Ore reserve estimation by using a geostatistical tool at Heinda mine,Tanintharyi region,union of Myanmar

Abstract

Heinda mine is one of major tin producers in Myanmar. The mine has been operated for over 100 years. The mine falls at Latitude 14° 8’ N and Longitude 98° 27’ E, approximately about 45 kilometers to the east of Dawei. The ore reserve is the principal factor of mining venture. The aim of this study is to improve the ore reserve estimation by using geostatistical method (ordinary kriging) compared with conventional method (polygonal method) In geostatistical evaluation, it involved variogram analysis, variogram modelling and kriging estimation. The exponential variogram modelling was used to calculate the ordinary kriging estimation. The results showed that the mineral resource by ordinary kriging method at Heinda mine indicates about 117,905 tons (SnO2) and the mineral resource by polygonal method is about 122,460 tons (SnO2). Furthermore, the mineable reserve of ordinary kriging method at Heinda mine indicates about 30,368 tons (SnO2) and the mineable reserve by polygonal method is about 32,349 tons (SnO2). This study is the new ore estimation of Heinda mine with geostatistical method (ordinary kriging). Therefore, the result of estimation may be taken in consideration for the better mining development and future’s plan at the study area.