How do you know if your lab results are accurate? Statistics are the backbone of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC).
Linear regression is the workhorse, but mineral processes are rarely linear. Statistical Methods For Mineral Engineers
In mineral engineering, "getting the data" is only half the battle—knowing how to analyze it to drive plant improvements is where the real value lies. Whether you are running flotation trials or calibrating crushing circuits, statistical rigor is the difference between a lucky guess and a repeatable optimization. One of the most recommended resources for our industry is How do you know if your lab results are accurate
Precious metals like gold often follow a lognormal distribution, characterized by many low-grade samples and a few "nuggets" of extremely high grade. Applying standard arithmetic means to this data leads to overestimation. Statistical Methods For Mineral Engineers