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Statistical evaluations of exploration data are the basis for decisions to be made at various stages of an exploration project. In contrast to other geostatistical books, Statistical Evaluations in Exploration for Mineral Deposits focuses not only on theory, but examples are also given, frequently originating from experience in mineral exploration by the author who worked worldwide for a mining company. Together with its companion volume, Economic Evaluations in Exploration, the book illustrates methods used in exploration campaigns and mining activities. It is intended as a vademecum for geologists who are forced to make quick decisions regarding an exploration project. It also addresses scientists and students involved in teaching or in mineral economic evaluations, recommendations or decisions.
List of contents
Preface.- The Most Important Notations and Abbreviations.- 1 Introduction to Some Fundamental Statistical Concepts.- 1.1 General Definitions.- 1.2 Frequency Distribution.- A Mineral Deposit Statistics.- 2 Treatment of the Data Set.- 3 Mean, Variance and Standard Deviation.- 4 The Normal Distribution.- 5 Testing the Normal Distribution Hypothesis.- 6 Standard Deviation and Variance of the Mean.- 7 Estimation of the Error.- 8 Skewed Distributions.- 9 The Use of the Lognormal Distribution.- 10 Other Distributions for the Evaluation of Mineral Deposit Data.- 11 Statistical Problems Encountered in Sampling and the Analytical Results.- 12 Problems Related to Cut-Off Levels.- 13 Geostatistical Calculations.- 14 Further Statistical Considerations for Evaluating Mineral Deposits.- 15 Bias in Reserve Calculations.- B Exploration Statistics.- 16 Introduction.- 17 Defining an Exploration Grid.- 18 Determining Anomalies from Geochemical Exploration Data.- 19 Other Methods for Defining Anomalies.- 20 Defining a Drill Grid.- 21 Assessing the Exploration Risk.- Appendix Tables 1-15.- Appendices A1/A2, B1/B2, C1/C2.- References.
