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One-level prediction—A numerical method for estimating undiscovered metal endowment

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Abstract

One-level prediction has been developed as a numerical method for estimating undiscovered metal endowment within large areas. The method is based on a presumed relationship between a numerical measure of geologic favorability and the spatial distribution of metal endowment. Metal endowment within an unexplored area for which the favorability measure is greater than a favorability threshold level is estimated to be proportional to the area of that unexplored portion. The constant of proportionality is the ratio of the discovered endowment found within a suitably chosen control region, which has been explored, to the area of that explored region. In addition to the estimate of undiscovered endowment, a measure of the error of the estimate is also calculated. One-level prediction has been used to estimate the undiscovered uranium endowment in the San Juan basin, New Mexico, U.S.A. A subroutine to perform the necessary calculations is included.

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McCammon, R.B., Kork, J.O. One-level prediction—A numerical method for estimating undiscovered metal endowment. Nat Resour Res 1, 139–147 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01782267

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01782267

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