Questions and Answers
Which factor is NOT commonly considered when choosing between surface and underground mining methods?
What is a characteristic feature of surface mining?
Which of the following methods is NOT classified as surface mining?
What does sustainable development in mining aim to achieve?
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Which of the following is a potential environmental impact of open pit mining?
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In underground mining, what primarily determines whether to mine a deposit underground?
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What is the primary purpose of land reclamation after surface mining?
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Which of the following metrics is NOT typically assessed during a feasibility study for mining?
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What is the main purpose of a feasibility study in mining?
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What characterizes a mineral reserve?
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Which phase comes immediately after the extraction phase in the mine life cycle?
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What is the first step in the exploration life cycle?
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What does the ore grade refer to?
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How is mineral resource estimation primarily defined?
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What do pre-feasibility studies help establish regarding mining and processing methods?
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Which type of metal is characterized by high economic value and rarity?
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What is the primary purpose of exploration methods in mining?
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Which method involves the physical analysis of rock types and mineral deposits at the surface?
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What does the term 'gangue' refer to in the context of ore deposits?
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What is an essential step in the feasibility study process for mining?
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Which of the following is NOT a prospecting method used to locate ore?
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In mineral resource estimation, what does the present value represent?
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Which exploration method utilizes satellite imagery for mineral deposit identification?
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What is required before a mining company can develop a mine?
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Study Notes
Feasibility and Pre-Feasibility Studies
- A feasibility study evaluates economic, political, social, and environmental factors to decide on project continuation or abandonment.
- A pre-feasibility study focuses on mining and processing methods to classify resources as reserves.
Exploration Life Cycle
- Involves: available land resources, prospecting, early exploration, intermediate exploration, advanced exploration, mineral development, restoration, and reclamation.
Mine Life Cycle
- Prospecting/exploration: Involves searching, sampling, analysis, and generating a feasibility report on ore reserves.
- Development: Planning logistics for mining operations and constructing the mine.
- Extraction: The actual process of extracting ore.
- Closure: Remediation or redevelopment of mined land to restore natural conditions.
Types of Metals and Mining Classifications
- Base metals include iron, lead, and zinc; precious metals (high economic value) include gold and silver.
- Ore grade refers to the concentration of economic minerals or metals in an ore deposit.
Mineral Resources and Reserves
- A mineral resource is a potentially valuable deposit with reasonable extraction prospects. Categories include inferred, indicated, and measured resources.
- A mineral reserve is a portion of a measured or indicated resource that can be economically mined. Categories include probable and proven reserves.
Mineral Resource Estimation
- Involves estimating tonnage, grade, size, shape, and location of mineral deposits.
Factors in Mining Method Selection
- Consider size, shape, depth of deposit, geology, productivity, availability of workforce, capital and operating costs, ore recoveries and revenues, safety, injuries, and environmental impacts.
Surface Mining
- Involves open pit, strip mining, and quarrying; exposes ore directly on the surface for the mine's duration.
Underground Mining
- Employed when ore deposits are deep and high-grade; accessed through shafts and ramps.
Sustainable Development
- Meets present needs without hindering future generations; incorporates social, economic, and environmental improvements in resource extraction.
Classification of Mines
- Important metrics include masses moved (in tons or m³), run of mine production, usable content, total investment value, number of employees, regional importance, and environmental impacts.
Risks of Mining
- Risks include water contamination, deforestation, erosion, ground failure, inundation, air quality issues, fire/explosion, and spontaneous combustion.
Land Reclamation
- Simple reclamation involves filling mined areas with heavy materials, topping with clay and soil to restore height.
Ore and Gangue Definition
- Ore consists of natural rock/sediment containing valuable minerals, typically metals, that can be profitably mined.
- Gangue refers to waste materials within an ore that must be discarded.
Prospecting and Exploration
- Prospecting is the search for ore bodies.
- Exploration evaluates geologic prospects for size, shape, grade, and profit potential including sampling and valuation.
Prospecting Methods
- Direct methods include physical geology, while indirect methods encompass geophysical and geochemical approaches.
- Utilize maps, literature, and aerial photography for locating deposits.
Exploration Methods
- Involves remote sensing, geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, drilling, and bulk sampling to define orebody size and characteristics.
- A mining license is necessary for mine development.
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Description
This quiz explores the feasibility study process in mining, including economic, political, social, and environmental considerations. It covers the pre-feasibility study and the detailed exploration life cycle, from prospecting to reclamation. Test your understanding of these essential concepts in mining development.
