1. Mineral Resources
EES – Chapter 19

2. What is an ore?
Most metals must be extracted from rocks, called ores in the Earth’s crust.
Ores contain metal, or a compound of the metal, in a high enough concentration to make it worth extracting the mental
The method used to extract a given metal from its ore depends upon the reactivity of the metal and so how stable the ore is.

4. What is an ore?
Metal ores can normally be found with other metals e.g. in WA, nickel, cobalt and copper sulfides are commonly found with platinum and palladium.
The ore grade is a measurement of the metal content of ore
Deposits are any known quantity of metal ores – not necessarily enough to mine! (if there is, it’s known as a resource)

5. Mineral Exploration What are you looking for? 5 stages of exploration:
Decide on type of deposit/commodity and what country or state
Location of potential sites
Application for licence to explore
Approval>start exploring
5 stages of exploration:
Information gathering
Geophysical surveys
Reconnaissance fieldwork
First phase exploration
Drilling
Evaluation stage

6. Information gathering
Literature search: identify previous mining activity
Maps, previous exploration data, regional geophysical and geochemical survey data obtained from Geological Survey offices in each state
Aerial photographs, remotes sensing, geological and topographical maps examined for potential target areas
Programme of work prepared, containing nature of work proposed, site access, any vegetation clearing, any heritage or conservation sites and rehabilitation work
Programme must be submitted before approval for continuation of exploration

7. Geophysical Surveys
A scientific method of prospecting that measures the physical properties of rock formations
Common properties investigated include magnetism, specific gravity, electrical conductivity and radio activity
Airborne geophysical surveys used extensively in mining industry for oil, gas and mineral exploration
Mineral detection relative to surrounding host rock can be done e.g. high magnetic response may suggest iron deposits

8. Reconnaissance fieldwork
Geologists conduct general reconnaissance fieldwork, collecting samples and locating landmarks shown on mapping data
Target zones may include, stream channels, rock outcrops, fault zones, mineralised areas, alteration zones or old mine workings
Different samples may be collected depending on target commodity, topography and type and depth of weathering.
See page for sampling methods – focus on chips, stream and geo soil sampling for exam

9. First phase exploration
Type of exploration depends upon the commodity being explored for, topographic relief, size of project area, degree and depth of weathering (regolith cover), sample results and budget
Identifying potential mineral zones close to surface for superficial sampling of soil/stream sediment can be done, or shallow drilling
Samples collected and analysed
Anomalous results identified for further work e.g. geological mapping, closer-spaced surface sampling or drilling to test extent of mineralisation

10. Drilling
Four commonly used drilling methods (p484-5) to find out if there is mineralisation below the surface:
Rotary air blast percussion drilling
Air core drilling
Reverse circulation percussion drilling
Diamond core drilling
Drilling at angles or vertical to the ground
Samples analysed in a lab

11. Different types of drilling - summary
Air drilling
Cheap
Throws up chips
Samples can be contaminated
Small drill rigs
Reverse circulation drilling
More expensive than air
Less chance of contamination, but can drill deeper
Produces chips
Less expensive than diamond drilling
Diamond drilling
Most expensive
Slow, large rig
Can go deeper into earth
Brings up cores that can be orientated – depth, thickness, and planes can be seen
Used for mapping and deciding mine depth (more technical)

12. The evaluation stage
Once mineral content has been defined, economics of project are evaluated in terms of grade, quantity, continuity, mining processes and methods, markets and trends
Other considerations also important e.g. labour, accommodation costs and infrastructure that is already in the area

13. Consolidation questions
Complete questions 1, 2, 3,6,7,10 and 11 from page 500
These questions were picked to help you pass your exam so it’s in your interest do give them the best go you can! 

14. Questions
Explain the difference between an ore mineral and a gangue mineral
Define a mineral deposit
List 3 different types of geophysical surveys and briefly explain who each one works
Nam one ore mineral mined in order to recover each of the following elements: Iron, Copper, Gold, Aluminum, Lead and Zinc
Briefly describe the 3 main stages in the process that changes an ore deposit into raw materials that can be used by the industry
Explain, giving examples, what is meant by “mine rehabilitation”.
Why is the mining industry so important to the WA’s state economy?
10. Describe two techniques used in mineral exploration and give examples of where they are used in WA?
11. Compare and contrast the two minding methods used by KCGM and their mines in Kalgoorlie-Boulder area of WA?