The calculation of tonnage and grade from a geological model is an integral part of every feasibility study and of both short and long term planning functions. However it is not sufficient just to block out volumes in the model and report this as reserves. What is required is an estimate of how many tonnes can be mined and at what grade, based on practical mining considerations. This is exactly what the Mineable Reserves Optimizer (MRO) does; it identifies and evaluates mineable envelopes of material taking into account factors such as the minimum size and shape of the stopes or mining faces.

Whether you are using MRO for open pit or underground, the critical factor is that it optimizes MINEABLE reserves. A mineable envelope is similar in concept to a borehole composite. For example if you have a small interval of waste between two high grade samples you would create a composite that includes the waste. In this case the logic of creating the composites is quite straightforward. However a mineable envelope extends this concept to three dimensions. That's where it gets a bit trickier and that's where the MRO comes in.

The MRO is based on Datamine's tried and tested Floating Stope™ Optimization method. However it has been completely redesigned, rewritten and repackaged with a customized interface. It now offers the complete solution for the optimal definition, evaluation and sequencing of mineable reserves.