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Weighting Methods. Each weighting method provides a logical procedure for

determinarion of a block of material based on samples gathered within a given
region of the block. All known samples within that regin are used to derermine
the estimate oigrade for the block.with the weights assigned base don the
disctance from the block. The first of these methods is the incerse disance from
the block. The frist of these methods is the incerse distance weighting method
(nolbe, 1992), which determines the weigths according to the relationship

Where w1, is the weight simple . d1 the distance to the ith simple, n is Number
of samples. And x is the exponent used in the equation to reflect the strength
of the relationship between holes in the deposit . in this method. The distance

where (h) represents the semiariogram value for the distance h,g, is the grade
at sample i(va algo) is the grade at a sample located a distance h from simple i.
and N represents the Number of samples that are a distance h from another
simple. A semivariogram is illustrated in figure 3.10 with labels showing the
range. Sill, anda nugget values . a small nugget values is desirable, as it
indicates that the semivariogram will be more usefull in predicting grades. The
range gives an idea of the distance beyond which the values are no longer
useful in prediction . finally, the sill value should be close to 1.0 if the best
results are to obtained . this indicates that the distribution of values is
relatively free of statistical complications
figure 3.10 . tipical experimental variogram plot. In this case , the vertical axis
is ; (h) divided by the balance (noble,1992. By permission from the society for
Mining. Metallurgy, and exploration, inc., litteton, CO.)
the use f geostatistic is complicated by the possibility of different grade
distributions within the ore body and with the semivariongrams varying in
different directions. Indition the provision of weights to most accurately
determine the block grade weights for block estimation is provided noble
(1992.p. 355). The geostatistics method is used primarily after a large mass of
data has beeen collected on the deposit and the characteristics of the ore-

grade distribution are well known. Geostatistics is now the primary procedure
used for grade estimation in large Surface-mine ore bodies. A geostatical
reserve estimate generally entails these steps (readdy et al.. 1982):
1. study of geologic control son mineralization and identification of any
zonming within the deposit
2. computation of demivariograms for each of the zones withing the
deposit
3. divisin of the ore body into geometric blosck for kringing (calculation
the block estimates base don a weighted average of adjacent samples):
blosck are then classified as proven or probable reserver.
4. Estimation of tonnage and grade of each block at a given cutonlf grade
5. Mapping of recoverable grade distribution plans by level or brench in the
mine
Although a detailed description of all the geostatiscal methods and estimation
techniques is beyond the scope of this text. Students should acquire an
undertanding of this technique because they may need to apply it in futre mine
planning work. For additional treatment of geostatistics. See journel and
huijbregts (1978), clark knudsen et al. (1978), redun (1981), and kim et al.
(1981)