A large nickel resource does not always become a large mineable reserve. In mining, a mineral resource only represents the geological potential in the ground. To become an ore reserve, the material must pass through multiple technical, economic, geotechnical, and operational considerations. Factors such as: 1. pit slope constraints, 2. groundwater conditions, 3. mining recovery, 4. dilution, 5. haul road access, 6. operational practicality, 7. and economic cut-off grade can significantly reduce the amount of recoverable ore. This is why two deposits with similar resources may produce very different reserve outcomes. In reality, reserve estimation is not simply about maximizing tonnage — it is about identifying what can realistically, safely, and profitably be mined. All field data may be the same ingredients, but the final result depends on how the “chef” interprets and processes the data with the right understanding, experience, and mining judgment. At the end of the day: “The best reserve is not the biggest one — but the most realistic and recoverable one.” #NickelMining #OreReserve #MiningEngineering #GeotechnicalEngineering #MinePlanning #TechnicalInsight