Mining Geology Quiz for GEOL3051A

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Questions and Answers

What type of ore is formed by ascending hydrothermal fluids?

Hypogene ore (correct)

Syngenetic ore

Epigenetic ore

Supergene ore

Which of the following best describes the concept of cut-off grade in mining?

The highest grade of mined rock

The average grade of ore in the deposit

The grade at which rock can not be economically mined

The lowest grade at which rock can be mined for profit (correct)

Which process is primarily responsible for the formation of sedimentary ores?

Hot fluid circulation in the crust

Sedimentary processes at the surface or subsurface (correct)

Weathering and erosion

Igneous processes in magma chambers

What does the term 'concentration factor' refer to in mining?

The abundance in average crust needed to meet cut-off grade Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ores were formed at the same time as the host rock?

Syngenetic ores Signup and view all the answers

What role does economic geology play in resource management?

It examines the formation and extraction of valuable earth materials. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to determine the longevity of oil reserves?

It helps to forecast future resource availability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of an increasing global population on resource demand?

Greater competition for scarce natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

How might unlocking new mineral resources from deeper within the earth benefit society?

It could provide new resources that are critical for future technologies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is crucial for the functionality of computer components?

Silicon for its electrical properties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study of sustainable mining practices?

Reducing environmental and social impacts of mining. Signup and view all the answers

What does an ore deposit generally refer to?

A collection of minerals that can be economically extracted. Signup and view all the answers

What historical factors are influencing current mining practices in South Africa?

The country's rich mineral diversity and mining heritage. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final year mark for GEOL3051A is constituted by the class assessments mark?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Block 3 assessments has the highest weight towards the class mark?

Group presentations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the importance of economic geology is true?

It plays a role in sustainable resource management. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mining in daily life as described in the content?

It provides essential resources that we use daily. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how long ago were cosmetics being mined for beautification, according to the content?

43,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which type of minerals are classified as ore minerals?

Native metals and sulphides Signup and view all the answers

Which commodity is not mentioned as currently mined in South Africa?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about attendance in the GEOL3051A course?

Attendance affects the class mark by 10%. Signup and view all the answers

What do most ore deposits primarily consist of?

Ores of metals and gemstones Signup and view all the answers

What is discouraged in terms of learning approach for GEOL3051A students?

Waiting until the end of the term for bulk learning. Signup and view all the answers

Why are ore minerals considered rare in the Earth's crust?

They are only found in specific locations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources is typically not classified as a mineral?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

In terms of global resource demand, what is implied about present-day mining?

It significantly contributes to human progress. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's crust is composed of just eight major elements?

99% Signup and view all the answers

Which South African mine is mentioned as the '7th deepest'?

South Deep gold mine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-mineral resource despite its common classification?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

Which rocks are mined for their economic value but are not primarily considered ore deposits?

Aggregate rocks for building Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes trace elements?

Elements found in minor amounts compared to the major elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic significance of ore deposits?

They provide materials for various industries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a characteristic of ore deposits?

They are always comprised of metals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the concentration of valuable metals required for an economically viable ore deposit?

The abundance of the element in the Earth's crust Signup and view all the answers

Which geological process is most associated with the formation of igneous ore deposits?

Magma activity Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the increase in an element's concentration required to make it commercially extractable?

Concentration Factor Signup and view all the answers

Which class of elements tends to be associated with sulfide ore minerals?

Chalcophile elements Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to understand the relationship between minerals and geological processes in mining?

To locate ore deposits effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common geological process contributing to ore deposit formation?

Metamorphic processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of natural geological processes on element concentrations in the Earth's crust?

Concentrating specific elements above their average abundance Signup and view all the answers

Economic geology primarily focuses on which aspect of metal extraction?

Profitability of metal resources Signup and view all the answers

In terms of sustainability, what is critical when extracting metals from the Earth's crust?

Minimizing environmental degradation during extraction Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges in economically extracting ore metals from the Earth's crust?

Low concentration of most ore metals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course name: GEOL3051A (2024)
Course title: L1 Introduction
Lecturer: Dr Linda Laccheri
Lecturer email: [email protected]
Lecturer room: Room 7b, Ground Floor, School of Geosciences
Lecturer's expertise: Mining Geology and Wits Isotope Geoscience Laboratory (WIGL)
Lecturer's qualifications: MSc Geology - Italy, PhD Geology/Geochemistry - Australia, Industry Experience
Research interests: Economic Geology, waste to $ and ore-forming hydrothermal processes

Course Details

Course structure: Two blocks
Block 3: July 15th to August 30th - Understand how ore deposits form and their location (ore deposits definitions, classification of ore deposits, ore-forming processes, ore deposits in South Africa)
Block 4: September 9th to October 18th - Resources classification and resources orebody modelling (exploration geology and techniques, SAMREC Code, modifying factors, resources vs reserves classification, developing and understanding a resource orebody modeling)
Lectures: Mondays and Fridays in GLT, Thursdays in GLT?
Practical sessions: In GLT
Consultations: Every Thursday after class (9:45 AM - 11:00 AM)

Assessment Information

Final exam: 2-hour exam in November
Final year mark:
50% - November examination mark
50% - Class assessments
Class assessments (Block 3 + Block 4 + attendance to practical sessions)
Block 3 assessments: 4 quizzes (Quiz 1 - 29th July, Quiz 2 - 12th August, Quiz 3 - 26th August), and group presentations (13th August and 20th August).

Course Learning Outcomes

Detailed knowledge of Southern African's major mineral fields and resources, their genesis and suitability for exploitation
Understanding of socio-economic drivers for mining and exploration activities
Understanding of the roles of a mining engineer in the mining and exploration industries
Knowledge of the mining value chain

Additional Information

Attendance is mandatory (10% of the class mark)
Students are expected to prepare, ask questions and engage in class discussion throughout the term
Questions to consider: Why economic geology should be important to you? When do you use resources from ore deposits? Since when humankind is using natural resources?

Introduction to Economic Geology

Definition: Study of the formation, extraction and use of earth materials with economic potential
Include materials currently valuable or may be valuable in the future (mineral resources and ore deposits)

Ore Deposits

Definition: Rocks mined or have been mined for profit
Comprises ores of metals and gemstones, ores of industrial minerals, rocks used as aggregate and building stone, coal and oil shale, oil and gas
Essential Features: Useful rocks are mined for profit
Importance of Ore Minerals in the Rock
The ore minerals are generally rare in the Earth's crust
Major elements in the Earth's Crust: 99% from just 8 elements
Goldschmidt Classification of elements and their behaviour (lithophile, siderophile, chalcophile, atmophile and native elements)

Types of Ore Deposits

Igneous
Surface/Sedimentary
Metamorphic/Hydrothermal
Classification criteria: Element or mineral extracted, host-rock type, tectonic settings, genetic process of enrichment

Ore Terminology

Simple ores (Single metal)
Complex ores (multiple metals)
By-products (minor metals)
Gangue (non-economic minerals associated with ores)
Waste (Overburden), waste (tailings)
Grade
Cut-off grade
Concentration factor

Ore Genesis Models

5 processes of ore formation in magmatic systems
- Concentration of ore elements, Accumulation and concentration of ore minerals, Separation of two immiscible melts, Extreme fractionation, Incroporation of minerals
Alternative models for chromitite layers in the Bushveld Complex • Changes in pressure, Country rock assimilation, Magma mixing
Detailed models of "replenishment horizons" (successive, sill-like injections), and the nature of the magma process
Problems with existing models (Mass balance chromite, the required quantities of magma)

Primary and Secondary Ores

Primary ores: originating from the initial ore forming event
Secondary ores: formed through chemical and physical processes (weathering, reworking and re-distribution)

Gossans and Secondary Enrichment

Soluble metals at near-surface can leach and be redistributed via groundwater.
Lead to enrichment in a zone beneath the surface.
Gossans are an indication of potential secondary enrichment.

Ore Deposit Classification

Different methods for classification (based on element, host rock types, tectonic settings, and ore-forming processes)
Detailed types of ore deposit schemes
Simplified classification using a triangular diagram to visually present relationships between ore types and processes

Practical 2 Preparation

Bring pencil & eraser, ruler, calculator, protractor, coloured pencils to practical sessions

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in mining geology, including ore formation, economic geology, and sustainable practices. This quiz covers essential terms and theories relevant to the course GEOL3051A. Prepare to dive deep into the complexities of resource management and the impacts of mining on society.