International classifications of mineral resources and reserves. Problems of harmonization

There are fife resources and reserves classifications system internationally recognized: CRIRSCO for solid mineral commodities, PRMS for hydrocarbons, IAEA for uranium, classification used in Russian Federation and United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). UNFC allow to compare other classifications and works as ,,umbrella" to them. It is recommended by UN ECOSOC for wide usage. The detailed criteria of classification and definitions of used tenus arc discussed by Ad Hic Group of Experts on Harmonization of Resources and Reserves Terminology (AHGE) formed in 2004. The main problems still not solved are: insufficient and not clear enough differentiation of amounts in place (resources) and recoverable (reserves), insufficient presentation of resources supposed economic, mixed confidence of estimates with probability of estimated amounts. Polish classification is compatible with UNFC. The main difference between polish and internationally recognized classifications is the mode of presentation of resources and reserves data: hierarchical in the polish and complementary in international classifications (fig. 2).