Mineral Exploration for Growing Mining Opportunities
The worlds demand for natural resources continues to grow as does the need for safe and efficient mineral exploration techniques. Various methods for exploring for minerals have been developed and employed successfully for decades. However, with the ever-evolving market, technological and geological advances have created an opportunity for more cost-effective methods such as remote sensing, geophysical prospecting, computer modelling and mineralogical instruments. These methods open up a whole new range of possibilities and opportunities for mining exploration.
Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing is the use of aerial sensors or satellite images to detect physical characteristics of areas of interest. Sampling air, soil, vegetation and rock data enables us to distinguish mineral deposits or other geological features. Data captured through remote sensing allows us to make decisions regarding exploration, such as an estimation of the size and type of mineral deposit.
Geophysical Prospecting
Geophysical Prospecting employs the use of various non-destructive geophysical instrumentation such as Gravity and Magnetic methods. It seeks to depict the hidden physical properties of the earths subsurface. The measurements generated through these methods are used to understand the physical nature of the subsurface and identify prospective targets for mineral exploration.
Computer Modelling
Computer models enable us to understand and visualize 3-dimensional underground structures and the relative position of mineral occurrences. Computer models also enable us to make more informed decisions regarding potential drilling locations, by utilizing data from different sources from the surface and subsurface.
Mineralogical Instruments
The use of mineralogical instruments has evolved over time, providing a valuable tool for mineral exploration. Mineralogical instruments measure microscopic features and chemical composition of mineral grains to identify deposit types. This analysis can be used to determine the economic viability of a resource or to provide an indication of the presence of an ore.
The growing opportunities in mineral exploration are only outmatched by advancing technology, geophysical data integration and computer modelling. This combination creates an opportunity to identify and develop projects that may be economically viable in the current market. Coupled with an understanding of the geologic processes that create these deposits and can better ensure the success of exploration efforts.
Conclusion
The growing global demand for natural resources creates a need for efficient mineral exploration techniques and practices. Remote sensing, geophysical prospecting, computer modelling and mineralogical instruments all provide useful information that can be used to identify target areas and determine the mineralogy of the area; all playing an important role in the exploration process. By combining these methods, exploring has become more cost-effective and efficient; giving us a greater opportunity to find large deposits or economically viable projects.
