What web browser should I use?
The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above.
See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.
Best Practices in Mineral Resource Estimation & Reporting
American Institute of Professional Geologists
Course Number
AIPG003-
Classes Start
Estimated Effort
2 hours-
Classes End
About This Course
Construction of a computerized model to estimate mineral resources is a common practice in mineral exploration projects and mining operations. Many times a technical report is done as per international reporting standards such as NI-43-101 or JORC to meet the requirement of certain stock exchanges in the world. In all these standards, there are certain minimum suggested requirements that have to be met for reporting mineral resources and reserves. The standards are not and cannot be prescriptive. However, irrespective of standards of reporting, it is important that the mineral resource estimation be done following "the best practices" in this area. This is to ensure that the resource estimation is reliable and based on valid parameters.
This course will highlight the best practices followed in mineral resource assessment by many mining companies in order to get the best predictable resource estimation of a mineral deposit. The topics include data-collection, storage and ownership, geological modeling, drill hole data analyses (compositing, capping / high grade data analyses), application of geostatistics, grade estimation, resource classification and reporting. With some real but anonymous examples, the topics will be explained.
Course Objectives
Students are expected to learn the following when they take this course:
- What are the different steps in the mineral estimation process, and what tasks are accomplished at each step?
- What best practices should be implemented at each stage of the mineral estimation process?
- What are the international standards for resource classification and reporting?
Course Format
This is an asynchronous short-course that contains videos, resources for learning more, and a set of questions in each section to help facilitate learning. An asynchronous course is a course that can be done on your own time. Feel free to pause, take a break, and come back to your saved progress to continue with the course. There is no deadline for completion of this course.
Note: For tips on taking this course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.
Obtaining Continuing Education Units
If your course grade is at least 70%, you may apply for 0.2 CEU credit. There is an administrative fee for the issuance of the CEU, and you can view the fee structure here. You can check your final grade by clicking on the Progress menu item in the course navigation menu at the top of the page.
Requirements
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Staff
American Geosciences Institute staff serve as the facilitators for this course. If you have questions at any time during this course, you can email your questions to learning@americangeosciences.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take the course using the edX mobile app?
For tips on taking the course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.
Do I have to take this course all at one time to pass it?
No, in fact that's the advantage of offering asynchronous online courses. You can go through the course at your own pace, pause when you wish, save your progress, and resume the course when it’s convenient for you to do so.
Do I have to pay a registration fee for the course?
There is no registration fee for the course. You may view the entire course, and complete all the assessments, assignments, and exams at no cost.
Are Continuing Education Units available for this course?
If you would like to receive credit for the course and obtain CEUs, you will need to pass the course with a minimum of a 70%, fill out a form to register for the CEUs, and pay an administrative fee. The administrative fee for CEUs varies for each course. Please see details in the “How to Obtain CEUs” section at the end of each course.