Method of reducing a large sample of ore to yield a representative sample. A conical heap is made by shoveling the material accurately on to the apex so that it runs down equally all around. The heap can then be flattened somewhat by rubbing with a spade, and is shoveled into four equal heaps, the same amount being taken from the base of the cone each time the worker goes around. Of the four smaller heaps thus formed, two are discarded and two retained. These may now be crushed to improve the ease of thorough mixing, and are then formed into another cone in the same way as the first. The process is repeated, with periodic size reduction of the retained portions, until the required small sample has been produced.