Hulpbronnenschattingen

Hulpbronnenschattingen, also known as resource estimation, is the process of determining the quantity and quality of a natural resource available within a specific area. This typically applies to non-renewable resources such as minerals, oil, and gas, but can also be used for renewable resources like timber or water. The primary goal of resource estimation is to provide a reliable basis for economic decision-making, investment planning, and sustainable management of these resources.

The estimation process involves several stages, starting with data collection. This can include geological surveys, seismic surveys, drilling, and sampling. The collected data is then analyzed using various statistical and geological methods. Techniques like geostatistics, volumetric calculations, and probabilistic modeling are employed to quantify the resource. Different categories of resources are often defined, such as measured, indicated, and inferred resources, reflecting the increasing uncertainty with distance from known data points.

Accuracy in resource estimation is crucial as it directly impacts the viability of extraction projects. Inaccurate estimates can lead to over-investment in uneconomical deposits or underestimation of valuable reserves, both resulting in significant financial losses. Regulatory bodies often set guidelines and standards for resource estimation to ensure transparency and consistency. The ultimate output of a resource estimation is a report detailing the estimated quantities, their characteristics, and associated confidence levels, which is vital for attracting investment and planning operational strategies.