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Semester 3: B.Sc., Geology Choice Based Credit System Syllabus 2023-2024
Mining terms and their descriptions Sampling Principles Types of sampling Collection preparation of samples Drilling Types of drills and methods of drilling Geological logging Explosives and Blasting Methods Rock excavations Assaying and evaluation of ore-bodies and their extensions ore reserve estimation
Mining terms and their descriptions
Sampling Principles
Sampling principles involve the methods and guidelines used to select a subset of a population (e.g., ore body) to accurately represent the whole. Key aspects include random sampling, systematic sampling, and stratified sampling.
Types of Sampling
Types of sampling include grab sampling, composite sampling, and cross-sectional sampling. Each type serves different purposes based on the characteristics of the material being sampled and the intended analysis.
Collection and Preparation of Samples
Collection and preparation of samples focus on the techniques for extracting and handling samples to prevent contamination and degradation. Proper labeling and storage are critical for maintaining sample integrity.
Drilling
Drilling involves creating boreholes in the ground to extract samples or minerals. It includes methods like rotary drilling, air drilling, and diamond drilling, each suitable for different geological conditions.
Types of Drills and Methods of Drilling
Types of drills include percussion drills, auger drills, and rotary drills. Methods vary based on the depth, type of material, and the desired outcomes, influencing the choice of equipment.
Geological Logging
Geological logging is the process of recording the physical and chemical characteristics of rock as it is drilled. This includes noting lithology, mineral composition, and structural features.
Explosives and Blasting Methods
Explosives are used in blasting to fragment rock, facilitating excavation. Common methods include bulk blasting, controlled blasting, and pre-splitting to minimize environmental impact and improve safety.
Rock Excavations
Rock excavation refers to the processes and techniques used to remove rock for mining. Methods include drilling and blasting, mechanical excavation, and various cutting techniques.
Assaying and Evaluation of Ore-bodies
Assaying involves chemical analysis of ore samples to determine metal content. This evaluation is integral for assessing economic viability and is often performed using techniques like fire assay or X-ray fluorescence.
Ore Reserve Estimation
Ore reserve estimation involves calculating the quantity and quality of mineral resources detected through exploration. Methods include geostatistical analysis, resource modeling, and mineral valuation.
Role of geology in mining industries definition of mining terms shaft Hanging wall Adit roof Drive crosscut Tunnel Raise Winze Stope Ventilation Haulage Surface methods of mining Alluvial mining pan betea sluicing Hydraulicking Drift mining and Dredging opencast mining Benches Explosives working slope
Role of geology in mining industries
Definition of Mining
Mining refers to the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth. This includes various activities such as exploration, extraction, and processing of materials.
Key Mining Terms
Understanding mining terms is essential for efficient communication within the industry. Key terms include: - Shaft: A vertical or inclined passageway for the transport of miners and materials. - Hanging wall: The rock surface above a mineral deposit in underground mining. - Adit: A horizontal or near-horizontal entrance to a mine. - Roof: The overhead surface of an underground excavation. - Drive: A horizontal tunnel in a mine used for access or extraction. - Crosscut: A horizontal tunnel that intersects a shaft or another tunnel to access mineral deposits. - Tunnel: An underground passageway created for mining or transportation purposes. - Raise: A vertical or inclined excavation that connects two levels of a mine. - Winze: A vertical shaft that connects two levels but is not continuous on the surface like a shaft. - Stope: An underground excavation formed by the removal of ore and left for support of surrounding rock. - Ventilation: The process of supplying fresh air to underground mines and removing stale air.
Surface Methods of Mining
Surface mining techniques are utilized when minerals are located close to the earth's surface. Key methods include: - Alluvial mining: Extraction of minerals from riverbeds or floodplains. - Pan beating: A manual method where a pan is used to separate heavy minerals from lighter materials. - Sluicing: A method of washing materials over a sluice box to separate gold or other heavy minerals from gravel. - Hydraulicking: The use of high-pressure water jets to dislodge and transport sediment. - Drift mining: A method involving horizontal passages that follow a mineral seam. - Dredging: The removal of sediments from underwater for mineral extraction. - Opencast mining: A surface mining technique where a large excavation is made to extract minerals.
Mining Operations and Processes
Mining operations involve various processes, including the planning, drilling, blasting, excavation, haulage, and mineral processing. The effective design and implementation of these processes rely heavily on geological knowledge.
Explosives in Mining
Explosives play a critical role in mining operations for breaking rock to access minerals. Understanding the types and applications of explosives is essential for safe and efficient mining.
Working Slope in Mining
The working slope refers to the angled surface of a mine used for ore extraction and haulage. Managing the slope is crucial for stability and safety in mining operations.
Mining equipments Dragline Mine machinery power shovel bucket wheel excavator conveyor and spreader Top slicing Sublevel caving and Block caving Coal mining surface mining Strip mining and Augering transportation cleaning Grading Shipping
Mining Equipments and Techniques
Dragline
A dragline is a large excavation machine used in surface mining. It operates by dragging a bucket through the earth to remove overburden and uncover the minerals beneath.
Power Shovel
Power shovels are heavy-duty machines used for digging and moving earth materials. They are typically used in large-scale mining operations for efficient extraction.
Bucket Wheel Excavator
A bucket wheel excavator is a continuous mining machine that uses a large wheel with buckets to scoop materials. It is primarily used in lignite mining and for overburden removal.
Conveyor
Conveyors are essential equipment in mining, used for transporting materials over distances. They offer an efficient method to move mined materials from one place to another.
Spreader
Spreaders are machines used to distribute materials evenly over a large area. In mining, they help in reclaiming areas after mining operations, ensuring proper soil management.
Top Slicing
Top slicing is a mining method used for extracting minerals from the top layers of a deposit. This technique minimizes surface disturbance and is often applied in shallow deposits.
Sublevel Caving
Sublevel caving is a method used in underground mining where ore is mined in horizontal slices, allowing for controlled collapse of the rock above, which aids in ore recovery.
Block Caving
Block caving is an underground mining method where large blocks of ore are allowed to collapse under their weight. This technique is economical for large deposits and reduces labor costs.
Coal Mining
Coal mining involves the extraction of coal from the ground, utilizing both surface and underground methods to access different coal seams.
Surface Mining
Surface mining includes techniques like open-pit and strip mining, allowing for the extraction of minerals close to the earth's surface without the need for underground operations.
Strip Mining
Strip mining is a method where layers of soil and rock are removed to expose and extract coal or minerals. It is commonly used for mineral extraction in flat terrain.
Augering
Augering is a method of drilling into the ground to extract mineral resources. It is often used in conjunction with strip mining to access deeper resources without substantial terrain alteration.
Transportation
Transportation in mining refers to the movement of mined materials from the extraction site to processing facilities or markets. Efficient transportation is crucial for economic viability.
Cleaning
Cleaning in mining involves the process of separating valuable minerals from waste material after extraction. Techniques include washing, screening, and flotation.
Grading
Grading refers to the process of assessing the quality and quantity of minerals extracted. This is essential for determining economic viability and resource management.
Shipping
Shipping involves the logistics of transporting mined materials from processing facilities to their final destinations. This requires planning and efficient management to ensure timely delivery.
Underground mining Room and pillar method Longwall method hydraulicking
Underground mining methods
Room and Pillar Method
The room and pillar method is a type of underground mining where rooms are excavated in a grid pattern, leaving pillars of ore to support the roof. It is commonly used for mining coal and other minerals. The advantages of this method include enhanced safety due to the support provided by the pillars and access to large volumes of ore. However, it can result in decreased recovery rates as some ore is left behind in the pillars.
Longwall Method
The longwall method is another underground mining technique that involves the complete extraction of a coal seam using a longwall shearer. The coal is mined in long panels, and the roof is allowed to collapse after the mining is completed. This method is highly efficient and can achieve high recovery rates of coal. The longwall method requires significant investment in equipment and is typically suited for thick, horizontal seams.
Hydraulicking
Hydraulicking, also known as hydraulic mining, is a method that uses high-pressure jets of water to dislodge rock material or move sediment. It is primarily used in placer mining and for the extraction of gold and other minerals from alluvial deposits. The method can lead to significant environmental impacts, including erosion and sedimentation in water bodies, and is subject to regulation in many jurisdictions.
Mineral Economics and its concept Role of Minerals in National Economy Mineral conservation and substitution
Mineral Economics and its Concept
Definition and Importance of Mineral Economics
Mineral economics is the study of the economic aspects of mineral resources, encompassing their exploration, extraction, production, and consumption. It plays a crucial role in understanding how minerals contribute to economic development, resource management, and decision-making policies.
Role of Minerals in National Economy
Minerals are vital for the overall economy of a nation. They drive industrial production, enhance infrastructure development, and contribute to regional growth. The mining sector generates employment, increases export revenues, and stimulates related sectors such as manufacturing and energy.
Mineral Conservation
Mineral conservation involves the sustainable management of mineral resources to ensure their availability for future generations. This includes practices like recycling, reusing, and finding alternative materials to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
Substitution of Minerals
Substitution refers to the process of replacing minerals with alternative materials or technologies. This can reduce dependency on certain minerals, mitigate supply risks, and promote sustainability. Research and innovation in material science play a significant role in developing substitutes.
Types of mining Glory hole Kaolin mining Granite mining sand mining stripping Ground water control Power source roofing Mining and environment Mitigation of mining hazards Factors controlling the choice of various mining methods
Types of Mining
Glory Hole Mining
A method of mining used to extract ore from a vertical or near-vertical face. Typically used in steeply dipping ore bodies, it allows for selective recovery of high-grade materials.
Kaolin Mining
Involves the extraction of kaolin clay used in ceramics, paper, and other industrial applications. Typically done through open-pit mining, kaolin clay is mined for its pure white coloration and fine particle size.
Granite Mining
The extraction of granite rock used in construction and decorative stone. Often involves quarrying, where large blocks of granite are cut and removed from the earth. Techniques include wire sawing and diamond wire cutting.
Sand Mining
Involves the extraction of sand from beaches, riverbeds, or dunes. Used for construction, glass manufacturing, and as fill material. Environmental impacts include erosion and habitat destruction.
Stripping Mining
A surface mining technique where overlying sediment is removed to access minerals. Typically used for coal or other low-grade ores. Depending on the resource's location, it can be cost-effective.
Ground Water Control
Essential for maintaining a safe mining environment. Techniques include dewatering and using barriers to prevent water inflow during mining operations.
Power Source in Mining
Critical for operating machinery and transporting materials. Sources include diesel generators, grid electricity, and renewable energy options.
Roofing in Mining
Involves securing the roof of an underground mine to prevent collapses. Techniques include the use of rock bolts, mesh, and shotcrete.
Mining and Environment
Mining activities can have severe environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination. Sustainable practices are essential to minimize these effects.
Mitigation of Mining Hazards
Involves strategies to reduce risks associated with mining operations, such as monitoring for gas emissions, ground stability, and equipment safety.
Factors Controlling Mining Method Choices
Various factors influence the choice of mining methods, including orebody geometry, depth, mineral type, cost, environmental impact, and technology.
