Course Description
Mineral resource estimation converts exploration data into a quantified, classified statement of the mineral resource — the foundation on which mining investment decisions rest. This course develops the principles and practice of resource estimation and ore body modelling, including the geostatistical methods at its core.
Participants learn the resource estimation workflow — from data validation and geological modelling through variography and estimation to classification and reporting. The course covers geostatistics (the theory of spatially correlated variables), estimation methods including kriging, resource classification, and the reporting codes (JORC, NI 43-101). It links naturally to modern GeoAI approaches to ore body modelling.
What you will achieve
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the resource estimation workflow
- Validate and prepare drill hole and sample data
- Build geological and domain models
- Apply geostatistics and variography
- Apply estimation methods including kriging
- Estimate grade and tonnage
- Classify resources (measured, indicated, inferred)
- Understand reporting codes (JORC, NI 43-101)
How the course is delivered
The course combines resource estimation theory with practical geostatistical and modelling exercises. Participants work through the estimation workflow from data validation through variography, estimation, and classification using realistic deposit data.
The programme balances geostatistical rigour with practical resource modelling, linking to modern GeoAI ore body modelling approaches.
Designed for
This training course is ideal for:
- Resource and mine geologists
- Mining engineers involved in resource estimation
- Geostatisticians and technical professionals
- Geologists moving into resource modelling
- Anyone contributing to resource statements
Daily programme
- The resource estimation workflow
- Data validation and preparation
- Compositing and statistics
- Geological and domain modelling
- Spatially correlated variables
- Variography
- The variogram and its interpretation
- Spatial continuity
- Classical estimation methods
- Kriging fundamentals
- Estimation parameters
- Grade and tonnage estimation
- Resource classification
- Measured, indicated, inferred
- Reporting codes (JORC, NI 43-101)
- Resource risk and uncertainty
- 3D ore body modelling
- Introduction to GeoAI for ore bodies
- Reconciliation
- Workshop and review
Certification & accreditation
BII Certificate of Completion
BII Certificate of Completion Upon successful completion, participants receive a BII Development Institute Certificate of Completion with a unique reference code that is independently verifiable. Our certificates are recognised internationally and reflect successful completion of your chosen programme.
