A Comparison between the Standard Heterogeneity Test and the Simplified Segregation Free Analysis for Sampling Protocol Optimisation

Estimating the heterogeneity of base and precious metal mineralisation is a great challenge for mining engineers geologists who undertake resource evaluation, grade control reconciliation. The calculation minimum broken sample mass to represent given lot at comminution size based on estimation IHL, constant factor constitution heterogeneity. IHL can be derived by different testwork or calibration approaches. Three methodologies are well known in industry: standard test, segregation free analysis, sampling tree experiment duplicate analysis. However, often show results, especially when it comes gold. These differences due many reasons. Assuming variances added preparation analysis equivalent all tests, reasons may include nugget effect (particularly presence coarse gold), procedure collecting/splitting samples performing tests. This paper analyses compares two tests: original test simplified both performed from Brazilian operations. results clear between highlighting complexity estimating mineral deposits. study reports importance using proper so that masses relative deviations fundamental error relied upon. It also provides recommendations practitioners application testwork/calibration studies.