As a leading international resource for technical information about mining and related industries, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) has announced the availability of the second edition of its book, An Introduction to Cut-off Grade Estimation. The publication examines one of the most important calculations in the mining industry; cut-off grades play a key role in estimating mineral reserves that can be publicly reported.

“As an internationally recognised expert in the management, estimation, and public reporting of mineral resources, author Jean-Michel Rendu has incorporated practical insights into this best selling publication,” said SME Executive Director David Kanagy. “The completely updated second edition is easier to read and of greater practical interest to professionals the world over.” The publication covers a full range of topics including: breakeven cut-off grade; capacity constraints and opportunity costs; cut-off grade and mine planning; blending strategy; and which costs should be included in cut-off grade calculations.

Cut-off grades are essential to determining the economic feasibility and mine life of a project. Profitability and socioeconomic impact of mining operations are influenced by the choice of cut-off grades. The relationship between optimisation of NPV, capacity constraints and opportunity cost is explained in detail. As an added bonus, a new section discusses blending strategies which play a critical role in an increasing number of mining operations. The hardback book can be ordered from www.smenet.org/store and is also available as an eBook from www.smenet.org/ebooks