Ask what the total contains
A total grade compresses an elemental basket into one number. For a magnet-chain investigation, the distribution of relevant elements matters alongside the total. Keep the reported grade, sample or resource scope and compositional data together. A headline grade taken from a selected sample is not interchangeable with the grade of a defined resource.
The JORC Code distinguishes types of public mineral reporting and requires contextual information. Use the applicable report and its definitions rather than treating every technical number in a presentation as an equivalent estimate.
Follow the route from content to product
Contained material is only the first step. Recovery, separation, product specification, scale-up and commercial conditions stand between geological content and supply. When composition is known, a calculated contained amount still needs to retain the distinction from recovered output. Avoid presenting a value basket as revenue without checking the product, recoveries and pricing assumptions.
For a comparison, ask for the same basis across candidates. A high total grade dominated by elements outside the required product mix may not answer the same question as a lower grade with a different distribution. This is a reason for deeper analysis, not an automatic ranking rule.
Illustrative grade comparison
Project A reports a higher total grade than Project B, but the available documents do not provide matching elemental breakdowns or recovery assumptions. The defensible finding is that the magnet-relevant comparison remains incomplete. Awarding A the stronger supply position solely on total grade would convert missing detail into false certainty.
Read beyond the headline grade
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Reporting scope | Sample, resource and reserve are different claims |
| Elemental distribution | The basket may not match the target product |
| Recovery and route | Contained material is not saleable output |
Your review checklist
- Retain the reporting category and effective date.
- Seek the relevant element distribution.
- Separate contained and recovered quantities.
- Check the proposed product and processing route.
Investigate with Oreline
Use Oreline to connect a project record to its development status, proposed route and supporting evidence. That context helps your team turn a grade headline into the right technical and commercial follow-up questions.
Follow the evidence through the supply chain.
Explore Oreline’s guided investigations. No account required.
Explore the sandbox →Frequently asked questions
Is the highest TREO grade always the best project?
No. Product mix, recoveries, costs, development requirements and the actual decision all matter. A grade alone cannot settle the assessment.
Does contained NdPr establish separated NdPr production?
No. It is a content measure. Separation capability and achieved output require their own evidence.