o n

of v a r i a b l e s i s c o n t r a r y t o t h e b a s i c g e o l o g i c h y p o t h e s i s of t h e o r i g i n of
mineral d e p o s i t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y sedimentary (53). This school c o n s i d e r s each
d e p o s i t a geochemical f i e l d , a s t r u c t u r a l f i e l d , o r combination of both. Com-
m e r c i a l c o n c e n t r a t i o n and d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a l u a b l e components w i t h i n such
f i e l d s r e s u l t from t h e g e n e s i s of t h e d e p o s i t . The n a t u r a l processes govern-
i n g d e p o s i t i o n and migration of minerals may be superimposed upon each o t h e r ,
or even be a d v e r s e t o each o t h e r , thus c r e a t i n g a n i n t r i c a t e d i s t r i b u t i o n of
v a l u a b l e components. Advocates of t h e geochemical school consider grade and
thicknees changes i n a m i n e r a l body t o be due t o t h e mode of o r i g i n and hidden
i r r e g u l a r i t i e s i n t h e i r d i s t r i b u t i o n . The v a r i a b l e s and t h e i r r e l i a b i l i t y
depends on t h e p l a c e of observation i n t h e m i n e r a l body. Thus, according t o
this s c h o o l , each v a r i a b l e i s a f u n c t i o n of space of c o o r d i n a t e s XYZ. Grade
a t a given p o i n t may d e v i a t e from mean g r a d e , but t h e degree of d e v i a t i o n
depends on t h e morphology of t h e body and on t h e p a r t i c u l a r s of o b s e r v a t i o n s
and sampling.

On t h e o t h e r hand, t h e opponents of t h e above hypothesis b e l i e v e t h a t

adverse geologic processes together with l o c a l and a c c i d e n t a l changes, u s u a l l y
produce no c l e a r o r d e r l y r e g u l a r i t i e s i n t h e t h i c k n e s s and grade of t h e min-
e r a l body. Much of t h i s d i f f e r e n c e of o p i n i o n might be explained by t h e s c a l e
on which t h e phenomena i s viewed.

Weighting

Weighting i s t h e o p e r a t i o n of a s s i g n i n g f a c t o r s t o each of a number of

o b s e r v a t i o n s t o r e p r e s e n t t h e i r r e l a t i v e v a l u e , a l l o c a t i o n , o r importance when
compared with o t h e r o b s e r v a t i o n s of t h e same s u i t e . I n t h e mining i n d u s t r y ,
t h e p r i n c i p l e of weighting i s widely used i n computing averages of v a r i a b l e s
and r e s e r v e s of m i n e r a l bodies. A l l o c a t i o n s of weights a r e made i n u n i t s of
Length, a r e a , volume, and tonnage on t h e b a s i s of d i f f e r e n t p r i n c i p l e s of
i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , mainly the r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s , geo l o g i c , mining, and o t h e r
considerations.
 The u s e of weighting i n each p a r t i c u l a r c a s e depends on t h e a n a l y s i s of
e x p l o r a t o r y d a t a . I n s e c t i o n a l sampling, a c r o s s a wide m i n e r a l body, weight-
i n g may be compulsory f o r computation of average g r a d e over t h e e n t i r e width
of a v e i n with d i f f e r e n t metal v a l u e s n e a r t h e hanging w a l l and f o o t w a l l . I n
a l l methods of r e s e r v e computations, t h e p r i n c i p l e of weighting i s a p p l i e d t o
i n d i v i d u a l blocks of d i f f e r e n t s i z e s t o determine a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s and aver-
age g r a d e of t h e e n t i r e d e p o s i t .

I n c e r t a i n c a s e s , weighting by a n a r e a of i n f l u e n c e i s n o t a p p r o p r i a t e .
For a r e g i o n w i t h i n which t h e v a l u e s a r e randomly d i s t r i b u t e d , no sample by
d e f i n i t i o n h a s an a r e a of i n f l u e n c e ; hence, weighting samples w i t h i n t h i s
r e g i o n by a n a r e a of i n f l u e n c e i s n o t l o g i c a l i n o b t a i n i n g an average f o r t h e
region. Thus, t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s i s n o t a p p l i c a b l e f o r t h i s c a s e .
However, t h i s does not mean t h e samples from such a r e g i o n should n o t b e
weighted f o r some o t h e r reason when computing t h e r e g i o n average.

Application

A l l t h e above p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n a r e used i n v a l u a t i o n of min-

e r a l d e p o s i t s . A study of t h e common methods of computations d i s c l o s e s t h a t
block c o n s t r u c t i o n i s u s u a l l y based on one d e f i n i t e p r i n c i p l e , and o t h e r prin-
c i p l e s , o f t e n secondary i n importance, a p p l i e d a s supplementary o p e r a t i o n s
( t a b l e 1 ) . The p r i n c i p l e s of s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s , weighting, and g e n e r a l i z a -
t i o n a r e used i n a l l conventional methods.

TABLE 1. - P r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a used i n
c o n s t r u c t i o n of blocks and r e s e r v e computations

(XXY - Predominant; XX - Supplementary but i n f l u e n t i a l ; X - Secondary)

Reserve computations: Intrinsic I Ana l y t i c a 1 Rule of

Conventiona 1 methods Geologic I Mining and I Rule of ( Rule of general-
and m o d i f i c a t i o n s I - I economics 1 gradual 1 nearest 1 ization
Average f a c t o r s and a r e a :
Analogous ................. XXX XX
Geologic blocks.. ......... XXX X
Mining blocks...............
P I =
Cross s e c t i o n s :
Standard.................. XX
Linear..................., XX
Isolines.................. XK

T r i a n g u l a r prisms. .......... I Xx I -
Polvgonal prisms............ I -
The leading p r i n c i p l e i n a v e r a g e f a c t o r s and a r e a methods i s based on
geologic c r i t e r i a . Mining, economic, and t o l e s s e r e x t e n t , geologic c r i t e r i a
s u p p o r t t h e mining b l o c k s method. The r u l e of g r a d u a l changes i s b a s i c t o t h e
method of t r i a n g u l a r p r i s m s and t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s t o t h e method of
p o l y g o n a l p r i s m s . The r u l e of g r a d u a l changes i s t h e predominant p r i n c i p l e i n
t h e s t a n d a r d and i s o l i n e s c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods, and t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t
p o i n t s i s used i n t h e l i n e a r c r o s s - s e c t i o n method.

Computations

Basic Parameters

The b a s i c p a r a m e t e r s f o r computing r e s e r v e s of a m i n e r a l d e p o s i t i n c l u d e
t h i c k n e s s and a r e a
m i n e r a l body; g r a d e
-- q u a n t i t a t i v e i n d i c a t o r s of form, s i z e , and volume of t h e
t h e q u a l i t a t i v e i n d i c a t o r of v a l u e s and t h e i r d i s t r i b u -
t i o n i n t h e d e p o s i t ; and weight f a c t o r o r s p e c i f i c g r a v i t v - indicator for
tonnage computations.

I n most d e p o s i t s t h i c k n e s s and grade v a r y from p l a c e t o p l a c e i n g r e a t e r

d e g r e e t h a n t h e weight f a c t o r . For s i m p l i c i t y t h e l a t t e r i s c o n s i d e r e d con-
stant i n t h i s report.

Thickness and Area

Measurements of t h e t h i c k n e s s of a m i n e r a l body a r e t a k e n d i r e c t l y by a
s e r i e s o f o b s e r v a t i o n s , s c a l e d from maps and s e c t i o n s , or computed, and t h e n
arithmetica l l y averaged,

Area i s measured d i r e c t l y from maps by p l a n i m e t e r i n g , by t h e u s e o f

s p e c i a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d t e m p l a t e s , by geometric computations , and i n d i r e c t l y by
computing from s u r v e y d a t a .

P l a n i m e t er i n g

A t least two p l a n i m e t e r r e a d i n g s t a k e n i n o p p o s i t e d i r e c t i o n s a r e neces-

s a r y t o a c h i e v e c o r r e c t r e s u l t s . I f t h e s e r e a d i n g s v a r y by l e s s t h a n 2 p e r -
c e n t , t h e a v e r a g e i s a c c e p t e d a s t r u e . The s c a l e of t h e s e l e c t e d maps should
meet t h e a c c u r a c y r e q u i r e m e n t s of t h e s m a l l e s t a r e a measured.
/

Templates

Templates may be of s q u a r e p a t t e r n , where each s q u a r e h a s a c e r t a i n unit-

a r e a v a l u e ; of d o t t e d p a t t e r n , where each d o t i s t h e c e n t e r of a u n i t of e q u a l
a r e a ; o r , of p a r a l l e l l i n e s p a t t e r n with a s e r i e s of e q u i d i s t a n t l i n e s drawn
t o s c a l e (figs. 2 2 , 23, 24). The u s e of t e m p l a t e s w i t h t h e f i r s t two p a t t e r n s
i s self-evident. I n t h e c a s e of t h e p a r a l l e l l i n e s t e m p l a t e t h e l e n g t h s o f
a l l l i n e s w i t h i n t h e m i n e r a l body a r e t o t a l e d ; t h e sum of l e n g t h s m u l t i p l i e d
by t h e u n i t v a l u e of t h e s c a l e e q u a l t h e t o t a l a r e a . Two d i f f e r e n t p o s i t i o n s
of a t e m p l a t e a r e t a k e n f o r p r e c i s e measurements and t h e a v e r a g e a c c e p t e d a s
 Surface Elev.

Scale in units
5-17.5 sq units
FIGURE 22. - Square Pattern Template.

One dot = I 0 sq units

S = 460 sq units
FIGURE 23. - Dotted Pattern Template.

10 FIGURE 24. - Parallel Lines

Template.

5
 the t r u e a r e a . I n prac-
t i c e , t h e square p a t t e r n
i s u s e d when t h e a r e a i s
50 u n i t s o r less.
h-common interval
of off sets Geometric Computations

I r r e g u l a r l y shaped
a r e a s may be d i v i d e d
i n t ~simple geometric
f i g u r e s ; t h a t i s , tri-
a n g l e s , squares, t e t r a -
gons, and t r a p e z o i d s .
The dimensions of each
f i g u r e can be s c a l e d
from maps o r deduced
from survey n o t e s and
t h e a r e a computed. The
t o t a l a r e a i s equal t o
t h e sum of t h e c a l c u -
l a t e d f i g u r e s . The most
+
=h -+ 2 h+...
o2+O3+ ... + an - 1
counnon formulas f o r
plain figures, triangle,
s q u a r e , r e c t a n g l e , and
parallelogram a r e well
FIGURE 26. - Trapezoidal Rule. known. Formulas f o r t h e
t r a p e z o i d follow.

Trapezoid F o m l a . - An a r e a of a simple t r a p e z o i d i s

where a and b a r e p a r a l l e l s i d e s of t h e f i g u r e and h t h e perpendicular d i s -

t a n c e ( f i g . 25).

T r a p e z o i d a l Rule. - An i r r e g u l a r a r e a may be s u b d i v i d e d i n t o an even num-

b e r of t r a p e z o i d a l f i g u r e s by a s e r i e s of e q u i d i s t a n t p a r a l l e l l i n e s , o r o r d i -
n a t e s ( f i g . 26). Assuming t h a t t h e boundaries of t h e s t r i p s between t h e o r d i -
n a t e s a r e s t r a i g h t l i n e s , t h e e n t i r e i r r e g u l a r a r e a may be computed by t h e
trapezoidal r u l e ,
where h i s a corrrmon i n t e r v a l between p a r a l l e l l i n e s o r o r d i n a t e s , and
a1 , +, ...
, a, a r e t h e lengths of each o r d i n a t e .
It i s obvious t h a t the g r e a t e r t h e number of s t r i p s t h e g r e a t e r i s t h e
p r e c i s i o n of t h e formula.

Simpson's Rule. -
The computation of a n i r r e g u l a r a r e a by Simpson's r u l e
( f i g . 27) i s based on t h e assumption t h a t t h e curved boundaries of each s t r i p
a r e parabolas p a s s i n g through c o n s e c u t i v e p o i n t s . I f t h e number of o f f s e t s
a r e odd and t h e number of s t r i p s even, t h e i r r e g u l a r a r e a i s computed by
Simpson's formula (42, v. 2 , p. 36-13),

-1
S = 3 h (al + 2 C a o d d + 4 C a,,,, + an 1, ( 13)

where C a,,, - t h e sum of odd o f f s e t s

C a,,,, - t h e sum of even o f f s e t s .

If t h e number of o f f s e t s i s even (and number of s t r i p s odd), one of t h e

end-area t r a p e z o i d s i s computed s e p a r a t e l y and added t o t h e r e s u l t s computed
by t h e formula. O t h e r , and l e s s e r known, t r a p e z o i d a l formulas f o r determining
a r e a a r e Durand's and Weddle's r u l e s d e s c r i b e d i n e n g i n e e r i n g handbooks.

I)-common interval
of offsets
n IS odd

-
FIGURE 27. Simpson's Rule for
Determining Areas.
I n d i r e c t Methods

Some a r e a s may b e computed from s u r v e y n o t e s by d o u b l e m e r i d i a n d i s t a n c e s

o r by t h e c o o r d i n a t e method, d e s c r i b e d i n c i v i l e n g i n e e r i n g handbooks.

Volume

The volume of a b l o c k i s computed from d i r e c t o r i n d i r e c t measurements of

l e n g t h ( L ) , b r e a d t h (B), and t h i c k n e s s ( T ) by t h e p a r a l l e l e p i p e d f o r m u l a ,

V = LTB. ( 14)

I n p r a c t i c e m i n e r a l b o d i e s a r e i r r e g u l a r , and i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o s u b s t i -
t u t e t r u e volume by a n equivolume body o f s o l i d geometric c o n f i g u r a t i o n f o r
t h e u s e of s i m p l e formulas f o r volume c o m p u t a t i o n s .

When t h e a r e a S i s d i r e c t l y measured on t h e map and t h e a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s

t,, i s computed m e t h e m a t i c a l l y , t h e g e n e r a l formula f o r t h e d e p o s i t i s

V = St,, . ( 15)

I f a m i n e r a l body i s subdivided i n t o segments o r b l o c k s f o r c o m p u t a t i o n s ,

t h e volume o f t h e e n t i r e body w i l l be

where , % , Sg , ..., S, a r e block a r e a s and

tl , t2 , tJ , . .., tn a r e a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s e s of i n d i v i d u a l b l o c k s .

Various methods of block c o n s t r u c t i o n a r e d i s c u s s e d i n p a r t 2 of t h i s

report. I t i s obvious t h a t t h e s u b s t i t u t i o n e r r o r of t h e t r u e volume of a
m i n e r a l body w i t h a u x i l i a r y blocks depends on t h e knowledge of t h e form and
s i z e of t h e body. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e a c c u r a c y of computations depends on t h e
number of b l o c k s , v a r i a t i o n s i n t h e size of b l o c k s , and p r e c i s i o n o b t a i n e d by
t h e formulas.

Weight

Tonnaa e F a c t o r s

Conversion of volume t o tonnage of raw m i n e r a l m a t e r i a l ( o r e , r o c k , and

c o a l ) v a r i e s , depending on t h e system of measures used. Common formulas used
i n computing tonnages a r e

I n t h e f i r s t formula F i s t h e volume-tonnage f a c t o r and i s u s u a l l y e x p r e s s e d

i n c u b i c f e e t per ton. I n t h e second formula f i s t h e tonnage-volume f a c t o r
and i s u s u a l l y expressed i n w e i g h t - u n i t s per c u b i c f o o t .
 Both weight f a c t o r s a r e i n t e r r e l a t e d and a r e determined on t h e b a s i s of
p a s t p r o d u c t i o n , experimental mining, o r adapted from s i m i l a r d e p o s i t s . They
a l s o may b e determined by measuring e x c a v a t i o n s , o r by s p e c i a l l a b o r a t o r y
t e s t s . Techniques of t h e s e determinations a r e d e s c r i b e d i n s e v e r a l publica-
t i o n s (36, 40, 42). I n some c a s e s tonnage f a c t o r s may b e computed from t h e
m i n e r a l composition a f t e r c o r r e c t i o n s f o r p o r o s i t y and m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t of raw
m a t e r i a l a r e made.

I n many d e p o s i t s t h e ueight f a c t o r s vary s u b s t a n t i a l l y owing t o the min-

e r a l and grade composition. The r e l a t i o n s h i p between weight and grade o f t e n
may be expressed g r a p h i c a l l y ; t h u s , weight f a c t o r s can b e determined f o r
a p p r o p r i a t e grade of each i n d i v i d u a l block.

The o r e tonnage of t h e e n t i r e body i s d e t e d n e d by formula,

Specific Gravity

Conversion of volume t o tonnage ( m e t r i c ) i s made by t h e formula,

where D i s s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y o r d e n s i t y of raw m i n e r a l m a t e r i a l .

The s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of the mineral m a t t e r can be determined by d i r e c t

t e s t s of d r i e d and crushed samples. S p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of rock i n p l a c e , o r
"rock s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y - n a t u r a l " may be expressed by

where g i s t h e s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of t h e m i n e r a l m a t t e r determined by t e s t s of
crushed and d r i e d rock.

Po i s p o r o s i t y i n percent pore space t o u n i t of volume.

M, i s moisture i n percent weight l o s s upon drying. Mead o f f e r s a conven-

i e n t diagram f o r t h e English system of weights and measures, showing the i n f l u -
ence of p o r o s i t y , m o i s t u r e , and s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y on t h e tonnage f a c t o r (36).

S p e c i f i c g r a v i t y may be c a l c u l a t e d t h e o r e t i c a l l y a s an a v e r a g e of the
s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of a l l of the minerals i n t h e d e p o s i t , o r a c c o r d i n g t o the
weighted average p e r c e n t of .each mineral i n t h e rock. For convenience, t h e
c a l c u l a t e d d e v i a t i o n s of s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y f o r v a r i o u s grades may be presented
graphica 1ly .
Conversion Formulas

The volume-tonnage f a c t o r , F , i s computed from s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y by t h e

f o l l o w i n g formulas (42, v. 2 , p. 25-20) :
 For s h o r t t o n F, ., -- 2y000 f t 3 / s . t . ,
62.5 D
and

For l o n g t o n

where 62.5 l b i s t h e weight of 1 c u b i c f o o t of w a t e r a t 4" C .

The tonnage-volume f a c t o r , f , i s computed by

Volume i n c u b i c f e e t c a n be c o n v e r t e d t o c u b i c m e t e r s by m u l t i p l y i n g by 0.028
o r d i v i d i n g by 35.3. M e t r i c t o n s a r e c o n v e r t e d t o s h o r t t o n s by m u l t i p l y i n g
1.102 o r t o l o n g t o n s by 0.984 (Appendix A).

When t h e d e n s i t y of a p a r t i c u l a r body v a r i e s a p p r e c i a b l y from o n e p l a c e

t o a n o t h e r owing t o t h e r e l a t i v e amounts of m i n e r a l s w i t h wide r a n g e s i n spe-
c i f i c g r a v i t i e s , such a s g a l e n a and i r o n o x i d e v e r s u s q u a r t z , more a c c u r a t e
r e s u l t s a r e o b t a i n e d by

where 4 , D 2 , ... , D, a r e s p e c i f i c g r a v i t i e s of s e p a r a t e b l o c k s
Vl V2, Vnm

Grade

Grade c o m p u t a t i o n of a m i n e r a l body i s a c r i t i c a l and i m p o r t a n t o p e r a t i o n

t h a t c a n be done by v a r i o u s formulas:

1. Simple a r i t h m e t i c mean (unweighted) .

2. Weighted p e r width o r t h i c k n e s s .

3. Weighted p e r w i d t h and l e n g t h , o r a r e a .

4. Weighted by f r e q u e n c y of o c c u r r e n c e .

5. Weighted by t h e s q u a r e of t h e f r e q u e n c y .

6, Weighted by f r e q u e n c y and a s s a y ( 3 5 ) .

The problems of sampling of v a r i o u s t y p e s of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s a n d methods

of s t a t i s t i c a 1 a n a l y s i s used i n e v a l u a t i n g e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a , and i n computing
a v e r a g e g r a d e of w o r k i n g s , b l o c k s , and commercial p o r t i o n s of b o d i e s , a r e
beyond t h e s c o p e of t h i s p a p e r .

G e n e r a l l y , a v e r a g e g r a d e of a m i n e r a l body i s computed u s i n g c o n v e n t i o n a 1
methods of r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s ; t h e f o r m l a s used a r e
30

Type of problem Assumption Equation

~ r i t h m e t i caverage. 4 1 1 blocks a r e e q u a l
i n area, thickness,
and weight f a c t o r .

-
Thickness- weighted 411 blocks a r e e q u a l
average. i n a r e a and have t h e
same weight f a c t o r .

-
Area- weighted A l l blocks have con-
average. s t a n t t h i c k n e s s and
weight f a c t o r , b u t
different areas.

Volumetric average Weight f a c t o r s of a l l

e
(volume-weighted blocks a r e t h e same.
average).

G r a v i m e t r i c average Tonnages and grades

(tonnage-weighted of blocks a r e
average). different.
, & , Q3 , ..., Qn a r e r e s e r v e s of raw minera 1 m a t e r i a l i n i n d i v i d u a l b l o c k s , i n tons.

Reserves of v a l u a b l e components a r e determined by formula

where P i s t h e sum of r e s e r v e s of each v a l u a b l e component of i n d i v i d u a l blocks PI, P,,

P,, ... , Pn and Q i s t h e sum of r e s e r ~ e sof raw m a t e r i a l Q1, & , Q3, ...,
Q, . The a v e r a g e
g r a d e of d e p o s i t i s determined by formula

Errors

Accuracy Versus P r e c i s i o n

The terms "accuracy" and " p r e c i s i o n " a s r e l a t e d t o r e s e r v e computations a r e d e f i n e d

i n t h i s r e p o r t a s f o l l o w s : The v a r i a n c e between a s i n g l e o b s e r v a t i o n o r a computed a v e r -
a g e of a n element of a mineral body and i t s t r u e v a l u e i n d i c a t e s t h e d e g r e e of accuracy
o r e x a c t n e s s of such o b s e r v a t i o n s o r e s t i m a t e s . An a c c u r a t e measurement i s f r e e from a l l
e r r o r s . P r e c i s i o n i n d i c a t e s only t h e degree of f l u c t u a t i o n i n a c e r t a i n s u i t e of v a r i a -
b l e s w i t h r e s p e c t t o t h e i r proximity t o each o t h e r .

The d i s t i n c t i o n between accuracy and p r e c i s i o n i s w e l l i l l u s t r a t e d g r a p h i c a l l y in t h e

f o l l o w i n g example f o r a s u i t e of chemical a n a l y s e s ( 2 , 57).

1. Accurate and p r e c i s e ( f i g . 28A).

2. I n a c c u r a t e b u t p r e c i s e ( f i g s . 282 and 28s).

3. Accurate but n o t p r e c i s e ( f i g . 28g).

4. I n a c c u r a t e and not p r e c i s e ( f i g s . 28g and 28E).

The e r r o r s i n r e s e r v e computations may b e d i v i d e d i n t o t h r e e groups: e r r o r s of

i n t e r p r e t a t i o n ( o f t e n l a b e l e d g e o l o g i c ) , t e c h n i c a l , and a n a l y t i c a l .
 Plus llmit o f
permissible
deviations

True value

Minus limit of
permissible
deviations

FIGURE 28. - Accuracy and Precision of Chemical Analyses. : I , Accurote and precise; B and
C, inaccurate, precise, large bias errors; 11, accurate, not precise, large random
errors; E and F , inaccurate, not precise, large rondom ond biased errors.

E r r o r s of I n t e r p r e t a t i o n o r Analogy

E r r o r s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f t e n c a l l e d e r r o r s of a n a l o g y , r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ,
d e t a i l s , and geology are due t o t h e a c c e p t e d h y p o t h e s i s of t h e o r i g i n of t h e
d e p o s i t , a s s u m p t i o n of g e o l o g i c s i m i l a r i t y t o o t h e r d e p o s i t s , i n t e r p r e t a t i o n
o r a s s u m t p i o n o f t h e uniform changes of t h e b a s i c e l e m e n t s , and t h e c o n t i n u i t y
of t h e body a l o n g t h e s t r i k e and a t d e p t h . They a r e e r r o r s of judgment a n d ,
c o n s e q u e n t l y , depend o n t h e t r a i n i n g and e x p e r i e n c e of t h e person a p p r a i s i n g
o r conducting t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n .

The r e s u l t s o f e x p l o r a t i o n a r e g e n e r a l l y d i s c l o s e d by a s e r i e s of p l a n s
and s e c t i o n s r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e m i n e r a l body i n g r a p h i c f o r m . Thus, t h e e x a c t -
n e s s of o u r knowledge o f a d e f i n i t e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t depends on t h e c o r r e c t n e s s
of t h e maps, which i n t u r n , depends on t h e t y p e of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t , kind and
d e n s i t y o f w o r k i n g s , and p r e c i s i o n of a l l measurements and q u a l i t a t i v e a s s a y s
and t e s t s .

Technica 1

T e c h n i c a l e r r o r s a r e those due t o i m p e r f e c t i o n s i n i n s t r u m e n t s and t e c h -

n i q u e s used i n d e t e r m i n i n g a l l v a r i a b l e s . E r r o r s , random, b i a s e d , o r b o t h ,
s h o u l d be c o r r e c t e d t o prevent downgrading o r u p g r a d i n g o f i n d i v i d u a 1 observa-
t i o n s , s i n c e e r r o n e o u s v a r i a b l e s i n f l u e n c e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f boundaries and
computation of b a s i c parameters of the m i n e r a l body, and consequently, of t h e
s i z e and v a l u e of r e s e r v e s .

Oversight e r r o r s due t o f a u l t y copying o r typing and r e c o r d i n g of samples

a r e excluded from t h i s discussion.

Random, c a s u a l , o r a c c i d e n t a l t e c h n i c a l e r r o r s a r e " t h o s e whose c a u s e s

a r e unknown and undeterminate" (54, p. 454). f i e s e e r r o r s a r e mostly e r r a t i c ,
and may be of g r e a t magnitude ( f i g s . 28g, 28E, 28z) ; they f l u c t u a t e on both
s i d e s of t h e t r u e v a l u e and, when t h e a v e r a g e of a s u f f i c i e n t number of v a r i a -
b l e s i s computed, compensate each o t h e r .

Permissible random e r r o r s used i n r e s e r v e computations of v a r i a b l e s a r e

given i n t a b l e 2 (31, 46, 57, 59, 6 6 ) , and f o r chemical a n a l y s e s of v a r i o u s
elements and grades i n t a b l e 3 (57).

To prevent random e r r o r s i n chemical a n a l y s i s , some l a b o r a t o r i e s process

two p o r t i o n s of t h e same sample, r e g u l a r and d u p l i c a t e . Both d e t e r m i n a t i o n s
a r e then compared with permissible d e v i a t i o n values (such a s l i s t e d i n t a b l e 3)
a n d , i f w i t h i n range, t h e f i n a l r e s u l t i s r e p o r t e d a s an average.

To f i n d random e r r o r s f o r a s u i t e of chemical a n a l y s e s , p e r i o d i c (monthly

o r q u a r t e r l y ) c o n t r o l analyses a r e made. These r e p e a t e d samples a r e given i n
code i n t h e amount of 3 t o 5 percent of t h e t o t a l number of samples but not
l e s s than 30 (67). The magnitude of random e r r o r between c o n t r o l and r e g u l a r
a n a l y s e s should n o t exceed the p e r m i s s i b l e l i m i t s adopted by t h e l a b o r a t o r y .

Biased

Biased or s y s t e m a t i c e r r o r s a r e " t h o s e which a f f e c t a l l measurements

a l i k e " (54, p. 454). They a r e due t o i m p e r f e c t i o n s of i n s t r u m e n t , equipment,
and accepted techniques of observations. For chemical a n a l y s e s such e r r o r s
may be due t o inexperienced personnel, i n f e r i o r q u a l i t y r e a g e n t s , and s e l e c -
t i o n of an improper method f o r a given sample. Most l i k e l y t h e e r r o r s a r e i n
one d i r e c t i o n ; t h a t i s , a r e p e r s i s t e n t l y e i t h e r more o r l e s s than t h e t r u e
value. Such e r r o r s a f f e c t the mean v a l u e s because they a r e not compensating.

The presence and t h e magnitude of b i a s e d e r r o r s may be d i s c l o s e d by

s p e c i a l s t u d i e s . To determine biased e r r o r s i n chemical a n a l y s e s , f o r example
( 6 7 ) , c o n t r o l a n a l y s e s of the same samples a r e made i n a r e p u t a b l e l a b o r a t o r y
by s i m i l a r methods and procedures. Such o u t s i d e l a b o r a t o r y c o n t r o l a n a l y s e s
a r e made f o r l a r g e p r o j e c t s a t l e a s t t w i c e a y e a r ; t h e number of a n a l y s e s
should be 3 t o 5 percent of the t o t a l with a minimum of not l e s s than 30 sam-
p l e s . I f a s u b s t a n t i a l e r r o r i s found and proved f u r t h e r by a t h i r d p a r t y , a
c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r should then be . a p p l i e d t o a l l samples analyzed i n t h e f i r s t
laboratory.
 TABLE 2. - Technical e r r o r s i n determining b a s i c parameters

T e c h n i c a l e r r o r s i n con-
Random e r r o r s i n d e t e r m i n i n g i n d i v i d u a l parameters n e c t i o n w i t h r e s e r v e com-
p u t a t i o n s of a n o r e body
O r i R i n a1 o b s e r v a t i o n s ' r e c i s i o n . plus-minu! Remarks ( r a n ~ e ,a c c u r a c y , plus-minus)
Tape ( f o r 1 m e t e r ) . . .......
..O p e r c e n t . . P r e c i s i o n i n c r e a s e s wit1
o r e t h i c k n e s s and
S u r f a c e and underground work-
i n g s : 2.0 t o 3.0 p e r c e n t f o r
decreases with irregu- t h i c k and up t o 10 p e r c e n t
l a r i t i e s of o r e body f o r t h i n bodies--depending on
boundaries. t h e i r r e g u l a r i t i e s of t h i c k -
Thickness.,. n e s s e s and g r a d e .
From p l a n s . ......... ,bove 1.5 p e r c e n t . . . Depends on s c a l e and D r i l l h o l e s : s e v e r a l t o 30
p e r c e n t a n d more--depending
drawings.
on e x p l o r a t i o n t e c h n i q u e ,
c o r e r e c o v e r y , and t y p e of
deposits.
.......... - --1.0 p e r c e n t and above
Length ....., Surveying.
Drawing .............
1.5 p e r c e n t and l e s e
Ip t o 2.0 p e r c e n t . . . Depending on s c a l e depending on s c a l e .
Angle ....... Brunton..,.......... 1.5 t o 2.0 d e g r e e s . . Depends on a n g l e of
measurement, e x p o s u r e ,
and convenience.
Surveying d a t a . . . . . . 1.5 p e r c e n t and l e s s ' 2 t o 3 p e r c e n t depending on
scale.
Precision increases Do.
Area ....... Planimeter
( 100-400 cm2 ) .
1.5 t o 0 . 3 p e r c e n t
(area).
..
with t h e i n c r e a s e I
Template ............ Jp t o 3.0 p e r c e n t . of a r e a s i z e .
I Do.
Yaps :
S c a l e 1: 200 . 5 percent. ........ Depending on s c a l e .
S c a l e 1:5000 ......
.25 p e r c e n t . . Do.
Specific t o 10 p e r c e n t . . ... Depends on method of
determination, type
For u n i f o r m o r e : 3 t o 20 p e r -
c e n t depending on method of
gravity or
weight ,
of o r e . e t c . d e t e r m i n a t i o n , p o r o s i t y , mois-
factor. ture content, fissuring, etc.
For complex c o m p o s i t i o n o r e s :
20 p e r c e n t a n d more.
...... Depends on sampling method,

I
Sample t a k i n g . 'aried..............
Grade......, Sample p r o c e s s i n g . .
Chemical a n a l y s i s .
.
..
..O p e r c e n t.........
. t o 20 p e r c e n t and See t a b l e 3............
sample p r o c e s s i n g , chemica 1
a n a l y s e s , t y p e of d e p o s i t ,
more . method of c o m p u t a t i o n ,
commodity, e t c . W
W
 TABLE 3 . .Permissible averape f o r random t e c h n i c a l errors
i n chemical a n a l v s e s

(The All-Union Committee on Mineral Reserves. U.S.S.R.)

Component and grade Permissible average Component and grade Permissible average
range of raw mate- e r r o r in percent t o range of raw nrate- error i n percent t o
r i a l . percent. t h e grade d e t e r - r i a l . percent. t h e grade d e t e r -
except a s noted mined ( p lus-minus) except a s noted mined ( p lus-minus)
Aluminum Copper :
oxide (A&03 ) : Above 3 ..........
..........
Above 20 ......... 2 - 4 0.5 . 3
........
5.
1- 5
...........
20
............ 4 - 8
8 .20
Below 0.5
Gold. glm ton ( 1 g
Antimony : = 15.432 g r a i n s ) :
Above 2
0.2 .2
..........
.......... 3 . 12
12 . 20
Below 0.1 m:l
Above 64 .......
Arsenic : 16. ........
64
Above 2 .......... 1 - 5 4 . 16 .........
0.5 .2 .......... 5 .7 Below 4 ........
Below 0.5........
Barium s u l f a t e
10 Below 0.6 nrm:"
.......
Above 64
(BaSO, ) : 16. ........
64
Above 5.......... 1 - 7 4 . .........
16
............
1 - 5
Bery Ilium:
7 . 15 ........
Below 4
Above 0.6 nnn:3
5 . ...........
10
..........
0.1 . 5
3 - 5
5 . lo
Above 64
16 . 64
.......
........
0.01 . 0.1 ....... 10 . 30 4 . 16.........
Bismuth : Below 4........
Above 0.6 ........
........ 5 . 15 Iron :
0.2 . 0.6 15 . 20 Above 30 .........
Cadmium :
Above 1..........
10 . 30
5 . 10
..........
...........
3 - 5
0.1 . 1.......... 5 . 10 I r o n oxide (FeO) :
.......
0.01 . 0 . 1 10 . 30 Above 5 ..........
Below 0.01
Calcium oxide
....... 30 .
1 5
Lead :
............
( CaO) :
Above 25 .........
Above 15
6 . 15
.........
...........
3 - 5
5. ...........
25 5 . 10 0.5 . ..........
6
.
1 5 ............
Chromium:
10 . 25 Below 0.5. .......
Magnesium o x i d e
Above 10 .........
........... 1- 3 (MgO) :
1.
Below 1
10
.......... 3 - 7
7
Above 5 ..........
Cobalt : Manganese :
Above 0.5 ........ 2 - 6 Above 5 ..........
Below 0.5 ........
Co lumb ium :
6

Above 10 ......... 3 - 5 Mercury :

1 . 10...........
..........
5 . lo Above 2 ..........
0.1 . 1 10 . 20 0.25 . 2 .........
Below 0.1. ....... 20 Below 0.25. ......
See footnotes a t end of table .
 TABLE 3. - P e r m i s s i b l e a v e r a n e f o r random t e c h n i c a l e r r o r s
i n c h w i c a 1 analyses--Continued

(The All-Union Camnittee on M i n e r a l R e s e r v e s , U.S.S.R.)

Component and g r a d e Fermissible a v e r a g e Component and g r a d e ? e r m i s s i b l e average

r a n g e of raw mate- t r r o r i n percent t o r a n g e of raw mate- srror i n percent t o
r i a l , percent, t h e grade d e t e r - r i a l , percent, t h e grade d e t e r -
except a s noted mined (plus-minus) except a s noted mined ( plus-minusl
Molybdenum : Tin :
Above 1
0.25
..........
- .........
1
Above I...
0.25 1
.......
- .........
Below 0.25.. ..... 0.05 -
0.25 ......
Nickel: Titanium dioxide
1 - 5 ............ (TiO, ) :
0.2 - ..........
1 2 - 15...........
Below 0.2
Phosphorus:
........ 0.1 - z..........
Tungsten t r i o x i d e
Above 3... ....... (WO, :
0.03 - 0.3....... Above 1.. ........
S i l i c o n dioxide 0.25 1- .........
(SiO,): 0.05 -
0.25......
30 - 5O....... ... Vanadium:
......
10- 30.......... Above 0.5..
3 - lo........... 0.06 - 0.5.. .....
S i l v e r , grains Zinc :
per ton : Above 25.........
Above 100..
30 -
......
loo.........
10 - 25..
0.5 - 10
........
.........
10 . 30.......... Below 0.5 ........
Sulfur : Zirconium:
Above 20 ......... Abwe 3 . . . . . . . . . .
1 - 20........... 1 - 3 ............
0.05
Tantalum:
- I......... 0.1 - ..........
1
Below 0.1.. ......
Above 10 .........
1 - 10.. .........
0.1 - ..........
1
Below 0.1. .......
Samples w i t h in sulfides.
Samples with .If i d e s and q u a r t z .
3Samples w i t h l a r g e g r a i n s i z e , o f t e n v i s i b l e , g o l d ; mainly i n q u a r t z .

Source: Reference (57), t a b l e 7 , pp. 67-68.

The c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r may be computed a s a r a t i o of t h e a v e r a g e grade of t h e

c o n t r o l t o t h e a v e r a g e g r a d e of t h e r e g u l a r a n a l y s e s ; t h a t i s

The f a c t o r E i s a p p l i e d t o r e g u l a r samples t o r e c e i v e t h e c o r r e c t r e s u l t s . For

example, a regular s u i t e of copper samples averaged 0.80 p e r c e n t . Control samples
a v e r a g e d 1.0 p e r c e n t c o p p e r , The c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r i s
The c o n t r o l a n a l y s e s a r e 25 percent h i g h e r t h a n t h e r e g u l a r .

Analytical

Some a n a ' l y t i c a l e r r o r s of r e s e r v e computations w i l l b e d i s c u s s e d i n p a r t

2. In g e n e r a l , t h e accuracy of computations i n c r e a s e s w i t h t h e number of
blocks d i v i d i n g t h e mineral body, p r w i d e d , t h e same accuracy i s maintained i n
c o n s t r u c t i o n of each block. The e r r o r of a s e p a r a t e block may b e h i g h , but
f o r a group of b l o c k s r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e e n t i r e body t h e r e l a t i v e e r r o r s a r e
balanced according t o t h e law of a v e r a g e s ;

blocks a r e e q u a l i n tonnage,

y + M, + % + ...+ %
ma^ a N ; and

blocks a r e unequal i n tonnage of v a l u a b l e c o n s t i t u e n t

where Ma, i s average r e l a t i v e e r r o r of m i n e r a l body, and M.,

a r e r e l a t i v e e r r o r s of i n d i v i d u a l blocks ( i n p e r c e n t ) .
, %, M3, ..., %
PART 2. - CONVENTIONAL METHODS

General F e a t u r e s and C l a s s i f i c a t i o n

For r e s e r v e computations t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t , reduced and d i s t o r t e d by

mapping, i s converted t o an analogous geometric body composed of one, s e v e r a l ,
o r a n a g g r e g a t e of close-order s o l i d s , t h a t b e s t e x p r e s s t h e s i z e , shape, and
d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e v a r i a b l e s . Construction of t h e s e blocks depends on t h e
method s e l e c t e d . Some methods o f f e r two o r more manners of block c o n s t r u c t i o n ,
thus i n t r o d u c i n g s u b j e c t i v i t y . I n such a c a s e a c e r t a i n manner of c o n s t r u c -
t i o n i s accepted a s a p p r o p r i a t e , p r e f e r a b l y on t h e b a s i s of geology, mining,
and economics.

Numerous methods-of r e s e r v e computations a r e d e s c r i b e d i n t h e l i t e r a t u r e ;

some a r e only s l i g h t modifications of t h e most common ones. Depending on t h e
c r i t e r i a used i n s u b s t i t u t i n g t h e explored b o d i e s by a u x i l i a r y blocks and on
t h e manner of computing averages f o r v a r i a b l e s , t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l methods may
be c l a s s i f i e d i n t o f o u r groups.

Group I,, average f a c t o r s and a r e a methods, embraces analogous and geo-

l o g i c blocks methods. Areas a r e d e l i n e a t e d by geologic and, i n p a r t , by
mining and economic c r i t e r i a , and t h e b a s i c elements ( t h i c k n e s s , grade, and
weight f a c t o r s ) a r e determined d i r e c t l y , computed, o r taken from o t h e r por-
t i o n s of t h e same o r s i m i l a r d e p o s i t s .
 Group 2 , mining b l o c k s method, i n v o l v e s d e l i n e a t i o n of block a r e a s by
underground workings and by geologic and economic c o n s i d e r a t i o n s ; t h e f a c t o r s
f o r each block a r e computed i n v a r i o u s ways. As t h e name i m p l i e s the method
i s used mainly f o r e x t r a c t i o n .

Group 3, c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods, i n c l u d e s s t a n d a r d , l i n e a r , and i s o l i n e s .

The m i n e r a l body i s d e l i n e a t e d and t h e b l o c k s a r e c o n s t r u c t e d on the b a s i s of
c e r t a i n p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a ; t h e parameters of
blocks and t h e e n t i r e body a r e determined i n v a r i o u s ways.

Group 4 , a n a l y t i c a l methods, d i v i d e s t h e m i n e r a l body g r a p h i c a l l y i n t o

blocks of simple geometric forms--triangular o r polygonal prisms. The f a c t o r s
f o r each block a r e determined d i r e c t l y , computed a s an a r i t h m e t i c average, or
i n o t h e r ways.

S p e c i a l s t u d i e s of t h e usage of v a r i o u s methods were made i n the U. S.S.R.

Thousands of minera 1 d e p o s i t s were explored and r e s e r v e s computed and approved
by t h e All-Union Committee on Mineral Reserves. The r e s u l t s f o r metal, non-
m e t a l , and c o a l and o i l - s h a l e d e p o s i t s f o r t h e y e a r s 1941-61 and f o r s o l i d min-
e r a 1 d e p o s i t s f o r y e a r s 1941-47, 1951, and 1954- a r e given i n appendix I3 ( t a b l e
B- 1 ) (57). The predominant methods were--

Methods, p e r c e n t
Average f a c t o r s ( Cross s e c t i o n s l ~ o l ~ ~ o n s
and a r e a
Coal and o i l s h a l e
deposits ................ 69 - 30
.....
Nonmetallic d e p o s i t s 46 37 14
.............
Ore d e p o s i t s 37 48 14+:
"Including mining blocks method.

It i s a l s o r e p o r t e d in
t h e U.S.S.R. t h a t i n computing r e s e r v e s t h e use of
average f a c t o r s and. a r e a and c r o s s s e c t i o n methods t i g e t h e r had increased from
30 (1941-47) t o a t o t a l of 82 percent (1954) of a l l p r o j e c t s recorded (appen-
d i x B , t a b l e B-2).

A comparison of t h e u s e of v a r i o u s methods by 44 m e t a l mines, described

by Jackson and Knaebel i n "Sampling and Estimation of Ore Deposits" (28) pub-
l i s h e d i n 1932, shows t h a t t h e mining blocks and c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods were
predominant i n t h e mining i n d u s t r y ( t a b l e 4 ) .

TABLE 4. - Usage of v a r i o u s methods f o r r e s e r v e computations

f o r m e t a l mines i n U.S. ( 1 9 3 2 ) ~

Methods : Percent Methods : Percent

Average f a c t o r s and a r e a . . . 20 Polygons ...................
4
Mining blocks.............. 42 Triangles ..................
2
Cross s e c t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Tota 1. ................
100
l F- o r 44 a c t i v e mines d e s c r i b e d by Charles F. Jackson and John B. Knaebel.
Sampling and Estimation of Ore D e p o s i t s , BuMines Bull. 356, 1932, pp.
125-249.
 Average F a c t o r s and Area Methods

Assumptions and C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s F e a t u r e s

Average f a c t o r s .and a r e a methods of r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s h a v e been v a r i -

o u s l y d e s c r i b e d a s a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e , w e i g h t e d a v e r a g e , a v e r a g e d e p t h and
a r e a , s t a t i s t i c a 1, analogous (by a n a l o g y ) , g e o l o g i c b l o c k s , and g e n e r a l o u t -
l i n e (27-28, 46, 57, 63). I n t h i s r e p o r t t h e s e methods a r e d i s c u s s e d under
t h e t i t l e s of analogous and g e o l o g i c b l o c k s .

Average f a c t o r s and a r e a methods a r e a l l b a s e d on t h e a s s u m p t i o n t h a t

c e r t a i n segments o r b l o c k s of t h e m i n e r a l body b e i n g c o n s i d e r e d a r e s i m i l a r i n
geology and technology t o s e c t i o n s p r e v i o u s l y s t u d i e d , o r t o b l o c k s o r even
b o d i e s t h a t have been explored o r mined o u t . For c o m p u t a t i o n s t h e body i s
d i v i d e d i n t o se,sments o r b l o c k s c o n s t r u c t e d on t h e b a s i s of g e o l o g y , mining,
and economic; t h a t i s , s t r u c t u r e , t h i c k n e s s , g r a d e , v a l u e , d e p t h , and over-
burden. I n some c a s e s , t h e q u a l i t a t i v e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s found i n o n e p a r t of
t h e body may be a c c e p t e d , f o r t h e p u r p o s e of c o m p u t a t i o n s , a s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e
of t h e b l o c k o r t h e e n t i r e m i n e r a l body.

I f t h e b l o c k s a r e of equal s i z e each o b s e r v a t i o n a n d sample a n a l y s i s h a s

a n e q u a l i n £ h e n c e i n determining a v e r a g e f a c t o r s . If t h e number of v a r i a b l e s
i n a b l o c k a r e i n s u f f i c i e n t q u a n t i t y , a v e r a g e f a c t o r s may be computed and
s t u d i e d by s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s ; on t h e o t h e r hand, t h e method of a n a l o g y may'
be used where only one o b s e r v a t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e . A number of segments o r
b l o c k s w i t h d i f f e r e n t c o n t r o l l i n g f a c t o r s r e q u i r e s t h e u s e o f t h e method of
geologic blocks.

Formulas f o r computations of r e s e r v e s r a n g e from s i m p l e t o complex equa-

t i o n s . Aside from t h e u s u a l v a r i a b l e s o f g r a d e , t h i c k n e s s , and d e n s i t y , more
complex f a c t o r s such a s , tons r e c o v e r e d per u n i t of a r e a , volume, o r weight
may b e used.

Method o f Analogy

Analogy i s t h e i n f e r e n c e t h a t c e r t a i n a d m i t t e d p a r t i a l r e s e m b l a n c e s prob-
a b l y imply f u r t h e r s i m i l a r i t y . The method emphasizes q u a l i t a t i v e s i m i l a r i t y
of t h e geology of a g i v e n . b l o c k t o a n a n a l o g o u s and b e t t e r known b l o c k of t h e
same o r s i m i l a r body.

V a r i a b l e s f o r computations may b e t a k e n from a s i n g l e o r a number of

o b s e r v a t i o n s , o r computed from d a t a g a t h e r e d from t h e same o r s i m i l a r d e p o s i t s .
Such v a r i a b l e s may b e a c c e p t e d a s c o n s t a n t f a c t o r s f o r o t h e r p a r t s of t h e same
body, o t h e r d e p o s i t s , o r even d i s t r i c t s . When t h e geology of a g i v e n a r e a o r
d e p o s i t i s c o n s i d e r e d analogous t o a n o t h e r a r e a o r d e p o s i t , a s i n g l e observa-
t i o n may be a d e q u a t e f o r r e s e r v e c o m p u t a t i o n s of a c e r t a i n commodity.
Reserves computed may belong t o any c a t e g o r y . The method i s widely u s e d i n
e x t r a c t i c n o p e r a t i o n s h e n o t h e r s a r e d i f f i c u l t t o a p p l y . - I n r e s e r v e computa-
t i o n s of n i c a i n p e g n a t i t e s , f o r example, p r o d u c t i o n r e c o r d s may b e c o n s i d e r e d
s u f f i c i e n t and a c c u r a t e f o r a s s i g n i n g mica g r a d e t o t h e unmined p o r t i o n of t h e
v e i n below and between mined-out b l o c k s .
Average F a c t o r s

The a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e i s t h e s i m p l e s t v a r i a t i o n of t h e a n a l o g o u s method.
No a u x i l i a r y f i g u r e s a r e c o n s t r u c t e d ; t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e a r e determined by a
s i m p l e a v e r a g e of a v a i l a b l e d a t a ( f i g . 29 and t a b l e 5 ) . Grade may be d e t e r -
mined a l s o by t h i c k n e s s - w e i g h t i n g of i n d i v i d u a l g r a d e o b s e r v a t i o n s from o r e
i n t e r s e c i i n g workings i n t h e mineral body and even from a d j o i n i n g p a r a l l e l
b o d i e s and by e x t e n d i n g t h e r e s u l t s t o t h e unexplored b l o c k o r t o t h e e n t i r e
m i n e r a l body ( t a b l e 6 ) . I n c a s e of numerous samples ( o b s e r v a t i o n s ) t h e a v e r -
a g e g r a d e may be d e t e r m i n e d by s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s (15-17).R e s e r v e ccnnputa-
t i o n s and t h e d e t e r m i n a t i o n of t h e block-weighted a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r t h e
e n t i r e body i s i l l u s t r a t e d by t a b l e 7 .

The f o r m u l a s u s e d a r e average t h i c k n e s s (formula l o ) , a v e r a g e g r a d e

( f o r m u l a 24) , thickness-weighted a v e r a g e g r a d e ( f o r m u l a 2 5 ) , volume of minera 1
body ( f o r m u l a 1 5 ) , tonnage of raw m a t e r i a l (formula 1 8 ) , and tonnage of valua-
b l e component ( f o r m u l a 29a).

0 0 0
Inside perimeter of
mineral b o d y

LEGEND
0 Drill hole showing
thickness and grade

o Blank drill h o l e
PLAN

SECTION A-A' S E C T I O N A-A'

afier computing overage thickness
( e q u a t i o n 101

FIGURE 29. - Aiithmetic Average Method of Computing Thickness. (For recapitulation of

reserves for mineral body and determination of overoge grade, see table 5.)
 TABLE 5. - Determination of average t h i c k n e s s and average grade
f o r a block by a r i t h m e t i c average procedure

Workings ( n ) , Thickness ( t ) , Grade ( c ) ,

number's f t percent
l.............................. t1 C1
2.............................. t2 Cz
3.............................. t3 c3

N.............................. tn C,
n n
Total..................... C t C c
i=l i=l
n n
Average ................... t a V= C t / n c., =c c/n
i=l i=l

TABLE 6. - Determination of thickness-weighted average grade f o r a block

Workings ( n ) , Thickness ( t ) , Grade ( c ) , Product ,

numbers ft percent t x c .
I....... ......................... t, C. cl
tl
z................................
3................................
tz c; %%
t3 3 t 3 C3

................................
N................................ tn Cn t n Cn
n n n
Average (block A). .......... .z
i=l
ta c
i=l
'=&I z LC,
i-1
n
Note: Thickness-weighted average grade (c,, ), p e r c e n t : c,., = C t,ca
i=l i=l

The a r i t h m e t i c average procedure i s the s i m p l e s t and most r a p i d method o f

computation ; accuracy depends on t h e q u a l i t y , q u a n t i t y , d e n s i t y , and d i s t r i b u -
t i o n of o b s e r v a t i o n s ; i n turn t h e s e f a c t o r s depend on t h e g e n e t i c t y p e and
s i z e of t h e d e p o s i t .

The system i s a c c u r a t e i n uniform d e p o s i t s ; accuracy d e c r e a s e s i n nonuni-

form d e p o s i t s , w e n i f t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of o b s e r v a t i o n s i s done by a r e g u l a r
p a t t e r n b u t with i n s u f f i c i e n t d e n s i t y . ' I n complex d e p o s i t s accuracy i s
g r e a t e r i n r e g u l a r l y d i s t r i b u t e d workings than i n i r r e g u l a r . An important
disadvantage of t h i s system i s t h e lack of q u a l i t y and q u a n t i t y d i s t r i b u t i o n
of v a l u a b l e components i n space.
 TABLE 7 . - Computation of r e s e r v e s and a v e r a g e f a c t o r s
f o r t h e e n t i r e body

i r e a Thickness Volume Weight Raw m a t e r i a l V a l u a b l e component

Block ) , (t), (V), factor reserves Average Reserves
sqft f t cu f t (F), (Q) , grade ( c ) , (PI,
cu f t / t o n tons percent tons
A.......... Sci ta V, F Qa Ca a'
B.......... F
.......... Sb tb Vb Qb b b

..........
N.......... S, tn Vn F Qn n'
n n n n
Total.. . C S C V
i=l
C Q
i=l
C P
i =l
i=l
n n
c v p c
Average. t,, -
i=l
= n
i=l
cav = n -
z s c Q
i=l i=l

S t a t i s t i c a l Factors

F a c t o r s f o r r e s e r v e computations of a c e r t a i n m i n e r a l commodity a r e
d e t e r m i n e d i n terms o f p r o d u c t i o n o r v a l u e y i e l d on t h e b a s i s o f e x p l o r a t i o n ,
p a s t mining e x p e r i e n c e , o r s m e l t e r r e t u r n s g a t h e r e d f o r t h e same m i n e r a l body,
o r even s i m i l a r o n e s . These f a c t o r s a r e u s u a l l y e x p r e s s e d a s p e r c e n t of com-
ponent o r v a l u e r e c o v e r e d per u n i t of a r e a , volume, o r w e i g h t ; t h a t i s

English s v s t em M e t r i c svstem
Placer deposits:
Gold and p r e c i o u s Ounces per c u b i c y a r d o r con Grams p e r c u b i c meter o r
meta 1s. ( s h o r t , long); c e n t s per m e t r i c ton.
cubic yard, square f o o t o r
square yard; milligrams per
c u b i c yard o r t o n .
Heavy minera 1s. ... Pounds per c u b i c y a r d o r t o n . . Kilograms p e r cubic meter
o r m e t r i c ton.
Coal d e p o s i t s . . . .... Tons p e r s q u a r e f o o t
section.
, a c r e or M e t r i c t o n s per s q u a r e
meter o r square
.
k i lome t e r
P e r c e n t of. weight o r
Base m e t a l s and many P e r c e n t of weight o r pounds
nonmetallics. Per t o n . k i l o g r a m s per ton.

The u s e of s t a t i s t i c a l f a c t o r s o f t e n may be t h e o n l y p r a c t i c a l way of

computing p o t e n t i a l r e s o u r c e s f o r a mine o r d i s t r i c t . The a c c u r a c y depends on
t h e g e o l o g i c i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t , a s w e l l as on computed
factors.
 Reserves of uniform bedded d e p o s i t s , c o a l , phosphate r o c k , and c l a y have been
computed by t h e method of analogy from t h e r e s u l t s of s p o t d r i l l h o l e s and exposures
i n t r e n c h e s and o t h e r s u r f a c e workings. Reserves of phosphate r o c k a v a i l a b l e f o r
open p i t mining i n Idaho were computed by t h e Bureau of Mines on t h e b a s i s of
d e t a i l e d g e o l o g i c s e c t i o n s , sample a n a l y s e s , g e o l o g i c maps, and o t h e r p u b l i s h e d
d a t a . I n f e r r e d r e s e r v e s of a s y n c l i n e , f o r example, i l l u s t r a t e d i n f i g u r e 2 1 i n
p a r t 1 of t h i s r e p o r t were based on s e c t i o n s measured a b o u t 1 m i l e from t h e a r e a
( t a b l e 8).

TABLE 8. - Reserve computations--method of analogy1

Middle Thickness Volume Weight Phosphate Grade Pz Os ,

Block s e c t i o n accepted (v), factor rock ( Q ) , (c), short
(S), (t), f t cu f t (F) 3 short percent tons
sq f t cu f t l t o n tons
Block A , f i x . 21, o v e r t u r n e d s e c t i o n , 4,260 f e e t l o n e
Acid g r a d e ......... 715,000 5.0 3,575,000 11.3 316,400 34.2 108,200
Do.. .......... 715,000 9.9 7,078,000 11.3 626,400 32.5 203,600
Furnace grade.. .... 715,000 6.5 4,648,000 12.0 387,300 26.9 104,200
Do.. .......... 715,000 15.0 10,725,000 12.0 893,700 2 8 . 1 251,100
Benef i c i a t i o n g r a d e 7 15,000 13.4 9,581,000 13.0 737,000 19.2 141,500
Totaloraveraae715,OOO 49.8 35,607,000 - 2,960,800 2 7 . 3 808,600
Block B, f i g . 2 1 , normal d i p , 2,050 f e e t long
Acid grade.. ....... 570,000 5.0 2,850,000 11.3 252,200 34.2 86,300
Do.. .......... 570,000 9.9 5,643,000 11.3 499,400 32.5 162,300-
Furnace grade.. .... 570,000 6.5 3,705,000 12.0 308,800 26.9 83,100
Do.. .......... 570,000 15.0 8,550,000 12.0 712,500 2 8 . 1 200,200
B e n e f i c i a t i o n g r a d e 570;000 1 13.4 1
1 7;638;000 13.0 1 587;5001 19.2 1112,800
T o t a l o r a v e r a g e 5 7 0 , 0 0 0 1 49.8 128,386,0001. - 12,360,4001 27.3 1644,700
lComputations made f o r p o t e n t i a l s u r f a c e r e s o u r c e s i n a p h o s p h o r i t e d e p o s i t i n Idaho.
S e c t i o n i s composed bf 2 a c i d g r a d e zones (+31 p e r c e n t P,o,), 2 furnace grade
seams ( 2 4 t o 3 1 p e r c e n t P,O,), and t h e remainder b e n e f i c i a t i o n g r a d e ( 1 8 t o 24
p e r c e n t P20, ). R u e bed t h i c k n e s s i s 49.8 f e e t .

Method of Geologic Blocks

Although t h e method of geologic b l o c k s h a s been widely used by e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s

f o r many y e a r s , i t was n o t u n t i l 1950 t h a t i t s p r i n c i p l e s were f i r s t d i s c u s s e d and
i t s name a c c e p t e d (57); t h e procedure i s a l s o known a s t h e method of a n a l o g y and
g e n e r a l o u t l i n e (63).

A g e o l o g i c b l o c k may be t h e e n t i r e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t o r a r e l a t i v e l y small por-

t i o n of i t , o u t l i n e d on a map by i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t o r y d a t a . The b l o c k
s i d e s may c o i n c i d e with t h e n a t u r a l b o u n d a r i e s of t h e d e p o s i t , o r be d e l i n e a t e d on
t h e b a s i s of g e o l o g i c a l f e a t u r e s , s t r u c t u r a 1 d e f o r m a t i o n s , o r v a r i a t i o n s i n t h i c k -
n e s s and grade. I n a d d i t i o n , b l o c k s a l s o may b e o u t l i n e d on t h e b a s i s o f physio-
g r a p h i c f a c t o r s ; a d a p t a b i l i t y t o c e r t a i n mining methods; a v a i l a b i l i t y of m i n e r a l raw
m a t e r i a l a t d e p t h ; p o s s i b i l i t i e s of u t i l i z a t i o n ; r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r b e n e f i c i a t i o n and
p r o c e s s i n g ; o r p r o p e r t y , s e c t i o n , township, or S t a t e boundaries.

The f a c t o r s a r e determined from a v a i l a b l e e x p l o r a t o r y data, o r may b e a d a p t e d

from r e s u l t s of s p o t sampling, p r o d u c t i o n a v e r a g i n g , o r d a t a from o t h e r p a r t s of t h e
same d e p o s i t . Cutoff g r a d e i s determined by g e o l o g i c and mining c o n s i d e r a t i o n s and
p r o c e s s i n g . I n t e r p r e t a t i o n of d a t a may be by t h e r u l e s of g r a d u a l c h a n g e s , n e a r e s t
p o i n t s , or g e n e r a l i z a t i o n . The p a r a m e t e r s of each g e o l o g i c block and t h e e n t i r e
body a r e determined by procedure d e s c r i b e d f o r t h e method of analogy. The
a v e r a g e g r a d e of a n i n d i v i d u a l block i s computed e i t h e r by t h e a r i t h m e t i c a v e r -
a g e ( t a b l e 5 ) , weighted-average ( t a b l e 6 ) , o r by s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s .
Reserves of each b l o c k a r e computed a s t h e p r o d u c t of a r e a and a v e r a g e f a c t o r s ;
t o t a l r e s e r v e s a r e t h e sum of a l l i n d i v i d u a l b l o c k s ( t a b l e 7 ) .

Depending on t h e e x t e n t of t h e g e o l o g i c knowledge of t h e d e p o s i t , a l l
c a t e g o r i e s of m i n e r a l r e s o u r c e s may be computed by t h e g e o l o g i c b l o c k s method.
Accuracy o f computations depends, e s s e n t i a l l y , upon t h e a c c u r a c y of f a c t o r s
a c c e p t e d f o r each b l o c k a n d , t o a l e s s e r e x t e n t , on t h e a c c u r a c y of b l o c k a r e a
d e t e r m i n a t i o n s . They may b e a s a c c u r a t e a s any o t h e r method, when a p r o p e r
number of o b s e r v a t i o n s s u p p o r t t h e c o m p u t a t i o n of f a c t o r s f o r a c e r t a i n
d e p o s i t . On t h e o t h e r hand, t h e computations by t h i s method may be s p e c u l a -
t i v e o r p u r e l y academic, when t h e f a c t o r s a r e based on an i n s u f f i c i e n t number
and d e n s i t y of o b s e r v a t i o n s .

Examples of computations by t h i s method a r e q u i t e common i n t h e e a r l y

s t a g e s of e x p l o r a t i o n of bedded d e p o s i t s ; t h a t i s , phosphate r o c k , l i m e s t o n e ,
gypsum, a n d c o a l ( f i g . 3 0 ) . It i s o f t e n t h e o n l y method t h a t can b e u s e d when
the deposit i s irregular.

An e x c e l l e n t example of r e s o u r c e c o m p u t a t i o n s by g e o l o g i c b l o c k s h a s been
p u b l i s h e d by t h e G e o l o g i c a l Survey f o r uranium and vanadium d e p o s i t s of t h e
Colorado P l a t e a u ( 8 ) . The o r e bodies a r e r o u g h l y t a b u l a r and g e n e r a l l y p a r a l -
l e l i n g t h e bedding of t h e sandstone h o s t r o c k . They a r e i r r e g u l a r , o f t e n
s m a l l i n s i z e ( l e s s t h a n 5,000 t o n s ) , of v a r i a b l e t h i c k n e s s w i t h uranium and
vanadium v a l u e s d i s t r i b u t e d e r r a t i c a l l y . Computations have been based on
d r i l l h o l e s , underground openings, o b s e r v a t i o n s of n a t u r a l o u t c r o p s , and pro-
duction records. Often t h e number of o b s e r v a t i o n s f o r i n d i v i d u a l d e p o s i t s
were r e s t r i c t e d .

A t Lvov-Katin (near
Moscow, U.S.S.R.) coal
reserv'e computations
were made by b o t h geo-
l o g i c b l o c k s and polygon
methods (64). Geologic
b l o c k s were s e l e c t e d on
t h e b a s i s of bed t h i c k -
n e s s , as t h e r e were only
small variations i n coal
quality (ash, sulfur,
etc.). A t o t a l of 15
p r i n c i p a l and 80 supple-
mentary g e o l o g i c blocks
were u s e d a s compared
w i t h 260 b l o c k s by t h e
L E G E N O polygon method. The
o D r l l l holes g e o l o g i c b l o c k s method
r e v e a l e d t h e p r e s e n c e of
FIGURE 30. - Geologic Blocks Method. a r e a s of v a r i e d and
s h a r p l y reduced c o a l thickness. As t h e geologic and mining c o n d i t i o n s were
d i f f e r e n t from o t h e r blocks, t h i s a r e a r e q u i r e d a d d i t i o n a l e x p l o r a t i o n t o per-
m i t r e s e r v e computations of t h e same c a t e g o r y a s t h e r e s t o.f t h e d e p o s i t .

Advantages

The average f a c t o r s and a r e a methods of r e s e r v e computations a r e r e l a -

t i v e l y simple; t h e i r u s e , however, r e q u i r e s t r a i n i n g and experience. Areas
a r e measured by p l a n i m e t e r , computed, o r s c a l e d from maps. I n general, the
f a c t o r s a r e d e t e d n e d by a minimum number of simple c a l c u l a t i o n s ; no s p e c i a l
o r d e t a i l e d maps a r e needed. The procedure i s f l e x i b l e and r e q u i r e s no com-
p l e x formulas; computations can be made f o r i n d i v i d u a l b l o c k s , panels, l e v e l s ,
segments, o r f o r t h e e n t i r e mineral body.

These methods a r e adaptable t o a l l t y p e s of d e p o s i t s and t o a l l s t a g e s of

development; they a l l o w rapid and continuous e v a l u a t i o n of f a c t u a l d a t a , thus
p e r m i t t i n g improved engineering planning.

I n d i v i d u a l o b s e r v a t i o n s of t h i c k n e s s and grade a r e o f t e n unconfirmed with

r e s p e c t t o t h e i r l o c a l i t i e s ; t h e r e f o r e , computations of a v e r a g e f a c t o r s usu-
a l l y do not r e q u i r e a r e a weighting. Changes i n r e s e r v e s of a mine, whether
due t o e x t r a c t i o n o r continuing e x p l o r a t i o n , can be e a s i l y made by s u b t r a c t i n g
o r adding r e s p e c t i v e a r e a s , o r by determining new o r c o r r e c t e d a r e a s .

Accuracy of t h e computations v a r i e s depending on t h e t y p e of d e p o s i t ,

number of b l o c k s , and density of observations. When a d e p o s i t i s q u i t e uni-
form and average f a c t o r s a r e computed on t h e b a s i s of a s u f f i c i e n t number of
o b s e r v a t i o n s , r e s u l t s a r e accurate.

Application

Analogous and geologic blocks methods a r e widely used f o r a l l types of

m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s . For successful a p p l i c a t i o n t h e i r p r i n c i p a l requirement i s a
g e o l o g i c and geochemical s i m i l a r i t y between t h e segment o r block being consid-
e r e d , and a more thoroughly s t u d i e d p o r t i o n of t h e same o r s i m i l a r d e p o s i t .
Both methods a r e convenient f o r r a p i d approximations t o support e x p l o r a t i o n
and everyday mining decisions. They o f t e n can be used when o t h e r methods f a i l
because of l a c k of s u f f i c i e n t d a t a .

C e r t a i n t y p e s of mineral d e p o s i t s , such a s t a b u l a r , bedded, and l a r g e

p l a c e r d e p o s i t s , a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y s u i t e d t o t h e s e methods. Their b a s i c param-
e t e r s vary only s l i g h t l y from one p o i n t t o a n o t h e r , and t h e average f a c t o r s
may be determined w i t h s u f f i c i e n t accuracy by a simple a v e r a g i n g j r e g a r d l e s s
of whether o b s e r v a t i o n s a r e d i s t r i b u t e d i n a s y s t e m a t i c o r unsystematic pat-
t e r n . Another u s e of these methods i s when t h e t h i c k n e s s of a mineral body
can be a c c u r a t e l y measured, but t h e high c o s t o r t e c h n i c a l d i f f i c u l t i e s nnke
i t impossible t o sample raw m a t e r i a l i n p l a c e . Grade i n such a c a s e may be
computed from p a s t production, other p o r t i o n s of t h e d e p o s i t , o r even m i l l and
smelter returns.
 Both methods
s h o u l d be used
with d i s c r e t i o n ,
b e c a u s e t h e accu-
*----- racy f o r a d e p o s i t
may depend on ' p e r -
54
- sonal interpreta-
B r4 t i o n , r a t h e r than
o b j e c t i v e geologic

I o b s e r v a t i o n s and
samp l i n g .

1 The mining
I blocks i s a l s o
I known i n t h e min-
I e r a l industry as
----A l o n g i t u d i n a 1 sec-
t i o n , mine e x t r a c -
t i o n , and mine
e x p l o i t a t i o n (11,
-
2 8 , 2).A mining
b l o c k map be
d e f i n e d a s a por-
t i o n of a m i n e r a l
body d e l i n e a t e d on
f o u r s i d e s by
workings, o r
bounded by work-
i n g s on t h r e e o r
l e s s s i d e s , and by
survey or a r b i -
t r a r y l i n e s on t h e
remaining s i d e s
( f i g . 3 1 ) . The
s i z e and form of
t h e mining b lock
i s determined by
e x p l o r a t i o n and
development work-
i n g s , geologic
f e a t u r e s , tech-
n i c a l , and eco-
nomic c o n s i d e r a -
tions.
FIGURE 31, - Mining Blocks Exposed on Four Sides. A, Vertical section
of a vein developed by underground workings; B , isometr~c In practice,
drawing of three mining blocks a, b , and c (Note-vein t h ~ c k - mining blocks a r e
ness less than width of workings); C, geometric interpreta- genera l l y
tion of the same blocks for computotlons. ,
r e c t a n g u l a r i n shape with t h e bases l y i n g i n t h e p l a n e of a p l a n , v e r t i c a l , o r
i n c l i n e l o n g i t u d i n a l s e c t i o n , depending on the g e o l o g i c c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e
d e p o s i t . The most common form of a mining block i s p a r a l l e l l e p i p e d ; b l o c k
volume of o r e i s computed a s a product of a r e a and average t h i c k n e s s (formula
1 5 ) , o r e tonnage a s a product of volume and weight f a c t o r (formula 1 7 ) , and
m e t a l tonnage a s a product of o r e tonnage and average grade (formula 29).
The u s u a l form f o r r e s e r v e computations by t h i s method i s given i n t a b l e s 9
and 10.
,
Mining blocks d e l i n e a t e d by a combination of underground openings and
d r i l l h o l e s a r e s p e c i a l cases. Assignment of r e s e r v e s i n t o c a t e g o r i e s depends
on t h e t y p e of d e p o s i t , kind and d e n s i t y of mine workings, and economics.
Accuracy depends on t h e way t h e blocks were d e l i n e a t e d and on t h e method and
accuracy of t h e sampling. Assuming t h a t a l l w r k i n g s a r e s t u d i e d with t h e
same a c c u r a c y , s e v e r a l t y p i c a l c a s e s a r e d i s c u s s e d f u r t h e r .

TABLE 9 . - Determination of a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e of f a c t o r s
f o r individua 1 blocks

Block I Name of ( Thickness ( t ) ,l I Grade (c) ,'

workings ft percent
Raise XB :1
C
I1
Raise AI B1 t z '
I...................... C/2
Drift A A ~ t '3 13
Drift BB1 t 1 4 c +

Total.............

Average.. .........
Raise A1B1
2. ..................... Raise A ~ F ?
Drift A I B ~
D r i f t BI

Total........ .....
4 4
Average..... ...... t = C tH/4
i=l
cflay = 1 cr'/4
i=l
= (t ) a r e determined a s average a r i t h m e t i c t h i c k n e s s by formula ( 1 0 ) .
( c ) a r e determined a s average a r i t h m e t i c grade by formula ( 2 4 ) , o r t h i c k n e s s -
weighted average grade by formula ( 2 5 ) , or area-weighted average grade by
formula ( 2 6 ) .
 TABLE 10. - R e c a p i t u l a t i o n of r e s e r v e s f o r m i n e r a l body ( b y c a t e g o r i e s )
and d e t e r m i n a t i o n of a v e r a g e g r a d e

Average Raw Weight Raw [ V a l u a b l e com lnents

Block :hickness material factor naterial .verage grade Leserves
t a v1, f t vo lume (a, reserves ( c a v 1r PI tons
V ) , cu f t :u f t l t o n :Q) , t o n s percent
Vl F 4
v2 F Q

vn F Qn

Total..

Average

Block Exposed on Four S i d e s by Underground Workings

Reserve computations of a number of mining b l o c k s opened on a l l s i d e s by

underground workings i s made by d e t e r m i n i n g a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r each workings;
d e t e r m i n i n g a v e r a g e f a c t o z s f o r each b l o c k ; computing volume, o r e , and metal
tonnages f o r each b l o c k ; and s u m r i z i n g t h e r e s e r v e s of a l l b l o c k s of t h e
same c a t e g o r y and computing weighted a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r e a c h c a t e g o r y and f o r
the e n t i r e mineral deposit.

Determining Average F a c t o r s f o r Each Working

When t h e t h i c k n e s s of a m i n e r a l body i s uniform and l e s s t h a n t h e width

of underground o p e n i n g s , average f a c t o r s f o r each working a r e u s u a l l y found by
a s i m p l e a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e of a p p r o p r i a t e v a r i a b l e s . Average t h i c k n e s s may
be computed by w e i g h t i n g a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e of each t h i c k n e s s a c c o r d i n g t o the
r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s , depending on t h e form a n d s i z e o f t h e m i n e r a l body,
i r r e g u l a r i t i e s i n v a l u e s , and d e n s i t y and d i s t r i b u t i o n of o b s e r v a t i o n s . In
i r r e g u l a r b o d i e s a v e r a g e grade f o r a working i s computed by w e i g h t i n g each
sample by a p p r o p r i a t e a r e a s , volumes, and t o n n a g e s .

Determining Average F a c t o r s f o r Each Block

When t h e t h i c k n e s s of m i n e r a l body i s l e s s t h a n t h e width of t h e opening,

a v e r a g e f a c t o r s a r e computed a s f o l l o w s :
l e n g t h s of a l l s i d e s a r e equal,

where t, , t, , t,, and t, a r e t h i c k n e s s e s measured o r computed f o r each working;

el , c2 , C, , anc c, a r e grades f o r t h e same workings.

When l e n g t h s of s i d e s a r e unequal and t h e r e i s no r e l a t i o n s h i p between

t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e , average f a c t o r s of a mining block may be computed by
weighting each working according t o i t s l e n g t h , 4 , & , L,, and L,,

and

When l e n g t h s of s i d e s a r e unequal and t h i c k n e s s e s and grades of workings

vary c o n s i d e r a b l y ( f i g . 3lA), average f a c t o r s a r e

and c,, = formula 26,

h e r e sl , s2 , s, , and si a r e a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e s of each working found by t h e

r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s .

When t h e o r e t h i c k n e s s i s more than t h e width of t h e mine openings and

t h e blocks a r e developed by c r o s s c u t s on two l e v e l s , r e s e r v e s may b e computed
from the c r o s s c u t d a t a , a s discussed f u r t h e r f o r a b l o c k exposed on two s i d e s .
D r i f t and r a i s e samples between c r o s s c u t s a r e n o t r e q u i r e d , i f t h e r e a r e e v i -
dences of good o r e c o n t i n u i t y and grade uniformity. I n t h e c a s e of a n i r r e g u -
l a r body t h e block may b e divided i n t o a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e t o check r e s u l t s of
o r i g i n a 1 computations.

Block Exposed on Three S i d e s by Underground Workings

Average f a c t o r s f o r a mining block exposed on t h r e e s i d e s by underground

workings a r e computed s i m i l a r t o t h e previous c a s e s : ( a ) a s an a r i t h m e t i c
average o f t h r e e s i d e s ( d i s r e g a r d i n g length of workings); ( b ) by weighting
v a r i a b l e s of each s i d e of the block according t o t h e 1 e n g t h . o f each working;
( c ) by computing f i r s t t h e f a c t o r s f o r t h e f o u r t h s i d e from end-samples a and
-
b of the e x i s t i n g s i d e s ( f i g . 32& l e f t ) and, t h e n , a v e r a g i n g t h e v a r i a b l e s of
a l l s i d e s ( t h i s , however, i n c r e a s e s t h e importance of t h e end-samples i n
 comparison with o t h e r s ) ;
and ( d ) by w e i g h t i n g t h e
Sample a a r e a s o f i n f l u e n c e of
I.\-
, - - -;iI each o f t h e t h r e e e x i s t -

Sample b
I \ i n g workings ( f i g . 324
right).

A block d e l i n e a t e d
I by a n a d i t , r a i s e , and
s u r f a c e workings, t h a t
is trenches or p i t s , is
a s p e c i a l c a s e and may
b e s u b d i v i d e d a s above
( f i g . 322 r i g h t ) , o r on
t h e b a s i s of accuracy o f
computations (category)
( f i g . 322 l e f t ) . It may
a l s o b e subdivided i n t o
b l o c k s based on g e o l o g i c
e v i d e n c e s , such a s
d e g r e e of o r e a l t e r a t i o n ,
t h i c k n e s s , grade, zoning,
o r number of observa-
t i o n s (32C).

Block Exposed on
Two S i d e s

Underground Workings
on Two Levels

Oxidation zone When a mining block

- i s developed on two lev-
e l s ( f i g . 33, block 1)
a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r each
l e v e l a r e found f i r s t ' .
In uniform bodies t h e
b l o c k f a c t o r s a r e com-
p u t e d a s t h e a v e r a g e of
both l e v e l s ; otherwise
-
FIGURE 32. Mining Blocks Exposed on Three Sides. A , Block t h e y a r e computed a s
area-weighted a v e r a g e s
exposed b y two drifts and a raise; B , block exposed of both levels,
by adit, raise, and surface workings, no change in
geology with depth; C, block exposed by adit, raise, I n t e r s e c t i n g Under-
and trenches, natural changes in th~ckness and g r o u n d Workings
grade with depth due to oxidation.
A mining block
developed on two s i d e s by underground i n t e r s e c t i n g w o r k i n g s ; t h a t i s d r i f t and
r a i s e , i s a t r i a n g u l a r p r i s m ( f i g . 33, b l o c k 2 ) . Block f a c t o r s may be d e t e r -
mined as t h e a v e r a g e of b o t h workings, a s t h e l e n g t h - w e i g h t e d a v e r a g e of both
Block I

Block 2

FIGURE 33. - Mining Blocks Exposed on Two Sides (Vein Thickness ' ~ e s sThan the Width
of Workings). -4,Blocks exposed between two parallel workings (1) and be-
tween two intersecting workings (2); B , isometric drawing of the samemining
blocks.
w o r k i n g s , o r a s t h e area-weighted a v e r a g e of b o t h workings w i t h a r e a s of i n f l u -
ence found a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s ( b l o c k s 2a and 2 b ) .

I n t h e f i r s t and second examples, volumes a r e computed a s t h e product of

a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s ( t a v ) and a r e a ( S ) ; i n t h e t h i r d example a s a sum of two
a u x i l i a r y b l o c k s , each c a l c u l a t e d a s t h e p r o d u c t of t h e a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s ' o f
t h e working and i t s a r e a o f i n f l u e n c e .

When t h e t h i c k n e s s of t h e m i n e r a l body i s g r e a t e r t h a n t h e width of t h e

workings, t h e mining b l o c k may be developed on b o t h l e v e l s by c r o s s c u t s o r by
c r o s s c u t s and d r i f t s ( f i g . 3 4 ) . I n t h e f i r s t example r e s e r v e s a r e computed
from c r o s s c u t d a t a by t h e v e r t i c a l c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods. h%en d r i f t samples
between c r o s s c u t s a r e a v a i l a b l e , t h e f a c t o r s and a r e a r e s e r v e s may be computed
by t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s f o r each l e v e l . Block r e s e r v e s a r e computed by
one o f t h e formulas d i s c u s s e d f u r t h e r i n t h e s e c t i o n on c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods.

Block Exposed on One Level and I n t e r s e c t e d a t Depth by D r i l l i n g

A m i n e r a l body exposed by workings on one l e v e l and i n t e r s e c t e d a t depth

( o r above) by one o r more d r i l l h o l e s may be d i v i d e d i n t o m i n i n g blocks by
c o n s t r u c t i n g p e r p e n d i c u l a r s from t h e d r i l l h o l e o r e i n t e r s e c t i o n l e v e l a , b ,
and c t o t h e underground workings l e v e l a: , b= , c l ( f i g . 35~). Boundaries of
b l o c k s a l s o may be determined on t h e b a s i s of g e o l o g i c c r i t e r i a , such a s zon-
i n g o r r a k e of m i n e r a l i z a t i o n , and on b a s i s of mining d e s i g n and economics.
I f t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e of t h e body a r e u n i f o r m , b l o c k f a c t o r s a r e computed by

and

where tl and c: a r e average thickness and a v e r a g e g r a d e of o r e i n each block

on t h e d r i f t l e v e l ;
and c, a r e average thickness and a v e r a g e g r a d e of each two a d j o i n i n g
d r i l l holes limiting t h e s i d e of b l o c k ; and
4 and a r e t h e block lengths on b o t h l e v e l s .

When t h e m i n e r a l body i s i n t e r s e c t e d by one d r i l l h o l e , t h e mining b Lock

may be d i v i d e d a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s i n t o two a u x i l i a r y
b l o c k s of v a r y i n g a c c u r a c y a n d , t h e r e f o r e , of d i f f e r e n t c a t e g o r i e s ( f i g . 35g).

The a v e r a g e f a c t o r s may be determined by f o r m u l a s ( 5 7 , p . Z l g ) ,

and
where 5 and c, a r e a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s and a s s a y f o r t h e d r i f t and
t, and c; a r e t h i c k n e s s and a s s a y f o r t h e d r i l l h o l e .
When a l a r g e number of samples a r e a v a i l a b l e from t h e d r i f t , d r i l l h o l e
i n f o r m a t i o n of t e n may serv.e only t o d e l i n e a t e t h e b l o c k and e v a l u a t e t h e min-
e r a l i z a t i o n . I f each o b s e r v a t i o n , whether i t i s from t h e d r i f t o r d r i l l h o l e ,
i s c o n s i d e r e d on an e q u a l b a s i s , t h e n t h e c o m p u t a t i o n s of a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s
and g r a d e are made by f o r m u l a s .

I n t h e example o f numerous h o l e s t h e formulas a r e

and

With one h o l e they a r e

C1 i C 2 t... +C, +cL1

and -- n + l

I n these computations,

5 , t2, ... t,
a r e thicknesses observed i n t h e d r i f t ,
c1 , c2 , ...
C, a r e corresponding a s s a y s ,
tl, , t12, ...
t l , t h i c k n e s s e s observed i n d r i l l h o l e s ,
ell , cl, , ...
clm c o r r e s p o n d i n g a s s a y s ,
n- number of samples i n t h e d r i f t , and
m - number of d r i l l h o l e s .

Application

I n o r d e r t o a p p l y t h e mining b l o c k s method i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o develop t h e

m i n e r a l body i n t o b l o c k s ( f o r e x t r a c t i o n ) by a s u f f i c i e n t d i s t r i b u t i o n of work-
i n g s . I n g e n e r a l , r e s e r v e s f o r u n i f o r m b o d i e s a r e of t h e h i g h e s t c a t e g o r y ;
t h a t i s , proved o r semiproved. c o m p u t a t i o n s a r e r e l a t i v e l y s i m p l e . Block
r e s e r v e s may be c l a s s i f i e d f o r mining purposes a c c o r d i n g t o t h i c k n e s s , g r a d e ,
and e x t r a c t i o n c o s t . Thus, t h e method a l l o w s t h e o p e r a t o r t o c o n t r o l t h e
q u a l i t y and t h e c o s t of p r o d u c t i o n .

The method i s f l e x i b l e and r a y be used i n a l l t y p e s of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s ,

The d e g r e e of e r r o r d e p e n d s , t o a g r e a t e x t e n t , on t h e g e n e t i c . t y p e of t h e
d e p o s i t , on t h e d e n s i t y of workings, and on t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of o b s e r v a t i o n s .
I t i s n a t u r a l l y a d a p t e d t o sedimentary beds such a s c o a l , t o v e r t i c a l and
s t e e p l y d i p p i n g v e i n s of t h i n and medium t h i c k n e s s , and t o thin-bedded t a b u l a r
o r e b o d i e s , where g r a d e and t h i c k n e s s undergo g r a d u a l changes and where mining
and g e o l o g i c f e a t u r e s a r e s i m i l a r t o b l o c k s a l r e a d y e x t r a c t e d . When weighted
a v e r a g i n g of t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e c a n b e e l i m i n a t e d from t h e c o m p u t a t i o n s , i t
becomes a simple o p e r a t i o n .

I n n e s t l i k e , broken, o r i n t e r r u p t e d b o d i e s , o r where m i n e r a l v a l u e s are

d i s t r i b u t e d e r r a t i c a l l y , t h e r e l a t i v e e r r o r of t h i s method may be e x c e s s i v e .

C r o s s - S e c t i o n Methods

P r i n c i p l e s and Requirements

The i n i t i a l s t e p i n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods i s t o d i v i d e
t h e m i n e r a l body i n t o blocks by c o n s t r u c t i n g g e o l o g i c s e c t i o n s a t i n t e r v a l s
along t h e t r a n s v e r s e l i n e s o r a t d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s i n conformity with explora-
t i o n workings, purpose of c o m p u t a t i o n s , and t h e n a t u r e o f t h e d e p o s i t ( f i g s .
36 and 3 7 ) . The i n t e r v a l between t h e s e c t i o n s may b e c o n s t a n t o r may v a r y t o
s u i t t h e geology and mining r e q u i r e m e n t s . When t h e i n t e r v a l s a r e u n e q u a l ,
f o r m u l a s f o r computations a r e s l i g h t l y more c o m p l i c a t e d .

Depending on t h e manner o f t h e b l o c k c o n s t r u c t i o n t h e r e a r e t h r e e m o d i f i -
c a t i o n s of c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods :

1. Standard method based on t h e r u l e of g r a d u a l changes ( f i g . 374).

Each i n t e r n a l block i s confined by two s e c t i o n s and by a n i r r e g u l a r l a t e r a l
s u r f a c e , and each end block by a s i n g l e s e c t i o n a n d by a n uneven l a t e r a l

FIGURE 36. - Block Layout b y Cross-Section Methods (Block Diagram).

.-I, Rule of graduol
changes-standard cross-section method; B , rule of nearest points-linear
cross-section method.
 P L A N

LEGEND
V e r t i c a l d r i l l holes
crossing ore
o Blank vertlcol drlll holes

PLAN

FIGURE 37. - Cross-Section Methods-Standard and Linear. A, Laying out blocks according to
the rule of gradual changes; B , laying out blocks according t o the rule of nearest
points.

surface. Sections m y be p a r a l l e l or n o n p a r a l l e l , v e r t i c a l , horizontal, or

inclined;

2. Linear method based on t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s (fig, 37B). Each

b l o c k i s d e f i n e d by a s e c t i o n and a l e n g t h e q u a l t o one-half t h e d i s t a n c e t o
t h e a d j o i n i n g s e c t i o n s ; and

3. Method o f i s o l i n e s based on t h e r u l e of g r a d u a l changes ( s e e s e c t i o n

.
e n t i t l e d Method of I s o l i n e s )
 . For a c c u r a t e r e s u l t s cross-sectionmethodsrequire

( a ) t h a t a s u f f i c i e n t number of workings completely c r o s s i n g t h e m i n e r a l

body and a n a d e q u a t e number of o b s e r v a t i o n s and samples t a k e n from each sec-
t i o n t o r e p r e s e n t t h e ' q u a l i t y of t h e raw m a t e r i a l ;

( b ) that t h e w r k i n g s l i e i n o r n e a r t h e s e c t i o n s ; and

( c ) t h a t a l l workings a r e d i s t r i b u t e d more o r l e s s e q u a l l y between t h e

sections.

Standard M e t h o d - - P a r a l l e l Sections

Procedure

Some e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s d i s t i n g u i s h two v a r i a b l e s of t h e s t a n d a r d method:

v e r t i c a l o r f e n c e used mainly i n e x p l o r a t i o n ; and h o r i z o n t a l o r l e v e l used i n
mining. The u s u a l procedure f o r computing r e s e r v e s by t h i s method i s ( a )
d e t e r m i n i n g t h e a r e a s of a l l s e c t i o n s , ( b ) computing a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r each
s e c t i o n ; ( c ) computing volume, and o r e a n d m e t a l tonnages f o r each b l o c k ; and
f i n a l l y , ( d ) su-rizing t h e r e s u l t s f o r a l l b l o c k s by c a t e g o r i e s and comput-
i n g a v e r a g e f a c t o r s f o r t h e e n t i r e body ( t a b l e 11). Measurement of i n d i v i d u a l
a r e a s h a s been d i s c u s s e d i n p a r t 1 of t h i s r e p o r t . I

Average f a c t o r s f o r each s e c t i o n may be determined by t h e r u l e o f g r a d u a l

c h a n g e s , r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s ( l e n g t h - w e i g h t e d a v e r a g e and a r e a - w e i g h t e d
a v e r a g e ) , and a s an a r i t h m e t i c average. When i n t h e c a s e of i r r e g u l a r d i s -
t r i b u t i o n of workings, t h e r e i s a d i r e c t o r i n v e r t e d r e l a t i o n s h i p between
t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e , average grade may b e computed a s a t h i c k n e s s - w e i g h t e d
average.

Volume Computations

The c o n f i g u r a t i o n of a r e a s and t h e l a t e r a l shape of t h e b l o c k s a r e

u s u a l l y i r r e g u l a r and, i n order t o compute volume by s o l i d geometry, a r e a s
a r e c o n s i d e r e d t o be of equal s i z e c i r c l e s o r polygonal f i g u r e s ; l a t e r a l
s u r f a c e s of t h e b l o c k s a r e d i s r e g a r d e d .

Mean-Area Formula. - The s i m p l e s t formula f o r a volume between two

p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s with a r e a s S1 and S2 and a p e r p e n d i c u l a r d i s t a n c e , L ,
between them i s

T h i s mean-area formula i s p r e c i s e when both a r e a s a r e n e a r l y s i m i l a r i n

s i z e and shape.
 TABLE 11. - Computation of r e s e r v e s by standard method of c r o s s - s e c t i o n s

n t erva 1 Weight Raw m a t e r i a l I Valuable :omponent

r e s e r v e s (Q) ,

I
Volume (V) , factor Grade ( c ) , Reserves
Blocks zc t i o n s etween
ections cu f t ( 0 , tons percent ( P ) , tons
L), f t u ftlton

I........... )4
1
...........
...........
...........
N...........

Total.. ..

Average. a
 . A s o l i d m i n e r a l body t h a t h a s been d i v i d e d i n t o b l o c k s by a s e r i e s of
evenly spaced p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s i s computed by t h e "end-area!' formula d e r i v e d
from formula ( 4 6 ) ,

(47)

where L e q u a l s t h e d i s t a n c e between s e c t i o n s . I f t h e s e c t i o n s a r e unevenly

spaced t h e formula f o r t h e volume o f t h e e n t i r e body w i l l b e

Z9 (48)

where & , Le , La, ... L, a r e p e r p e n d i c u l a r d i s t a n c e s between t h e a d j o i n i n g

s e c t i o n s with a r e a s S1, & , Sg ... Sn.

Wedge and Cone (F'yramid) Formulas. -

End b l o c k s of l e n s l i k e m i n e r a l
bodies may be c o n v e r t e d t o a wedge o r cone (pyramid) w i t h t h e l a r g e r a r e a s S
i n one s e c t i o n , t a p e r i n g t o a l i n e o r a p o i n t i n t h e a d j o i n i n g s e c t i o n ( f i g .
384). I f t h e b l o c k t a p e r s t o a l i n e , volume i s computed by wedge f o r m u l a ,

This formula, however, i s p r e c i s e only when t h e b a s e i s r e c t a n g u l a r and

t h e l a t e r a l f a c e s a r e i s o s c e l e s t r i a n g l e s and t r a p e z o i d s . A more p r e c i s e
formula f o r t h e wedge i s (42)

V = & (2a + a ~ b) s i n a ,
6
where a and b a r e t h e 'lengths of s i d e s of t h e b a s e a -
a n g l e between a and b ,
and al i s t h e l a r g e r s i d e of t h e t r a p e z o i d (38A r i g h t ) .

I f t h e block t a p e r s t o a p o i n t ( f i g . 38g), volume is computed by cone

formu l a ,

Volume computed by t h e wedge f o r m u l a i s 50 p e r c e n t l a r g e r t h a n volume computed

by t h e cone formula.

Frustum Formula. -
When S1 and & vary i n s i z e , b u t a r e s i m i l a r ( f i g .
38C), f r u s t u m of a cone o r pyramid formula i s used t o compute t h e b l o c k
volume ,
 FIGURE 38. - Standard Cross-Section Method (Parallel Sections). A, Common wedge formula;
B, cone (pyramid) formula; C, frustum of a cone formula.
I n p r a c t i c e , t h e frustum formula i s avoided because of complications
involved i n computing square r o o t s and i n c e r t a i n c a s e s i t i s l e s s a c c u r a t e
t h a n t h e prism formula. Let us c o n s i d e r a block of a r e g u i a r prism (volume
of which i s V = S x L) and d i v i d e i t i n t o two a u x i l i a r y prisms i n t h e f o w of
t r u n c a t e d wedges w i t h a r e a s S, and % e q u a l t o 0.9s and a r e a s S , and Ss equal
t o 0.1s ( f i g . 39) (30).
 FIGURE 39. - Frustum Formula Versus Mean-Area Formula.
According t o f r u s t u m formtila t h e volume of each a u x i l i a r y b l o c k i s

V, = V2 = 3 ( 0 . 1 + 0.9 + ((0.1) (0.9)) = 0.433 L,

and t h e volume of t h e r e g u l a r p r i s m i s

I n t h i s example t h e t o t a l block volume, by f r u s t u m f o r m u l a , i s 13.4 p e r c e n t

l e s s t h a n t h e volume computed by t h e r e g u l a r p r i s m f o r m u l a . It i s concluded,
t h e r e f o r e , t h a t t h e f r u s t u m formula i s i n a c c u r a t e i n w e d g e l i k e b o d i e s . Thus,
when t h e a r e a s d e l i n e a t i n g t h e t r u n c a t e d wedge b l o c k s h a v e e q u a l s i d e s , such
a s h e i g h t s q and & between two l e v e l s ( f i g . 40A), o r t h i c k n e s s e s al and
 FIGURE 40. - Truncated Wedge-Standard Cross-Section Method (Parallel Sections).
between p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s ( f i g . 402), t h e mean-area formula i s more p r e c i s e
than t h e frustum.

P r i s m o i d a l Formula

Many m i n e r a l b o d i e s s w e l l , c o n t r a c t , p i n c h , and i n g e n e r a l , have i r r e g u -

l a r l a t e r a l s u r f a c e s t h a t may have a profound i n f l u e n c e on t h e a c c u r a c y of
volume computations. The p r i s m o i d a l f o r m u l a i s based on t h e assumption t h a t
t h e e n c l o s i n g l a t e r a l , curved and warped s u r f a c e s can b e a c c u r a t e l y r e p l a c e d
by p l a n e t r i a n g l e s , t r a p e z o i d s , o r p a r a l l e l o g r a m s bounded by s t r a i g h t Lines
and c o n s t r u c t e d from one p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n t o t h e a d j o i n i n g one (10, l4,20,
-
40, 42,6 2 ) . S e l e c t i o n of t h e p l a n e f i g u r e s i s c o n t r o l l e d by t h e shape of t h e
m i n e r a l body and i t s e n c l o s i n g s u r f a c e .

The p r i s m o i d a l formula i s d e r i v e d from imp son's r u l e f o r i r r e g u l a r

areas.

where M i s t h e a r e a of a n a u x i l i a r y p l a n e s e c t i o n p a r a l l e l t o and midway

between s e c t i o n s S1 and & . C o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h i s a u x i l i a r y s e c t i o n i s based
on i n t e r p o l a t i o n of l o n g i t u d i n a l and c r o s s s e c t i o n s and by i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of
t h e geology of t h e m i n e r a l body (39, p. 581, 28, p. 117). Only i n e x c e p t i o n a l
c a s e s i s M a n a v e r a g e of Sl and & . A u x i l i a r y a r e a c o n s t r u c t i o n s r e q u i r e
a d d i t i o n a l work.

T h i s formula i s advantageous when a m i n e r a l body i s d i v i d e d i n t o blocks

by a s e r i e s of c l o s e l y spaced c r o s s s e c t i o n s . A l t e r n a t e o r odd number sec-
t i o n s may b e r e g a r d e d a s end b l o c k s e c t i o n s , and each i n t e r v e n i n g o r even
numbered s e c t i o n a s a midsection M. The formula i s recommended when t h e c r o s s
s e c t i o n s a r e of d i f f e r e n t c o n f i g u r a t i o n and more a c c u r a t e computations a r e
d e s i r e d ; i t i s cormnonly used i n c i v i l e n g i n e e r i n g f o r e a r t h work and i s
d e s c r i b e d i n f i e l d surveying handbooks (39, p. 582, 57, v. 1, p. 231).

Volume computations, with t h e p r e c i s i o n of t h e p r i s m o i d a l formula, may be

made by reducing t h e r e s u l t s computed by t h e mean-area formula by a "prismoi-
d a l correction factor",

prismoidal 'V mean-area - C prismoidal correction

where C , t h e f a c t o r f o r any t r i a n g u l a r p r i s m a t o i d , i s e q u a l t o

and i s expressed i n c u b i c f e e t .

BLOCK A

FIGURE 41. -Blocks Between

Parallel Sections.
Influence of the
BLOCK 8 shape of areas on

+
yu4-
volume computa-
t ions.
 where al and a r e s i d e s of area S1 and a2 and b2 a r e s i d e s of a r e a & ( f i g .
41, Block A ) . Tables of values f o r t r i a n g u l a r prisms f o r a d i s t a n c e of 100
. f e e t between s e c t i o n s , and f o r prismoidal c o r r e c t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e i n p u b l i -
c a t i o n s r e l a t e d t o -railway and o t h e r e a r t h excavation problems . The o b e l i s k
formula, described i n some p u b l i c a t i o n s a s a s e p a r a t e formula (30),i s a mod-
i f i c a t i o n of a prismoidal formula derived by s u b s t i t u t i n g equation (55) f o r M.

The i n f l u e n c e of t h e shape of p a r a l l e l a r e a s on volume computations i s

w e l l demonstrated by t h e following. Comparing t h e r e s u l t s of computations by
mean-area, frustum, and prismoidal formulas f o r two bodies with the same value
base a r e a s S1 , & , S3, and Sq , but of d i f f e r e n t shape ( f i g . 4 l ) , gives

1 Block A I Block B
Distance between sections...... ..feet.. 1 15 15
Dimensions of bodies, f e e t : I I

b4...
S4..
........;....................+.. -
................................. -
2
80
Mean- a r ea......................... .. 1,200 f t3 1,200
Frustum ................ ........... 1,200ft3. 1,200
Prismoidal.. ..................... .f t3 .. 1,380 2,425
R e l a t i v e e r r o r s of mean-area and
frustum formulas.............percent.. 13.0 50.5

Thus, i n our example t h e volumes of blocks A and B computed by the mean-

a r e a and frustum formulas a r e 13.0 and 50.5 percent less t h a n t h e v a l u e s com-
puted by prismoidal formula.

I f values and a r e equal, t h e prismoidal ( o b e l i s k ) formula c o n v e r t s

t o t h e mean-ar ea formula.
 FIGURE 42. - Construction of Auxiliary Area R for Bauman's Formula. A, Block between
. parallel sections with irregular lateral surface; B, some block with linear
lateral surface and construction of generators; C, intermediate drawing show-
ing how to find proiections of generators; D , construction of auxiliary area R.

Thus, h e n any p a i r of s i d e v a l u e s of a and b a r e e q u a l o r n e a r l y e q u a l ,

t h e mean-area formula i s a c c u r a t e . T h i s i s i n g e n e r a l a connnon c a s e of volume
computations, such as a b l o c k h a v i n g e q u a l h e i g h t o r t h i c k n e s s .

The p r i s m o i d a l formula h a s been used i n computations of complex v e i n o r e

b o d i e s i n t h e Coeur d'Alene mining d i s t r i c t , Idaho (10).

Bauman's Formula. - Among t h e l e s s cormnon f o r m u l a s f o r volume computa-

t i o n s i s one o f f e r e d by Bauman (2,2).T h i s g r a p h i c formula h a s l i m i t e d u s e .

When t h e l a t e r a l and i r r e g u l a r s u r f a c e of a m i n e r a l body between two

p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s i s assumed t o b e l i n e a r ( f i g . 42), t h e volume of t h e b l o c k
may b e computed by
 where S1 and S2 a r e a r e a s of c r o s s s e c t i o n s ,
L i s d i s t a n c e between s e c t i o n s , and
R i s an a u x i l i a r y area, graphically constructed a s follows:
1. Draw both end a r e a s and c o n s t r u c t p r o j e c t i o n s ( A A ~ ' , BB'II, ...)
from t h e g e n e r a t o r s ( M I , BB', ...)
of t h e l a t e r a l s u r f a c e o n .
t h e same p l a n e ( f i g s . 42g and 42s).
2. From p o i n t 0 ( f i g . 422) c o n s t r u c t l i n e s of e q u a l l e n g t h and
d i r e c t i o n a s t h e l i n e s AA1', B'I' , ...
I f t h e generators a r e
taken i n s u f f i c i e n t q u a n t i t y and a l l p o i n t s A , B , C , ...
are
connected by a curved l i n e , t h e r e s u l t a n t f i g u r e w i l l be t h e
a u x i l i a r y a r e a R.

Construction of a u x i l i a r y a r e a s r e q u i r e s experience and t i m e , t h e r e f o r e ,

l i m i t i n g t h e u s e of t h e formula. The common prism and pyramid forruulas may be
d e r i v e d from Batman's formula by making a p p r o p r i a t e assumptions. When a r e a Sl
i s e q u a l t o Sz , t h e a u x i l i a r y a r e a R i s z e r o and Bauman' s formula i s t h e same
a s a prism o r c y l i n d e r . When a r e a S2 i s z e r o , t h e a u x i l i a r y a r e a R w i l l be
e q u a l t o q , and Bauman's formula i s t h a t of a pyramid.

Tonnage Computations

The product of block volume and weight f a c t o r s produces t h e tonnage of

I raw m a t e r i a 1; t h e product of t h e l a t t e r and average grade equa 1s the r e s e r v e s
of v a l u a b l e component. Another manner of tonnage computation f o r each block
c o n s i s t s of determining " s e c t i o n r e s e r v e s " f o r a s l i c e of one u n i t i n width,
and computing block r e s e r v e s a s the product of h a l f t h e sum of t h e s e c t i o n
r e s e r v e s and t h e block length.

S e c t i o n r e s e r v e s a r e computed a s t h e t o t a l of t h e reserves between work-

i n g s and may be determined by t h e r u l e of g r a d u a l changes ( f i g . 43A) or t h e
r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s ( f i g . . 4 3 g ) . S e c t i o n r e s e r v e s a r e o f t e n termed l i n e a r
r e s e r v e s when taken along e x p l o r a t i o n l i n e s . The term " l i n e a r reserves", i n
t h i s r e p o r t , i s set a p a r t f o r r e s e t v e s computed f o r one s q u a r e u n i t of a r e a ;
t h a t i s , s q u a r e f o o t , square yard, e t c . ( f i g . 4 3 2 ) , and t h e term "area
r e s e r v e s " i s used f o r a r e a s of s u b s t a n t i a l s i z e such a s a c r e and square mile.

The Standard Method f o r Nonparallel S e c t i o n s

S e c t i o n s c o n s t r u c t e d along e x p l o r a t i o n l i n e s may converge o r diverge

because of changes i n t h e s t r i k e of t h e m i n e r a l body. The a n g l e s between sec-
t i o n s and e x p l o r a t i o n l i n e s may range from o b l i q u e t o o b t u s e , depending on
s t r i k e v a r i a t i o n s . Formulas o f f e r e d f o r computing reserves w i t h n o n p a r a l l e l
s e c t i o n s a r e d i s c u s s e d i n t h e following s e c t i o n s .

Angle Less Than 10 Degrees

When t h e a n g l e of i n t e r s e c t i o n i s l e a s t h a n 10 d e g r e e s , Zolotarev o f f e r e d
t h e formula ( f i g . 44) (27, 3l; 48, 57, 66),
 Section reserves
I linear unit wide

WL i near reserves
per square unit

FlGU RE 43. - Section and Linear Reserves-Cross-Section Methods. . A, Layout of auxiliary

blocks according to the rule of gradual changes; B , linear reserves per square
unit; C, layout of auxiliary blocks according to the rule o f nearest points.
 A 1.. \ Center
*
v=

of gravity for ore0 SI

-
sin
(s,+s2)
a 2

FIGURE 44. - Standard Cross-Section Method for Volume Computations-Nonparallel Sections.

A, Graphic representation of mineral body crossed by n o n p a r a l l ~ lsections; B ,
plan-construction of perpendiculars hl and h2 fromcenter of gravity of one sec-
tion to the other.

where S1 and & are areas of the mineral body in the sections, and hl and b
are the lengths of two respective perpendiculars dropped from the center of
gravity of one section t o another.
 I n p r a c t i c e r e s e r v e s computed by t h e previous formula d e v i a t e s l i g h t l y
from t h o s e computed by mean-area formula; i n most c a s e s t h e u s e of t h e
Z o l o t a r e v formula f o r a block between s e c t i o n s with an a n g l e of i n t e r s e c t i o n
l e s s t h a n 10 degrees is not necessary.

Annle Greater Than 10 Degrees

When t h e a n g l e of divergence between t h e s e c t i o n s i s g r e a t e r than 10

d e g r e e s , a c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r -, i s used by Zolotarev. The a n g l e between
sin a
s e c t i o n s i s expressed i n radians.

This forrmla and t h e preceding one a r e considered a c c u r a t e when t h e s i z e s of

t h e s e c t i o n a l a r e a s do n o t d i f f e r more than f o u r t o s i x times.

Some s c i e n t i s t s consider t h e Z o l o t a r w formulas a c c u r a t e only i n a c a s e

of a fragment of a ring-shaped body with t h e c e n t e r c o i n c i d i n g with t h e i n t e r -
s e c t i o n of s e c t i o n s . I n t h e i r opinion t h e use of t h e above forntulas leads t o
s y s t e m a t i c e r r o r , more o f t e n i n c r e a s i n g r a t h e r t h a n d e c r e a s i n g t h e r e s u l t s
(48)
The formulas r e q u i r e location of t h e c e n t e r s of g r a v i t y of each a r e a ,
which i s d i f f i c u l t i n complex geometric f i g u r e s . The b e s t procedure of f i n d -
i n g t h e c e n t e r of g r a v i t y of an a r e a i s g r a p h i c a l , when t h e c o o r d i n a t e s of t h e
c e n t e r a r e determined by the sum of t h e s t a t i c moments. Such determinations
a r e inconvenient and cumbersome and a more p r a c t i c a l procedure c o n s i s t s of
reproducing t h e a r e a i n cardboard and l o c a t i n g i t s c e n t e r of g r a v i t y by hang-
i n g w i t h a thread.

Compared with p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s computations of volumes and t o m a g e s by

n o n p a r a l l e l formulas may show a p p r e c i a b l e d i f f e r e n c e s ; v a r i a t i o n s i n average
grade, however, a r e r e l a t i v e l y small. A simpler method of computing r e s e r v e s
f o r blocks bounded by n o n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s i s d i s c u s s e d i n t h e n e x t c h a p t e r .

Linear Method

I n t h e l i n e a r c r o s s - s e c t i o n method of r e s e r v e computations, blocks a r e

c o n s t r u c t e d according t o the r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s ( f i g s . 36; and 37g); each
block r e s t s on one s e c t i o n with t h e length of i n f h e n c e extending h a l f t h e
d i s t a n c e t o t h e a d j o i n i n g sections. Ore, Q, and m e t a l r e s e r v e s , P, a r e
u s u a l l y determined a s t h e product of l i n e a r o r e and m e t a l r e s e r v e s q~ , p~ , and
a r e a A,

and
When o r e and m e t a l r e s e r v e s q, and p , a r e given per c u b i c u n i t , volume i n s t e a d
of a r e a i s r e q u i r e d i n previous formulas,

and P = pyV. (63)

For a n i l l u s t r a t i o n of t h e use of t h e l i n e a r method l e t us t a k e a block

between two n o n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s ( f i g . 45). The o r e block, two, f o r t h e a r e a
o f i n f l u e n c e 4 of s e c t i o n 2-2, lying between n o n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s I- 1 and
3-3, i s found by b i s e c t i n g t h e angles a and B with a u x i l i a r y s e c t i o n s e-e and
el - 4 . Reserve computations a r e made by formulas,

and P2 = pz ( A ' ~ + A " ~ ) ,

where A ~ ~ =+A2 A( a r e~a of ~ i n~f l u e n c e of s e c t i o n 2 - 2 ) ;
- a r e l i n e a r o r e r e s e r v e s ( p e r s q u a r e f o o t ) , determined f o r s e c t i o n
2-2 by d i v i d i n g s e c t i o n r e s e r v e s on t h e l e n g t h of t h e body a l o n g
the section;
& - a r e l i n e a r m e t a l r e s e r v e s determined s i m i l a r t o q2 .
The l i n e a r method i s s u i t a b l e f o r computing r e s e r v e s of p l a c e r d e p o s i t s ,
where e x p l o r a t i o n i s c a r r i e d o u t i n s t a g e s ; e x p l o r a t i o n l i n e s a r e drawn a c r o s s
t h e changing c o u r s e of t h e d e p o s i t , and workings a r e d i s t r i b u t e d e q u a l l y along
such a l i n e . I f a d d i t i o n a l l i n e s of e x p l o r a t i o n a r e added between t h e i n i t i a l
o n e s , t h e d i s t a n c e s between s e c t i o n s and t h e a r e a s of i n £ h e n c e w i l l d e c r e a s e
and c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e a p p r o p r i a t e b l o c k s w i l l change. Reserves w i l l remain
unchanged, u n l e s s new workings a r e added.

Advantages

The c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods g r a p h i c a l l y p o r t r a y t h e geology of t h e minera 1

d e p o s i t . The g e n e r a l procedure i s simple and r a p i d , but formulas producing
g r e a t e r p r e c i s i o n may n e c e s s i t a t e u s e o f diagrams, a d d i t i o n a l c a l c u l a t i o n s ,
and c o n s t r u c t i o n of a u x i l i a r y s e c t i o n s . To i n c r e a s e t h e accuracy of computa-
t i o n s t h e number of blocks should be a s l a r g e a s p o s s i b l e ; i n o t h e r words, t h e
s e c t i o n s should be placed c l o s e t o g e t h e r .

Care should be e x e r c i s e d t o avoid a r b i t r a r y l o c a t i o n s and c o n s t r u c t i o n of

s e c t i o n s . Distance between s e c t i o n s i s u s u a l l y governed, i n e x p l o r a t i o n , by
t h e c h a r a c t e r of t h e m i n e r a l body and t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of m i n e r a l v a l u e s .
S e l e c t i o n of s e c t i o n s u n j u s t i f i e d by e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a may i n f l u e n c e t h e s i z e
o f t h e a r e a s and, i n t u r n , t h e computations. Construction s h o u l d n o t r e l y on
i n t e r p r e t a t i o n made w e r d i s t a n c e s unmerited f o r t h e given t y p e of d e p o s i t .
Most of t h e disadvantages i n t h e u s e o f t h i s method c a n b e a v o i d e d by p r o p e r l y
p lanned e x p l o r a t i o n .

Computations of two o r more o r e b o d i e s i n t h e s e c t i o n s are p o s s i b l e .

 Application

Cross-section
methods a r e being
used e f f e c t i v e l y
when c o n s t r u c t i o n
of s e c t i o n s i s
possible with a
m i n i m amount of
i n t e r p o l a t i o n and
e x t r a p o l a t i o n . The
a p p l i c a t i o n of
v a r ioua formulas
depends on t h e
a n a l y s i s of t h e
layout of t h e sec-
t i o n s , on t h e r e l -
a t i v e s i z e and
shape of o r e a r e a s ,
and on t h e d i s -
t a n c e s between
sections.
I

Common formu-
l a s f o r volume
computations a r e
mean-area and
frustum. The reg-
u l a r prism formula
requires equality
i n s i z e and shape
of both a r e a s . The
-
mean a r e a f ormu l a
i s a c c u r a t e when
t h e a r e a s i n para l-
l e l sections are
s i m i l a r ; i t should
n o t be used when
-
FIGURE 45. Linear Method-Block Between Nonparallel Sections. s i d e dimensions a
and b a r e d i f f e r -
ent. I f t h e a r e a s
of p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s d i f f e r by more than 40 p e r c e n t , t h e frustum formula
should be used.

The p r i s m o i d a l formula i s a c c u r a t e f o r a l l v a r i o u s forms of s o l i d s .

~ a u m a n ' sformula r e q u i r e s c o n s t r u c t i o n of an a u x i l i a r y a r e a . The proper use
of t h e v a r i o u s formulas f o r d i f f e r e n t geometric s o l i d s i s given i n t a b l e 12.
I n g e n e r a l , computation of block volumes by t h e methods of c r o s s s e c t i o n s
r e q u i r e s a n a l y s i s of t h e shape and s i z e of s e c t i o n s t o determine t h e b e s t
formula, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n conjugated blocks.
 TABLE 12. - A p p l i c a t i o n of v a r i o u s formulas i n computing volumes
of s o l i d bodies i n s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method

S o l i d bodies betweed
Name Formu l a p a r a l l e l sections .
Prism Pyramid Frustum Wed~e
Mean-area.. ........... L
(S, +%)
2
X - - -
Frustum............... 5L (%+%+& XS,)
- X X X -
P r i s m o i d a l (Simpson). . -L6 (S, +4M+S, ) X X X X

Obelisk............... 13: [SI %

(alb+a2h)j
+ X X X
2
l ~ e p o r t e da s a new formula by Kravchenko and Kupfer.

Source : Reference (30).

Well-defined and l a r g e bodies t h a t a r e uniform i n t h i c k n e s s and grade o r

have g r a d u a l l y changing v a l u e s can g e n e r a l l y be computed a c c u r a t e l y by cross-
s e c t i o n methods. S e c t i o n s may be v e r t i c a l , i n c l i n e d , o r h o r i z o n t a l , a s i n
p i p e l i k e o r s t o c k d e p o s i t s . Two s u i t e s of s e c t i o n s c o n s t r u c t e d a t r i g h t angle
t o each o t h e r may be employed f o r l a r g e m i n e r a l bodies w i t h more o r l e s s
evenly d i s t r i b u t e d v a l u e s , such a s s t o c k s and impregnations. The f i n a l
r e s u l t s may then be computed a s an a v e r a g e of both s u i t e s of s e c t i o n s , or one
s u i t e may s e r v e f o r c o n t r o l of t h e o t h e r .

The method should be used with d i s c r e t i o n i n a l l c a s e s where t h e bodies

a r e i r r e g u l a r , o r where v a l u e s tend t o c o n c e n t r a t e i n o r e s h o o t s . When compu-
t a t i o n s of s e v e r a l v a l u a b l e components a r e r e q u i r e d and t h e m i n e r a l body shows
g r a d e v a r i a t i o n s f o r each component, i t i s d i f f i c u l t and o f t e n impossible t o
a p p l y c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods. Horizontal c r o s s s e c t i o n s , c o n s t r u c t e d along
l e v e l s o r h o r i z o n s of workings, i s p r e f e r r e d because of t h e s e l e c t i o n or
d e s i g n of mining method.

Q u i t e o f t e n i t i s necessary t o compute r e s e r v e s of o r e between l e v e l s ,

o r of d i f f e r e n t g r a d e w i t h i n a block, s e p a r a t e l y . The sum of such a u x i l i a r y
computations should b e e q u a l t o t h e block r e s e r v e s ; a b s e n c e of such c o n t r o l
i n d i c a t e s a p o s s i b l e s o u r c e of e r r o r .

C r o s s - s e c t i o n methods a r e e a s i l y a d a p t a b l e f o r u s e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y with
o t h e r methods. Reserves, developed i n upper l e v e l s by underground workings,
may be computed by t h e mining blocks method, and r e s e r v e s of lower l e v e l s ,
explored by d r i l l i n g , by t h e s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method. Numerous examples
of such computations a r e described i n t h e l i t e r a t u r e (60-61, 65).
 Method of I s o l i n e s

P r i n c i p l e s and Formulas

I s o l i n e s a r e curved l i n e s j o i n i n g a l l p o i n t s of e q u a l u n i t value.. They

a r e used t o g r a p h i c a l l y i l l u s t r a t e n a t u r a l p h y s i c a l and chemical p r o p e r t i e s o r
p r o c e s s e s t h a t c a n be expressed by u n i t values. A common example i s a topo-
g r a p h i c map, where r e l i e f i s expressed by c o n t o u r s of e q u a l e l e v a t i o n . Iso-
l i n e s a r e widely accepted i n e a r t h and e n g i n e e r i n g s c i e n c e s f o r v i s u a l d e l i n e a -
.
t i o n and d i s t r i b u t i o n s t u d i e s of v a r i o u s p h y s i c a l and chemical phenomena.
Well-known a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e maps u s i n g l i n e s t o d e p i c t s i m i l a r r e l a t i o n s h i p s
such a s i s o t h e r m a l , i s o s t a t i c , i s m g u m t i c , isopach ( o r i s o t h i c k n e s s ) , i s o c a l
( i s o c a l o r i f i c v a l u e s f o r coal) , i s o c a r b ( e q u a l c o n t e n t of f i x e d carbon) ,
i s o g r a d e , and o t h e r s . Less common a r e complex i s o l i n e s such a s l i n e a r
r e s e r v e s ( f o o t - p e r c e n t , tons, per s q u a r e f o o t , o r d o l l a r s p e r s q u a r e f o o t )
u s e d ' i n computing r e s e r v e s of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s .

The method i s based on t h e assumption c h a t u n i t v a l u e s , from one p o i n t t o

a n o t h e r , undergo continuous and u n i n t e r r u p t e d changes a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r u l e of
g r a d u a l changes. To c o n s t r u c t i s o l i n e s , i n t e r m e d i a t e v a l u e s a r e determined by
i n t e r p o l a t i o n between p o i n t s of known v a l u e s ; a s a r e s u l t c e r t a i n p r o p e r t i e s
of m i n e r a l bodies may be presented g r a p h i c a l l y on a p l a n o r s e c t i o n by a sys-
t e m of i s o l i n e s . I n aggregate such a system c o n s t i t u t e s a n imaginary s u r f a c e !
s i m i l a r t o a topographic map. These " t o p o s ~ r f a c e s 'a~r e g r a p h i c e x p r e s s i o n s of
numbers and, t h u s , may b e used a c c o r d i n g t o t h e p r i n c i p l e s of s o l i d and a n a l y t -
i c a 1 geometry.

The theory of t h e method of i s o l i n e s f o r use i n mining and e n g i n e e r i n g

was developed by Sobolevsky (37, 53). H e d i s c l o s e d t h a t t h e t o p o s u r f a c e s can
b e added, s u b t r a c t e d , m u l t i p l i e d , and d i v i d e d and t h a t even more complex oper-
a t i o n s , such a s e x t r a c t i o n of r o o t s , i n v o l u t i o n , d i f f e r e n t i a t i o n , and i n t e g r a -
t i o n , could a l s o be made. P r a c t i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n s of t h i s method i n geology
and mining a r e v a r i e d . Detailed d i s c u s s i o n of t h e s e a p p l i c a t i o n s i s beyond
t h e scope of t h i s paper.

Cormon c a s e s a r e computations of a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s , a v e r a g e g r a d e , and

a v e r a g e v a l u e of a mineral d e p o s i t from a p p r o p r i a t e i s o l i n e maps ( 6 , ll).
Only a n isopach map i s needed t o compute volume and tonnage of m i n e r a l o r e
r e s e r v e s . A u n i t of volume r e s e r v e s a t a given p o i n t on such a map i s a
product of h e i g h t , e q u a l t o t h e t h i c k n e s s of t h e body, and a r e a , e q u a l t o a
u n i t v a l u e ( s q u a r e f o o t , square y a r d , s q u a r e meter, e t c . ) . A u n i t of tonnage
o r e r e s e r v e s i s a d i v i s i o n of volume r e s e r v e s and volume- tonnage f a c t o r . To
compute t h e weight of metal o r o t h e r v a l u a b l e component i n t h e d e p o s i t , i s o -
l i n e s of l i n e a r m e t a l r e s e r v e s ( p r o d u c t of l i n e a r o r e r e s e r v e s and g r a d e ) a r e
constructed.

Let u s examine a portion of an i s o p a c h map ( f i g . 46). The m i n e r a l body,

confined i n n a t u r e by i r r e g u l a r s u r f a c e s , i s transformed f o r computations t o
a n e q u i v a l e n t body l i m i t e d on one s i d e by a f l a t p l a n e b a s e and on t h e o t h e r
by a complex s u r f a c e represented by a s e r i e s of i s o l i n e s of equal t h i c k n e s s
o r h e i g h t . Thus, t h e isopach map g i v e s a d i s t o r t e d p i c t u r e of t h e m i n e r a i
FIGURE 46. - Method of lsolines. A, Cross section of a mineral body along exploration line
10-10; B, isopach plan of the some mineral body along the exploration line 10-
10; C, cross section along explorotion line 10-10 made from isopach plan B.
body. Each i s o l i n e on t h e map may be c o n s i d e r e d a p r o j e c t i o n of a s l i c e of
t h e mineral body, d i v i d e d by a s e r i e s of p a r a l l e l e q u a l l y spaced s e c t i o n s .
The volume and tonnage of each s l i c e may be computed by s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n
formulas; namely, mean-area (46) and f r u s t u m (52). Areas bounded by a p p r o p r i -
a t e i s o l i n e s a r e measured by planimeter. The d i s t a n c e s between t h e a r e a s a r e
c o n s t a n t , equal t o t h e isopach i n t e r v a l . The volume o f t h e e n t i r e k i n e r a 1
body i s a sum of a l l s l i c e s (47).

When t h e m i n e r a l body i s i r r e g u l a r i n t h i c k n e s s , t h e computations may be

complicated. I f t h e a r e a of t h i c k n e s s h, i s i n two p o r t i o n s , and % ' I ,
t h e volume of t h e s l i c e between and h, w i l l be ( f i g . 47A)

When t h i c k n e s s & i s missing from p a r t of t h e a r e a %, b u t has i n s t e a d a

t h i c k n e s s 4 , t h e volume of a s l i c e between t h e & and h3 i s o l i n e s w i l l be

where h -
c o n s t a n t thickness i n t e r v a l between i s o l i n e s ;
So - area enclosed by h, contour l i n e (minimum t h i c k n e s s ) ;
S, -
a r e a enclosed by hl contour l i n e s ; and
S2' , SZl1 , and S , l l -
a r e a s enclosed by contour l i n e .

Average o r e grade may be computed i n much t h e same way by t h e c o n s t r u c -

t i o n of i s o g r a d e nnps ( f i g . 473), and by weighting a r e a s o u t l i n e d by i s o l i n e s
f o r each g r a d e ; namely
C

where c, i s t h e minimum grade of o r e ;

c - c o n s t a n t grade i n t e r v a l between i s o l i n e s ;
A, - a r e a of o r e body with grade c, and h i g h e r ;
A, - a r e a of o r e body w i t h grade c, p l u s c and h i g h e r ;
4 - a r e a of o r e body with grade c, p l u s 2c and h i g h e r , e t c .

The i s o g r a d e map g r a p h i c a l l y i l l u s t r a t e s t h e grade d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e o r e .

The metal tonnage r e s e r v e s ( o r o t h e r v a l u a b l e c o n s t i t u e n t s ) may be found

by m u l t i p l y i n g toposurfaces of isopach and i s o g r a d e maps and c o n s t r u c t i n g
l i n e a r metal r e s e r v e s maps (weight f a c t o r c o n s t a n t ) . The geometric meaning of
t h e l i n e a r m e t a l r e s e r v e s may be w e l l i l l u s t r a t e d by a n imaginary i n g o t ,
r e c e i v e d by s e t t l i n g a t r i g h t angles a l l metal p a r t i c l e s ' o n t h e p l a n e of t h e
map. The m e t a l r e s e r v e s of t h e m i n e r a l body then w i l l be confined between .
b a s e plane and l i n e a r metal t o p o s u r f a c e . By s l i c i n g t h e i n g o t by s e c t i o n s
p a r a l l e l t o t h e b a s e on equal d i s t a n c e s , t r a c e s of such i n t e r s e c t i o n s w i t h
t o p o s u r f a c e w i l l y i e l d the i s o l i n e s of l i n e a r metal r e s e r v e s .
 Requirements, Advantages, .and Limitat i o n s

The method of i s o l i n e s , a l s o known a s l w e l p l a n , is a g r a p h i c a l modifica-

t i o n of t h e h o r i z o n t a l s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method. It i s d i s t i n c t i v e and,
t h e r e f o r e , i s discussed i n a s e p a r a t e c h a p t e r . The method r e q u i r e s a s u f f i -
c i e n t number, appro-
p r i a t e d e n s i t y , and
d i s t r i b u t i o n of
observations f o r
a c c u r a t e p l o t t i n g of
isolines . When
observations a r e
unevenly d i s t r i b u t e d ,
t h e weight i n f h e n c e
of one s t z t i o n may
n o t be t h e same a s
f o r the others; i n
some d e p o s i t s t h e
d e n s i t y of observa-
t i o n s m y be i n s u f -
f i c i e n t ; and i n
o t h e r s i t may exceed
t h e r e q u i r e d accu-
r a c y . The method i s
a p p r o p r i a t e f o r min-
e r a 1 bodies where
there are certain
na t u r a 1 r e g u l a r i t i e s
i n the variations in
t h i c k n e s s , grade,
and va h e .

A major advan-
t a g e of t h e method
i s i t s descriptive-
ness. The isopach
map g i v e s an i d e a l -
i z e d l i k e n e s s of t h e
m i n e r a l body, second
General formula only t o t h e model.
64, +f( A ~ + ~ +
A 2, 4 + - . * + A n The isograde map
shows t h e d i s t r i b u -
t i o n of r i c h and
poor o r e , and t h e
map of l i n e a r
reserves i l l u s t r a t e s
t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of
r e s e r v e s of raw
m a t e r i a l and valua-
FIGURE 47. - lsopoch and lsograde Mops for Reserve Computotions- b l e constituents.
Method of Isolines. A, lsopach map; B, isograde map. I s o l i n e maps a r e
easy t o r e a d , measure, and i n t e r p o l a t e ; c a l c u l a t i o n s a r e r e p laced by graphic
i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s and t h e r e a r e fewer b l o c k s , i n s t e a d of numerous small blocks
used i n some methods.

The method permits b e t t e r mine planning. The boundaries of c u t o f f o r e

a r e e a s i l y c o n s t r u c t e d and changed. Volume can be computed by measuring a r e a s
of r e s p e c t i v e i s o l i n e s without a d d i t i o n a 1 drawing. I f t h e requirements f o r
minimum grade, t h i c k n e s s , or v a l u e of o r e a r e changed, t h e isomaps remain t h e
same; r e s e r v e computations can be made p l u s o r minus one o r s e v e r a l s l i c e s of
t h e m i n e r a l body. The method c a n be automated through c a l c u l a t i n g machines o r
computers and, when properly a p p l i e d , prevents d i s c r e p a n c i e s between t h e o r i g i -
n a l r e s e r v e e s t i m a t e s and those remaining a f t e r p a r t i a l e x t r a c t i o n .

There a r e s e v e r a l disadvantages i n t h e use of t h e method. F i r s t , t h e

p o s i t i o n of t h e i s o l i n e s depends on t h e s c a l e of t h e map, i n t e r v a l accepted,
d e n s i t y of workings, and accuracy of c o n s t r u c t i o n . Second, i n p r a c t i c e , d i s -
s i m i l a r toposurfaces can be c o n s t r u c t e d on t h e b a s i s of t h e same d a t a by d i f -
f e r e n t persons. Construction and i n t e r p o l a t i o n of d a t a have a n i n f l u e n c e on
t h e s i z e of a r e a s and, t h e r e f o r e , on t h e f i n a l r e s u l t s of computations. Two
o r more s o l u t i o n s a r e possible. When d a t a a r e p r o f u s e , c o n s t r u c t i o n and i n t e r -
p r e t a t i o n of i s o l i n e s may be complex o r even cumbersome. Such i s t h e c a s e i n
multimetal d e p o s i t s . Checking computations i s i n t r i c a t e and may t a k e a s much
time a s a complete r e e s t i m a t e of r e s e r v e s . I n g e n e r a l , t h e method of i s o l i n e s
i s b e s t a p p l i e d t o d e p o s i t s where t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e d e c r e a s e s from c e n t e r t d
periphery.

Application

The method of i s o l i n e s i s widely used f o r i l l u s t r a t i o n and a n a l y s i s of

p h y s i c a l and chemical p r o p e r t i e s of m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s . I s o l i n e maps a r e o f t e n
i r r e p l a c e a b l e i n s t u d i e s of t h e morphology of m i n e r a l b o d i e s ; geochemical and
geophysical p r o s p e c t i n g a r e a l s o aided by t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of t h i s method.

The use of i s o l i n e s f o r r e s e r v e computations i s l i m i t e d mainly t o depos-

i t s showing o r d e r l y changing t h i c k n e s s and grade characteristics. The method
i s widely used i n computing volumes f o r earthwork o p e r a t i o n s (39, p. S83),
s t o c k p i l e s ( 4 4 ) , and computing r e s e r v o i r r e s e r v e s of w a t e r , n a t u r a l g a s , and
o i l (2, pp. 91-98). It i s time consuming and n o n o p e r a t i v e when t h e g r i d of
e x p l o r a t i o n workings i s sparse. It i s i m p r a c t i c a l i n s t r u c t u r a l l y broken and
small o r e b o d i e s , i n complex multimetal and very i r r e g u l a r m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s .

I s o l i n e s a r e known to be drawn from i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of a e r i a l photographs

f o r computing volume of m a t e r i a l removed from t h e a r e a , a s w e l l a s o r e r e s e r v e
i n s t o c k p i l e s . Few examples of t h e use of t h i s method f o r r e s e r v e s computa-
t i o n s a r e d e s c r i b e d i n l i t e r a t u r e (26, 56).
FIGURE 48. - Method of Triangles. A-B, L a y i n g out triangles by various methods; C-D,
Isometric drawing of triangular prisms.
 Method of T r i a n n l e s

P r i n c i p l e s and Formulas

A plan ( o r l o n g i t u d i n a l s e c t i o n ) of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t showing e x p l o r a -
t i o n workings and t h e e n t i r e a r e a of t h e m i n e r a l body c a n be d i v i d e d g r a p h i -
c a l l y i n t o a system of t r i a n g l e s by c o n n e c t i n g h o l e s w i t h s t r a i g h t l i n e s
( f i g s . 48A and 2). Each t r i a n g l e on t h e p l a n r e p r e s e n t s a h o r i z o n t a l p r o j e c -
t i o n o r a b a s e a r e a of a n imaginary prism with edges--tl , & , t, --equal t o
v e r t i c a l t h i c k n e s s e s of t h e m i n e r a l body ; t h e upper b a s e i s t r u n c a t e d . Thus,
t h e m i n e r a l body i s d i v i d e d i n t o a s e r i e s of c l o s e o r d e r t r i a n g u l a r prisms
w i t h b a s e a r e a s i n a p l a n e of t h e map ( f i g s . 4 8 s and 2 ) . Hence, t h e name of
t h e method of t r i a n g l e s o r t r i a n g u l a r prisms. The r u l e o f g r a d u a l changes of
a l l v a r i a b l e s from one working t o a n o t h e r i s t h e main p r i n c i p l e of t h i s
method. I n f i g u r e 484, t h e layout of t h e t r i a n g l e s i n v o l v e s t h e u s e of d a t a
from h o l e 1 e i g h t t i ~ e s ;data from h o l e s 2 through 9 a r e used t w i c e each. The
l a y o u t i n f i g u r e 482 involves t h e use of d a t a from h o l e s 3 and 6 f i v e t i m e s ,
h o l e 9 f o u r t i m e s , h o l e 1 t h r e e t i m e s , h o l e s 5 and 8 two t i m e s , and h o l e s 2 , 4,
and 7 once each.

The formula f o r computing volume of a t r u n c a t e d t r i a n g u l a r prism w i t h

uneven h e i g h t s of edges i s

V = -31 ( t l + t, + t,) S.

The average g r a d e of each prism i s u s u a l l y determined a s an a r i t h m e t i c

a v e r a g e of cl , c,, and c 3 , o r a s t h e thickness-weighted a v e r a g e of t h e same
grades ; t h a t is,

Ore tonnage f o r a t r i a n g u l a r block i s computed by

Metal tonnage f o r a t r i a n g u l a r b l o c k i s computed by

where ql , q z , and q, a r e l i n e a r o r e r e s e r v e s of t h e edges of t h e t r i a n g u l a r

prism ( i n t o n s ) ;
c, , o,, and c3 a r e t h e g r a d e s of t h e edges of each tri-a,ngular p r i s m
( i n p e r c e n t ) ; and
pl , p, , and p3 a r e l i n e a r m e t a l r e s e r v e s of t h e edges of t h e t r i a n g u l a r
prism ( i n t o n s ) .
 Volume, o r e and m e t a l tonnages of t h e e n t i r e m i n e r a l body, and average
g r a d e a r e computed by t h e usual formulas : volume -
( 16) , o r e tonnage ( l8), -
m e t a l tonnage -( 2 9 a ) , g r a v i m e t r i c average grade -
( 2 8 ) , and volumetric
a v e r a g e grade -(27).

Some e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s p r e f e r t o compute average g r a d e by t h e gravimetric

formula f o r i n d i v i d u a l b l o c k s , and by t h e v o l u m e t r i c formula f o r t h e e n t i r e
m i n e r a l body. The l a t t e r i s convenient when a weight f a c t o r i s accepted a s
c o n s t a n t f o r t h e e n t i r e body.

Procedure

Laying o u t t h e T r i a n g l e s

A l l workings on t h e maps a r e connected with s t r a i g h t l i n e s and t h e a r e a

of t h e m i n e r a l body i s d i v i d e d i n t o a maximum number of t r i a n g l e s ; no l i n e
should be c r o s s e d by a n o t h e r . For. a c c u r a t e computations t h e i d e a l t r i a n g l e i s
e q u i l a t e r a l ; a c i r c l e circumscribed through t h e v e r t i c e s of t h e t r i a n g l e
s h o u l d b e t h e s m a l l e s t p o s s i b l e . The common p r a c t i c e i s t o t a k e t h e s h o r t e s t
d i a g o n a l of each trapezium a r e a . T h e o r e t i c a l i n v e s t i g a t i o n s support such a
choice (see next section).

Some s c i e n t i s t s p r e f e r t o s e l e c t t r i a n g l e s corresponding t o the morphol-

ogy o f t h e m i n e r a l body. I n v e i n d e p o s i t s , f o r example, t h e bases of the
t r i a n g l e s may b e extended along t h e s t r i k e , s o t h a t a l l t r i a n g l e s have a uni-
form s l o p e . For p l a c e r s , Baxter and Park suggest f i n d i n g t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n of
t h e m i n e r a l body with isopachs and then c o n s t r u c t i n g t r i a n g l e s with a uniform
s l o p e throughout each t r i a n g l e (2,p. 46) .

The number of t r i a n g l e s and l i n e s a r e c o n s t a n t f o r each p r o j e c t . A sim-

p l e way t o check t h e c o r r e c t n e s s of l a y o u t i s by formulas (27),

f o r t h e number of c o n n e c t i n g l i n e s and

f o r t h e number of t r i a n g l e s ,

where q i s t h e number of workings i n s i d e t h e perimeter of t h e mineral body,

and
n, -
t h e number of workings bounding t h e body.

D e t e r m i n i n ~Areas of I n d i v i d u a l T r i a n g l e s

I f t h e a r e a of any t r i a n g l e i s computed a s one-half t h e product of t h e

b a s e l i n e and h e i g h t , i t i s d e s i r a b l e t o use t h e common l i n e of two contiguous
t r i a n g l e s a s a base f o r computing t h e o t h e r a r e a .

The procedure of computing volume, o r e and metal tonnages, and average

g r a d e i s i l l u s t r a t e d i n t a b l e s 13 and 14.
 Studies by D i f f e r e n t Authors

For many y e a r s t h e t r i a n g u l a r method was considered s t a n d a r d , although

e r r o r s i n r e s u l t s due t o t h e manner of d i v i d i n g t h e a r e a i n t o t r i a n g l e s were
recognized. The u n r e l i a b i l i t y of t h i s method was d i s c u s s e d by Harding i n .
1921 (13-14) and by Zhuravsky in 1934 (68-69). The l a t t e r s t u d i e d t h e r e l a -
t i v e e r r o r f o r a volume of a block, explored by f o u r v e r t i c a l h o l e s , with thick-
.
n e s s e s tl , $ , tg, and t, and base a r e a S ( f i g 49). The volume of t h e right
prism may b e computed i n two ways: Vl --as t h e volumes of two t r i a n g u l a r
prisms with b a s e s ABD and BDC; or V,--as volumes of two t r i a n g u l a r prisms with
b a s e s ABC and ADC; t h a t is

I n t h e f i r s t c a s e t, and t, , and i n t h e second c a s e tl and t 3 , a r e taken twice

i n each formula. G r a p h i c a l l y , the lower s u r f a c e of t h e block i n t h e f i r s t
c a s e i s convex and t h e volume is overestimated, and i n t h e second, t h e block
I
i s concave and t h e volume i s underestimated.

Lower surface convex

Lower surface concove
-
FIGURE 49. Two Manners of Construction of Triangular Prisms for a Rectangular Prism.
 The volume of t h e prism i s computed by h a l f t h e sum of both c a s e s ,

The l a t t e r is a s t a n d a r d r e c t a n g u l a r p r i s m formula.

The r e l a t i v e e r r o r between volumes Vl and V2 i s

I f A V i s equal t o z e r o , the volumes Vl and V2 a r e equa 1, and

t, + t, = t, + t,. (75)

I n o t h e r words, t h e method of t r i a n g l e s i s a c c u r a t e only i f t h e sum of

t h e two o p p o s i t e edges, tl and t, , of each r e c t a n g u l a r prism a r e e q u a l t o t h e
two remaining edges, t, and t, .Assuming t h a t ( t , + t, ) i s two t i m e s l e s s
than ( b + t 4 ) ; t h a t i s 2 ( t , + t , ) = ( k t ' t , ) , t h e volume of Vl w i l l be more
than volume V2 f o r t h e value of 6
( Q + t 4 ) , a r e l a t i v e e r r o r of 20 p e r c e n t .

Mod i f i c a t i o n s
-
In t h e t r i a n g u l a r method e q u a l weights a r e g i v e n t o each h o l e i n t h e
t r i a n g u l a r prism; t h i s i s c o r r e c t only i n a prism w i t h an e q u i l a t e r a l base.
I n s e v e r a l m o d i f i c a t i o n s of t h i s method t h e average g r a d e s of each t r i a n g u l a r
prims a r e determined by weighting o r e t h i c k n e s s e s ( f o r m l a 2 5 ) , a n g l e s of t h e
t r i a n g l e (13-3, s i d e lengths of each t r i a n g l e (57), d i s t a n c e s of each h o l e
from t h e c e n t e r of g r a v i t y (l5),and a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e on each h o l e , con-
s t r u c t e d by r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s .

The "Harding angular system" of computations was an a t t e m p t t o reduce t h e

r e l a t i v e e r r o r i n h e r e n t i n t h e method by a p p l y i n g a f a c t o r e q u a l t o
a n p l e of h o l e
180 O , i n t h e volume formula f o r each h o l e of t h e t r i a n g l e i n s t e a d of
a c o n s t a n t f a c t o r of 1/3. I n o t h e r words, h e subdivided t h e t r u n c a t e d tri-
a n g u l a r prism i n t o t h r e e a u x i l i a r y prisms with h e i g h t s equal t o t h e edges of
t h e b a s i c prism and a r e a s weighted a c c o r d i n g t o t h e magnitude of t h e a n g l e of
the basic prism.

L a t e r , Harding found t h e system t o be i n c o r r e c t i n computing a v e r a g e

g r a d e , p a r t i c u l a r l y when t h e prism i s apexed on a h o l e having a z e r o v a l u e
t h i c k n e s s . The computed grade may b e of h i g h e r t e n o r than any of t h e o t h e r
v a l u e s from t h e h o l e s of t h e prism. To c o r r e c t such e r r o r s t h e f o l l o w i n g
formulas a r e given by Harding (2, p. 124) :
 When a 11 h o l e s have p o s i t i v e va lues ,

S i m i l a r formulas a r e used f o r h o l e s 2 and 3.

When t, h a s z e r o v a l u e ,

3t, + t,
t . =~ 6 '

if 5 and tg have z e r o v a l u e s ,

A d d i t i o n a l s t u d i e s of t h e t r i a n g u l a r method led Harding and o t h e r s t o t h e

development of t h e po lygona 1 method.

I
When t h e workings a r e d i s t r i b u t e d i n a r e g u l a r g r i d and t h e a r e a s of t h e
t r i a n g l e s a r e equal o r n e a r l y equal, r e s e r v e s may be computed by t h e s e s i m p l i -
f i e d formulas (27, 3 l ) ,

1 N
V = - s C tk,
3 i=l

N
Q = -1 s c tfk,
3

N
and P = -31 s C tfck,
i=l

where s = -NS
S
N
--
t o t a l a r e a of a l l t r i a n g l e s
number of t r i a n g l e s
t and f
k -
-t h i c k n e s s e s and weight f a c t o r s of t r i a n g l e s
c o e f f i c i e n t determined by t h e number of t r i a n g l e s s t a r t i n g a t
each h o l e .

T h i s v a r i a t i o n may be used t o f a c i l i t a t e computations i n c a s e s of large

numbers of t r i a n g l e s ; e r r o r s connected with t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of t r i a n g l e s and
t h e i r measurements a r e eliminated and t h e r e s u l t s do not depend on t h e manner
of c o n s t r u c t i n g t h e t r i a n g l e s .
 Distinctive Features

The method of t r i a n g l e s i s b a s i c a l l y formal and withdrawn from g e o l o g i c

and mining c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . The i n s i d e p e r i m e t e r of t h e n e t of t r i a n g u l a r
prisms may be i n c o n f l i c t with t h e p h y s i c a l boundaries of t h e body, and t h e .
prism s i d e s may c r o s s t h e boundaries of i n d i v i d u a l o r e t y p e s . It i s o f t e n
d i f f i c u l t o r even impossible t o subdivide t h e o r e body i n t o segments of simi-
l a r t h i c k n e s s o r grade. T r i a n g l e s may c o n c e a l t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of v a r i a b l e s .

The procedure f o r r e s e r v e computations by t h e method i s r e l a t i v e l y s i m -

p l e , when t h e f o r m ~ l af o r t r u n c a t e d prisms is used. M o d i f i c a t i o n s of t h e
method r e q u i r e more e l a b o r a t e computations. The r e l a t i v e e r r o r depends on t h e
manner i n which t h e a r e a i s d i v i d e d i n t o t r i a n g l e s , t h e i r form, and t h e t o t a l
number of t r i a n g l e s .

I n comparison w i t h other methods t h e t r i a n g l e method r e q u i r e s cons t r u c -

t i o n of a g r e a t e r number of blocks u l t i m a t e l y r e s u l t i n g i n labor and time con-
suming computations. When a mineral body c o n t a i n s s e v e r a l v a l u a b l e components,
camputations may a l s o be cumbersome.

I n t h e t r i a n g u l a r method of computations t h e u s e of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a con-

c e r n i n g i n d i v i d u a l mine workings may n o t b e c o n s t a n t , f o r example, i n f i g u r e
4% d a t a f o r h o l e s on t h e perimeter of t h e body are u s e d two times i n compari:
son with e i g h t t i m e s within t h e body ( h o l e 1 ) . I n c a s e s of i r r e g u l a r s h a r p
changes i n v a r i a b l e s , i n s i d e workings may have a d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e i n f l u e n c e on
t h e computations.

The method i s n o t exact when v a r i a b l e s d e c r e a s e from t h e c e n t e r t o t h e

o u t s i d e boundaries, such a s t h e t h i c k n e s s of l e n s l i k e bodies. According t o
Zhuravsky t h e volume r e s e r v e s of a l e n t i c u l a r body computed by t h i s method
w i l l be underestimated (68).

Thus, e r r o r s i n computing r e s e r v e s may be s u b s t a n t i a l , p a r t i c u l a r l y when

f l u c t u a t i o n s of v a r i a b l e s a r e l a r g e and t h e number of t r i a n g l e s i s small.
When mine workings a r e numerous and c l o s e l y spaced, e r r o r s f o r each t r i a n g l e
tend t o compensate each other. Even i n t h e most f a v o r a b l e d i s t r i b u t i o n of
workings, such a s s q u a r e s e t , t h e t r i a n g u l a r method may produce an a p p r e c i a b l e
error .
Application

The uniform and gradual changes of v a r i a b l e s a r e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c f e a t u r e s

of only a few m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s , predominantly sedimentary. N a t u r a l l y , t h e
t r i a n g u l a r method, based on t h e r u l e of g r a d u a l changes of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of
e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a , i s most a p p l i c a b l e t o such d e p o s i t s . Large sedimentary and
l a r g e disseminated o r e d e p o s i t s , explored by r e g u l a r l y spaced d r i l l h o l e s ,
have been computed by t h i s method (58).
 Method of Polynons

Principles

The method of polygons, a l s o known as polygonal p r i s m s , e q u a l s p h e r e s of

i n f l u e n c e , a r e a s of equa 1 i n f l u e n c e , and a r e a s of n e a r e s t p o i n t s , i s based on
t h e c o n c e p t t h a t a l l f a c t o r s , determined f o r a c e r t a i n p o i n t of a m i n e r a l body,
extend h a l f t h e d i s t a n c e t o a d j o i n i n g and s u r r o u n d i n g p o i n t s , t h u s forming a n
a r e a of i n f l u e n c e . The r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s was d i s c u s s e d i n p a r t 1 of t h i s
r e p o r t . B r i e f l y , a r e a s of e q u a l in£ l u e n c e a r e found f o r workings symbolized
on t h e aaap a s p o i n t s by u s i n g p e r p e n d i c u l a r b i s e c t o r s and f o r t h o s e symbolized
a s l i n e s by a n g l e b i s e c t o r s .

The f i r s t d e s c r i p t i o n of t h e method was g i v e n a s e a r l y as 1909 by

Boldyrev (57). I n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s t h e method was d e v e l o p e d independently
from t h e t r i a n g u l a r method by Davis (l3,p. 122) and Harding (l4) d u r i n g t h e
1 9 2 0 ' s . A concept of areas of e q u a l i n f l u e n c e was i n t r o d u c e d s t e p by s t e p ,
and i t w a s a c c e p t e d and developed a s a new p r i n c i p l e f o r t h e polygon method,
where t r i a n g l e s a r e used a s a u x i l i a r y c o n s t r u c t i o n s . The f i r s t a p p l i c a t i o n of
t h i s method i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s was i n computing r e s e r v e s of extremely i r r e g u -
lar b o d i e s of t h e J o p l i n and Wisconsin z i n c d e p o s i t s i n 1920 (2).

Procedure and C o n s t r u c t i o n of Polygons

I n t h i s method, t h e e x p l o r e d p o r t i o n of t h e m i n e r a l body i s s u b s t i t u t e d
by a s e r i e s of polygonal p r i s m s , t h e p l a n e b a s e s b e i n g e q u a l t o a r e a s of
i n f l u e n c e of a p p r o p r i a t e workings ( f i g . 5 0 ) . Each such p r i s m assumes t h e
t h i c k n e s s , weight f a c t o r , and g r a d e determined f o r such workings.

FIGURE 50. - Method of Polygons. Plan and polygonal prisms.

 The u s u a l s t e p s i n computing r e s e r v e s by t h i s method a r e

1. Construction of a u x i l i a r y t r i a n g l e s , when n e c e s s a r y ; t h e manner of

c o n s t r u c t i o n of t r i a n g l e s has no i n f h e n c e on t h e f i n a l shape of polygons ;

2 . Construction of polygons by following a d e f i n i t e o r d e r ; f o r . example,

clockwise and frum periphery t o t h e c e n t e r of t h e d e p o s i t ;

3. Computing r e s e r v e s f o r each block ( t a b l e 15) ;

4. Grouping of blocks on t h e b a s i s of e v a l u a t i o n of g r a d e , t h i c k n e s s ,
l i n e a r r e s e r v e s , r e l i a b i l i t y , e t c . , and sumrrarizing and c l a s s i f y i n g r e s e r v e s
i n t o various categories.

TABLE 15. - Computation of r e s e r v e s by polygonal method

-

Polygon
number
Thickness
(t), ft
Weight
factor
(F),
I
m a tRaw
:e s e r v e s
-I
e r i a l Grade ( c ) ,
percent
monent
.eserves
P) , tons
:u f t l t o n Q) , tons
I........... F Ql 5
F Qa Cz
F Q3 c3

...........
N........... F Q,

Total..

n
C v
Average t,, = -
i-1
n
C s
i=l

Case of Vertica 1 Holes

The polygons around v e r t i c a 1 ho l e s a r e c o n s t r u c t e d by t h e i n t e r s e c t ion of

perpendicular b i s e c t o r s erected from t h e middle of t h e s i d e s of t h e t r i a n g l e s .
The c r i t e r i a f o r correctness i s t h a t a l l p o i n t s , i n a c e r t a i n polygon, a r e
n e a r e r t o t h e r a l l y i n g hole than t o o t h e r s . I n polygon c o n s t r u c t i o n some per-
pendiculars may n o t be used a t a l l ( t r i a n g l e ABD, f i g . 14) and o t h e r s may
a s s i s t c o n s t r u c t i o n by t h e i r continuation o u t s i d e t h e boundaries of t h e o b t u s e
t r i a n g l e ( t r i a n g l e BCD, f i g . 14).
 When t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n of perpendiculars f o r two a d j o i n i n g t r i a n g l e s forms
a t e t r a g o n , t h e d i a g o n a l l i n e connecting each p a i r of p e r p e n d i c u l a r s becomes a
s i d e of a polygon. P o i n t 0 i s e q u i d i s t a n t from A , D , and C and p o i n t 0' i s
e q u i d i s t a n t from A , B , and C. The d i a g o n a l i s e q u i d i s t a n t from A and C. The
d i s t i n c t i v e f e a t u r e of a c o r r e c t l y c o n s t r u c t e d polygon i s t h a t each of t h e
i n s i d e a n g l e s between t h e s i d e s a r e always l e s s than 180".

I f t h e a n g l e b i s e c t o r manner of c o n s t r u c t i o n i s used i n t h e a b w e example,

t h e p r o p e r t y of n e a r e s t p o i n t s is n o t f u l f i l l e d , because most of t h e a u x i l i a r y
t r i a n g l e s a r e n o t e q u i l a t e r a l ( f i g . 14). I n comparison w i t h t h e perpendicular
b i s e c t o r manner of c o n s t r u c t i o n , a n g l e b i s e c t o r s produce polygons with twice
t h e number of s i d e s . Polygons may be i r r e g u l a r i n shape and have i n t e r n a l
a n g l e s of more t h a n 180'; t h e r e f o r e , they a r e more d i f f i c u l t t o measure with a
p l a n i m e t e r . F u r t h e r a n a l y s i s shows t h a t polygons c o n s t r u c t e d by a n g l e bisec-
t o r s a r e only a n o t h e r g r a p h i c expression of t h e method of t r i a n g l e s .

I n s h o r t , c o n s t r u c t i o n of polygons by p e r p e n d i c u l a r b i s e c t o r s f o r v e r t i -
c a l workings s a t i s f i e s t h e p r i n c i p l e of , n e a r e s t p o i n t s , i s s i m p l e r , and always
t h e same; a r e a measurements a r e more a c c u r a t e .

It i s p o s s i b l e t o c o n s t r u c t a n a r e a of i n f l u e n c e f o r a g i v e n point by a
c i r c l e when workings a r e too widely spaced t o s a f e l y assume c o n t i n u i t y of the
m i n e r a l body. C i r c l e r a d i u s i s chosen as optimum f o r a c e r t a i n category of
r e s e r v e s and a g i v e n type of d e p o s i t . I n such c a s e s t h e block i s i n the form
of a c y l i n d e r i n s t e a d of a polygonal prism.

Case of Linear Workinps

When a m i n e r a l body i s explored by workings r e p r e s e n t e d a s l i n e s on a

p l a n , t h a t i s , d r i f t s , h o r i z o n t a l d r i l l h o l e s , and t r e n c h e s , t h e a n g l e bisec-
t o r manner of c o n s t r u c t i o n of a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e i s used. A r e c t a n g u l a r block
i s d i v i d e d i n t o f o u r a r e a s of in£ luence, o r f o u r elementary prisms, each one
c h a r a c t e r i z e d by a p p r o p r i a t e workings. The b l o c k volume i s t h e sum of a1 1
elementary p r i s m s , and t h e thickness and a v e r a g e grade a r e computed by weight-
ing t h e volumes and tonnages of t h e a u x i l i a r y prisms. This m o d i f i c a t i o n of
t h e polygon method was previously d e s c r i b e d as a common c a s e of t h e mining
blocks method, when a r e a s of in£ luence a r e determined f o r f o u r s i d e s of a
block ( f i g . 3 l A , block A).

P r i n c i p a l Formulas

I r r e g u l a r D i s t r i b u t i o n of Drill Holes

L e t US f i r s t c o n s i d e r a common c a s e where a m i n e r a l body i s explored by

i r r e g u l a r l y spaced v e r t i c a l d r i l l h o l e s . The g e n e r a l formulas f o r a group of
polygonal prisms ( f i g . 50) a r e f o r volume - formula 16, f o r a v e r a g e thickness -
s i m i l a r t o formula 37, f o r ore tonnage - formula 18,
f o r m e t a l tonnage-
p = 5 % + G Q + c3q3 + ' " + c,qn (82)
-
¶

f o r average g r a d e formula 29.

Regularly Spaced Drill Holes

More simple formulas m y be d e r i v e d from p r i n c i p a l ones when workings a r e

l a i d down i n a r e g u l a r g r i d t o form s i m p l e polygons, such a s s q u a r e s , r e c t a n -
g l e s , o r hexagons. The comnon n a t u r e of t h e s e m o d i f i c a t i o n s i s t h a t t h e a r e a s
of i n f l u e n c e f o r each h o l e , except t h o s e l y i n g on t h e boundary of t h e body,
a r e equal i n size.

Square Net of Workings.

h o l e s with t h i c k n e s s e s $ , ta
-, The volume of a n a r e a ,
t3 , and t, i s
s , e x p l o r e d by f o u r

The a r e a of m i n e r a l bodies t h a t have been explored by numerous h o l e s

l o c a t e d i n t h e c o r n e r s of squares w i l l be divided by p e r p e n d i c u l a r b i s e c t o r s
i n t o squares with e q u a l a r e a s , s ; t h e formula f o r volume computation w i l l
transform t o

where 5 , 5 , t,, ..., t, a r e t h i c k n e s s e s of h o l e s , and

When t h e q u a n t i t y of h o l e s is l i m i t e d o r more a c c u r a t e r e s u l t s a r e d e s i r -
a b l e , t h e above formula may be improved by adding t o each v a r i a b l e a f a c t o r
based on t r u e a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e i n a r b i t r a r y u n i t s , termed "weight." Thus,
i n a square network, t h e a r e a of i n f l u e n c e of a h o l e f o r a complete s q u a r e
must have a weight of f o u r , f o r a s i d e h o l e a weight of two, and f o r a c o r n e r
h o l e a weight of one ( f i g . 5%).

Chessboard Grid. -I n a chessboard o r t r i a n g u l a r g r i d map, t h e e n t i r e

area of t h e m i n e r a l body w i l l be d i v i d e d by perpendicular b i s e c t o r s i n t o h e m -
gons with e q u a l a r e a s ( f i g . 51;). Formulas f o r computing volume w i l l be t h e
same a s a square g r i d , except-s w i l l e q u a l t h e a r e a of a hexagon. When t h e
number of workings i s l i m i t e d , t h e formula should have a weight of s i x f o r a
complete, t h r e e f o r a h a l f , and one and a h a l f f o r a c o r n e r of a hexagon.

~ e q u iement
r s , Advantages , and L i m i t a t i o n s

The method of polygons i s based on t h e o r e t i c a l assumptions r a t h e r than on

geologic and mining c o n s i d e r a t i o n s and r e q u i r e s a s u i t a b l e p l a n o r l o n g i t u d i -
n a l s e c t i o n . The c o r r e c t m n n e r of c o n s t r u c t i n g a r e a s of i n f h e n c e r e q u i r e s
e x p e r i e n c e ; however, t h e r e is only one way t o do i t , and t h e r e s u l t s do not
depend on p e r s o n a l judgment. I n comparison with o t h e r methods t h e n a t u r e of
t h e minera 1.depos i t i s poor ly i 1l u s t r a t ed , a lthough , polygons may, under
a p p r o p r i a t e p a t t e r n of e x p l o r a t i o n workings f o r a given t y p e of d e p o s i t ,
i n d i c a t e reasonably w e l l t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h i c k and narrow and high- and
low-grade p o r t i o n s of t h e body.
 L E G E N D
rrA Weight

FIGURE 51. - Regularly Spaced Drill Holes-Method of Polygons. A, Square net pattern of
drilling; R , chessboard or triangular pattern of drilling.

The f a c t o r s , t h i c k n e s s , g r a d e , and w e i g h t , a r e c o n s i d e r e d c o n s t a n t f o r
each b l o c k . Hence, each block i s computed w i t h o u t i n £ l u e n c e from any a d j o i n -
i n g b l o c k s , and i t i s p o s s i b l e t o add and compute r e s e r v e s f o r new b l o c k s a s
e x p l o r a t i o n p r o g r e s s e s . I n o t h e r methods new d a t a o f t e n c a l l s f o r a complete
r e c a l c u l a t i o n of r e s e r v e s .

When t h e workings a r e i n a r e g u l a r g r i d p a t t e r n , r e s e r v e computations a r e

s i m p l i f i e d . The s i z e of t h e polygons v a r i e s when workings a r e unevenly
spaced. More widely spaced h o l e s may have a n undue i n f l u e n c e on t h e s i z e of
b l o c k s a n d on t h e a v e r a g e grade. Any one b l o c k may have a n unreasonably l a r g e
in£ l u e n c e on t h e f i n a l computations, i f t h e v a r i a b l e s of t h i s b l o c k v a r y
s t r o n g l y from t h e v a r i a b l e s of t h e o t h e r s .

I n t h e c a s e of i r r e g u l a r d i s t r i b u t i o n of workings it i s n e c e s s a r y t o
measure each polygon with a p l a n i m e t e r . When t h e b l o c k s a r e numerous such
measurements may be time consuming.

Application

F a v o r a b l e c r i t e r i a f o r t h e u s e of t h e method of polygons a r e t h e proven

c o n t i n u i t y of a m i n e r a l body between workings and t h e g r a d u a l changes of a l l
v a r i a b l e s . The method i s b e s t a p p l i e d when t h e workings a r e numerous and i n
g r i d p a t t e r n . The g r e a t e r t h e number of b l o c k s and t h e more r e g u l a r t h e g r i d ,
t h e more a c c u r a t e a r e t h e computations. Reserves of t a b u l a r b o d i e s ( b e d s ,
b l a n k e t s , and t h i c k v e i n s ) , l a r g e l e n s e s , and s t o c k s a r e s u c c e s s f u l l y computed
by t h i s method (43, 45).
 Polygons can be used w i t h d i s c r e t i o n i n c a s e s of nonuniform and i r r e g u -
l a r l y shaped m i n e r a l b o d i e s ; they a r e i n c o r r e c t when t h e b o d i e s cannot b e
c o r r e l a t e d s a t i s f a c t o r i l y between workings, when t h e y a r e small and d i s t r i b -
u t e d e r r a t i c a l l y ( s m a l l s t o c k s , o r e s h o o t s , chimneys, and p i p e s ) , o r when
h o r s e s of waste a r e p r e s e n t . I n t h e c a s e of small l e n s l i k e b o d i e s t h e middle
b locks may show a n unduly l a r g e i n f h e n c e on t h e f ina 1 r e s u l t s . I n m i n e r a l
d e p o s i t s composed of s e v e r a l b o d i e s o v e r l y i n g each o t h e r s e p a r a t e s e t s of
polygons may be c o n s t r u c t e d f o r each one.

Combined Methods

The u s e of two o r more methods t o compute r e s e r v e s f o r t h e same d e p o s i t

i s a common p r a c t i c e . Various methods may be a p p l i e d f o r d i f f e r e n t p a r t s of
a body depending on t h e geology, mine d e s i g n , t y p e a n d d e n s i t y of e x p l o r a t i o n
workings, and c a t e g o r y of r e s e r v e computations. Mining b l o c k s , f o r example,
may be used f o r h i g h c a t e g o r y r e s e r v e s and g e o l o g i c b l o c k s f o r lower c a t e -
g o r i e s . A second method may o f t e n b e u s e d f o r c o n t r o l of t h e computations
made by t h e p r i n c i p a l method, s o t h a t no c r u d e e r r o r s may o c c u r .

A common c a s e of combined methods i s when one method i s a p p l i e d t o out-

l i n e and d i v i d e t h e m i n e r a l body i n t o b l o c k s and a n o t h e r t o d e t e r m i n e t h e
parameters of each block.

Methods of mining b l o c k s , g e o l o g i c b l o c k s , and c r o s s s e c t i o n s have been '

used f o r high-grade n o n f e r r o u s v e i n s developed by underground workings, and
t h e polygon method f o r d i s s e m i n a t e d o r e bodies ( c o p p e r - z i n c d e p o s i t s i n B u t t e ,
and c o p p e r - n i c k e l d e p o s i t s i n N o r i l , U.S.S.R.). The Corrigan-McKinney S t e e l
Company, Michigan and Minnesota, computed t h e r e s e r v e s of No. 1 o r e body by
t h e a v e r a g e f a c t o r s and a r e a methods and t h e No. 2 o r e body by t h e c r o s s -
s e c t i o n methods (=,p. 147).

A t t h e I n s p i r a t i ' o n mine, A r i z o n a , d i s s e m i n a t e d copper o r e r e s e r v e s based

on d r i l l i n g were computed by polygons ( q u a d r i l a t e r a l p r i s m s ) and checked by
t h e c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods (60). A t t h e Ray Copper mine, A r i z o n a , l a r g e
r e s e r v e s of i r r e g u l a r bodies of d i s s e m i n a t e d o r e , were computed by t h e mining
b l o c k s method f o r t h e p o r t i o n of t h e o r e body developed f o r underground mining
and by v e r t i c a l c r o s s s e c t i o n s f o r t h e p o r t i o n e x p l o r e d by churn and diamond
-
d r i l l i n g (61).

A t t h e Kennecott Copper mine, Bingham Canyon, Utah, t h e method of h o r i -

z o n t a l c r o s s s e c t i o n s was used t o s e p a r a t e each proposed bench of t h e open p i t
development of a l a r g e low-grade d i s s e m i n a t e d copper body. Mining b l o c k s were
used f o r computing r e s e r v e s developed by underground workings and po lygon
method f o r a r e a s e x p l o r e d b.y v e r t i c a l churn d r i l l h o l e s . The t r i a n g u l a r p r i s m
method was used f o r computing r e s e r v e s explored by c h u r n d r i l l s below under-
ground workings (58) .

A t t h e Copper Queen mine, Bisbee, A r i z . , " o r e i n s i g h t 1 ' r e s e r v e s of a n

i r r e g u l a r and l e n t i c u l a r limestone-replacement body were computed by h o r i z o n -
t a l c r o s s s e c t i o n s and probable r e s e r v e s by two s e t s of v e r t i c a l c r o s s sec-
t i o n s c o n s t r u c t e d a t r i g h t a n g l e s t o each o t h e r . A low-grade copper-porphyry
d e p o s i t , e x p l o r e d by c h u m d r i l l h o l e s , was computed by t h e v e r t i c a l c r o s s -
s e c t i o n method and checked by t h e t r i a n g u l a r method (50).

A combination of h o r i z o n t a l c r o s s - s e c t i o n and polygon methods was used

f o r t h e d e s i g n of open p i t ' o p e r a t i o n s f o r s e v e r a l l a r g e d i s s e m i n a t e d copper
d e p o s i t s (Berkeley p i t , B u t t e , and Konrad, U . S . S . R . ) . Horizontal cross sec-
t i o n s were drawn f o r each proposed bench, a n d r e s e r v e s w i t h i n each of t h e two
l e v e l s were computed by t h e polygon method. A combination of h o r i z o n t a 1 c r o s s
s e c t i o n s and g e o l o g i c b l o c k s f o r each l e v e l a l s o h a s been used f o r m u l t i m e t a l
d e p o s i t s (Kadain, U.S.S.R.).

Owing t o t h e s t r i c t a p p l i c a t i o n of t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s t o t h e con-
s t r u c t i o n of polygons, t h e morphology and o t h e r p e c u l i a r i t i e s of m i n e r a l
b o d i e s , such a s p a t t e r n s o r r e l a t i o n s h i p s between t h e e l e m e n t s , may be over-
looked. A m i n e r a l body may show s t a b i l i t y i n t h i c k n e s s , u n i f o r m i t y of g r a d e ,
o r d e f i n i t e r e l a t i o n s h i p s between g r a d e and t h i c k n e s s a l o n g s t r i k e b e t t e r than
down t h e d i p . Gold and o t h e r heavy m i n e r a l s i n p l a c e r d e p o s i t s may show t o a
g r e a t e r d e g r e e g r a d u a l changes i n d i s t r i b u t i o n and g r a d e i n one d i r e c t i o n than
i n a n o t h e r . Ash c o n t e n t i n c o a l d e p o s i t s may i n c r e a s e o r d e c r e a s e i n a c e r -
t a i n d i r e c t i o n owing t o p a l e o g r a p h i c c o n d i t i o n s .

The g r a d e of t h e o r e i n replacement d e p o s i t s o f t e n depends on s t r u c t u r a l

and l i t h o l o g i c a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e c o u n t r y rock. I n such c a s e s t h e
method of polygons may b e modified; h o l e s may be f i r s t connected with a u x i l -
i a r y l i n e s on t h e b a s i s of geomorphology and o t h e r p e c u l i a r i t i e s , such a s
s t r i k e , d i p , o r r a k e of t h e o r e body. S q u a r e and r e c t a n g u l a r b l o c k s may then
be formed by c o n s t r u c t i o n of l i n e s p a r a l l e l t o a n d / o r p e r p e n d i c u l a r t o a u x i l -
i a r y l i n e s . T h i s m o d i f i c a t i o n i s o f t e n d e s c r i b e d i n l i t e r a t u r e a s a method of
r e c t a n g l e s , or v a r i o u s a r e a s of i n f l u e n c e i n c o n t r a s t with t h e polygon o r
equa 1 a r e a s of i n £ h e n c e method.

Examples of r e s e r v e c ~ m p u t a t i o n sp u b l i s h e d a s r e c t a n g u l a r methods a r e
c l a s s i f i e d i n t h i s r e p o r t a c c o r d i n g t o t h e a c c e p t e d p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a -
t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a ; a s mining b l o c k s method, i n underground mining; and
a s a s i m p l e m o d i f i c a t i o n of t h e polygon method, i n a r e g u l a r l y spaced g r i d of
d r i l l holes.

In i r r e g u l a r l y spaced d r i l l h o l e g r i d s , t h e r e c t a n g u l a r block c o n s t r u c -
t i o n i s found t o b e s u b j e c t i v e , ' o r a f f e c t e d by p e r s o n a l o p i n i o n . The use of
such c o n s t r u c t i o n shows t h e same d i s a d v a n t a g e s and t h e same l i m i t a t i o n s a s t h e
method of t r i a n g l e s .

Thus, t h e r e c t a n g u l a r system may be c o n s i d e r e d a s a combined method, i f

b l o c k c o n s t r u c t i o n i s made on t h e b a s i s of g e o l o g i c , mining, and economic con-
s i d e r a t i o n s , r a t h e r t h a n on p l a i n g e o m e t r i c a l p o i n t s of view, and t h e f a c t o r s
a r e computed by a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e , by t h i c k n e s s - w e i g h t e d a v e r a g e , o r by a r e a -
weighted a v e r a g e , determined a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r u l e of n e a r e s t p o i n t s .
 Source of E r r o r s i n Reserve Computations

Combined a v e r a g e e r r o r i n any r e s e r v e computations may be expressed by

where Ma, - a v e r a g e r e l a t i v e e r r o r of r e s e r v e computations;

aq, - a v e r a g e r e l a t i v e e r r o r of t e c h n i c a l e r r o r s ;
- a v e r a g e r e l a t i v e e r r o r of t h e method and formula u s e d ;
m, - a v e r a g e r e l a t i v e e r r o r due t o t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n
data.

Random e r r o r s due t o p r e c i s i o n of o b s e r v a t i o n s compensate each o t h e r ;

they a r e s m a l l i n comparison with e r r o r s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n and may be d i s -
regarded. Biased e r r o r s , due t o inexperienced p e r s o n n e l , equipment d e f e c t s ,
and improper t e c h n i q u e s of o b s e r v a t i o n s and a n a l y s e s , may be a p p r e c i a b l e and
should b e compensated f o r by c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r s p r i o r t o computations ( p a r t 1).

The comparative accuracy of v a r i o u s methods of computing r e s e r v e s h a s

been d i s c u s s e d i n many p u b l i c a t i o n s (2, 46, 49, 53). According t o f o r e i g n
s o u r c e s t h e v a r i a n c e i n r e s e r v e s of t h e same h i g h c a t e g o r y computed by d i f f e r -
e n t methods f o r a d e p o s i t r a r e l y exceed 10 p e r c e n t (appendix C ) .

When t h e r e s u l t s of computations by a s e l e c t e d method a r e w i t h i n 1 t o 5

p e r c e n t of r e s u l t s r e c e i v e d by o t h e r methods, they a r e c o n s i d e r e d by
Stammberger t o be a c c u r a t e (59).

I n g e n e r a l , t h e average r e l a t i v e e r r o r of t h e method and formula used f o r

r e s e r v e computations should l i e w i t h i n t h e same l i m i t s and should n o t exceed
t h e average r e l a t i v e e r r o r f o r determining g r a d e , a s w e l l a s o t h e r f a c t o r s ;
o t h e r w i s e such e r r o r s w i l l d i s t o r t t h e p r e c i s i o n of t h e r e s u l t s of e x p l o r a t i o n .

I n most c a s e s t h e s e r e l a t i v e e r r o r s due t o method a r e n e g l e c t e d , because

t h e e r r o r s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n a r e much l a r g e r and d e t e r m i n e t h e accuracy of
computations. The l a t t e r e r r o r s depend on t h e t y p e and form of t h e d e p o s i t ,
on degree of v a r i a t i o n i n t h i c k n e s s , g r a d e , and o t h e r f a c t o r s , on t h e kind of
e x p l o r a t i o n workings, t h e i r d e n s i t y , and on sample t e c h n i q u e .

SUMMARY

Reserve computations of a m i n e r a l d e p o s i t a r e a g e o l o g i c and engineering

problem; i t i s o f t e n a n i n t r i c a t e t a s k . S e l e c t i o n of a method aepends on t h e
geology of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t , t h e kind and d e n s i t y of workings, t h e
a p p r a i s a l of g e o l o g i c and e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a , and t h e a c c u r a c y r e q u i r e d . Time
and c o s t of computations a r e o f t e n important c o n s i d e r a t i o n s .

Knowledge of t h e mineral d e p o s i t ' s geology i s a p r e r e q u i s i t e t o any

r e l i a b l e computation, This knowledge i n c l u d e s s p a c e l o c a t i o n , s i z e , shape,
environment, c o u n t r y r o c k , overburden, and hydrology; a v e r a g e grade and d i s -
t r i b u t i o n of v a l u a b l e and d e t r i m e n t a l c o n s t i t u e n t s ; and m i n e r a l , chemical and
p h y s i c a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e raw m a t e r i a l .
 Accurate computations of a c e r t a i n d e p o s i t r e q u i r e a p r o p e r l y s e l e c t e d
and executed e x p l o r a t i o n program; t h a t i s kind of workings, d r i l l i n g o r under-
ground system, number and d e n s i t y of o b s e r v a t i o n s , sampling procedure ( l o c a -
t i o n , sample i n t e r v a l , and weight of samples) , and a c c u r a t e measurements,
a n a l y s e s , and t e s t s .

To s e l e c t t h e b e s t method c a r e f u l a n a l y s i s of geology and e x p l o r a t i o n

should b e made. I n g e n e r a l , t h e method ( o r combination of methods) s e l e c t e d
should s u i t t h e purpose of computations and t h e r e q u i r e d a c c u r a c y ; i t should
a l s o b e s t r e f l e c t t h e c h a r a c t e r of t h e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t and t h e performed
e x p l o r a t i o n . I n a complex o r i r r e g u l a r d e p o s i t , it i s a d v i s a b l e t o u s e two
or more methods f o r b e t t e r accuracy and s e l f - c o n f i d e n c e . An average of t h e s e
methods may b e a c c e p t e d a s a f i n a l r e s u l t , o r t h e v a l u e s of one method may be
considered a s a c o n t r o l of o t h e r s .

The purpose of r e s e r v e computations i s one of t h e most important consid-

e r a t i o n i n s e l e c t i n g a method. For p r e l i m i n a r y e x p l o r a t i o n t h e method should
b e s t i l l u s t r a t e t h e d e p o s i t , t h e o p e r a t i o n s , and permit s e q u e n t i a l computa-
t i o n s and a p p r a i s a l . On t h e other hand, time-consuming procedures should be
avoided i f r e s e r v e s a r e being computed f o r p r o s p e c t i v e planning.

The system of mining, o r the problem of s e l e c t i n g one, may i n f h e n c e the

p r e f e r e n c e . A c e r t a i n method of computation may f a c i l i t a t e more s o than
o t h e r s t h e design of development and e x t r a c t i o n o p e r a t i o n s owing t o t e c h n i c a l
and economic f a c t o r s (mining by l e v e l s , average grade, d i f f e r e n t c u t o f f , e t c . )
This e x p l a i n s why, i n p r a c t i c e , methods of mining blocks and c r o s s s e c t i o n s
a r e preferred.

The p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a and t h e a n a l y t i c a l
p e r f e c t i o n of formulas a r e a l s o considered i n method s e l e c t i o n . The p r i n c i -
p l e s t h a t e s s e n t i a l l y uphold t h e d e s c r i b e d conventiona 1 methods a r e :

Method : Principles

Analogous.............................Geologic i n f e r e n c e .
.... Do.
G e o l o g i c a l blocks.................

Mining blocks. ........................Mining and o t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n s .

Standard c r o s s s e c t i o n and i s o l i n e s . . . R u l e of g r a d u a l changes.

T r i a n g u l a r prisms.... ................. Do.

Linear c r o s s section..................Rule of n e a r e s t p o i n t s .
Polygonal prisms ...................... Do.

A 1 1 formulas f o r computing volumes , tonnage, and average f a c t o r s a r e

approximate, because of t h e i r r e g u l a r s i z e and shape of t h e m i n e r a l body,
e r r o r s i n s u b s t i t u t i n g n a t u r a l bodies by more simple geometric o n e s , geologic
i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , assumptions, and i n c o n s i s t e n c y i n t h e v a r i a b l e s . Accuracy of
t h e f i n a l r e s u l t s u s u a l l y depends more on geologic i n t e r p r e t a t i o n and assump-
t i o n s r a t h e r t h a n on t h e method used. Systematic e x p l o r a t i o n and uniform
sampling g e n e r a l l y s i m p l i f y the s e l e c t i o n and t h e u s e of t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l
methods and produce g r e a t e r accuracy. Reserves of t h e same c a t e g o r y computed
by d i f f e r e n t methods and based on t h e same d a t a , u s u a l l y d i f f e r s l i g h t l y .

The average f a c t o r s and a r e a methods a r e widely used by e a r t h s c i e n t i s t s .

I n t h e analogous method, r e s e r v e s of a block of a d e p o s i t can be computed with
r e a s o n a b l e accuracy by a n a l y s i s of r e s u l t s of e x p l o r a t i o n , development, and
e x t r a c t i o n ( p a s t production) from a d j o i n i n g b l o c k s of t h e same o r even geolog-
i c a l l y s i m i l a r d e p o s i t s . I n t h i s method a n i n d i v i d u a l block of t h e same o r
g e o l o g i c a i l y s i m i l a r d e p o s i t may b e computed on t h e b a s i s of l i m i t e d , o r even
a s i n g l e o b s e r v a t i o n properly taken. I n t h e g e o l o g i c block method, t h e min-
e r a l body is subdivided i n t o segments and b l o c k s e s s e n t i a l l y on t h e b a s i s of
geology; average f a c t o r s f o r each segment o r block a r e determined a c c o r d i n g t o
a v a i l a b l e d a t a by v a r i o u s methods.

The mining b l o c k s method r e q u i r e s adequate d a t a t o allow s u b d i v i s i o n of

t h e mineral body i n t o blocks e i t h e r proved o r semiproved f o r e x t r a c t i o n . Most
o f t e n i t i s used i n mining t h i n and medium-thick v e i n s and t a b u l a r b o d i e s .

The c r o s s - s e c t i o n methods a r e t h e most c o n v e n i e n t ways f o r computing

r e s e r v e s of unif o m mineral d e p o s i t s . I n t h e s t a n d a r d c r o s s - s e c t i o n method
t h e mean-area formula of a p r i s m with b a s e a r e a s i n p a r a l l e l s e c t i o n s i s t h e
most common one; i t i s p r e c i s e when t h e r e i s no l a r g e d i f f e r e n c e i n s i z e aq
shape of base a r e a s . I n c a s e of d i s p a r i t y between b a s e a r e a s of more t h a n '
p e r c e n t , frustum o r prismoida 1 formulas a r e used.

I n underground mining, h o r i z o n t a l c r o s s s e c t i o n s c o n s t r u c t e d a l o n g t h e
proposed mining l e v e l s a r e o f t e n p r e f e r r e d i n mine d e s i g n . Two s e t s of v e r -
t i c a l s e c t i o n s a t r i g h t angles t o each o t h e r would b e t t e r i l l u s t r a t e s t o c k l i k e
bodies than any o t h e r method. Computations may b e made with t h e f i n a l r e s u l t s
taken a s h a l f t h e sum of both s u i t e s .

The l i n e a r c r o s s - s e c t i o n method, where r e s e r v e s a r e f i r s t determined f o r

a u n i t of a r e a , u n i t of volume, o r f o r t h e s e c t i o n s , i s used w i t h advantage i n
bedded and p l a c e r d e p o s i t s .

The method of i s o l i n e s r e q u i r e s numerous o b s e r v a t i o n s with d a t a more o r

l e s s r e g u l a r l y d i s t r i b u t e d i n t h e v e r t i c a l o r h o r i z o n t a l plane of t h e m i n e r a l
d e p o s i t s . It i s a p p l i c a b l e t o d e p o s i t s of g r a d u a l p h y s i c a l and chemical
changes, such a s sedimentary d e p o s i t s . Large p l a c e r g o l d d e p o s i t s , e x p l o r e d
by hundreds of s h a l l o w p i t s o r d r i l l h o l e s , may be w e l l i l l u s t r a t e d and
evaluated by t h e method of i s o l i n e s .

The ana l y t i c a 1 methods ( t r i a n g u l a r and polygona 1 prisms) a r e d e f i c i e n t

i n exposing t h e morphology of t h e m i n e r a l body and t h e f l u c t u a t i o n s of v a r i a -
b l e s within t h e i n d i v i d u a l blocks. Although average t h i c k n e s s and g r a d e a r e
computed, t h e p a t t e r n of t h e i r s p a c e d i s t r i b u t i o n i s n o t revealed.

The method of t r i a n g l e s i s a p p l i c a b l e t o a few predominantly sediment&

d e p o s i t s , t h e m i n e r a l i z a t i o n of which i s c o n s i s t e n t with t h e r u l e of g r a d u a l
changes. The method must be c a r e f u l l y a p p l i e d . E r r o r s of computations may
be v e r y h i g h owing t o i r r e g u l a r i t i e s i n v a r i a b l e s and unsystematic
exploration.

The polygonal method' i s s u c c e s s f u l l y used i n computing r e s e r v e s of tabu-

l a r d e p o s i t s , such a s sedimentary beds of c o a l , phosphate r o c k , and o i l
s h a l e s ; b l a n k e t - t y p e , l a r g e l e n s e s ; and t h i c k v e i n b o d i e s . The accuracy of
t h e r e s u l t s i n c r e a s e s w i t h the number of b l o c k s and t h e d e n s i t y of t h e g r i d
of workings and d r i l l h o l e s .
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Methods of E x p l o r a t i o n and Reserve E s t i m a t e s ) . I s s u e I. Vsesoyuznaya
Komissiya po Zapasam Poleznykh Iskopaemykh, M i n i s t e r s t v o G e o l o g i i
S.S.S.R. (All-Union Connnittee on M i n e r a l Reserve, M i n i s t r y of
Geology, U. S. S. R. ) , 1948, 4 3 pp.

2. Bauman, V. I. K Voprosu ob O p r e d e l e n i i Zapasov Mestorozhdeniy (About t h e

.
Problem of Computing Minera 1 R e s e r v e s ) . Gorn. Zhur (Mining J o u r n a l ) ,
v . 4, December, 1908, pp. 209-224.

3. B a x t e r , C. H . , and R. D. Parks. Mine Examination and V a l u a t i o n .

Michigan C o l l e g e of Mining and Technology, Houghton, Mich., Ed ed.
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4. Becker, R. M . , and S c o t t W. Hazen, Jr. P a r t i c l e S t a t i s t i c s of I n f i n i t e

P o p u l a t i o n s a s Applied t o Mine SampIing. BuMines Rept. of Inv. 5669,
1961, 79 pp.

5. B e r k e n k o t t e r , R. D . , and S c o t t W. Hazen, Jr. S t a t i s t i c a l A n a l y s i s of i

Diamond-Dri 11 Sample Data From t h e Cebolla Creek T i t a n i f e r o u s I r o n
D e p o s i t , Gunnison County, Colo. BuMines Rept. of Inv. 6234, 1963,
58 PP.
6. Bishop, Margaret S. Subsurface Mapping. John Wiley & Sons, I n c . , New
York, 1960, 198 pp.

7. B l o n d e l , F., and S. G. Lasky. M i n e r a l Reserves and M i n e r a l Resources.

Econ. Geol., v. 51, No. 7 , 1956, pp. 686-697.

8. Bush, A. L., and H. K. S t a g e r . Accuracy of Ore-Reserve E s t i m a t e s f o r

Uranium-Vanadium Deposits on t h e Colorado P l a t e a u . U. S. Geol. Survey
Bull. 1030-D, 1956, pp. 131-148.

9. Feygin, YA. M. G r a f i c a l Metod Opredeleniya 0b"yemov Blokov Mezhdu

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10. Foreman, C. H. Mining Methods and C o s t s a t t h e Hecla and S t a r Mines,

Burke, Idaho. BuMines I n f . C i r c . 6232, 1930, 21 pp.

t T i t l e s enclosed i n p a r e n t h e s i s a r e t r a n s l a t i o n s from t h e language i n which

t h e item was p u b l i s h e d .
4 T r a n s l i t e r a t i o n of t h e Russian i s a c c o r d i n g t o t h e system g i v e n i n t h e GPO
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13. Harding, 3. E. C a l c u l a t i o n of Ore Tonnage and Grade From Drill-Hole

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14. . Bow To C a l c u l a t e Tonnage and Grade of a n Orebody. Eng. and Min.

J. P r e s s , v. 116, No. 11, September 1923, pp. 445-448.

15. Hazen, S c o t t W., Jr. A Comparative Study of S t a t i s t i c a l A n a l y s i s and

Other Methods of Computing Ore Reserves, U t i l i z i n g Data From Maggie
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A r i z . BuMines Rept. of Inv. 5375, 1958, 188 pp.

16. .S t a t i s t i c a l Analysis of Sample Data f o r E s t i m a t i n g Ore. BuMines

Rept. of Inv. 5835, 1961, 27 pp.

17. . S t a t i s t i c a l Analysis of Some Sample and Assay Data From Bedded

D e p o s i t s of t h e Phosphoria Formation i n Idaho. BuMines Rept. of Lnv.
I
6401, 1964, 29 pp.

18. Hazen, S c o t t W., Jr., and R. D. Berkenkotter. An Experimental Mine-

Sampling P r o j e c t Designed f o r S t a t i s t i c a l A n a l y s i s . BuMines Rept. of
Inv. 6019, 1962, 111 pp.

19. Hazen, S c o t t W., Jr., and G. W. G l a d f e l t e r . Using Unequal Sample

I n t e r v a l Lengths and Weighted Averages i n E s t i m a t i n g Grade of Ore f o r
Bedded Deposits. BuMines Rept. of Inv. 6406, 1964, 23 pp.

20. H e r z i g , C. S. Mine Sampling and Valuing. Mining and S c i e n t i f i c P r e s s ,

San F r a n c i s c o , C a l i f . , 19 14, 163 pp.

21. H e w l e t t , R. F. A Basic Computer Program f o r Computing Grade and Tonnage

of Ore Using S t a t i s t i c a l and Polygonal Methods. BuMines Rept. of Inv.
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.
/

22. A p p l i c a t i o n of Simulation i n E v a l u a t i n g Low-Grade Mineral

D e p o s i t s . BuMines Rept. of Inv. 6501, 1964, 62 pp.

23. - . C a l c u l a t i n g Ore Reserves Using a D i g i t a l Computer.

v. 13, No. 1, January 1961, pp. 37-42.
Min. Eng.,

24. . Computing Ore Reserves by t h e Polygonal Method Using a Medium-

S i z e D i g i t a l Computer. BuMines Rept. of Inv. 5952, 1962; 31 pp.

25. . Computing Ore Reserves by t h e T r i a n g u l a r Method Using a Medium-

S i z e D i g i t a l Computer. BuMines Rept. of Inv. 6176, 1963, 30 pp.
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No. 5, June-July, 1959, pp. 730-737. .

27. Izakson, S. S. Metodika Podscheta Zapasov ~ g o l ' n y k hMestorozhdeniy

(Methods of Computing Reserves f o r Coal Deposits). Gosgortekhizdat
( S t a t e S c i e n t i f i c and Technical P u b l i s h e r s f o r Mining L i t e r a t u r e ) ,
Moscow, U.S.S.R., 1960, 370 pp.

28. Jackson, C. F., and J. B. ICnaebel. Sampling and Estimation of Ore

Deposits. BuMines Bull. 356, 1932, pp. 114-155.

29. Joralemon, I. B. Sampling and Estimating Disseminated Copper Deposits.

Trans. AIME, v. 72, 1925, pp. 607-620.

30. Kravchenko, A. Ya., and S. M. Kupfer. Ratsional'nyye Fonrmly Dlya

Oprede leniya Obl'yemov B lokov Pr i Podschete Zapasov Metodom Razrezov
( R a t i o n a l Formulas f o r Computing Block Volumes i n Reserve Estimates
by Method of Cross Sections). Razvedka i Okhrana Nedr (Exploration and
Conservation of Mineral Resources), No. 8 , August 1962, pp. 15-19.

31. K r e i t e r , V. M. Poiski i Razvedka Mestorozhdenii Poleznykh Iskopaemykh

(Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits). Gosudarsvennoe
Nauchno-Tekhnicheskoye I z d a t e l ' s t v o L i t e r a t u r y po Geologii i Okhrane
Nedr ( S t a t e S c i e n t i f i c and Technical Publishers of L i t e r a t u r e i n
Geology and i n Conservation of Mineral Resources), Moscow, U.S.S.R.,
v. 1, 2d ed., 1960, 322 pp.; v. 2, 2d ed., 1961, 389 pp.

32. Koch, George S., and Richard F. Link. Accuracy i n Estimating Metal
Content and Tonnage of an Ore Body From Diamond-Drill Hole Data.
BuMines Rept. of Inv. 6380, 1964, 24 pp.

33. Iahee, F. H. F i e l d Geology. McGraw-Hill Co., Inc., New York, 4th ed.,
1941, 853 pp.

34. McLaughlin, D. H. Geologic Factors i n t h e Valuation of Mines. Econ.

Geol., v. 34, No. 6 , 1939, pp. 589-621.

35. McKinstry, H. E., Stanley A. T y l e r , E. N. Pennebaker, and Kenyon E.

Richard. Mining Geology. P r e n t i c e - H a l l , Inc., New York, 1948, 680 pp.

36. Mead, W. J. The Relation of Density, P o r o s i t y , and Moisture t o the

S p e c i f i c Volume of Ores. Econ. Geol., v. 3, No. 4 , 1908, pp. 319-325.

37. Ogloblin, D. N. Podschet Zapasov Metalla v Rossipi po Metodu I z o l i n i i

prof. P . K. Sobolevskogo (Reserve Estimates of Metals i n P l a c e r s by
Method of I s o l i n e s , proposed by Prof. P. K. Sobolevsky). Tswetnyye
Metally (Nonferrous M e t a l s ) , No. 7 , 1931, pp. 926-949.

38. Olk, J . F . An Open P i t Application of a D i g i t a l computer. Min. Cong,

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M e t a l l u r g i c a l Engineers, New York, 1933, 581 pp.

P a t t e r s o n , J . A. Estimating Ore Reserves Follows L o g i c a l S t e p s . Eng.

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P e e l e , R. Mining ~ n g i n e e r ' sHandbook. V. 1 and 2, John Wiley & Sons,

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PodWyakonw, S. A. Metody Podscheta Plastovykh i Rossipnykh

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pp. 729-791.

PohLman, W. E., and H. Jacoby. New S t o c k p i l e Measuring Method. P i t and

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Poston, R. H. Method and Cost of Mining a t No. 8 Mine, S t . Louis

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Prokof 'yev, A. P. P r a k t i c h e s k i y e Metody Podscheta Zapasov Rudnykh

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Prokof'yev, A. P., and V. V. Stefanovich. 0 Podschete Z a p a s w v Blokakh

Mezhdu Neparallel'nymi Secheniyami Sposobom A. S. Z o l o t a r e v a (Reserve
Computations f o r Blocks Between Non-Para l l e l S e c t i o n s by Z o l o t a r e v
Method). Razvedka i Okhrana Nedr ( E x p l o r a t i o n and Conservation of
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Prokop'yev, E. P. S r a v n i t e l ' n a y a Otsenka Raznykh Metodw Podscheta

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of Various Methods of Gold Reserve Estimates i n P l a c e r D e p o s i t s ) .
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(Nonferrous Meta 1s) , Nos. 4-5, 1940, pp. 26- 35.

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Smirnov, V. I., A. P. Prokof 'yev, and o t h e r s . Podschet Zapasov

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66. Yakzhin, A. A. Oprobovaniye i Podschet Tvedykh Poleznykh Iskopaemykh

(Sampling and ~ e s k Estimates
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Bauman's Formula). 2. K Metodike Podscheta Z a p a s w Rudnykh T e l (Method
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P r o s p e c t i n g S e r v i c e of U.S.S.R.) I s s u e 201, Moscow-Leningrad, 1932,
25 PP.
 APPENDIX A. - ENGLISH AND METRIC SYSTEMS AND CONVERSION FACTORS

English ( s t a n d a r d ) system M e t r i c system

Units Conversion f a c t o r Units Conversion f a c t o r
t o metric system t o English system

L i n e a r Measure

Foot.................... Meter........... 3.2808 f t

Yard ( 3 f t ) . . ........... Kilometer. ...... 0.6214 mile
M i l e (5,280 f t ) . ........
--- ~- -

Land o r Area Measures

Square foot........ ..... 0.0929 sq m S q u a r e meter.... 10.764 sq f t

Square y a r d ( 9 sq f t ) ... 0.8361 sq m S q u a r e k i l o m e t e r 0.3861 sq m i
Acre (43,560 s q f t ) ..... 0.4047 hectare Hectare......... 2.4710 a c r e s
Square m i l e (640 a c r e s ) . 2.5900 sq km

Volume Measure
- -

Cubic f e e t . ............. ...

Cubic y a r d .............. Cubic m e t e r . .

Weight Measure

Ounc el .................. 0.0353 oz

Pound ................... Gram............
0.0322 oz (troy)
............ 31.103
Ounce ( t r o y ) g
-
Kilogram ........ 2.2046 lb
Pound ( t r o y ) . ........... 0.3732 kg
.... 1.1023 s h o r t ton
Ton, s h o r t (2,000 l b ) ... 0.9072 m e t r i c t o n
M e t r i c ton..
0.9842 long ton
Ton, long ( 2 , 2 4 0 l b ).... 1.0160 m e t r i c t o n
I
-
-

l Avoirdupois weights when not n o t e d .

Source: P e e l e , Mining Engineers' Handbook, v. 2 , pp. 45-49.

 APPENDIX B. - USAGE OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR RESERVE COMPUTATIONS
FOR SOLID MINERAL DEPOSITS I N U.S.S.R.
( p e r c e n t a g e of t o t a 1 s )

TABLE B-1. - Computation by t y p e of s o l i d m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s 1

Method Ore Nonmetallic Coal and o i l

deposits deposits shale deposits

G e o l o g i c a l blocks...................... 37 46 69

Mining blocks.......................... 12 - -
........
Cross sections.................
I 48
- 1
............................ I
Isolines...............................

Polygons...

T r i a n g l e s . . ............................
I 1
Total.............................
I I I

'AS c o n s i d e r e d by t h e A l l Union Comnittee of Mineral R e s e r v e s , U.S.S.R., for

Source: Reference 57, t a b l e 22, p. 205.

TABLE B-2. - Solid m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s by s e l e c t e d y e a r s

Method 1941-47 1951 1954

G e o l o g i c a l blocks..................... 16 12 36

Mining blocks......................... 34 24 15

Cross sections......................... 14 45 46

Polygons ............................... 22.5 15 2

T r i a n g l e s . . ........................... 2.5 1 1

Rectangular ........................... - 1 -
Others................................ 11.0 2 -
Total............................ 100 100 100

Source: Reference 57, t a b l e 23, p. 206.

 APPENDIX C. - A COMPARISON OF RESERVE COMPUTATIONS MADE
BY VARIOUS METHODS (U.S.S.R.)

TABLE C-1. - Polymetal d e p o s i t i n A l t a i , U . S . S . R . ~

!7=-
Reserves perc
I Ore
i
-
Zinc Gold Silver

Average f a c t o r s and a r e a :
Thickness-weighted average........... 100 LOO 1 100
Average f a c t o r s and a r e a
(arithmetic average). ................. 102
87
Cross sections.........................
Polygon ................................ 94
Triangles........ ...................... 94
T r i a n g l e s modified by t h e a r e a s of
..........
i n f l u e n c e f o r each working.. 87
-
' ~ a t cf o r 26 holes--3 h o l e s c r o s s e d h i g h - g r a d e l e a d o r e of narrow w i d t h .

Source: Reference
-
46, t a b l e 3, p. 29.

Bauxite d e p o s i t i n Tichvin d i s t r i c t , U.S.S.R.1

Average f a c t o r s and a r e a ( a r i t h m e t i c a v e r a g e ) :
Index....... ....................................... 100
Cross sections....................................... 103.1
Polygons ............................................. 99.3
Triangles ............................................ 97.2

l D a t a f o r 3 b a u x i t e d e p o s i t s e x p l o r e d by 4 1 h o l e s .

Source: R e f e r e n c e s , t a b l e 4 , p. 29.
 APPENDIX D. - FORMUlAS
Main Elements

1. R e l a t i o n s h i p between t r u e , horizonta 1, and v e r t i c a l thicknesses.

2. h u e thickness - c o r r e c t i o n , when a = 0.

ttr = t., s i n ($ + 8)
3. Horizontal thickness - correction, when a = 0.

s i n (B + 0)
% = P sin $

4. V e r t i c a l thickness - c o r r e c t i o n , d e n a = 0.

s i n ($ + 0)
tv = cos

5. General c a s e - t r u e thickness

'tt = tap (cos a s i n $ cos 0 + s i n fl . s i n 0 )

6. General c a s e - h o r i z o n t a l thickness
th = tap
(COSa cos 0 - cotan B s i n 0 )

7. General c a s e - v e r t i c H 1 thickness
t~ ' t.p cos 0 (cos a t a n + t a n 0)

Rule of Gradual Changes

Computations

10. Average thickness

 Page
11. Area - Trapezoid formula

12. Trapezoidal r u l e

13. imps son's r u l e

S = -31 h (a, + 2 C aodd+ 4 C a,,,, + a,)

14. Volume for a block

V = LBT

15. V = St,,

16. Volume for the e n t i r e body

v = v , + v, + v, + ... + vn = ys, + Gs, + t,s, + *.* + tnsn

17. - Weight - ore tonnage

-v
Q = F and Q = Vf

Q = V , 4 + V 2 4 + V,D, + ... + V,D,

Grade

24. Arithmetic average

25. Thickness - Weighted average

26. Area - Weighted average

27. Volumetric average

28. Gravimetric average

29a. Weight-meta 1 tonnage

29b.

30. Correction factor for grade

E = 5
c,
Errors

31. Errors for the entire body

Mining B locks Method

 Page

48

Cross Sections Method

46. Mean- ar ea formu la

47. End-area formula (equal distances between s e c t i o n s )

v =(S1 i2% + 2S, + ... + S,) -2L

48. Volume f o r e n t i r e body (unequal distances between s e c t i o n s )
49. Wedge formula
v I- S L
2
50. More accurate wedge fb-la

-6
V = L (2a + al) b sin a

51. Cone formula

52. Frustum formula

53. Prismoidal formula

L
V=(% +4M+&)x

54. Prismoidal correction f a c t o r - C ( f o r triangular prism)

55. Value of M f o r prismoidal formula

56. Obelisk formula

57. ~auman's formula

The Standard Method f o r Nonparallel Sections

58. Angle less than 10'

L L

59. Angle greater than 10"

 Pane
Linear Method

60. Ore tonnage (based on l i n e a r o r e r e s e r v e s )

Q =QL*

61. Metal tonnage (based on l i n e a r m e t a l r e s e r v e s )

P =PLA

62. Ore tonnage (based on o r e r e s e r v e s per c u b i c u n i t )

Q = qvv
63. Metal tonnage (based on m e t a l r e s e r v e s p e r c u b i c u n i t )

Method of I s o l i n e s

64. Volume

66. Grade c
cOA, + z ( & +2A1 +2& + ... + A , , )
C.v =
G,

Method o f t r i a n g l e s

67. For t r i a n g u l a r prism - volume

68. For t r i a n g u l a r prism - grade

69.

70. Ore t o n n a g e
 Page
71. Metal tonnage

72. Number of connecting l i n e s

NL = 3 4 + 2% + 3, or NL = 3 (q - 1) + 2%

73. Number of t r i a n g l e s

N,, = 2n, + Q - 2 = 2 (q - 1) + ZIE

74. The r e l a t i v e e r r o r f o r rectangular prism

A V = Vl - V2 = 2 (tl+2e+t3+2t4) S
6
- 16 (2t1+&+2t3+4) s

75. Condition for p r e c i s e volume computations i n rectangular prism

I
tl + tS = tZ + tq

76. General case - average thickness

77. Case of tS = 0

78. Caseof and t3 = O

t.v = -
tl
3
79. Volume f o r t h e e n t i r e body ( s = 2)
N

1
N
PC--a Ctk
i=1
80. Ore reserves f o r t h e e n t i r e body ( e = 2)
N
 S
81. Metal reserves f o r the e n t i r e body (s = E)

82. Metal tonnage

83. Square net of workings - one block

84. Square net of workings f o r the e n t i r e body ( s = -)

S
N

v =
t, + t2 + t, + ... + t, S = (t, + t, + tg + ... + t,) S
N

85. Total average r e l a t i v e error

 APPENDIX E. - GLOSSARY

S e l e c t e d terms used i n t h i s r e p o r t a r e i n c l u d e d i n t h e f o l l o w i n g
definitions.

Area r e s e r v e s . - Reserves computed f o r a c e r t a i n a r e a .

A r i t h m e t i c average o r mean. -
Simple a v e r a g e of a s u i t e of q u a n t i t i e s , meas-
urements, a n a l y s e s , e t c . ; sum of a s u i t e d i v i d e d on t h e number of q u a n t i t i e s .

-
Block. -
t i o n of
A u n i t of m i n e r a l body d e l i n e a t e d by v a r i o u s p r i n c i p l e s of i n t e r p r e t a -
e x p l o r a t i o n d a t a ; v a r i e s with t h e method of computations. .
I n s i d e perimeter. - The p o r t i o n of a m i n e r a l d e p o s i t d e l i n e a t e d by o u t l y i n g
mine workings.

Linear m e t a l r e s e r v e s . -
Metal r e s e r v e s f o r an a r e a u n i t , such a s s q u a r e f o o t
f o o t and square meter (product of l i n e a r o r e r e s e r v e s and a v e r a g e g r a d e ) , i n
t o n s o r o t h e r weight u n i t s .
Linear o r e r e s e r v e s . -
Ore r e s e r v e s computed f o r a n a r e a u n i t , such a s square
f o o t o r square m e t e r , i n tons o r o t h e r weight u n i t s .

I-
Mine workings. -A l l s u r f a c e and underground e x p l o r a t i o n , development, and
e x p l o i t a t i o n exposures of a miner2 1 body ; d r i l l i n g i n c l u d e d .

-
Ore. - A m i n e r a l s u b s t a n c e t h a t
o p e r a t o r o r t o t h e b e n e f i t of
can be mined a t p r e s e n t a t p r o f i t t o t h e
the nati0n.l

O u t s i d e perimeter. -
Portion of a m i n e r a l d e p o s i t extended beyond t h e o u t l y i n g
mine workings ; d e l i n e a t e d according t o g e o l o g i c a 1 evidence o r c e r t a i n
principles.

Parameters of a m i n e r a l bodv. -A s e r i e s of p h y s i c a l and chemical c o n s t a n t s

which e x p r e s s t h i s body.

Reserves. - Mineral m a t e r i a l c o n s i d e r e d e x p l o i t a b l e under e x i s t i n g c o n d i t i o n s ;

i n c l u d i n g c o s t , p r i c e , technology, and loca 1 c i r c u m s t a n c e s (1).

Resources. -
Reserves p l u s p o t e n t i a l raw m a t e r i a l ; i n c ludes m a r g i n a l , submar-
g i n a l , and l a t e n t c a t e g o r i e s ( I ) .

Section reserves. - Reserves a l o n g a s e c t i o n - - o n e u n i t of l e n g t h wide.

Sezment. -A l a r g e p o r t i o n of a rninera 1 body.

Underground mine workings. -

E x p l o r a t i o n and development s h a f t s , a d i t , d r i f t s ,
c r o s s c u t s , r a i s e s , and winz es ; d r i l l i n g exc luded.

Unit volume r e s e r v e s . -
Reserves computed f o r one u n i t of volume, such a s
c u b i c f o o t , cubic y a r d , or c u b i c meter.
D e f i n i t i o n approved by t h e United Nations Educational , S c i e n t i f i c and Cul-
t u r a 1 Organizations.
I N T . - B U . O F M I N E S . P G ~ . . P A . 8999
I THIS PAGf
INTENTIONALLY ,-

BLANK