Mineral Reserve Tonnage
Compute a mineral reserve's tonnage, T = Volume · Density, multiplying the ore body volume (m³) by the rock bulk density (t/m³). It is the step that turns the estimated geometry of a deposit (from drilling and modeling) into ore mass — the basis of any economic evaluation of a deposit. Enter the volume and the ore density.
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Mineral reserve tonnage
How much ore is there in a deposit? That is the question that decides whether a discovery becomes a mine. The basic calculation is T = Volume · Density: the geometry of the ore body is estimated — from drill-hole data and geological block modelling — and multiplied by the bulk density of the rock. The result, in tonnes, feeds the whole economic assessment: multiplied by the average grade it gives the contained metal; combined with price, cost and recovery, it sets the value of the deposit. How reliable that estimate is classifies the reserves as measured, indicated and inferred, according to the density of sampling. Enter the volume and the density of the ore.
Related Tools
Mining Recovery
Compute the mining recovery, R = (mined ore / in-situ ore)·100%, the fraction of the ore originally present in the deposit that is actually extracted. Not all ore is recoverable: support pillars, blasting losses and contacts leave part behind. Together with dilution, it defines the extraction efficiency and the mineable reserves. Enter the mined ore and the in-situ ore.
Linear Explosive Charge
Calculate the linear loading density of a blast hole, q = (π/4) × d² × ρ, from the hole diameter d (mm) and the explosive density ρ (g/cm³). The result, in kg of explosive per meter of hole, is how much explosive fits in each meter of charged column — a central parameter of rock blast design. Multiplied by the hole charge height, it gives the charge per hole; combined with the blasted rock volume, it gives the powder factor. Larger diameters and denser explosives raise the linear charge. Enter the hole diameter and the explosive density.
Metal Equivalent Grade
Compute the metal equivalent grade of a polymetallic ore by adding to the main metal's grade the contribution of secondary metals weighted by the price ratio: Eq = main_grade + secondary_grade · (price_sec/price_main). It converts a deposit with several metals (e.g. copper with gold and silver) into a single comparable grade, used to set the cutoff grade and evaluate the deposit. Enter the main grade, the secondary grade and the price factor (price_sec/price_main).
Ore Dilution
Compute ore dilution in mining, D = waste/(ore + waste)·100%, the proportion of waste that ends up mixed with the ore during extraction, lowering the grade reaching the plant. Every operation has some dilution (irregular contacts, imprecise blasting); controlling it is essential, since diluted ore consumes energy and reagents to process worthless material. Enter the masses of diluting waste and ore.
Stripping Ratio (SR)
Compute the stripping ratio (SR) of an open-pit mine by dividing the amount of waste (worthless rock that must be removed) by the ore extracted. It is the central economic indicator of open-pit mining: the higher the SR, the more useless material is moved per tonne of ore, and the higher the cost. It defines the pit limit and the viability of the operation. Enter the waste and ore quantities.
Crushing Reduction Ratio
Calculate the reduction ratio of a crusher or mill, RR = F ÷ P, dividing the feed size F by the product size P (usually F₈₀/P₈₀ or crusher openings). The dimensionless result shows how many times the material was reduced in size in one stage. Each equipment type has a typical reduction ratio range: jaw crushers 4-7, cone crushers 5-8, ball mills up to 100 or more. Since each stage has a limited ratio, reducing large blocks to fine powder requires several stages in series, whose product of ratios gives the total reduction. Enter the feed and product sizes.
The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.