The key concepts relating to the calculation of recoverable reserves for selective mining in open pit gold operations are discussed. While the general concepts are relevant to a wide range of gold ore bodies, their application is specific to particular ore bodies._x000D_
The important factors contributing to the recoverable reserves are geology, mining method, dilution, ore loss, sampling methods and the ultimate bench height used in production._x000D_
The implications of current methods of computing recoverable reserves are reviewed and some alternative approaches to recoverable reserve computation based on production experience are presented.