Elements of mineral exploration

Introduction:

Mineral exploration is a process that involves searching for deposits of economically valuable minerals beneath the Earth's surface. The goal is to locate areas where mineral concentrations are sufficient to justify further investment in extraction and production. The exploration process can be complex and involves a combination of geological, geophysical, geochemical, remote sensing and various other techniques. Here are the key steps in mineral exploration:

Desk Study:

Literature Review: Geologists and exploration teams review existing geological maps, reports, and data for the region of interest. This helps in understanding the geological history and identifying potential mineral-bearing formations.

Remote Sensing:

Satellite Imagery: Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery, are used to identify surface features and geological structures. Anomalies or patterns in the imagery can suggest the presence of mineral deposits.

Remote sensing is a very useful low cost technique in mineral exploration.

 

Geological Mapping:

Field Surveys: Geologists conduct field surveys to map the geological features of the area. This involves studying rock formations, structures, and other surface indicators that may point to the presence of minerals.

Geophysical Surveys:

Magnetic Surveys: Measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field to identify magnetic minerals.

Gravity Surveys: Detect variations in gravitational forces caused by differences in rock density.

Seismic Surveys: Use sound waves to image subsurface rock structures.

Geochemical Sampling:

Soil Sampling: Collect soil samples and analyze them for traces of minerals. Anomalous concentrations may indicate the presence of mineralization.

Stream Sediment Sampling: Analysis of sediment in rivers and streams can also reveal indications of nearby mineral deposits.

Drilling:

Exploration Drilling: If preliminary surveys suggest the presence of minerals, exploratory drilling is conducted to collect core samples from beneath the surface. These samples provide direct information about the composition and grade of the mineral deposit.

Laboratory Analysis:

Sample Analysis: Core samples are analyzed in laboratories to determine the mineral content, grade, and other relevant characteristics.

Data Integration:

Data Synthesis: Geological, geophysical, and geochemical data are integrated to create a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface geology and potential mineral deposits.

Resource Estimation:

Resource Modeling: Based on the collected data, geologists create models to estimate the size, grade, and distribution of the mineral deposit.

Economic Assessment:

Feasibility Studies: Assess the economic viability of mining and processing the mineral deposit. This includes evaluating extraction costs, market demand, and potential profits.

Conclusions:

Mineral exploration is an iterative process, and additional surveys and studies may be conducted based on the results obtained at each stage. It requires collaboration among experts to make informed decisions about the potential for commercial mining operations.