Which statement is true about the miniature stockpile reduction method?

• A. It can be used on all aggregate types.
• B. It requires ten locations.
• C. It involves flattening the pile and using a large spoon after sampling.
• D. It uses no flattening.

Answer: (C)

The miniature stockpile reduction method relies on reshaping the material to get a representative sample, then collecting with a large spoon after sampling. Flattening the pile creates a uniform surface so material is drawn from across the pile rather than from irregular edges or high spots, which helps avoid bias. After flattening, using a large spoon to scoop material ensures the miniature stockpile is built from material representative of the entire pile, not just a particular spot. The act of flattening and spooning is central to this method, which is why that statement is true. The other statements don’t fit because this method explicitly involves flattening and uses the spoon step; there isn’t a universal ten-location requirement described, and it isn’t defined as applicable to all aggregate types without context.