An Introduction to Cut-off Grade Estimation examines one of the most important calculations in the mining industry. Cut-off grades are essential to determining the economic feasibility and the mine life of a project. Increased cut-off grades can reduce political risks by ensuring higher financial returns over shorter periods of time. Conversely, lower cut-off grades may increase project life with longer economic benefits to shareowners, employees, and local communities. Cut-off grades also impact reported reserves, which are closely monitored by stock exchanges and regulatory agencies.
Jean-Michel Rendu provides practical insights into this critical variable. You’ll learn about minimum cut-off grades, as well as those for deposits containing multiple valuable minerals. Rendu also identifies which costs to include in cut-off grade calculations and considerations when planning open pit, underground, and block and panel caving operations. He explains how to optimize a copper mining project by changing grind size, and demonstrates the relationship between deposit modeling, ore control, and cut-off grades.