Exploration Sampling Program & QA/QC

Improve the accuracy and reliability of geological interpretation and resource estimation through appropriate sampling program and quality control in order to facilitate adequate assessment of risk.

Exploration and mining personnel frequently assume that QA/QC terms as simply insert the blanks, duplicates and standards and think that QC is kind of post mortem analysis of assay data collected which need to explained (reported) on particular section in the resource report describing statistical chart and analysis as assessment of assay data quality at the end of exploration program. If this is the case, we are no longer be able to control the process and ensure the data quality, and only get assessment about how good or bad the data.

More than that, QA (Quality Assurance) is establishment of system and standards (set up of rules) form sample collection, preparation through to analytical to ensure the quality of assay data and QC (Quality Control) is method to ensure that the systems are in control by utilizing statistical analysis. QA is set up before sample preparation and analysis and QC is kind of control on ongoing process to reduce bias (variance) within data set. QA/QC must be reported periodically during sampling program as control on quality so that it is possible to do corrective action on the sampling processes.

Sampling program of any output, whether it is exploration program, resource estimation, metallurgical sampling, grade control must be carried out properly since the early beginning of exploration program to minimize bias, increase representativity and prevent contamination. Implementation of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes can increase the effectiveness of sampling programmes by defining suitable drilling, sampling, recording and laboratory analytical testing protocols and procedures.

Sampling program must be customized to specific deposit and mineralization style, ground condition, interpretation necessity and considering acquisition practicality. As mining exploration projects progressed, drilling sample must also consider statistical and geostatistical aspect, desired geological and grade resolution, and mining method to be applied to produce accurate mineral resource model and reserve estimation. We address key factors during sampling such as whether your sample volume is appropriate and whether your drill hole and sampling design (layout) will satisfied the level of confidence needed for subsequent resource estimates.

MPO can help by implementing industry best practice of sampling standard operating procedures and implement throughout mining project advancement along the value mining chain where financial decisions become more and more important on an adequate assessment of risk.

Sub-Services :

• Design and implementation of QA/QC program to monitor sample recovery, preparation, and analysis
• Design of code compliance (KCMI, JORC, NI 43-101) drilling and sampling processes
• Optimization of sample methodologies and collection procedures
• On-site supervision of drilling and sampling programmes
• Comparison of assay laboratory studies and assessment of accuracy
• Assessment of suitability of assay databases from different sampling campaigns