Mineral Resource Estimation and Applied Geostatistics

Mineral resource estimation is a critical technical process that directly influences mine planning, project valuation, investment decisions, operational strategy, and reporting confidence. Reliable resource models require more than software operation because they depend on geological understanding, data quality, spatial analysis, defensible estimation parameters, and disciplined validation. This program provides an advanced applied learning pathway for resource geologists, mining engineers, exploration managers, mine planners, and professionals involved in mineral resource evaluation. Participants will learn how to prepare geological and assay data, perform exploratory data analysis, understand support effects, and manage compositing decisions. The course then moves into variography, where participants examine experimental variograms, model fitting, anisotropy, nested structures, and geological interpretation of spatial continuity. Estimation modules focus on ordinary kriging, search strategy, block model construction, grade interpolation, estimation variance, and practical resource modelling decisions. The program also highlights validation and uncertainty control as essential components of transparent and reliable resource reporting. Participants will review case-based exercises that connect geostatistical outputs with practical planning and classification decisions. This course is ideal for advanced professionals seeking to improve the technical quality, credibility, and transparency of mineral resource models.

Participants will achieve the following objectives by this course:

This program targets a professional audience seeking to improve knowledge and skills:

• Regionalized variables, stationarity, and support effect.

• Drill-hole data preparation and compositing.

• Exploratory data analysis for mineral resource estimation.

• Experimental variograms and variogram model fitting.

• Anisotropy, nested structures, and spatial continuity interpretation.

• Ordinary kriging and grade interpolation.

• Search neighbourhoods, block models, and estimation variance.

• Cross-validation, jack-knifing, and standardized errors.

• Swath plots, reconciliation checks, and bias detection.

• Resource classification logic and transparent technical reporting.

• Build and interpret variogram models for mineral deposits.

• Apply ordinary kriging using technically defensible parameters.

• Design appropriate search neighbourhoods for resource estimation.

• Validate resource estimates and identify potential bias.

• Interpret estimation variance and uncertainty indicators.

• Link geological understanding with geostatistical estimation outputs.

• Support mine planning decisions with transparent resource models.

• Communicate resource model assumptions, limitations, and confidence levels.

• Advanced technical instruction supported by mining examples.

• Applied case studies in mineral resource estimation.

• Practical exercises in exploratory data analysis and compositing.

• Variogram interpretation and model fitting exercises.

• Ordinary kriging workflow demonstrations.

• Validation exercises using cross-validation and swath plots.

• Group review of resource classification decisions.

• Development of practical resource modelling recommendations.

This training program is delivered over six intensive training days in a professional applied format, combining technical instruction, applied case studies, geological data preparation exercises, exploratory analysis, variography, ordinary kriging workflows, model validation, uncertainty interpretation, resource classification discussions, and practical reporting activities for professionals involved in mineral resource estimation and evaluation.