CHAPTER
3: The Volume -- Variance Relationship
CONCLUSION
In this chapter we have considered the problems introduced by the volume, size,
shape etc. of both samples and selective mining units. We have seen how the ‘point’
semi-variogram model may be derived, even though the experimental
semi-variogram may have been constructed on samples with a definite support. We
have also seen how, for certain regular shapes, the distribution of values
changes according to the support of the selective mining unit. The construction
of ‘theoretical’ grade/tonnage curves can be achieved providing the following
information is available:
i.
the distribution of the ‘point’ values;
ii.
the semi-variogram of the ‘point’ values;
iii.
the size and shape of the selective mining unit.
In this way more ‘realistic’ first estimates of the
grade/tonnage calculations may be produced at a very early stage in any study.