Finding new mineral reserves is critical to the success of company. Locating, extracting and processing these natural resources is a multiyear process that involves complex scientific, environmental and social planning. Searching for gold is a complex, scientific and time-intensive process. With odds of only one in 3,000 discoveries leading to mine development, and only 10 percent of the world’s gold deposits containing enough gold to mine, exploration can be wearisome and expensive. While gold is found throughout the world at concentrations of between two and four parts per billion, need to discover areas that contain 2,000 to 3,000 parts per billion to be profitable.
The first step is finding mineral prospecting. With search gold veins typically spanning just a few feet in width, and curving along the Earth’s geography, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint an area of exploration among thousands of square miles of land. Obviously, it makes sense to start in areas known to contain gold, but there are nearly 900 such locations in the world to choose from. Ideally, it is best to start looking in areas less explored first.
Newmont uses several methods to reduce the size of land to explore:
- Evaluate the land geology
- Analyze the geochemistry of soil sediment and water
- Commission airborne geophysics surveys to record the level of electrical and magnetic current in the crust below.
Once a target area has been identified, and geological, geophysical and geochemical data indicate a high probability of a deposit, drilling is conducted. Drilling helps evaluate the type and grade of minerals in the ore.
But how many samples are needed? In what direction? How far apart? How deep? Because per-foot drilling costs are expensive, these decisions must be made carefully. Another way newmont mining sample is through trenching, which hugs the surface and is carried out by backhoes or bulldozers.
As crews drill, they mark the exact location and depth of each sample taken. Samples are then sent to an accredited lab, which identifies the type of minerals and grade of gold within them.
Once information is back from the lab, supplement those findings with geologic, geochemical and geophysical data. Understanding the local geology is a very important part of the process, both economically and environmentally. The geology affects mining, processing and the ways in which manage waste rock, tailings and water. It is also an important aspect of rehabilitation plans.
Production geologists use information they obtain from sampling, testing, mapping and observation to determine the most efficient and effective mining techniques, as well as to identify the grade (amount of mineral) in the ore. In gold and silver mining, grade is reported as grams per ton. Copper grade is reported as a percentage. It is important to know the grade to determine which rock is sent to the plant for processing and which rock is sent to the waste rock storage area.
By using this data and complex computer programs to more accurately define the orebody, mine engineers can determine mining methods, design blast patterns, design dig patterns, and maximize the safety and efficiency of production – as well as determine how the ore should be processed.
Geologists also use drilling and sampling data to identify wet areas. Water can cause major problems in both open pit and underground mines. If areas of high water content can be avoided or planned for in advance, can reduce safety risks, costs and production interruptions.
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