Superceded by TR-1737-18
Assessment of the potential for energy and mineral resources is a complex and difficult process which involves integration of many diverse factors. While some of these factors can be measured, others are judgemental and depend on the experience and knowledge of the mineral specialist making the assessment. To alleviate this intricate and trying process, the geologic profession has systematically arranged the information that describes the characteristics and essential attributes of a group of mineral deposits sufficiently similar that they suggest a related origin. This is the basic technique used in mineral modeling and it is an ever-evolving process that is constantly being refined. It is considered by most explorationists as an essential tool for understanding the potential that a given area might have for the occurrence of a mineral deposit.
There are several types of models, descriptive, genetic, probability of occurrence, grade-tonnage, and qualitative models, all based on increasing complexity. For BLM assessment work, the descriptive type is the most useful in most cases and is the one used in this report.