in mining, what do you mean when you say "cut-off grade", "copper equivalent", and "assay results"?

Question

just asking, coz these terms are quite difficult to understand

Answer 1

Assay results are the actual results of analysis of 'ore' samples that will tell you, for instance if you have ONE ounce of Gold per Ton of ore, or one-half oz. of silver, or 2% copper. These tests are reliable, reproducible, and determine if a given 'ore' is actually commercially viable to mine or not.

'cut-off' grade is the grade at which it is not feasible or economical to mine any specific ore for ONLY one material, ie. Gold. A cut-off grade for gold might be 0.13 oz/ton, depending upon the price of gold at the time.

"copper equivalent" is a value given to an ore that consists of copper or other MINERALS, which when smelted, will give the producer a given amount of copper, ie. copper equivalent = 3%,,,,,or a combination of OTHER minerals that will give the same value expressed in 'copper value' or copper equivalent.

Answer 2

assay results are the results of tests done on ore samples you have dug up. the assayer will tell you the mineral content.

The cutoff grade is the starting/stopping point of miining for explicit materials.

copper equivalent means amount of copper weight by ton, added to gold grams per ton, to come up with the 'copper equivalent'.

Answer 3

i no