Mineral Exploration Essay Example for Free

Mineral exploration EssayMineral exploration is the initial stage of the mining cycle. It is a sequential process of information gathering that assesses the mineral potential of a given sphere. In frank words it is the search for mineral deposits. The reason of exploration is to trace a new source of metal or useful minerals. This includes industrial minerals desire silica or clay minerals, metals like iron, lead, zinc, etc., and precious metals and gemstones like gold and diamonds.Types of Mineral ExplorationGrassroots exploration involves looking for a deposit in an area where the mineral or metal has never been found till date. Brownfield exploration is the search for any traces of spare deposits near an identified mine. On-mine-site exploration is about expanding a mineral resource that has been found beforehand and develop on the property of an existing mine.Mineral Exploration ProcessProspectingIt is the search for mineral deposits and starts with an idea or geologic model that identifies lands worthy of advance exploration. It basically includes prospectors walking the around examining and mapping rock types and compile rock and soil samples by hand for either mineral or laboratory analysis.Mining birdcall StakingIt is exercised in all the countries as a way of indicating to the regimen the area that a company wishes to look for further in detail. The license required to stake a claim can be utilise for at a mining recorders office. Once a claim is staked and approved by the appropriate government agency, it gives the company the exclusive right to explore that section of ground for a specific time.Detailed ExplorationOnce a claim has been staked and based on the results of its initial prospecting work, the company will come to a decision on whether to carry on with more detailed exploration. Many minerals are buried wakeless beneath soil so to test if minerals are present advanced techniques are used such as geophysical and geochemical surveys, and diamond drilling programs are also used.Sampling and DrillingIf earlier stages adumbrate that there is the probability of a mineral deposit underground, the exploration company now might be able to sample that rock to calculate approximately the extent and form of that mineral deposit. The samples are past sent to laboratories for testing and the company will analyze the results.