MRM 1 – Introduction to Mineral Resource Management

1. Introduction

Mineral Resource Management (MRM) is a critical discipline in modern mining, focusing on the systematic and sustainable management of mineral resources from exploration to mine closure. It integrates geological, engineering, economic, environmental, and social considerations to ensure efficient, profitable, and responsible utilization of mineral assets.

This introductory course provides foundational knowledge in MRM, enabling participants to understand resource classification, estimation, reporting standards, and the principles of sustainable resource development. The programme emphasizes practical application, data-driven decision-making, and global best practices.

 

2. Training Objective

The objectives of this programme are to:

• Introduce participants to the fundamentals of Mineral Resource Management.
• Provide knowledge of resource classification, estimation, and reporting standards (JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC).
• Enhance understanding of the mineral resource value chain from exploration to closure.
• Build skills for resource evaluation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Raise awareness of sustainable practices, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop capacity for strategic decision-making in resource utilization.

 

3. Targeted Group

This course is intended for:

• Mining engineers and mine planners
• Exploration geologists and resource geoscientists
• Mineral economists and project evaluators
• Mining operations supervisors and managers
• Environmental and sustainability officers
• Government regulators and policy officers
• Consultants, technical advisors, and early-career mining professionals
• Postgraduate students in mining, geology, and resource management

 

4. Course Duration

Total Duration: 12 Modules

Delivery options include:

• 12-day intensive professional workshop, or
• 6-week modular training programme, or
• 3-month blended certificate course with assignments and project work

Each module includes lectures, case studies, exercises, and practical examples.

 

5. Training Methodology

FOTADE employs an applied, interactive, and industry-aligned methodology:

• Expert-led lectures and discussions
• Practical exercises using geological and resource datasets
• Hands-on resource modelling and estimation workshops
• Group exercises, scenario analysis, and problem-solving tasks
• Case studies from operational mines and mineral projects
• Quizzes, assignments, and applied projects
• Capstone project for integrated understanding of mineral resource management

 

6. Course Content

Module 1: Overview of Mineral Resource Management

• Definition, scope, and importance
• Mineral resource value chain

Module 2: Mineral Exploration and Resource Identification

• Exploration techniques and strategies
• Data collection, sampling, and QA/QC

Module 3: Resource Estimation Principles

• Methods of resource estimation (block modelling, statistical techniques)
• Software and tools for estimation

Module 4: Resource Classification

• Measured, Indicated, and Inferred resources
• Understanding modifying factors

Module 5: Reporting Standards and Codes

• JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC
• Compliance, ethical considerations, and transparency

Module 6: Introduction to Mine Planning

• Conceptual mine design
• Short-, medium-, and long-term planning

Module 7: Economic Evaluation of Mineral Resources

• Basic economic principles
• Introduction to project evaluation and feasibility

Module 8: Mineral Resource Governance and Policy

• National and international regulatory frameworks
• Licensing, royalties, and compliance requirements

Module 9: Sustainability in Mineral Resource Management

• Environmental management principles
• Social responsibility and stakeholder engagement

Module 10: Data Management and Digital Tools

• Resource data handling
• Introduction to resource modelling software

Module 11: Risk and Uncertainty Management

• Identifying and mitigating risks
• Sensitivity and scenario analysis

Module 12: Capstone Project – Integrated Mineral Resource Study

• Participants prepare a simplified resource evaluation and report
• Includes classification, reporting, and sustainability considerations
• Presentation and expert feedback

 

7. Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of Mineral Resource Management.
• Classify and estimate mineral resources according to international standards.
• Prepare compliant resource reports (JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC).
• Apply basic mine planning and economic evaluation principles.
• Integrate sustainability and governance considerations in resource management.
• Use digital tools for resource data analysis and modelling.
• Conduct simple risk and uncertainty assessments.
• Develop and present a practical mineral resource study.

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete all 12 modules, assignments, and the capstone project will receive:

Certificate of Completion in MRM 1 – Introduction to Mineral Resource Management

Issued by:

FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

This certificate recognizes the participant’s foundational competence in mineral resource management principles and applications.