Caving resources and reserves: Defining a process for understanding variability and appropriate classification across global codes through project life

Authors: Hocking, R; Smith, M Download Paper

Cite As:
Hocking, R & Smith, M 2024, 'Caving resources and reserves: Defining a process for understanding variability and appropriate classification across global codes through project life ', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 132-141.



Abstract:
Caving Ore Reserves have unique modifying factors, including cave growth and material mixing, that need to be considered above and beyond the typical factors for other deposits. In this paper, we look at the confidence of Resource classification process based on that outlined by Parker (2014). With increased computing power and conditional simulation, Resource estimation can now simulate multiple block models based on the same drill holes, allowing the variability of the Mineral Resource to be estimated. However, there was no process available to discuss how to apply modifying factors of block cave and sub level caves. A process for estimating some of the applicable modifying factors by using simple macros in mine planning software, so that conditional simulation can be added to mixing models to determine the variability across these mixing models, is proposed. The Resource can then be classified based on this resource estimation technique. As the mine sources more data from markers or flow calibration, the error from the Mineral Resource model can be separated from the error in the mine planning flow models – this paper discusses an application of the f factors defined by Parker (2014). We explore the intricacies of the different Codes for reporting in Canada (NI43-101), the USA (S-K 1300), SAMREC and Australia (JORC). We look at the treatment of Reserves at different stages of a cave's life from the planning phase (PFS and FS), through to cave ramp-up, and finally during the production phase. The key considerations of each phase of a cave's life in terms of Reserve reporting, the key differences in each reporting Code for each phase of a cave's life, and a method for communicating variability through time between the resource and reserve model are discussed.