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An Introduction To Cutoff Grade Estimation 
An Introduction to Cutoff Grade Estimation:
Theory and practice in open pit and underground mines
(with a new section on blending optimisation strategy)
September 4-6, 2013 , Montreal
Jean-Michel Rendu, Newmont Mining Corporation, USA
Content and Objectives
Cutoff grades are essential in determining the economic feasibility and mine life of a project. The fundamentals of cutoff grade calculation, first established by Ken Lane forty years ago, are revisited. In this course it is shown how direct and indirect costs, opportunity costs imposed by operational constraints, and other factors, such as political risk, legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements, must be taken into account. Mathematical equations are developed and graphical analytical methods are displayed, which can be used to solve most cutoff grade estimation problems. It is shown how minimum cutoff grades are estimated and how they must be modified to take into account constraints imposed by mine or mill capacity, or by limits on sales volumes. Multiple practical examples are given, illustrating the role of cutoff grades in mine planning, in allocating material to different processes, in optimizing mill operating conditions, and in poly-metallic deposits. Examples also show the relationship between cutoff grades and the design of pushbacks in open pit mines, the development of new stopes in underground selective mining, and the optimization of block sizes in caving methods. The relationship between mine selectivity, deposit modeling, ore control and cutoff grade is also discussed. A new section has been added in which graphical and mathematical solutions are introduced to optimize blending strategies. Included in the course of registration is a copy of the instructor’s book “An Introduction to Cutoff Grade Estimation”.
Click here to Register Online.
For additional course information please contact:
Deborah Frankland
Dept. of Mining, Metals & Materials Engineering McGill University Montreal, Quebec
Email: admcrc.mining@mcgill.ca
Phone: (514) 398-5461
Fax: (514) 398-7099
For registration please contact:
SME Meetings Department
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle, Englewood, CO 80112
Email: meetings@smenet.org
Phone: (303) 948-4200
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