The Mineral Resource

Source: AusiMM 23M

Quality of the database
The accuracy and precision of an Ore Reserve
estimate is dependent, inter alia, upon the
reliability of the data upon which it is based
and no amount of sophisticated calculation can
compensate for poor quality data.
(Burn, 1981)
The exploration database remains important not only
during the resource estimation stage but also in the evaluation
and reserve estimation stage and in the reconciliation of results
during operation. As the collection of the resource database is
often done early in the life of a project when funds are limited,
supervision scarce and objectives ill-defined, the accuracy of
that information may suffer, even to the extent of causing
project failure (Laird, 1997 and this volume).
Most of the key points are made in Chapter 2. Some of the
messages are:
• The project managers must make sure that the sampling is
representative and the assays are correct. The project
managers must take overall responsibility for the quality of
the database.
• Every effort should be made to collect accurate and reliable
data from the start. Good quality control procedures are
necessary to develop confidence in the database (Hayes,
1997 and this volume).
• Planning for a quality database is very important, for
instance by getting the most reliable drill hole surveys, the
best drillers and the right facilities for the management of
core logging (Moorhead et al, 1999 and this volume).
• False economies by attempting to save money in data collection
should be avoided because poor quality data obtained
cheaply can be expensive later on.
• Training, supervision and co-ordination are necessary to
ensure that the database is of optimum reliability (Lewis,
1997 and this volume).
• The three parameters of a resource estimate are grade,
volume and density. Good practice requires the estimator to
ensure there is an accurate and representative density
database.