Distinguish cut-off grade and explain its role in mine planning.

Distinguish cut-off grade and explain its role in mine planning.

• A. Cut-off grade is the minimum ore grade economically recoverable; it determines what material is processed versus wasted and influences tonnage, strip, and project economics.
• B. Cut-off grade is the maximum grade allowed in a reserve to avoid processing high-grade ore.
• C. Cut-off grade refers to the grade at which ore becomes tailings.
• D. Cut-off grade is the average grade of ore over the entire deposit used for marketing.

Answer: (A)