Earth Technology

Optimizing Drilling Spacing for Mineral Exploration: Best Practices and JORC Compliance Core drilling for dipping mineral deposits Introduction  In the field of mineral exploration, one of the critical steps towards accurately defining a mineral deposit and resource is the implementation of an efficient drilling program. The success of this program hinges on meticulous planning and adherence to industry standards such as the JORC Code (Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code). The JORC Code itself does not prescribe specific drilling spacings for different types of minerals. Instead, it provides principles and guidelines for reporting exploration results, mineral resources, and ore reserves, emphasizing transparency, materiality, and competence. However, industry practices have established typical drilling spacings for different types of minerals based on experience and geological considerations. This article highlights into best practices for drilling spacing across various minerals. ...

  Sukinda Chromite Deposit of India Sukinda opencast chromite mine Introduction   The Sukinda chromite deposit, situated in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India, holds paramount significance as one of the chromite ore reserves globally. Chromium metal is extracted from chromite ore which is an oxide mineral composed of chromium, iron, and oxygen (FeCr 2 O 4 ). The chromite is a heavy mineral and it is concentrated through gravity separation from other molten material in the magma during the crystallization process. Chromite deposits are of two types: stratiform deposits and podiform deposits. The Sukinda chromite deposit belongs to stratiform type of deposits. Stratiform deposits  Stratiform deposits are large sheet-like bodies, usually formed in layered mafic to ultramafic igneous complexes. The Sukinda chromite deposits are of stratiform type. This type of deposit is used to obtain 98% of the worldwide chromite reserves. Stratiform deposits are the main source of ...