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. ...

Gondwana coal deposits of India: Fueling growth Indian Gondwana Coal Basins Introduction The Indian Gondwana coal deposits are primarily found in the eastern and central parts of India, dating back to the Permian and Triassic periods. They are spread across several states in central and eastern India, primarily in the Damodar Valley Basin (Jharkhand and West Bengal), Mahanadi Basin (Odisha), Son-Mahanadi Basin (Chhattisgarh), Godavari Valley Basin (Telangana and Maharashtra), and Wardha Valley Basin (Maharashtra). These coal deposits are stratigraphically classified into several formations, including the Talchir, Barakar, Raniganj, and Kamthi formations. The coal-bearing strata are typically interbedded with sandstones, shales, and conglomerates, representing fluvial and lacustrine environments. These formations hold significant economic importance as they contain vast reserves of coal, contributing significantly to India's energy and growth needs. Geological Setting The ...

Comprehensive evaluation of coal quality: proximate and ultimate analysis along with gross calorific value Introduction Coal remains one of the most vital energy resources globally, playing a significant role in electricity generation, industrial processes, and heating applications. Understanding the quality of coal is paramount for efficient utilization and environmental sustainability. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and gross calorific value assessment are fundamental techniques used in evaluating coal quality. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the composition, combustion characteristics, and energy potential of coal. This article will discuss these methods, their significance, and their application in assessing coal quality.      Opencast coal mining Proximate Analysis Proximate analysis involves the determination of the basic components of coal, including moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content. These parameters...