The JORC Code is used to provide minimum standards of reporting mineral exploration results and resources estimates (Moore & Friederich, 2021). A Competent Person (CP) is an independent, skilled specialist with a link to a reputable institution that certifies the reports (Cuchierato et al., 2025). Resource Statement is an official confirmation of the economic feasibility of a deposit based on geological information.
The main engineering responsibility of the CP is to prove the “Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction” (RPEEE). A CP should confirm that the resource is not only a geological inventory but also an economically viable deposit. It requires proper interpretation of geological models and exclusion of unmineable parts from the reported resource (Bennett & Fowler, 2022).
In addition to basic geology, it is essential for the CP to make an analysis of modifying factors. Such modifying factors include metallurgy, mining, environment, and infrastructure factors that will define the ways in which the minerals can be extracted. Therefore, the CP needs to explain and prove his use of technical information such as cut-off grades and possible methods of mining the minerals.
Legally speaking, one of the things that should be done by the CP is that he should assume personal responsibility for the resource statement. For this purpose, the CP needs to follow an enforceable code of ethics as well as he should be subject to disciplinary measures, including expulsion from the profession for malpractice (Sides & Allington, 2024).
Transparency requires making the report understandable by ensuring that clear and non-ambiguous information is provided to the investors. On the other hand, materiality requires the Competent Person to disclose all assumptions and uncertainties that may affect economic decisions so as to prevent speculation on the mining capital market.
In summary, the Competent Person combines technical engineering knowledge and legal responsibility into one profession. Through adherence to the JORC Code, the CP preserves the reputation of the mining industry. The critical appraisal of geological information together with high ethical standards guarantees the reliability of resource statements.
References
Bennett, W., & Fowler, A. (2022). Assessing the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction of a caving project. Caving 2022: Fifth International Conference on Block and Sublevel Caving, 331–342. https://doi.org/10.36487/acg_repo/2205_22
Cuchierato, G., Chieregati, A. C., Castilho, Y. F. P., & Prado, G. C. (2025). A practical review of the evolution of international reporting standards for mineral resources and mineral reserves. REM – International Engineering Journal, 78. https://doi.org/10.1590/0370-44672024780037
Moore, T. A., & Friederich, M. C. (2021). Defining Uncertainty: Comparing Resource/Reserve Classification Systems for Coal and Coal Seam Gas. Energies, 14, 6245. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196245
Sides, E., & Allington, R. (2024). Mineral Reporting Standards: PERC’s Role in CRIRSCO and Its Relevance to the European Mining Sector. Earth Science, Systems and Society, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/esss.2024.10080
