Vietnam: Requirements for level of study and zoning of iron reserve level 122

Vietnam: Requirements for the level of study and zoning of iron reserve level 122 (Illustrative Image)

Article 7 of Circular 33/2010/TT-BTNMT stipulates the requirements for the level of study and zoning of iron reserve level 122 in Vietnam as follows:

1. Level of geological study

- The basic conditions of the position, and shape of the iron ore deposits, as well as the presence of faults displacing the ore must be identified;

- The primary natural forms and types of iron ore must be fully detected. However, the distribution of these forms may not need to be detailed;

- The average thickness of the iron ore deposits and the quantity of non-reserve rock layers within the iron ore deposits not meeting reserve calculation criteria must be identified, but there is no need for precise spatial delineation;

- The quality of the iron ore must be reliably confirmed, meeting the criteria for reserve calculation for each block; different types and grades of industrial iron ore must be categorized, but precise distribution areas are not required; technological properties of the iron ore must be researched to a level that allows for determining a technological processing scheme that ensures comprehensive recovery of industrially valuable components in the ore;

- Hydrogeological, engineering geological characteristics and mining technical conditions must be researched to a level that allows for identifying the number of water-bearing layers and their water richness, estimating the water volume that might flow into the exploitation projects, and identifying the volume of overburdened rock even if its precise spatial distribution is not determined;

- The reliability level of the reserves must ensure a minimum of 50%.

2. Zoning of limit to calculate reserve

- The limit to calculate reserve is zoned within the scope of exploration works and detailed sample results at the works. Extrapolation based on geological and geophysical data from ore encountered works or from higher reserve class boundaries is permitted for mines with uncomplicated geological structures, relatively stable thickness, and quality. The extrapolation distance must not exceed half the distance between the exploration works defined for this reserve class.

More details can be found in Circular 33/2010/TT-BTNMT effective from January 28, 2011.

Nguyen Phu

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