Publications

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Can use be made of old or historic assay data in a current mineral resource estimate? The amount of data involved may be substantial and duplicating it could cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Clients usually wants to use as much of it as possible. What can be done to complete best practices data verification and justify its use?

The mining consultant, or Independent Engineer (‘IE’) can provide the expertise needed to assess the full range of technical risks and opportunities associated with mining projects. on behalf of the potential investor.

When is something “economically mineable” for the purpose of reporting a mineral reserve? Beyond requiring the use of certain reporting codes, NI 43-101 does not specify a methodology for the estimation of mineral resources or reserves.

The purpose of an NI 43-101 Technical Report, as stated in the Form 43-101F1 Instructions, is “to provide a summary of material scientific and technical information concerning mineral exploration, development, and production activities on a mineral property that is...

The modern mining history of every country is different but, as a result of globalization, mining and exploration companies operate in a global capital and commodity market. Public companies from northern Russia to southern in Chile have the obligation to regularly...

Under the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves – Definitions and Guidelines, a mineral resource must be in “such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction”. The implications of this for the selection of a cut-off grade are discussed in this article by Micon’s V.P. Geology, Terry Hennessey.

Continuing the theme of ‘Best Practice’, Micon’s senior geologist and environmental engineer David Makepeace, B.Sc., MMSA, describes the key features of an Environmental Baseline Study.

The integrity of a resource database is fundamental to a company’s success in securing debt or equity finance for a new mining project. The validity and quality of data can only be guaranteed when appropriate sampling and assaying protocols have been implemented. No...

In the second of a series of articles discussing best practice, we focus on the importance of continuity within a mineral resource. The first article covered the classification of resources. Continuity lies at the heart of that discussion and, from Micon’s point of view, is one of the most important but one of the most frequently overlooked issues when conducting mineral resource estimates.

In the first of a series of articles on best practice DOs and DON’Ts, Bill Lewis, senior geologist with Micon in Toronto, highlights the need to tread carefully when classifying Mineral Resources. The classification of Mineral Resources is an important factor in the analysis of risk on advanced mining projects, and implementing best practices in this area can improve the probability of a successful mine development.

Following his presentation to the MINEX 2015 Conference in Moscow, we asked Stanley Bartlett, P.Geo., Managing Director of Micon’s UK subsidiary, to recap the main points of his speech with examples taken from his professional experience.