When up-blocking a resource model to a mining model it's fairly simple to weight average the qualities and RD's, but what happens to the rock types and confidence indexes (measured, indicated, inferred)... e.g. when one block is banded ironstone, and the other block is shale, what do you call the weighted average of this new block? Same goes for when you have a measured block and add it to an indicated block, you can downgrade according to the SAMREC code so that both blocks

A very well done to the prize winners, Ledile and Hendrik! Ledile Dikgale won the prize for the best mine schedule based on time it took to complete, de-risking of the plan, and confidently presenting results. Hendrik Kruger won the prize for best mine design, based on designing a mine with all the ramps in position, as well as designing a waste dump. Congratulations to both of you!

A very well done to each and every delegate for completing the open pit mine design and mine scheduling courses during this week! Every delegate showed enthusiasm and drive while completing the assignments, and presented their results today with confidence and charisma. They are all looking forward to return to their individual sites and apply their new skills and insights. Well done!!

During day 1 of the Open Pit Mine Design Basics course, our guests were treated to a tour of the Virtual Reality Centre at the Mining Engineering Department of the University of Pretoria. The delegates were first "flown" through an open pit mine in the 3D auditorium, before going underground in the "cylinder" next door. The guests commented on the limitless possibilities the technology and the VR centre has for the mining industry in terms of improved communication and decisi