Prospecting
- identifies and measures the presence
of minerals in geologic anomalies
Anomaly
a geologic feature or structure that is markedly
different from
its surrounding environment with
respect to composition, texture,
or genesis
Prospecting Direct Methods
normally limited to surface
deposits
- visual examination
exposure
outcrop
loose fragments
float
Prospecting Indirect Methods
includes geophysics geochemistry and geobotany
geophysics
science of detecting anomalies
using physical measurements
of:
*gravitational
*seismic
*magnetic
*electrical
*electromagnetic
*radiometric properties
geochemistry
quantitative analysis of soil,
rock, and water sample
geobotany
analysis of plant
growth patterns
Quickest Stage of Mining
Prospecting
Cheapest Stage of Mining
Prospecting
Most Expensive Stage of Mining
Exploitation
Longest Stage of Mining
Exploitation
Development
where the necessary equipment and facilities are acquired and constructed to prepare themine site for the extraction process
Exploitation
(a.k.a. Production/Operation)
actual recovery of
minerals, milling, and
processing of the ore to obtain
higher
concentrations (value)
Rehabilitation
(a.k.a. Reclamation/Restoration)
returning the land to pre-mining conditionsnand hosting a self-sustaining ecosystem for both flora and fauna
Rehabilitation begins
Even before the first excavations are initiated.
Sustainability
meeting of economic, social,
and environmental needs of
the
present while enhancing
the ability of future generations
to
meet their own needs