T157 Environmental Geochemistry for Modern Mining

Tuesday, 2 November 2010
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 601

WASTE ROCK SAMPLE NUMBER REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Paper number: T157-15
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Authors

Abstract

Selection of waste rock samples for inclusion in mine waste geochemical characterization programs is a key first step that can significantly impact data interpretation. As a result, numerous guidance documents are now available that address the selection of representative samples. There is a general consensus that samples should be geospatially distributed and representative of each lithology/alternation type that will be mined or excavated. However, the number of samples to collect is still a hotly debated topic that remains open to interpretation.

This study provides an analysis of the various strategies used to determine how many samples are adequate to meet characterization program objectives during the various phases of mine development.