A Logical Sampling and
Process Control Strategy
The choice of a correct Sampling, Ore Grade Control, and
Process Control strategy is a necessity. Yet, an incorrect and
ineffective strategy is often selected.
Every day, many people in exploration, Ore Grade Control,
Process Control, material balancing, commercial settlements,
and environmental monitoring, are struggling with this problem.
The answer to this difficult problem is given by
the concepts of:
• Structural Properties (i.e., Causes of problems)
• Circumstantial Properties (i.e., Effects of problems)
A clear understanding of the difference between the two
concepts can save a lot of money for a given project.
1
Structural Property
A property is said to be structural when it necessarily results
from a certain number of conditions that we are in a position to
control or quantify, and that are assumed to be fulfilled.
Examples:
• The heterogeneity of copper minerals in a given area
of the mine,
• A sampling protocol,
• The characteristics of a sampling device,
• A process control procedure,
• The characteristics of a process unit,
• A sampling interval,
• A selected copper grade cutoff for the mine,
• A standard, etc…
It is what it is: It is the structure you operate with.
2
From Causes to Effects
A structural property is always true as long as you operate with
it. One or several effects may result from it.
Irrespective of the data generated by the effect, we are not
necessarily in a position to control it.
Examples:
• The copper content of a sample,
• The bias generated by a poor sample,
• The segregation induced by a silo,
• The process cycle introduced by a rake inside a thickener,
• A biased copper assay introduced by an inappropriate
analytical procedure,
• The invisible cost generated by the selection of a wishful
thinking copper grade cutoff at the mine, etc…
The effect depends on chance:
It is the circumstance you have to endure.
3
Circumstantial Property
A property is said to be circumstantial when it depends on
conditions which we are not necessarily in a position to control.
It is the conjuncture.
Example:
Let’s assume that you invested in a stacking/reclaiming system
that introduces strong segregation in a copper product
stockpile. The amount of segregation may change because of
many circumstantial factors, such as:
• A change in moisture content,
• A change in stream flow rate,
• A change in particle size distribution,
• A change in density between fragments,
• A change in shape between fragments, etc…
There is nothing much you can do about these undesirable
effects. The only thing you could do is to change the
stacking/reclaiming system which is the cause.
4
Conclusion:
A structural property will remain true, unless you change:
• A poor sampling protocol,
• A faulty sampling device,
• An inappropriate analytical procedure,
• A faulty design of a storage silo,
• A wishful thinking copper grade cutoff at the mine,
A structural property can be relied upon.
But, a circumstantial property cannot be relied upon and strictly
depends on chance. Therefore, too much emphasis on solving
effects of a cause is often a loss of time and money.
It is of the utmost importance to place emphasis on
identifying structural properties.
Invest resources on finding the cause of a problem instead
of reacting to its effects.
5
Concepts of Primary
and Secondary Properties
A property is said to be:
Primary
when it depends on the sole structure. Therefore, it is
independent from circumstances.
Secondary
when it depends on both the structure and the circumstances.
6
Logical Relationship Between
a Primary Structural Property and
a Secondary Circumstantial Property
Answer yes or no, in chronological order, the two following
questions.
1. Does the primary structural
property exist?
Yes No
Yes Certain Possible
2. Is the
secondary
property
observed?
No Impossible Probable
7
Logical Relationship Between
Sampling Correctness
And Sampling Accuracy
Answer, in chronological order, the two following questions.
1. Is the sampling device
primarily correct or
incorrect?
Correct Incorrect
2. Is the Accurate Certain Possible
collected
sample
secondarily
accurate or
biased? Biased Impossible Probable
8
Logical Relationship Between the
Correctness of a Stacking/Reclaiming
Facility and the Constancy of the
Feed it Delivers to the Process
Answer, in chronological order, the two following questions.
1. Is the design of the
stacking/reclaiming
facility primarily correct or
incorrect?
Correct Incorrect
2. Is the Constant Certain Possible
feed going to
the process
secondarily
constant?
Highly Impossible Probable
variable
