What pattern should be followed when taking samples from a mini stockpile?

When taking samples from a mini stockpile, following an X pattern is the best practice because it ensures a more representative sample of the entire stockpile. The X pattern allows for the collection of material from different areas of the stockpile, capturing variations in material composition that may exist due to segregation or differing sources. This pattern helps to avoid bias in the sampling process, ensuring that the sample collected reflects the overall characteristics of the stockpile accurately.

The X pattern is especially effective because it allows the sampler to systematically cover the entire area, reducing the likelihood of missing areas that may have different properties. By crisscrossing the stockpile, the sampler can gather material from the top, middle, and bottom layers, which is crucial for achieving consistency in the results.

Other patterns, such as a circle pattern or S shape pattern, may not effectively cover the necessary area or might concentrate sampling in particular sections, leading to less representative or biased samples. A linear pattern could also potentially overlook important variations in composition, as it might only sample along a single line rather than addressing the stockpile's full breadth.