Bulk Density Measurement

The laboratory or field procedure used to determine the bulk density of ore or rock samples, involving measurement of sample mass and volume under defined conditions. Methods include water immersion (for competent rock), wax encapsulation for friable samples, sand replacement for in-situ soil, and direct measurement of sample dimensions. In mineral resource estimation, bulk density datasets are compiled from representative sample populations and assigned to geological domains in the resource model. Accurate bulk density measurement directly impacts resource tonnage and grade calculations.