Corrections Needed for Conceptual Errors in some Ore Reserve Estimation Methods

This article brings out conceptual errors in some of the models of ore reserve estimation, suggested by Patterson (1959), Popoff (1966) and Peters (1987) with proofs wherever necessary and suggests the needed corrections Popoff, from the mistaken logic, gave the impression that angular bisectors divide the obtuse angle triangle into three areas of different shape but equal in size He further assumed that the intersection of angular bisectors is the centre of gravity. He assumed the manner of dividing the triangle by angular bisector is the rule of gravity. In reality the rule of gravity and centre of gravity refer to median way of dividing the triangle Popoff equated in centre with centroid which iS true only in the case equilateral triangles.

There is a conceptual error m respect of formation of polygonal blocks around sample points by construction of angular bisectors enunciated by Patterson (1959). Though claimed to be logical steps, there is faulty logic w H, namely the so called angular bisectors need not form the block always.

Unless these are specifically pointed out by somebody, it is felt that these errors will get transmitted from a teacher to a student and from one book to the other. For example Peters (1987) adopted the models of Patterson (1959) without pointing out the errors and deficiencies.