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Importance of Geology in Mining

Geology plays a key role throughout the mining lifecycle. In the exploration stage, geologists identify mineral prospects that are economically viable for mining. During operations, geologists guide mine development by continually studying the deposit. They analyze geophysical data to interpret ore boundaries and update geological models. Geologists also ensure statutory compliance and aid reclamation by helping to restore mined areas. Overall, geologists provide crucial scientific understanding and information at every stage to support effective management decisions.

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Angshuman Sengupta
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336 views22 pages

Importance of Geology in Mining

Geology plays a key role throughout the mining lifecycle. In the exploration stage, geologists identify mineral prospects that are economically viable for mining. During operations, geologists guide mine development by continually studying the deposit. They analyze geophysical data to interpret ore boundaries and update geological models. Geologists also ensure statutory compliance and aid reclamation by helping to restore mined areas. Overall, geologists provide crucial scientific understanding and information at every stage to support effective management decisions.

Uploaded by

Angshuman Sengupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Importance of Geology

in Mining
What is Geology?

• Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of


which it is made, the structure of those materials,
and the processes acting upon them.

• It includes the study of organisms that have


inhabited our planet.

• An important part of geology is the study of how


Earth’s materials, structures, processes and
organisms have changed over time.

What Does a Geologist Do?


• Geologists study earth processes:  
• Geologists study earth materials:  
• Geologists study earth history
Earth -
Structure
Geological
Time Scale
Types of Rock
•Igneous Rock : form by solidification of hot, molten rock –Lava

•Sedimentary rock : formed by compaction and cementing of layers of


sediments due to natural processes acting upon the existing rock surfaces
such as Weathering and Erosion.

•Metamorphic Rock : Formed by effect of heat and pressure on the other


rocks
Bedding :
In geology a bed is the smallest division of rock or deposit. It is a geologic formation or stratigraphic rock series
marked by well-defined divisional planes (bedding planes) separating it from layers above and below.
Structural Disturbances
Folds occur when one or a stack of originally flat Joints: A joint is a break (fracture) of natural origin in
and planar surfaces (bedding), such as the continuity of either a layer or body of rock that
sedimentary strata, are bent or curved as a lacks any visible or measurable movement parallel to
result of permanent deformation the surface (plane) of the fracture
Structural Disturbances

Reverse
Normal
Strike-slip
Fault
Fault
Fault

In geology, a fault is a planar fracture or discontinuity in


a volume of rock, across which there has been
significant displacement as a result of rock-mass
movement
Common Mining Commodities

• Energy minerals:

Coal Uranium Limestone Diamond


• Industrial Minerals
• Metallic minerals

Copper Lead-Zinc Gold Iron Ore

And many more……..


09/29/2020 P10
09/29/2020 P11
How does Geology play a key role in
Mining
• Geology plays a key role in the Exploration stage in finding mineral
prospects that are of a high enough grade to be economic and perhaps
turned into a mine. This kind of geologist is called a "mineral
exploration geologist.“

• Geology plays a role in the operational phase of a mine. Geologists


must continually study the mineral deposit to guide mine engineers on
the best way to develop the mine over time. This is called “Mine
geology".

• Geologists might also play a role in the reclamation part of the cycle
when the mine is closing. Reclamation is the process of restoring the
area that was mined to its natural state or as close to its natural state as
is feasible.

Hence, the role of the geologist is related to the initial stage, youth,
maturity, old age, and abandonment of representative mineral-based
enterprises. The geologist's effectiveness throughout the cycle can be
stressed as depending upon his depth of understanding in relating his
science to each important management decision
Role of Geologist in Operational phase of Mine
Sampling during mining operation phase is very important for grade control and
Face sampling for it can be done in several way such as; regular monitoring of face grade or taking
Quality Control sample from the blast hole chips.

Face Mapping Face mapping also important in open cast mining. It helps to identify local
structural disturbance (faults), weak planes for slope failures and the to measure
the thickness of the mineralization zone.

Geophysical data In Open Cast mining operation down hole geophysical survey plays a key role. After
geophysical survey geologist will analyze the data and interpret the extent of ore/coal ,
analysis and thickness of the ore/coal and determine the ore/coal and waste contact boundary. These
information will help Drill & Blast engineer to prepare their plan.
interpretation

Geological Model After gathering all the above information geologist need to update the geological
model at regular basis and need to calculate the variance of monthly ore and
Updation waste volume between geological model with actual mined out volume.

During mine operation phase geologist need to submit lots of statutory plans and
Statutory documents to the statutory body of GoI.
Compliance
Role of Geologist in Reclamation phase of Mine

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