Mineral Exploration

Programme

 A simple programme typical of many and stated very broadly might be as

follows:
(a) Selection of area by broad geological considerations,
(b) Acquisition of area for exploration activities,
(c) Reconnaissance exploration, possibly by broad geochemical,
geological and
geophysical methods,
(d) Selection of areas of particular interest as indicated by the
reconnaissance work,
(e) Detailed local geological ,geochemical and geophysical work,
(f) Conclusive activities such as costing, drilling, shaft sinking etc.
(g) Feasibility studies,
(h) Decision to mine, hold for future or surrender,
(i) Appropriate action.
As each project has its own particular characteristics, the program should
be
chosen to fit it individually, and as each frequently is of different merit
compared to
others, this may influence the resources and hence the methods
employed.

Benefits of Mineral Exploration Programme

The benefits of a well articulated mineral exploration programme will
include but not limited to the following:
1. A well stated programme of work is helpful to the officer because it helps
to put the job in perspective, draws attention to the need for resources and
the level of co-ordination that would be needed to successfully carry out
the programme etc.

2. A well articulated programme permits adequate monitoring of the success

of the exploration programme. It provides a basis for periodical review, and
discussion without excessive involvement in or distraction by detail.

3. The Programme clearly defines the deferent professional that are involved
and the role of each. programmes are the foundation for schedules, and

4. Perhaps most important of all programmes and schedules are

fundamental to control. Without control, resources cannot be expended with
optimum efficiency, and this reduces the likelihood of success of the venture
at hand

 Definitions
Life cycle of a mine
Classification of reserves and
resources

Definitions

 A mineral occurrence is any

locality where a useful mineral
or material is found.

 A mineral prospect is any

occurrence that has been
developed by underground or by
above ground techniques, or by
subsurface drilling to determine
the extent of mineralization.

 The terms mineral occurrence and

mineral prospect do not have
any resource or economic
implications.

 A mineral deposit is any

occurrence of a valuable
commodity or mineral that is of
sufficient size and grade
(concentration) that has
potential for economic
development under past,
present, or future favorable
conditions.

 An ore deposit is a well-defined

metalliferous mineral deposit that has
been tested and found to be of sufficient
size, grade, and accessibility to be
extracted (i.e. mined) and processed at a
profit at a specific time. Thus, the size
and grade of an ore deposit changes as
the economic conditions change. To some
miners however an Ore refers to
industrial minerals as well as metals.

CLASSIFICATION OF RESERVES AND RESOURCES

ReservesInferred: That part of a Mineral

Resource for which tonnage,
grade and mineral content can be
estimated with a low level of
confidence.
Indicated: That part of a Mineral
Resource for which tonnage,
densities, shape, physical
characteristics, grade and
mineral content can be estimated
with a reasonable level of
confidence.
Measured: That part of a Mineral
Resource for which tonnage,
densities, shape, physical
characteristics, grade and
mineral content can be estimated
with a high level of confidence

Nature and Morphology of Mineral

Deposits

Tabular Bodies
Tubular bodies
Disseminated deposits
Irregular replacement deposits
Sedimentary and stratiform deposits

Theories of Ore genesis

Mining Methods

A.M

C.U.
S

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