Study information

Resource Estimation - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEResource Estimation CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM083 MODULE CONVENERProf Hylke J Glass (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 6 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module introduces key methods for resource estimation, providing the learner with an appreciation of the context of resource estimation and an in-depth understanding of the collection and processing of data which underpins characterisation of a mineral deposit. The influence of geological controls and the concept of uncertainty in resource estimation are discussed. The module features an integrated combination of lectures and tutorials designed to make the learner familiar with the resource estimation process. Explanatory exercises in Excel and an introduction in resource modellingusing professional softwareform part of the module.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide the student with an overview of the practice of resource estimation, which involves the collection and geologically-informed interpretation of data with a view to identifying the size of the resource. The student should gain an in-depth appreciation of geostatistical techniques and the uncertainty associated with resource estimation. Knowledge of the inner workings of geostatistical techniques is reinforced with Excel exercises, while becoming familiar with professional software (ISATIS) for resource estimation and analysis of uncertainty.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Appreciation on fundamental statistical and mathematical concepts;
2 Understanding of resource classification;
3 Appreciation of all aspects associated with data interpretation;
4 Overview of resource estimation workflow;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
5 Analyse and interpret data relevant for resource estimation;
6 Perform resource assessment on a practical and advanced level;
 
Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge:
7 Work with Excel spreadsheets for data interpretation and optimisation tasks;
8 Work with Excel macros to understand the principles underlying geostatistical techniques; 9 Work with professional software to gain insight into practical resource estimation.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The module is designed to create understanding of resource estimation by introducing:
 
• circular economy principles
• resource classification and reporting
• stages of mine development
• creation of a block model
• compositing and declustering
• descriptive statistics
• classic estimation techniques
• variography
• kriging estimation
• simulation techniques
 
Insight into resource estimation is cemented by:
 
• tutorials on exploratory data analysis (Excel);
• tutorials on resource estimation and simulation techniques (Excel);
• tutorials on use of resource estimation professional software.
 
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 12 Lectures - delivery of taught resource estimation methodology and technique introduction
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 24 Tutorials - Excel exercises and tutorials, introduction to ISATIS software
Guided Independent Study 114 Self-study. Suggested: partly in advance of module

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Basic Statistical Literacy Class Test (in the term before start of module) 1 Direct discussion
Resource Estimation Software Skills Continuous, during tutorials 4-9 Direct Discussion

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. 25    
In-Class Test 25 1 hour 1-5 Module Leader/Tutor
Resource Interpretation of a Dataset 75 10 pages 1-5 Module Leader/Tutor

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
In-Class Test New In-Class Test 1-6 End of Term 2
Report on New Resource New report 1-6 Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Candidates are expected to reach the same level of achievement as those required in regular assessment.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading:

Please visit the module portal on ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Type "Geostatistics" into Google to access a wealth of websites.

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Chiles, J. and Delfiner, P. Geostatistics: Modeling Spatial Uncertainty 2nd Edition Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics 2012
Set Isaaks, E.H. and Srivastava, R.M. An Introduction to Applied Geostatistics Oxford University Press 1989
Set Davis, J.C. Statistics and Data Analysis in Geology 2nd Edition John Wiley & Sons, New York 1986
Set Webster, R. and Oliver, M.A. Geostatistics for Environmental Scientists John Wiley & Sons, New York 2007
Set David, M. Geostatistical Ore Reserve Estimation, Developments in Geomathematics 2 Elsevier Science, Amsterdam 1977
Set Swan, A.R.H. and Sandilands, M. Introduction to Geological Data Analysis Blackwell Science, Oxford 1995
Set Clark, I. Practical Geostatistics 2nd Edition Ecosse North America 2000
Set Rossi, M.E. and Deutsch, C.V. Mineral Resource Estimation Springer New York 2014
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 2nd February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.