The Future of Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources Mineral resources are abundant in the crust but reserves are less so because some are expensive to extract, technology may not be available or they may lie in inaccessible areas. Two ways of increasing supply of mineral resources is to: Exploration of new resources ii) Improve the recovery / exploitation of existing reserves

Exploration for new resources The following areas may provide future opportunities to exploit new reserves: Alaska – Contains metal and hydrocarbons but is protected by the ANILCA 1980. 2. Antarctica – probably hides a host of mineral wealth, but at present is protected to 2050 by the Antarctic Treaty System – after that may become a World Park? 3. Deep ocean – Has huge potential to mine deposits such as manganese nodules, although lack of internationally agreed mining rights within international water is putting off investors investing in mining companies that want to develop new technologies.

Geologists seeking (prospecting) for valuable resources use a range of techniques: Desk Study Field Mapping Remote Sensing Exploration Drilling (Boreholes)

1. Desk Study

Desk Study Office based exercise generally inexpensive Involves gathering published and available information Identifies broad areas where deposits are likely to occur

Desk Study-Sources of Information Satellite Images Aerial Photographs Topographical Maps Geological Maps Mining Records BGS and USGS Reports Geoscience Data Index National Surveys Site Investigation Reports Borehole Logs

2. Field Mapping

3. Remote Sensing Aerial Photos Seismic Surveys Geochemical Surveys Magnetic Surveys Gravity Surveys

a. Aerial Photos

Desk Study-Satellite Images – False Colour Satellite image showing the Geology of Iceland

Desk Study-Satellite Images – True Colour Satellite image of Namib Desert

Desk Study - Aerial Photographs - Colour

Desk Study – Aerial Photographs - Black & White

Desk Study – Aerial Photographs

Desk Study – Aerial Photographs – Infra-Red

b. Seismic Surveys

c. Geochemical Surveys

d. Magnetic Surveys

e. Gravity Surveys

4. Boreholes

Increasing use of Existing Reserves Bingham Canyon mine landslip Mechanised Mining Recycling Increasing use of Existing Reserves Substitution Evaporation and Electrolysis of copper leachate Exploitation of Low Grade Ores Thiobacillus bacteria. Used to extract copper from copper sulphide on low grade tips