Reserve classification of identified nonfuel mineral resources by the bureau of mines minerals availability system

Abstract

Classification of nonfuel mineral reserves is the prime function of the Bureau of Mines Minerals Availability System (MAS). The MAS classifies reserves through geologic, engineering, and economic evaluation of presently identified resources. The classification of a reserve is accomplished by calculating the identified-resource availability in terms of present and prospective prices (costs). The availability of mineral supplies is definable as a function of natural physical phenomena, industry technology, costs, capital generation, time requirements, supply site infrastructure, mineral-land accessibility, environmental restraints, and political conditions. These and other criteria are being systematically evaluated and quantified in the MAS to arrive at verifiable estimates of present and future United States mineral reserve positions. The MAS is structured such that mine and deposit evaluations form the common denominator of supply, and costs represent the basic mechanism of supply analysis. A comprehensive, systematically structured minerals evaluation system is needed to objectively assess mineral supply impacts on the economy and society. The MAS is an element of that capability wherein a systematic unraveling of the mineral supply network is performed, with the results structured in electronic retrieval format for rapid listing, manipulation, and supply analysis. The key activity in accomplishing this end is the mineral deposit evaluation process that provides uniform, maintained information sets for aggregation into summary products. The MAS thereby enhances the basic data and response capability to support mineral specialists, mineral policy analysis, and the Government and industry decision process.