The UN international framework classification for reserves/resources applied to mineral construction materials

摘要

In the UN International Framework classification (UNF C), reserves can beonly assessed as economic if a feasibility study or at least aprefeasibility study has been carried out. However, low-value, bulkcommodities such as sand, gravel, common clay for bricks andpottery, limestone for artisanal lime burning, and quarried stoneare hardly ever assessed by carrying out a prefeasibility orfeasibility study before they are developed; often extraction issimply started. On a national basis, the UNFC can also be appliedto these types of commodities. In view of the national (but notinternational) significance of low-investment mineral deposits, itis suggested that the Geological Study category, which on aninternational basis only contains one class (= intrinsicallyeconomic), could be amended by adding two extra economicviability classes (1 = economic and 2 = potentially economic), ifthe country wished to do so.