How can mineral resource estimates be communicated to non-technical audiences?

In my own words, mineral resource estimates can be communicated to non-technical audiences in 2 major ways. Communicate in simple terms via their native languages and also by regularly scheduling seminars or means where they will be taught and enlightened. They won't forever remain non-technical, these means and ways will enhance them to become technical like ourselves someday. For example, in my mining sites located in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, artisanal miners make up a large chunk of the mining and mineral processing value chain, I got a translator to translate in very simple terms those technical terms and activities. This has proved very productive and brought in more results.

Mineral resource estimates can be communicated to non-technical audiences through infographics, plain language summaries, storytelling, analogies, presentations, interactive displays, educational videos, and community engagement.

Effectively communicating mineral resource estimates to a non-technical audience involves tailoring your message to specific stakeholders and employing strategies that enhance understanding. ◽In summary, effective communication involves understanding your audience and tailoring your message. Simplify language, highlight economic potential, address regulatory compliance, emphasize environmental and social impacts, use visuals, provide main highlights, and maintain transparency to ensure effective communication with a non-technical audience.

One think that I found helpful:I think that in order to create effective communication with the non-specialist audience, we need a list of introductory seminars in a few short steps with basic definitions. General knowledge of geology and mining exploration and counting priorities and importance. I experienced this connection in a practical way. Methodology and positioning and how to present information play an important role in creating effective communication.

-Bring them to field and show them for geological and mining information. It will take 3 days. - Explain them by using power point for about 2 days. - Bring them to active communication by Q and A method will take 1 day. - Give some rewards to audiance for every step mentioned above

A Venn diagram showing ore reserves as a subset of mineral resources helps communicate that one is derived (via engineering & economic feasibility) from the other (based on geological resource). Waterfalls are a commonly used visual aid to explain comparisons to prior comparable periods (eg mineral resource depletion; resources at risk). Bar charts (with max & min range) are a great visual to show how the resource &/or reserve is sensitive to various variables. Pictures speak a thousand words.

Not all visual aids works for all audience. We should use the combination of 3D reserve model estimated all together with pictures. Besides, if we anticipate to explain kriging model, there should be alternative curves to explain the interpolation process depending on the audience.

Show long sections and cross sections of MRE block model coloured by grade, classification i.e Inferred/Indicated, volume/thickness. The more information the better.

Mining is an experiment. You go in with a hypothesis based on imperfect data. As you mine, assumptions are proved or disproved. The hypothesis & assumptions require constant revision based on new data from mining/ sampling. Variability from this process is reduced by closer & better ore body sampling up front.

To communicate mineral resource estimates to a non-technical audience, focus on simplicity and clarity. Use plain language to explain that these estimates involve some level of uncertainty due to various factors, such as the complexity of geological formations and the limitations of data collection methods. Emphasize that estimates are not precise predictions but informed assessments. Consider using visual aids like charts or graphs to convey key information, and be transparent about the potential variability in the estimates.

Try humanising your measured, indicated and inferred blocks. Talk about their personalities, and how they relate to each other. Answer some questions on their behalf - if I knew more about you would I change my opinion of you or would it remain mostly unchanged? How long did it take to truly get to know you? What surprises were there along the way? How will you behave when it’s time to be mined? What makes you unique compared to other deposits with the same classification? When I speak with resource geologists it’s often the inferred material that’s the most aloof. Often there isn’t enough data for a statistical approach - so what’s the thesis? Why do I think you exist? Realistically how much time will it take to get to know you?

In Monte Carlo simulation, I'd add that by running thousands or millions of simulation, one can then obtain a range of possible outcomes for factors like tonnage, grade, and spatial distribution of minerals. By examining the outcomes, estimators can then calculate confidence intervals, access the reliability of their estimates, and understand the potential risk associated with the variability in the deposits' characteristics. It is important to highlight the level of confidence.

Be very transparent. List all assumptions and error margins in the estimates. Communicate clearly the potential sources of error. Explain the economic feasibility based on the low end of the estimates and the high end of the estimates. Conduct a feasibility study as part of the analysis.

The value of a resource lies in the ability to generate net positive cashflow into the future. This is to be done sustainably.

Follow the core principles of a reporting code such as JORC. Report what is material, be transparent and above all be competent in those matters you are reporting on.

Using storytelling can be an effective way to communicate mineral resource estimates to a non-technical audience. Weaving a narrative around mineral resources exploration, estimation, and significance makes the information more relatable and engaging to a general audience without a specialized technical background.

Reinforce that it is an estimate, not a direct calculation. All effort is taken to reduce risk to the viewer/investor/audience but inference/interpolation/estimation of information between known data points carries a certain degree of uncertainty and risk that cannot be avoided and must be considered and accepted in any decision-making process.