1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospecting Exploration Development Exploitation Reclamation

Prospecting it is the first stage in the search of ore. In this we study the literature and maps of an area. There are two methods of prospecting. 1. Direct method 2. Indirect method

Direct method It is limited to deposits on surface or near surface. it consists of visual examination of either outcrop or loose fragments that have weathered away from the outcrop The samples are collected from the potential site for microscopic study in laboratory.

Video prospecting

Indirect method These can be used for deeper deposits. They include seismic ,radiometric , magnetic and many other methods.

Find pics for seismic and these surveys

Exploration 2nd stage of mining Core samples are obtained by diamond drills. Different laboratory analyses are carried out to evaluate the grade and tonnage of deposit.

Video core sample,diamond drill bit and core samples and diamond drilling.

Final conclusion is drawn regarding worth of the deposit.it is called reserve estimation. At the end of this stage feasibility study is carried out which helps to decide, whether to abandon or develop the deposit.

Development It is work of opening a mineral deposit for exploitation. With it proper mining begins In this stage mining rights are acquired Access roads to site are constructed Power source is acquired

Ore handling and treatment plants constructed . Then access to deposit may be gained by 1. Stripping overburden (surface mining) 2. By excavating openings from surface to more deeply burried deposits(underground mining).

access roads,plants pic

Exploitation It is actual recovery of mineral While development work continues through out life of mine, in exploitation stage main emphasis is on production. In this stage mining method is also selected.

Mining method selection The selection of mining method depend upon 1. Economics (comparing costs) 2. technology available 3. Size , shape and depth of ore 4. Ground water,strength of ore and host rock 5. Environmental factors as subsidence on surface,ventilation,work force etc.

Mining 1. 2. method may be Surface underground

Surface methods Two main types 1. Mechanical excavation 2. aqueous excavation

Mechanical excavation methods 1. Open pit mining (thick deposit) 2. Quarrying (thin deposit) 3. Opencast mining,etc

Video open cast mining

Aqueous 1. 2. excavation Placer mining Solution mining,etc

Video placer mining Video solution mining

Underground mining methods Three classes 1. Unsupported methods(room and pillar) 2. Supported methods(cut and fill, ) 3. Caving(, block caving)

Vide,cut pillar and fill stoping , block , room and

reclamation