Test Pit With Trenching System In Mining

        Method of test pit excavation by trenching is one way of observing outcrop or in the search for sources of ore deposit which will be held an ore mineral exploration activities and its purpose was similar to the test pit is to get part of the vein zone is oxidized in order to obtain samples of rocks in soil characteristics, but the difference is merely a way dig dug extends in the earth's surface with trapezoidal cross-sectional shape or trenching.

Basically this pit test method has the sole purpose similar to the investigations that use the test wells. Similarly excavation way it uses the system, but the difference is in terms of its form, a test trench dug in the earth's surface extending to the shape of trapezoidal cross-section and often have a depth to 2-3 m, while the length depends on the width or thickness outcrops of mineral deposits that are sought and the amount (volume) of rock samples to be obtained. Unlike the test pit with test wells, when the number of test trenches and made ​​a lot of area easily accessible by mechanical equipment, the excavation of test trenches can be done with a dragline or hydraulic excavator (back hoe). To find the ore veins are hidden under the cover material should be dug a test trench two or more mutually perpendicular directions so that the possibility to find ore veins were bigger. If by chance the two test trenches could find ore veins outcrop, then the direction can be readily determined. Furthermore, to determine the shape and size of the ore veins are more appropriately made ​​test trenches that are parallel and perpendicular to the vein ore moves

Creating a test pit excavations conducted by the following general conditions:

1. Only limited on condition that a thin layer of material outcrops where the soil is not too deep excavation
2. The depth of excavation is generally at a depth of 2 m - 3 m, width medium or long, depending on the thickness of sedimentary outcrops. And excavation to look for examples of rock or mineral content of total volume to use mechanical equipment such as drag line or hydraulic excavators if local conditions allow for access by heavy equipment. 
3. To find ore veins are hidden under the cover material to be excavated trench two or more directions, which are perpendicular to the possibility of open and found the ore veins are larger. If by chance two test trenches to find veins of ore outcrops, then the investigation can be immediately determined. Furthermore, to determine the shape and size of the ore veins are made more precise test trench parallel to each other and perpendicular to the nature of the ore vein 
4. On the condition of the slope (tilt) can be made starting from a lower section, so that self drainage can occur mechanism (direct drying).

From outcrop observations that test trenching carried out by digging soil mineral cover rocks relative direction perpendicular to the bedding areas (especially in sediment-covered) then we can find out information obtained, among others; engineering field bedding, dip coating, the thickness of the layer, the characteristics of bedding planes (no split or inserts), and can be used as an example of a location. While in search of ore sources using a series of trenches relative to the direction perpendicular trenches ore body zone, then from the ore zone boundary, we can determine the data from alteration zones, zones of mineralization, the relative (general) and the slope of the layers, and can as the location of sampling. By correlating test trenching series is expected to mineral ore zone, sediment loss can be known.

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