Determination and Modelling of Dry Bulk Density in Mineral Resource Estimation

This paper highlights the significance of Dry Bulk Density (DBD) in Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) and its direct influence on tonnage accuracy. It explores the complexities of DBD determination, particularly in weathered or friable materials, and reviews various measurement techniques such as water displacement, wax coating, and metal box method.  A structured workflow is proposed to guide the selection of suitable DBD determination methods, considering geological variability, material type variability and selecting the optimum sample spacing for DBD analysis. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing rigorous QAQC measures and utilizing geostatistical modelling to enhance density estimations. Lastly, it advocates for considering DBD uncertainties in Mineral Resource Classification to improve the reliability of resource modelling and economic assessments.