Sampling from a flat surface created by a loader is a stockpile sampling method.

Sampling from a flat surface created by a loader is a stockpile sampling method.

• A. Not applicable
• B. True
• C. Not specified
• D. False

Answer: (B)

Flattening the top of a stockpile with a loader creates a uniform surface from which you can draw a representative sample. A level, flat surface helps avoid biases that come from an irregular pile shape, edge effects, or segregated material by giving the sampler consistent access across the area. From that flat surface you take multiple grabs at different spots (and, if the procedure calls for it, at different depths) and combine them into a composite sample. This approach is widely used because it standardizes where samples come from and improves how well the sample represents the entire pile.

Flattening the top of a stockpile with a loader creates a uniform surface from which you can draw a representative sample. A level, flat surface helps avoid biases that come from an irregular pile shape, edge effects, or segregated material by giving the sampler consistent access across the area. From that flat surface you take multiple grabs at different spots (and, if the procedure calls for it, at different depths) and combine them into a composite sample. This approach is widely used because it standardizes where samples come from and improves how well the sample represents the entire pile.