Mine Dilution Calculator
Enter ore tonnage, waste tonnage, ore grade, and waste grade to calculate dilution percentage and the resulting diluted head grade.
Use the Mine Dilution Calculator
Mining Parameters
Tonnes of ore extracted from the stope or block.
Tonnes of waste or sub-grade rock mixed into the ore stream.
In-situ grade of the ore zone.
Grade of the diluting waste material.
Enter ore and waste parameters, then click Calculate.
Dilution
—
% waste in feed
Diluted Grade
—
head grade to mill
Grade Loss
—
reduction from ore grade
Mass Balance Breakdown
| Component | Tonnes | Grade | Metal Units |
|---|
Feed Composition
Ore vs WasteSummary
The Mine Dilution Calculator quantifies how much waste rock or sub-grade material is mixed into an ore stream during extraction. It computes dilution percentage and the resulting diluted head grade — the blended grade that the processing plant actually receives. Accurate dilution tracking is essential for reconciling resource models, optimizing cut-off grades, and protecting mill recovery.
How it works
- Enter the planned or actual ore tonnage (tonnes of ore extracted).
- Enter the waste rock tonnage mixed into the ore stream.
- Enter the in-situ ore grade (g/t, %, or any consistent unit).
- Optionally enter the waste rock grade if it carries residual mineral content.
- Click Calculate to get dilution percentage and the diluted head grade.
- Adjust inputs to compare planned vs. actual dilution scenarios.
Use cases
- Estimating grade loss from overbreak or unplanned dilution in stope mining.
- Comparing planned dilution versus actual dilution after a blast.
- Evaluating cut-off grade decisions when dilution is factored into mill feed.
- Reporting diluted head grade to process plant for metallurgical balance.
- Assessing economic impact of dilution on ore value per tonne.
- Quality-control check during resource estimation updates.