ABSTRACT
The effectiveness and efficiency of all mining operations, and therefore the associated risks, are dependent on correct and meaningful sampling of orebodies and surrounding rock. It is important for all technical personnel involved in sampling across the mining chain to have a basic understanding of the science behind sampling. Sampling errors are not self-cancelling and the sampling error variances all add up to produce a total sampling error. The incorrect sampling errors are due to the sampling process itself, and include equipment type and materials handling, and can be reduced to negligible or eliminated through the proper extraction procedures and equipment use. Sampling procedures in the sampling chain that fall above the safety line are considered to have higher error than accepted and are clearly identified from the nomogram. Incorrect sampling errors arise due to equipment interactions with the target material and the extracted sample, and due to poor preparation procedures.
