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An Analysis of the Published Mineral Resource Estimates of the Haji-Gak Iron Deposit, Afghanistan

January 1, 2011

The Haji-Gak iron deposit of eastern Bamyan Province, eastern Afghanistan, was studied extensively and resource calculations were made in the 1960s by Afghan and Russian geologists. Recalculation of the resource estimates verifies the original estimates for categories A (in-place resources known in detail), B (in-place resources known in moderate detail), and C1 (in-place resources estimated on sparse data), totaling 110.8 Mt, or about 6% of the resources as being supportable for the methods used in the 1960s. C2 (based on a loose exploration grid with little data) resources are based on one ore grade from one drill hole, and P2 (prognosis) resources are based on field observations, field measurements, and an ore grade derived from averaging grades from three better sampled ore bodies. C2 and P2 resources are 1,659.1 Mt or about 94% of the total resources in the deposit. The vast P2 resources have not been drilled or sampled to confirm their extent or quality. The purpose of this article is to independently evaluate the resources of the Haji-Gak iron deposit by using the available geologic and mineral resource information including geologic maps and cross sections, sampling data, and the analog-estimating techniques of the 1960s to determine the size and tenor of the deposit.

Publication Year 2011
Title An Analysis of the Published Mineral Resource Estimates of the Haji-Gak Iron Deposit, Afghanistan
DOI 10.1007/s11053-011-9154-0
Authors David M. Sutphin, Karine Renaud, Lawrence J. Drew
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Natural Resources Research
Index ID 70035650
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse