Comparison between K and alpha sampling constants with the Pierre Gy’s factors for bauxite

Abstract

Sampling is an important tool for gathering information about mineral deposits, helping to estimate the ore grade, and has great relevance at any stage of a mining project, to ensure reliable results and consequently, to project a better mining planning. There are several errors to which the sampling is exposed and among them we can mention the fundamental sampling error (FSE). This error cannot become zero as it is related to the constitutional heterogeneity of the ore, so it represents the minimum sampling error. This study applies Pierre Gy’s theory of sampling (TOS) to estimate the values of K and α sampling constants at different deposits of bauxite in Brazil and compare them with the calculated factors, then calculate the relative standard deviation of the fundamental sampling error s(FSE) based on the results of the heterogeneity test (HT) in each deposit. The deposits are located in: Barro Alto - State of Goiás, Juruti - State of Pará, and Poços de Caldas - State of Minas Gerais. The weathering process is the main reason of the alteration of the physical and chemical factors diversifying bauxites in Brazil and worldwide. However, when sampling is carried out correctly, the Gy’s formula becomes a powerful tool for improving mining processes as long as the factors are estimated correctly for each ore.

keywords:
Pierre Gy’s theory of sampling; fundamental sampling error; heterogeneity test; bauxite