Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which factor is NOT commonly considered when choosing between surface and underground mining methods?
Which factor is NOT commonly considered when choosing between surface and underground mining methods?
What is a characteristic feature of surface mining?
What is a characteristic feature of surface mining?
Which of the following methods is NOT classified as surface mining?
Which of the following methods is NOT classified as surface mining?
What does sustainable development in mining aim to achieve?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
What is the main purpose of a feasibility study in mining?
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What characterizes a mineral reserve?
What characterizes a mineral reserve?
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Which phase comes immediately after the extraction phase in the mine life cycle?
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?
What is the first step in the exploration life cycle?
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What does the ore grade refer to?
What does the ore grade refer to?
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How is mineral resource estimation primarily defined?
How is mineral resource estimation primarily defined?
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What do pre-feasibility studies help establish regarding mining and processing methods?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
In mineral resource estimation, what does the present value represent?
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Which exploration method utilizes satellite imagery for mineral deposit identification?
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?
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.
