Mining Design and Exploration in Earth Science

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Questions and Answers

What differentiates a quarry from an open-pit mine?

Open-pit mines are exclusively for non-metallic minerals.

Quarries specifically produce dimension stone and building materials. (correct)

Quarries only produce metals.

Quarries are located exclusively in urban areas.

Which mining technique is primarily utilized in hilly or mountainous terrain?

Quarry Mining

Area Strip Mining

Open-Pit Mining

Contour Strip Mining (correct)

What is a common consequence of Area Strip Mining?

Creation of flat land ready for agriculture.

Commonly leads to underground water contamination.

Formation of spoil banks which are highly erodible. (correct)

Leads to an increase in biodiversity in the area.

What principle does heavy media separation rely on?

Density differences between minerals. Signup and view all the answers

In the cyanide heap leaching process, what is applied to the crushed rock?

Cyanide solution for extracting gold. Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves placing the powdered ore in a frothy slurry?

Flotation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of milling recovery methods?

To extract valuable minerals from ore. Signup and view all the answers

What type of minerals can be separated using magnetic separation?

Metal or mineral with magnetic properties Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the regional reconnaissance phase in mineral exploration?

To identify promising mineralized zones over a large area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is characterized by the removal of shallow ore deposits?

Surface mining Signup and view all the answers

What does the pre-production feasibility study primarily validate?

The accuracy of data collected from previous exploration stages Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is open-pit mining primarily utilized?

For extracting minerals close to the Earth’s surface Signup and view all the answers

Which phase in the mining exploration process focuses on extensive resource drilling and environmental costs?

Prospect evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental risk associated with open-pit mining?

Polluted groundwater from extraction processes Signup and view all the answers

What is typically involved in the detailed exploration phase of mining?

Performing detailed surface and subsurface activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the activities included in prospect evaluation?

Conducting metallurgical testing and geotechnical drilling Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mining Design

Initial project design involves reviewing geological data, mining history, and environmental factors.
Social, political, and economic acceptability of the project is assessed along with budget proposals.

Mining Exploration

Field exploration includes physical activities to identify mineralized zones and requires three phases:
- Regional Reconnaissance identifies potential targets over a larger area through surface investigation.
- Detailed Exploration focuses on more specific subsurface activities to delineate mineral zones.
- Prospect Evaluation assesses market profitability through resource drilling and environmental impact studies.

Feasibility Study

Pre-production feasibility studies validate data from exploration stages.
Aim is to provide independent assessors with sufficient information to attract investors and secure funding.

Types of Mining

Methods vary based on mineral depth:
- Surface mining is employed for shallow deposits.
- Underground mining retrieves deep deposits.

Surface Mining

Extracts ore minerals close to the surface using various techniques:
- Open-pit Mining: Large holes dug to access minerals; risks include toxic water accumulation.
- Quarrying: Excavation of stone and aggregate, typically refers to open-pit operations for building materials.
- Area Strip Mining: Overburden removed by earth movers, creating spoil banks which are prone to erosion.
- Contour Strip Mining: Used on hilly terrain; creates highwalls of erodible dirt unless restored.

Underground Mining

Extracts minerals from deep within the Earth, utilizing specialized techniques for safety and efficiency.

Milling Recovery Methods

Techniques for separating minerals from waste:
- Heavy Media Separation: Uses liquid to separate heavier minerals from lighter ones.
- Magnetic Separation: Magnetic materials are isolated using magnets.
- Flotation: Agitated water slurry separates minerals based on buoyancy.
- Cyanide Heap Leaching: Involves crushed rock treated with cyanide solution for low-grade gold extraction.

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Description

This quiz explores the stages of mining design, focusing on project formulation, data review, government requirements, and the socio-economic aspects of mining projects. Test your understanding of the essential steps involved in mining exploration and feasibility studies in earth science.