
Resource Estimation
GeoExpo Global’s Resource Estimation services provide the critical foundation for evaluating the economic potential of your mineral project. Accurate resource estimation is essential for informed decision-making, project financing, and mine development. Our team of experienced geologists and resource estimators use advanced techniques and industry-standard methodologies to deliver precise, reliable, and compliant resource estimates that form the cornerstone of successful mining projects.
Comprehensive Data Integration and Analysis:
Resource estimation begins with the integration and analysis of all available geological, geophysical, geochemical, and drilling data. At GeoExpo Global, we meticulously compile and validate your project data to ensure that it accurately represents the subsurface conditions. We integrate various data sources, including drill core logs, assay results, geophysical surveys, and geological mapping, into a comprehensive database. This data is then used to build a robust geological model that serves as the foundation for resource estimation.
Geological Modeling and Domain Definition:
A key step in resource estimation is the creation of a detailed geological model that defines the spatial distribution of different rock types, structures, and mineralization zones. Our geologists work closely with your team to interpret the geological data and define mineralized domains within the project area. These domains represent distinct geological units with consistent grade and geological characteristics, which are essential for accurate resource estimation. Our domain models are built using advanced 3D modeling software, ensuring that they capture the complexity of the subsurface geology.
Grade Estimation Techniques:
GeoExpo Global employs a range of grade estimation techniques to determine the quantity and quality of the mineral resource within each domain. Depending on the nature of the deposit and the available data, we may use methods such as Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Ordinary Kriging, or Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK). These geostatistical techniques allow us to estimate the grade distribution within the deposit with a high degree of accuracy, taking into account the spatial continuity of the mineralization. We also perform variography to understand the spatial relationships and correlations between data points, further enhancing the reliability of our estimates.
Block Modeling and Resource Classification:
Our resource estimation process involves the creation of block models that represent the volume, grade, and tonnage of the mineral resource. Block models are divided into a grid of blocks, each of which is assigned a grade based on the surrounding data points and the chosen estimation technique. We then classify the resource into categories such as Measured, Indicated, and Inferred, based on the level of confidence in the data and the quality of the estimates. These classifications are in accordance with international reporting standards, such as JORC, NI 43-101, and CIM, ensuring that your resource estimates are compliant and suitable for public reporting and project financing.
Uncertainty Analysis and Risk Assessment:
Understanding the uncertainty associated with resource estimates is critical for making informed decisions about project development. GeoExpo Global conducts rigorous uncertainty analyses to quantify the potential variability in grade and tonnage estimates. We use techniques such as conditional simulation and Monte Carlo simulation to assess the impact of geological uncertainty on resource estimates. These analyses provide valuable insights into the range of possible outcomes and help you identify and mitigate risks associated with resource estimation.
Sensitivity Analysis:
In addition to uncertainty analysis, we perform sensitivity analyses to evaluate how changes in key variables, such as cut-off grade, commodity prices, and mining methods, affect the estimated resource. Sensitivity analysis helps you understand the robustness of the resource estimate under different economic and operational scenarios. This information is crucial for making strategic decisions about project development, including the selection of mining methods, processing options, and project timelines.
Resource Reporting and Compliance:
GeoExpo Global provides detailed resource reports that are fully compliant with international reporting standards, including JORC, NI 43-101, and CIM. Our reports include comprehensive documentation of the data sources, estimation methodologies, and classification criteria used in the resource estimation process. We also provide detailed block models, grade-tonnage curves, and resource tables that summarize the estimated quantity and quality of the mineral resource. These reports are essential for securing project financing, conducting feasibility studies, and advancing your project through the development pipeline.
Support for Feasibility Studies and Mine Planning:
Our resource estimates are designed to support the next stages of project development, including feasibility studies and mine planning. We work closely with your engineering and mine planning teams to ensure that our resource models are integrated into the overall project design. Our detailed block models provide the information needed to optimize pit designs, underground mine layouts, and production schedules. By ensuring that the resource estimate is aligned with your project’s technical and economic parameters, we help you maximize the value of your mineral assets.
Continuous Model Updates and Reconciliation:
Resource estimation is an ongoing process that evolves as new data becomes available. At GeoExpo Global, we offer continuous model updates and reconciliation services to ensure that your resource estimates remain accurate and up-to-date throughout the life of your project. We integrate new drilling data, production data, and geological interpretations into the resource model, allowing for ongoing refinement and optimization. Our reconciliation services also compare estimated resources with actual production data, providing valuable feedback for improving resource estimation accuracy and mine planning decisions.
Global Expertise and Local Knowledge:
GeoExpo Global’s resource estimation services are backed by extensive global experience and deep local knowledge. Our team has conducted resource estimates for a wide range of deposit types and commodities in diverse geological settings around the world. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities associated with different regions and deposit types, and we apply this expertise to deliver accurate and reliable resource estimates tailored to your project’s specific needs.
Training and Capacity Building:
We believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their own resource estimation processes. GeoExpo Global offers training and capacity-building programs that cover all aspects of resource estimation, from data management and geological modeling to grade estimation and resource classification. Our training programs are designed to enhance the capabilities of your team, ensuring that they are equipped to support the ongoing resource estimation needs of your project.
In summary, GeoExpo Global’s Resource Estimation services provide the essential data and insights needed to evaluate the economic potential of your mineral project. By integrating diverse data sources and employing advanced estimation techniques, we deliver accurate, reliable, and compliant resource estimates that form the foundation for successful project development. Whether you are in the exploration stage or advancing towards mine planning and production, our resource estimation services are designed to support your strategic decision-making and maximize the value of your mineral resources.