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Considerations for using historical geoscientific

information in mineral resource estimation

R. Pressacco, L. Evans & W. E. Roscoe

To cite this article: R. Pressacco, L. Evans & W. E. Roscoe (2022): Considerations for
using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation, CIM Journal, DOI:
10.1080/19236026.2022.2045458

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 GEOLOGY 1

Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource

estimation
R. Pressacco , L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe
SLR Consulting (Canada) Limited, Toronto, Canada

https://doi.org/10.1080/19236026.2022.2045458

ABSTRACT In many cases, mineralization discovered by prior owners of a mineral property may have
been considered to be too low grade to be of potential economic interest at that time. Changes in market
conditions over time often warrant a review of the economic potential of historical exploration results.
Therefore, any available historical geoscientific information can be of great value because it can save the
cost and time required to completely replicate the historical data. As qualified persons (QPs) are ultimately
responsible for all data used to prepare a mineral resource estimate, they bear the obligation of carrying out
appropriate due diligence and validation of all information and historical work prior to their use for
estimation. The task of assigning acceptance criteria rests upon the QP. Considering the wide range of
possible scenarios, a detailed listing of acceptance criteria is far beyond the scope of this paper. Generally
speaking, the acceptance criteria for using historical data will by necessity vary on a case-by-case basis. In
all cases, the QPs are encouraged to fully document the criteria used to establish the acceptance criteria. This
paper discusses some of the various actions that QPs may consider for validating historical data.
KEYWORDS Data validation, Geoscientific data, Historical data, Mineral resources

RÉSUMÉ Dans de nombreux cas, la minéralisation découverte par des propriétaires antérieurs d’une
propriété minérale peut avoir été jugé trop faible pour présenter un intérêt économique potentiel à ce
moment-là. Les conditions au fil du temps justifient souvent un examen du potentiel économique des
résultats de l’exploration historique et, par conséquent, toute information géoscientifique historique
disponible peut être d’une grande valeur, car elle permet d’économiser le coût et le temps nécessaires
pour reproduire complètement les données historiques. Étant donné que les personnes qualifiées (PQ)
sont ultimement responsables de toutes les données utilisées pour préparer une estimation des
ressources minérales, elles ont l’obligation de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable et de valider tous
les renseignements et travaux historiques avant de les utiliser pour l’estimation. L’attribution des
critères d’acceptation relève de la PQ. Compte tenu du large éventail de scénarios possibles, une liste
détaillée des critères d’acceptation dépasse de loin la portée du présent document. En règle générale, les
critères d’acceptation pour l’utilisation de données historiques varieront nécessairement au cas par cas.
Dans tous les cas, les PQ sont encouragées à documenter pleinement les critères utilisés pour établir les
critères d’acceptation. Le présent document traite de certaines des diverses mesures que les PQ peuvent
envisager pour valider les données historiques.
MOTS-CLÉS données géoscientifiques, données historiques, ressources minérales, validation des données

INTRODUCTION information for use in mineral resource estimation.

Many jurisdictions throughout the world maintain geo­ Rather than re-creating much or all of the data on
scientific databases in which results from previous a project, using these data can result in significant time
exploration activities are collected and stored for use in and cost savings and so can facilitate the evaluation and
the search for new mineral deposits. While these data are development of a mineral property.
often very important sources of information for the evalua­ The preparation of mineral resource estimates requires
tion of mineral potential and development of exploration review of a variety of types of geoscientific information
programs, they can also be important sources of that together describe the spatial distribution, grade, and

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2 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

continuity of the mineralization under consideration along historical data is beyond the scope of this paper.
with its other physical characteristics. Examples of such Generally, the acceptance criteria for using historical geos­
information include the geological, geophysical, geochem­ cientific data will be established by the QPs and will, by
ical, sampling, drilling, trenching, analytical testing, assay­ necessity, vary on a case-by-case basis. In all cases, the
ing, mineralogical, metallurgical, and other similar data QPs are encouraged to fully document the acceptance
concerning a mineral property (Canadian Securities criteria. They are also encouraged to document any histor­
Administrators, 2011). Additional information can include ical geoscientific data that are considered to be unaccep­
the nature and extent of any excavations or backfilled areas table and are rejected from the data set used in estimation
resulting from previous mining activities. of mineral resources, along with the reasons for exclusion
Because the quality of the geoscientific information of the data.
collected by previous owners of a mineral property can
vary, it is important that the historical geoscientific infor­
mation is reviewed, evaluated, and corrected as necessary TYPES OF HISTORICAL DATA
before it can be accepted for use in mineral resource In some cases, historical data may have been col­
estimation. This paper provides a high-level discussion of lected entirely by the current owner of a mineral prop­
some of the various actions that qualified persons (QPs) erty. However, in most cases, the data will have been
may consider when evaluating the usefulness and validity collected over many years by previous owners. For the
of the historical geoscientific data for use in estimation of purposes of this paper, geoscientific information col­
mineral resources. Considerations of such actions will lected by a previous owner is referred to as historical
assist the QPs in carrying out appropriate due diligence data. Historical data can either exist as records or
of all information and historical work prior to accepting reports in private or corporate collections or can form
the ultimate responsibility for its use in preparation of part of public-domain geoscience databases.
a mineral resource estimate. Given that the QP assumes Historical drill-hole information can exist in the form of
ultimate responsibility for use of historical geoscientific physical drill logs containing records of drill-hole location,
data, the nature and extent of data validation and the task down-hole trajectories, lithologies, structural data, and
of assigning acceptance criteria also rests with the indivi­ assays (Figures 1 and 2). Historical drill-hole information
dual QP (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and can also exist as digital files that are stored on various
Petroleum [CIM], 2019; Mining Standards Task Force, media and in various data formats and file types. Physical
1999). Considering the wide range of possible scenarios, forms of historical data include such materials as diamond
a detailed, definitive listing of acceptance criteria for drill core (Figure 3) or sample materials (Figures 4 and 5)

Figure 1. Example of historical drill-hole location and deviation information (modeled after Pressacco, 1997)

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 3

Figure 2. Example of historical drill-hole lithological and assay information (modeled after Pressacco, 1997)

Figure 3. Example of historical drill core (modeled after Pressacco, 2011)

that were collected by previous owners of a mineral prop­ preparation of a mineral resource estimate, and can pro­
erty. In many cases, despite the age of the historical data, vide significant time and cost savings. However, the
they remain valid, are often of great utility for the degree of confidence of the historical data can vary from

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4 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

Figure 4. Example of sample reject materials (photograph courtesy of Figure 5. Example of sample pulp material (photograph courtesy of Vale
Mandalay Resources Corporation) Canada Limited and ALS Geochemistry)

one source to another or with time. In these cases, QPs Together, the geological mapping and sampling programs
may consider assigning a level of confidence to the histor­ can contribute to the discovery of mineralized zones at the
ical data, which can subsequently be considered when property and can be used in the preparation of a mineral
preparing a mineral resource estimate. For example, the resource estimate.
collar locations of drill holes and their elevations may have Information acquired from historical geological map­
been determined by various methods of measurements ping and sampling programs can prove to be highly
with differing degrees of accuracies during successive valuable as it can contain data on the various genetic,
drilling programs. These include pace-and-compass, cloth spatial, and temporal relationships among the host lithol­
tape and compass, optical surveying methods (theodolites ogies, various alteration types and mineralization styles,
or total stations), handheld GPS (global positioning sys­ and structures at the mineral property. These detailed
tem) units, or survey-grade GPS units. Each of these relationships derived from the historical data can often
methods will have varying degrees of accuracy to which provide important information for practitioners to con­
confidence or quality factors can be assigned. sider during preparation of mineral resource estimates.
Additional historical data such as mineralogy, alteration,
GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND SAMPLING geophysical, and structural information, and metallurgi­
INFORMATION cal results may not have direct input into mineral
Information regarding the lithologic units, alteration, resource estimates, but can provide invaluable insights
mineralization, and structural features that are present at for generating or refining a geological model and devel­
a mineral property is often collected during surface-based oping exploration targets.
or underground-based geological mapping and sampling A common challenge faced by practitioners when work­
programs carried out at various times in the mineral prop­ ing with geological, geophysical, and geochemical data
erty’s history. These mapping and sampling programs are collected by previous owners of a mineral property is
typically conducted during the exploration stage and have that the grid coordinate systems (e.g., exploration grid vs
various levels of detail that range from regional-scale engineering grid), reference datums (e.g., NAD27 vs
reconnaissance programs to detailed-scale programs. NAD83), measurement systems (e.g., tape and compass

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 5

Figure 6. View of outcrop and channel sample location (Photograph by SLR)

vs surveying), instrumentation (e.g., handheld vs differen­ a mineralized deposit is commonly obtained through surface-
tial GPS), or measurement units (e.g., Imperial vs based drilling programs using wireline or reverse circulation
International System of Units or SI) used by each succes­ drilling equipment. The location of the drill-hole collars can
sive owner often vary. In these situations, the key chal­ be marked by casings that have been left in place (Figure 7),
lenge faced by the mineral resource practitioner is to by monuments, or other markers that have been erected to
compile, with a sufficient degree of accuracy, the locations identify the drill-hole collar locations.
and orientations of the historical geological, geophysical, Where the drill-hole casings have been left in place and
and geochemical data into a common coordinate system have not been damaged or otherwise modified, important
from which the mineral resource estimate will be prepared. information such as the departing collar azimuth and dip,
Generally, the locations of key outcrops, trenches, and the size of the drill core, and the location of the drill-hole
important sample locations can be easily revisited in the collar can be obtained. As with geological, geophysical,
field (Figure 6). During these visits, the QPs can examine and geochemical data, a common challenge faced by prac­
the accuracy of the geologic, alteration, and structural titioners when working with drill holes completed by pre­
information, validate the accuracy of the compilation vious owners of a mineral property is that the grid
activities for geological, geophysical, and geochemical coordinate systems often vary, as noted above. In addition,
data collected by previous owners, and validate the exist­ the direction of the drill holes may not always be described
ing interpretation of the geology and mineralization. using a constant azimuth system: variations include the use
Useful insights relating to the spatial distribution and the of “grid north,” UTM northing, or true (astronomic) north.
continuity of a mineralized zone are often gained by revi­ In these situations, the QPs face the challenging task of
siting key surface exposures where available.
compiling the locations and orientations of the historical
The QPs may also consider collecting additional samples
drill-hole collars into a common coordinate system to be
to validate the historical assay values and confirm their suit­
able to use the historical drill-hole data in a mineral
ability for use in the preparation of a mineral resource esti­
resource estimate.
mate. Additional geophysical measurements along surface
In some cases, sufficient information may be available to
transects or along down-hole vectors can be carried out to
permit the mathematical transformation of drill-hole coordi­
validate data collected by previous owners of the mineral
nates and orientations from one grid system to another to
property, and additional geochemical samples can be col­
a suitable level of accuracy for use in preparation of a mineral
lected as well to validate prior sampling results.
resource estimate. Despite completion of any such transfor­
mations, the accuracies of the transformed drill-hole collar
DRILL-HOLE AND ASSAY INFORMATION locations and departing collar azimuths should be confirmed
by actual field measurements to the extent possible.
Drill-hole collar locations and down-hole surveys Where a sufficient number of historical drill-hole col­
Information on the three-dimensional (3D) character of lars can be relocated in the field, the preferred alternative
the lithologies, alteration, structure, and metal distribution of is to carry out a resurveying program to locate as many

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6 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

previous drill-hole collars as possible to a single coordi­ accuracy of the lithologic, alteration, and structural infor­
nate system using a surveying method of suitable accuracy mation that had been captured by the logging geologist at
for use in estimation of mineral resources—typically to the time that the drill hole was completed because weath­
a sub-metre level of accuracy. To the extent possible, the ering often has little effect on the lithologic, alteration or
locations of any topographic control points that were structural features that may be present in the drill core.
established by previous owners of the property should Indeed, for some deposit models, the presence of incipient
also be located and resurveyed along with significant cul­ or cryptic ferrocarbonate alteration becomes much more
tural features such as roads, mine openings, or important apparent as a result of exposure to weathering, as can the
foundations such as shafts, ventilation raises, and ramp presence of fine-grained iron sulfide minerals.
collars. For mineral properties that have undergone several
To the extent possible, the drill-hole deviations can be exploration programs, a challenge can be the lack of con­
validated by re-entering the drill hole and resurveying the sistency in identification of major lithologic units, altera­
drill-hole deviation. Alternatively, the drill-hole deviation tion styles, or structural features because the information
readings can be validated graphically by viewing the drill- was collected by different geologists at different times. As
hole trajectories in plan and/or cross sectional views. An well, inconsistencies in geological legends between var­
important consideration when carrying out validation activ­ ious owners of a mineral property can result in a compiled
ities is to correctly account for any changes in the magnetic drill-hole database that can be difficult to work with when
declination that may have occurred in the intervening time. preparing mineral resource estimates. In these cases, the
While many modern down-hole deviation measurement tools QPs may be able to resolve any conflicts or questions that
provide azimuth information relative to true north (astro­ may arise in the database by personal examination of the
nomic north), many vintage down-hole deviation measure­ historical drill core (Figure 8).
ment tools provided azimuth information relative to magnetic
north only, which changes with time. The measurement Resampling
method of down-hole deviation can be a consideration The availability of historical drill core also allows
when assigning a level of accuracy to the drill-hole data. personal inspections of the intervals selected for sampling
by the previous logging geologists. This will help the QP
Relogging to understand the reasoning for any unsampled intervals
Where historical drill core or reverse circulation drill- in the drill core, to select intervals from those previously
hole chips are available and have been sufficiently pre­ sampled intervals for re-assaying to confirm the presence
served, they can be reviewed by the QP to validate the and approximate grade of the mineralization, and to

Figure 7. View of a historical diamond drill hole casing location (photograph courtesy of Michael Sutton, Galway Metals Inc., with permission)

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 7

Figure 8. Example of historical drill core (photograph courtesy of Galway Metals Inc.)

check for unassayed metals and possible deleterious assay information for any additional metals or elements of
metals. The metal prices at the time of sampling of the interest that may not have been collected by the previous
historical drill core are also often important considera­ owners. Since the goal of any re-assaying or check assay­
tions for understanding the sampling strategies. ing programs is to review and validate the presence and
Mineralized intervals may have been regarded as uneco­ approximate grade of mineralization, sample selection
nomic at the time of sampling and thus left unsampled, should focus on the known mineralized intervals and the
but currently, they may be viewed as potentially eco­ adjacent wall rocks. Selection of known non-mineralized
nomic due to higher metal or commodity prices. Also intervals for re-assaying or check assaying will do little to
a change in the contemplated mining method may result achieve the desired goal. Attention to the degree of oxida­
in lower grades being of interest currently than at the tion is important because it can impact the new analytical
time of sampling. Where historical drill core is available, and metallurgical evaluation results. Experience has shown
it can have great value in time and cost savings for that the selection of sample medium plays a key role in
collecting additional samples for any mineralized inter­ determining the variance that can be experienced when
vals that may be of interest under the current metal price conducting a resampling program (Table 1).
or contemplated operational scenario. Prior to implementation of the CIM Best Practices
Where available, historical sample reject material or Guidelines (CIM, 2018, 2019), quality assurance/quality
sample pulps are also of great value, as re-assaying or control (QA/QC) programs were often not carried out as
check assaying programs can be carried out using the part of normal course workflows of historical drilling
same sample intervals used by the previous logging geol­ campaigns. While the historical assaying methods and
ogists. These re-assaying programs help to validate the resulting assay values may be valid, the lack of accompa­
previous assay results as well as allowing acquisition of nying QA/QC information from this era poses challenges
to meeting the requirements of the CIM Best Practices
Guidelines. Where the sample rejects or sample pulps
from previous exploration programs are available, modern
Table 1. Influence of sample type on resampling variance QA/QC materials can be included as part of any check
Sample type Degree of variance assaying or re-assaying programs. By implementing a QA/
Pulps Lowest QC program as part of any re-assaying or confirmation
Coarse rejects drilling programs, the historical assay results can be
Quarter or half core
↓ brought into compliance with the CIM Best Practices
Twinned drill hole Highest Guidelines and can thus be used in a mineral resource
estimate.

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8 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

Density measurements mineralization close to pre-existing mining excavations.

Historical drill core can also be used to validate histor­ Excavations can result either from conventional open pit
ical density measurements that may have been collected by or underground mining operations or from artisanal mining
previous owners of a mineral property because weathering activities. Artisanal miners can excavate significant
generally has little impact on the bulk densities of the volumes of mineralized material, which must be accounted
major lithologic units or mineralized zones that may have for when preparing a mineral resource estimate.
been encountered. The availability of historical drill core Accurately accounting for artisanal excavations is often
also allows collection of additional density measurements a very difficult task due to the lack of record keeping.
as necessary to support current mineral resource estimates.
Open pit mines
Confirmation drilling In some cases, determining the extent of the material
Once all validation activities have been completed to excavated from open pit mines can be a relatively straight­
the extent possible, a program of confirmation drilling is forward exercise. The limits of mining can be determined
often merited. The primary goal is to confirm the presence, by means of aerial topographic surveys of the current
approximate grade of mineralization, and the 3D locations surface or by using traditional surface-based surveying
of the mineralized zones to a sufficient degree of accuracy methods. Many complications, however, can be present
for use in the preparation of a mineral resource estimate. where the maximum mining surface is no longer easily
Both widely and closely spaced confirmation holes should visible or accessible. Examples include filling or partial
be considered because these can be used in the geostatis­ filling of an open pit by water or backfill material (waste
tical assessment of the data for the mineral resource esti­ rock or tailings) (Figure 9). Where a digital file is used to
mate. Secondary goals of such confirmation drilling represent the maximum extent of mining, it is important to
programs would be to verify the host lithologies and determine the date of the survey data used to create the
alteration zones that have been intersected by the historical digital surface relative to cessation of mining activities. In
drilling. Confirmation drill holes should be located imme­ many cases, mining activities continued past the date of
diately adjacent and parallel to historical drill holes that the last available topographic surface but were not
intersected the target mineralization (commonly referred to documented.
as a twin hole), in order to confirm the presence, location, For those cases where the maximum mining extent of
and approximate thickness of the mineralization. an open pit mine is not easily accessible, possible
It is important to note that twin drill-hole trajectories approaches (with associated levels of uncertainty) include,
can differ from the original drill hole due to different core but are not limited to:
sizes (e.g., BQ vs NQ), drilling methods (e.g., reverse ● Complete a bathymetry survey for cases where the open
circulation vs coring methods), drilling crews, etc. Due to pit mine has been flooded.
differences in the drill-hole trajectories, the twin drill hole ● Simulate the open pit mine walls based on an assump­
may intersect the target mineralization at a greater distance tion of inwardly dipping walls daylighting at the pit
than anticipated. crest. Any material lying above this simulated surface
Experience has shown that the field locations of con­ can be deemed as having been excavated.
firmation drill holes should be established by direct offsets ● Create a digital exclusion zone represented by a vertical
from the actual historical drill-hole collars (i.e., physically cylinder projected downward to a suitable depth from
measuring directly from the historical drill-hole collar) to the current pit crest. Any material contained within this
reduce the uncertainty resulting from using surveying exclusion volume can be deemed as having been
methods to locate the confirmation drill holes. Any infor­ excavated.
mation collected from confirmation drilling programs
should be incorporated into the project’s drill-hole data­
base and used to update any existing interpretations as Underground mines
appropriate. Confirmation drilling programs can also be Determining and estimating the extent of the material
used to assess the 3D accuracies of underground excava­ excavated from historical underground mines can be
tion models. a very challenging undertaking because current access
to the historical underground excavations is not always
possible due to safety, flooding, lack of infrastructure,
TOPOGRAPHY AND EXCAVATION MODELS and the like. Until such time as access to the historical
Any previous or historical excavations and modifica­ underground excavations can be safely re-established,
tions of the original topographic surface due to mining the only practical alternative is to rely on any records
operations are important considerations in the preparation that may be available. Such records, however, are often
of a mineral resource estimate. This can be important poorly preserved when an underground mine ceases
where exploration activities have located additional operation because this information may have been

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 9

Figure 9. View of flooded and partially backfilled open pit mine (modeled after Evans, 2019)

perceived to have little value and did not warrant the paper, mylar, and waxed linens or in digital formats
cost and effort of its preservation. created using computer-aided drafting programs. 2D
Where historical excavation information is available data usually include plan views (Figure 10), cross-
for older vintage underground mines, it typically con­ sectional views, or longitudinal views of excavations
sists of 2D data stored on either a solid medium such as (Figure 11). By applying all available survey

Figure 10. Example of excavation, lithology, and sample information in an underground mine (modeled after Pressacco, 1999)

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10 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

information for surface-based features (such as shafts, have increasingly been collected on a routine basis and
ventilation raises, and ramp collars), careful thought, stored as digital files. Accessing historical 2D and 3D
and practical knowledge, 2D information can be used digital files is often hindered by software-specific for­
to create 3D models of underground excavations mats used to store these files that cannot be recognized
(Figure 12). by other programs or by the use of an obsolete data
With the advent of new underground surveying tech­ storage medium. This can pose a significant, even insur­
nologies such as prismless total stations, cavity monitor­ mountable challenge if the original computer program
ing systems, and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) cannot be located, the digital information has not been
drones, underground excavation data in full 3D format stored in a generic format, or the computer hardware

Figure 11. Example of a longitudinal projection showing excavations of an underground mine (modeled after Pressacco, 1999)

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 11

Figure 12. Example of reconstituted excavation models for an underground mine (modeled after Pressacco, 2008)

required to access data on an obsolete storage medium is CONCLUSIONS

no longer available. Geoscientific information, often collected by a number
While reconstituted models of historical underground of owners of a mineral property over time, is of significant
excavations are a key item in the preparation of mineral value for use in mineral exploration programs and prepara­
resource statements, QPs should remain aware of the lim­ tion of mineral resource estimates. Many examples exist
itations in the completeness and accuracies of any such where mineral resource estimates were prepared using
models and take appropriate actions to validate the exca­ historical geoscientific information and mines were suc­
vation models. cessfully put into production.

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12 R. Pressacco, L. Evans, and W. E. Roscoe

Table 2. Summary of potential validation activities for historical data

Data type Potential validation activities
Field geology (1) Visit available key outcrops, trenches, surface exposures, or underground exposures to confirm geological setting, alteration
patterns, and structural features to observe the 3D nature of the mineralization and enclosing host rocks
(2) Collect check samples from key mineralized areas to confirm presence of mineralization
Geophysical Carry out check surveys to confirm and validate historical data
measurements
Geochemical surveys To the extent possible, locate previous sampling sites and collect check assays to confirm and validate historical data

Topography and (1) Locate and resurvey as many historical topography control points as possible
excavations (2) Resurvey surface locations of excavations and other openings (e.g., shaft collars, ventilation raises, adit or portal locations, ramp
locations)
(3) For open pit mines, carry out check surveys of as-mined surfaces to the extent possible
(4) For underground mines, carry out check surveys of underground openings that can safely be accessed

Drilling programs (1) Locate and resurvey as many historical drill-hole collars as possible; analyze variation in the historical collar locations and develop
suitable transformation criteria
(2) Measure departing collar azimuths; compare with historical data
(3) To the extent possible, resurvey down-hole deviation and compare with historical data
(4) To the extent possible, inspect geology, alteration, structure, and mineralization in the historical drill core (or chips) and
comparewith historical records
(5) To the extent possible, collect check samples of the mineralized intervals and re-assay to validate presence of mineralization

In many cases mineralization discovered by prior owners historical geoscientific data should be created and
of a mineral property may have been considered to be too stored by the current owner of a mineral property.
low grade to be of potential economic interest at that time. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are
Changes in market conditions, technological advances, and those of the authors only and are based on extensive
metal prices often warrant a review of the economic poten­ experience with the subject matter. The discussion in
tial of historical exploration results, and therefore any avail­ this paper presents a summary of the authors’ thoughts
able historical geoscientific information can be of great and experiences regarding the means by which histor­
value as it can save the cost and time required to completely ical geoscientific data can be examined and validated
replicate the historical data. Because mineral resource QPs prior to its use for the preparation of mineral resource
are ultimately responsible for the data used to prepare estimates.
a mineral resource estimate, they bear the obligation of
carrying out appropriate due diligence and validation of all
geoscientific information and historical work prior to its use ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
for mineral resource estimation. The authors wish to extend their gratitude to Jason
Where field evidence or remnants of the historical work Cox of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, Galway Metals
are accessible, potential validation activities that QPs may Inc., Mandalay Resources Corporation, and Vale
consider for validating historical data are summarized in Technology Development (Canada) Limited for their
Table 2. It is important to note that the activities summar­ support and contributions to this paper. The authors
ized in Table 2 are not intended to provide also wish to extend their thanks to Ray Zalnieriunas,
a comprehensive list of all possible validation activities David Ross, Åsa Corin, Hendrik Falck, Chris Davis,
for all possible situations. QPs are encouraged to develop Chris Gauld, Sasa Krstic, and Natalia Dyatlova for
additional validation activities that are appropriate to the their reviews of a draft version of this paper and for
situation under consideration. providing their thoughts, comments, and suggestions.
Their gracious sharing of their knowledge, experience,
Despite the validation activities described above,
and skills is gratefully acknowledged.
a program of confirmation drilling can be a critical item
prior to the inclusion of historical data in the preparation of
a mineral resource estimate. The primary goals of such con­ ORCID
firmation drilling include the confirmation of the presence, R. Pressacco http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9286-5498
spatial location, approximate grade, and distribution of the
mineralized intervals identified in the historical drill holes.
Proper records of all validation activities carried out, DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
their results, and any deletions, edits, or updates to the No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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 Considerations for using historical geoscientific information in mineral resource estimation 13

Paper reviewed and approved for publication by the L. Evans (M.Sc., P. Eng, Ing.) is a Principal Geologist with SLR. He has over
37 years of mineral industry and consulting experience, including over 26
Canadian Mineral Processors Society of CIM. years with SLR, where he currently leads a team of 25 geologists. He has
presented papers and short courses on resource estimation best practices,
R. Pressacco (M.Sc.(A)., P.Geo.) is an Associate Principal Geologist
audits, pitfalls, and other topics.
with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) with more than 35 years of
experience in industry, government, and consulting. He is W. E. Roscoe (Ph.D., P.Eng.) is an Associate Principal Geologist with SLR.
a contributing author to the CIM Mineral Exploration Best Practices He has more than 50 years' experience in industry and consulting, specializing
Guidelines, the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral in mineral resource estimation and valuation of mineral properties. In 1985, he
Reserves Best Practices Guidelines and in 2020 received the CIM co-founded Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA), which was acquired by SLR
Robert Elver Award for mineral economics. rpressacco@slrconsult­ in 2019. Dr Roscoe is Co-Chair of the CIMVAL Committee and a recipient of
ing.com a CIM Fellowship and the Robert Elver Award.

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