A comparative study of geometric and geostatistical methods for qualitative reserve estimation of limestone deposit

Mining projects especially relating to limestone deposits require an accurate knowledge of tonnage and grade, for both short long-term planning. This is often difficult establish as detailed exploration operations, which are required get the description deposit, costly time consuming. Geologists mining engineers usually make use geometric geostatistical methods, estimating grade ore reserves. However, explicit assessments into differences between these methods have not been reported in literature. To bridge this research gap, a comparative study carried out compare qualitative reserve Oyo-Iwa deposit located Nigeria, using methods. The method computes 74,536,820 ​t (mean calcite, CaO ​= ​52.15) 99,674,793 ​52.32), Northern Southern zones respectively. On other hand, calculates 81,626,729.65 ​53.36) 100,098,697.46 ​52.96), two zones, small relative difference estimation (i.e., 9.51% 0.43%), proves that effective estimation. In contrast, 2.32% 1.26%) negligible, could be crucial maintaining profitability project. is, therefore, more suitable, reliable preferable estimation, since it involves spatial modelling cross-validated interpolation. addition, used produce quality maps three-dimensional (3-D) perspective view deposit. 3-D reveal variability within useful operational management raw materials. mapping key production scheduling projection materials cement production.