POLYGONIZATION
POLYYGONIZATION – 2
POLYGONIZATION – 3
TRIANGULATION
METRE-% CONTOURING
CROSS SECTIONAL
ORE RESERVE ESTIMATION METHODS
Kriging
In statistics, originally in geostatistics, Kriging or Gaussian process regression is a method of interpolation for
which the interpolated values are modeled by a Gaussian process governed by prior covariances, as opposed
to a piecewise-polynomial spline chosen to optimize smoothness of the fitted values. Under suitable
assumptions on the priors, Kriging gives the best linear unbiased prediction of the intermediate values.
Interpolating methods based on other criteria such as smoothness need not yield the most likely
intermediate values. The method is widely used in the domain of spatial analysis and computer experiments.
The technique is also known as Wiener–Kolmogorov prediction, after Norbert Wiener and Andrey
Kolmogorov.
Example of one-dimensional data interpolation by Kriging, with confidence intervals. Squares indicate the location of the
data. The Kriging interpolation, shown in red, runs along the means of the normally distributed confidence intervals
shown in gray. The dashed curve shows a spline that while smooth nevertheless departs significantly from the expected
intermediate values given by those means.
The theoretical basis for the method was developed by the French mathematician Georges Matheron based
on the Master's thesis of Danie G. Krige, the pioneering plotter of distance-weighted average gold grades at
the Witwatersrand reef complex in South Africa. Krige sought to estimate the most likely distribution of gold
based on samples from a few boreholes. The English verb is to krige and the most common noun is Kriging;
both are often pronounced with a hard "g", following the pronunciation of the name "Krige".
Kriging is a geostatistical interpolation technique used in mining industry for
interpolation of input point data and estimation of a block model (mineral resource
model). The name “kriging” was given by Prof. Georges Matheron in honor of the
South African mining engineer Danie Krige. Kriging is an optimal spatial regression
technique which requires a spatial statistical model, popularly known as a variogram,
representing the internal spatial structure of the data. The input data (used to
estimate any particular block) are weighted based on the variogram model, search
parameters and the number of samples used to krige or estimate a block. A variety
of kriging techniques are used in the mining industry. The most common kriging
techniques are variants of ordinary kriging, grouped as “linear kriging” techniques.
The more complex kriging techniques, such as indicator kriging, disjunctive kriging,
etc. are based on non-linear transformation of grades and are grouped as “non-
linear kriging” techniques.
Kriging is known by the acronym BLUE: or, the best linear unbiased estimator. In the
kriging process the sum of weights assigned to the input data is adjusted to one, and
the error of estimation is kept to a minimum. Kriging utilizes the variogram, which
does not depend on the actual value of the variable (data), rather its spatial
distribution and internal spatial structure. A variogram provides penetrating insight
concerning the data used to construct a kriging interpolation system. When a good
robust variogram model is available, kriging provides the estimation best
representing the spatial distribution of the input data.
Advantages of Kriging
Very good in local and global estimates.
Geological knowledge is captured in variogram.
Statistical approach allows uncertainty to be quantified.
Disadvantages of kriging
Not easy to comprehend.
Computationally intensive: hardware, software.
Flexibility and power created by many parameters also create arbitrariness and more possibilities for
error.
Triangular method
A method of ore reserve estimation based on the assumption that a linear relationship exists between the grade di
fference and the distance between all drill holes.
Polygonal method
A method of estimating ore reserves in which it is assumed that each drill hole has an area of influence extending h
alfway to the neighboring drill holes.
