In Micon’s Opinion…
From Metal to Money: The Importance of Reliable Metallurgical Accounting on the Entire Mining Operation
Synopsis This article condenses an earlier paper coauthored by Derick de Wit and Garth Marshall, Metal accounting: the new focus area (Part 1), previously published by Venmyn Deloitte on 26 January, 2017. A metallurgical accounting system is the key tool to assess a...
Technical Reporting and Some Metrics Used in Studies
The last two decades have seen the use of standardized Technical Reports disclosing technical and economic results for exploration and mining projects around the world. For projects located in Canada, or Canadian companies that operate worldwide, Technical Reports are...
Mineral Resource Estimation
The CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves define Mineral Resources as “a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects...
Shortening Mineral Asset Valuations
In reviewing the Exposure Draft of the CIMVAL Code for the Valuation of Mineral Properties, a welcome addition in the form of a short-form valuation report is noted. Micon International Limited, a specialist mining consultancy that provides independent professional...
The Relevance/Non-Relevance of Drill Core Size in Mineral Resource Estimates
In all instances of drilling, maximum recovery of a representative sample is the objective. The general notion is that the bigger the core size, the better/more representative the sample. As a result, samples collected from smaller drill core are often considered...
The ‘Spotted Dog’ – Still an Issue in Mineral Resource Classification
Despite progress being made by professional organisations towards the worldwide standardization of Mineral Resource Standards and Definitions, Micon continues to encounter poorly classified mineral resource estimates. Such classifications often resemble a ‘Spotted...
Battery Metals and the Green Tech Revolution – How Easy is it to Mine in Europe?
The term 'Battery Metals' is now widely used within and around the mining industry. Battery metals are considered critical to the future of the renewable energy industry as the world moves away from internal combustion energy. The traditional source of battery metals...
Technical and Economic Evaluation of Mineral Deposits
It is customary, though not mandatory, for the evaluation of the technical feasibility and economic viability of production for a given mineral deposit to proceed through three stages of progressively more rigorous analysis: Preliminary economic assessment....
Demystifying Blockchain Technology
On Wednesday, 3 October, Derick R de Wit, Micon Principal Process Engineer and Senior Project Manager, presented an introduction to Blockchain Technology (BCT) to the UK branch of Women in Mining in London. To assist Micon’s clients, colleagues and friends who may not...
Lithium Pegmatites – Is This the Right One?
Over the last 10 years, lithium has become a hot commodity due to its significant role in the production of lithium-ion batteries. Market projections show that the renewable energy industry will need more lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, the raw materials...
The Role of Genetic Models in the Evaluation of Deposits and Estimation of Mineral Resources
Genetic models are rarely mentioned in the estimation of mineral resources and yet they are key to getting things right. The ability to conceive/perceive and apply the correct genetic model early in the exploration stage is crucial not only to the discovery of the...
Geostatistics: Black Box Magic or Skilled Procedure?
Geostatistics is more than just a black-box or button-pushing exercise. It is a process involving a suitable collection of data and geological information, a detailed analysis of this data, an understanding of suitable methods for estimation and their inherent assumptions, and a systematic and comprehensive validation of the output model. Tools such as software packages are not magic wands that mysteriously produce models that fit the characteristics of the natural phenomenon. A sensible geostatistical estimate takes time, understanding, experience and skill to produce.
Facts and Features
COVID-19: Message to our Clients and Community
(updated 25 March, 2020) The rapidly …
Representatives from Micon to attend AME Roundup 2020 as Bronze Sponsors
Tom Stubens, Senior Geologist, and Barnard …
Case Studies
Timmins Gold Corporation
Micon has worked with Timmins Gold …
Dalradian Resources Inc.
The Curraghinalt gold deposit is located …