Exploration and Sampling Techniques for Mineral Resources
Mining is an activity that has been undertaken for a very long time. Ancient civilisations dug deep into the Earth to find and extract a range of minerals and metals. This is a highly specialised exercise and in modern times, exploration and sampling techniques have been developed to better understand the composition of mineral deposits and to accurately identify potential reserves. In this article, we look at some of the methods and techniques used to explore and sample mineral resources.
Mapping
Mapping is a common starting point for mineral exploration and the type of maps used will vary depending on the minerals being looked for. Geochemical maps and geology maps are commonly used, as they can provide a lot of information on the likely presence of minerals or metals in a particular area. Using topographic maps, combined with satellite imagery, can help to identify areas that are favourable for exploration and where mineralisation is likely to be found.
Applying Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is the practice of gathering information about the Earth’s surface, from a distance. Modern remote sensing techniques include aerial photography, infrared and digital imagery and satellite imaging. This can be used to identify surface rock types, mineral deposits and landform features that can be used to identify potential target areas for exploration.
Gravity Surveying
Gravity surveying is a popular technique for mineral exploration. It is a non-invasive technique that uses the forces of gravity to measure changes in the Earth’s subsurface. By measuring the difference in gravity readings, geologists can identify changes in the subsurface, which can help to identify areas that may contain mineral deposits.
Geophysical Surveying
Geophysical surveying is another popular exploration technique. It uses a variety of instruments to measure changes in the subsurface and to identify potential anomalies or areas of high mineralisation. Electromagnetic, magnetotelluric and seismic surveys are commonly used in mineral exploration and can provide valuable information on the potential presence of mineral deposits in an area.
Drilling and Sampling
Once a potential mineralised area has been identified, the next step is to take samples to confirm the presence of mineralisation. Drilling is the most common method used to take samples from below the Earth’s surface. Samples taken from the drill holes are then analysed in a laboratory to determine the nature of the material that has been extracted and to confirm the presence of a mineral deposit.
Conclusion
Exploring and sampling for minerals requires an understanding of the various techniques and technologies that can be used to identify potential areas of mineralisation and to take samples of mineralised material. Maps, remote sensing, gravity and geophysical surveys are typically used to identify areas of interest, followed by drilling and sampling to take samples and analyse them in a laboratory. By using these techniques, mineral explorers can better understand the composition of mineral deposits and accurately identify potential reserves.
