Exploration Of Mineral Resources Research Articles

The environmental impact of mining and its countermeasures

Exploration of mineral resources had been part of the major means to promote economic development in China, but the devastating effect of mining on the environment is inevitable. Based on the analysis of factors of the environmental disasters caused by the mining methods, this paper systematically analyzes the influences of open pit mining on land resource, ecological system, geological and ecological environment, especially analyzes the effects on the environment and ecological system. Meanwhile, the paper points out that the mining scale, method and type are the main factors that affect the environment and ecology. At the end of this paper, some rational countermeasures, protection and control measures for environmental protection and governance are put forward on the basis of the research.

Exploration of Mineral and Energy Resources in and by Japan from 2015 to 2016

Exploration of Mineral and Energy Resources in and by Japan from 2015 to 2016

Book Review: Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment, 2nd edition by Stephen E. Kesler and Adam C. Simon

Book Review: Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment, 2nd edition. By Stephen E. Kesler, Adam C. Simon. (2016) Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9781107074910, 446 p. $89.99 (available as e-book). The second edition of Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment by Stephen E. Kesler and Adam C. Simon is a welcome update and expansion of the 1994 (first) edition by S.E. Kesler. As a teacher and researcher of both environmental geochemistry and geochemistry of hydrothermal ore deposits, I used the first edition of this book as a resource in my graduate-level class called “Mineral Resources and the Environment.” Although the book is written at a level consistent with first to second year undergraduate science students in geology and mineralogy, it could and should have a broad appeal and uses for upper level undergrads and graduate students in other fields of science, engineering, business, law, and even liberal arts. Like all businesses, extractive mineral resource companies (e.g., mining and hydrocarbon extraction) need to be profitable to remain viable. Exploration for new mineral resources is an expensive proposition and the time between the discovery of a valuable deposit and its ultimate extraction is increasing worldwide, most notably in the U.S.A. As a result, and because “time is money,” the cost of finding and then producing new mineral resources is increasing. In addition to the expense of …

1. Deep Seabed and Ocean Floor

The first part of this report summarizes the activities of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) over the period July 2015 to July 2016 and details contracts for the exploration of mineral resources in the deep seabed applied for, assessed, or concluded in 2016. The second part notes the activities during 2016, if any, of other international bodies with a legal remit concerning the deep seabed and ocean floor and other relevant legal developments. The ISA was established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement Relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS (1994 Agreement). It is the organization through which state parties to UNCLOS organize and control activities for the exploration and mining of minerals in ‘the Area’ (that is, the seabed, ocean floor, and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction) while ensuring that the marine environment is not subject to harm during these activities. The ISA meets annually at its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, and the twenty-second session of the authority was held on 11–22 July.

Chemical mapping of mine waste drill cores with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) for mineral resource exploration

Resource estimation for metals in mine tailings and ore deposits requires many samples, usually in the form of drill cores. In order to detect zones of metal enrichment or depletion as well as different lithological zones in such cores, two different core scanning methods were tested on three drill core metres from tailings of a former Pb–Zn mine to obtain chemical information. The results provide an objective basis for further sub-sampling of the taken drill cores and help reduce the amount of samples and therefore the costs for further investigations.For the determination of element concentrations a prototype of a core scanner working with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was tested and the results were compared to data from a commercially available ITRAX core scanner, working with energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Apart from a smooth surface, no complex sample preparation was necessary. Peak intensities of selected elements determined by the two scanners were calibrated by means of linear regression (LR) and partial least squares (PLS) regression with respect to bulk geochemical wavelength-dispersive XRF (WDXRF) analysis results of representative core samples. The application of PLS compensates for matrix effects in LIBS and EDXRF and improves prediction accuracy for most elements, compared to LR. In general, prediction ability of PLS models is slightly higher for EDXRF results than for LIBS. The advantage of the LIBS core scanner is the high spatial resolution and the ability to create two-dimensional (2D) element distribution images as well as phase or mineral distribution maps of the drill core at larger scales. Within the analysed tailing cores metal-rich layers with concentrations up to a maximum of 2.2% Pb+Zn+Cu, could be detected by both core scanning methods. Since these layers are not visible by the human eye, the used core scanning methods are appropriate methods for mineral exploration.

Evaluation of research in bauxite-bearing area on a locality "Crvene stijene“ with emphasis on exploitation of associated deposits

In this paper we present and elaborate one example when bauxite was the main target of investigation. During reprocessing and reinterpreting original input data from locality “Crvene stijene” near Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was established that bauxite hanging wall and footwall rocks in fact present even more valuable mineral resources, dimension stone. This paper presents results of reprocessing and reinterpretation of original data with focus not only on primary resource, but on resources that are developed in footwall and hanging wall. Final goal of the research was to optimize the ratio between research and exploration cost and total profit by exploration of all available mineral resources in the area. For that purpose, new method of bauxite (primary resource) and associated deposits is developed and named “integrated approach”. Integrated, joint evaluation of bauxite and associated deposits (dimension stone), would give far greater significance to whole area. Finally, with this new method, the ratio between overall profit and cost will be maximized.

Terrestrial heat flow and its role in petroleum geology

This paper describes an overview of mineral resources exploration survey by geothermal method based on the studies of terrestrial heat flow, anomalies varying in strike, in depth, physical behavior and in time. Applying geothermometry in oil-gas deposit exploration, based on paleotemperature modeling of sedimentation sequences was illustrated.

Remote sensing geological interpretation based on ZY-1 02C satellite images: A case study of Pamir area, Tajikistan

In order to offer remote sensing information support to geological and mineral resources survey and exploration overseas,the authors conducted further study of geological phenomena and structural characteristics in target areas of Tajikistan on the basis of previous results and current field exploration,established interpretation marks for sedimentary rocks,metamorphic rocks,intrusive rocks,fault structure,fold structure and ring structure in southern Tajikistan area with reference to ring geomorphologic landscape,tune,and stripes shown on remote sensing images gathered by ZY-1 02 C satellite. A comparative analysis of panchromatic multispectral camera( P/MS) data and panchromatic high-resolution camera( HR) data received by ZY-1 02 C satellite demonstrates that the color of geological bodies in P / MS has stark contrast so that it is more convenient to establish regional tectonic structure and carry out interpretation on rock categories,whereas micro-topography,grains and details of geological bodies shown in HR are clearer,which is suitable for identifying lithological charateistics and minor structures,especially for types of stratified structure,granularity of clastic rocks,Quaternary,mining activities and rocks with unique components.

Identifying geochemical anomalies associated with Au–Cu mineralization using multifractal and artificial neural network models in the Ningqiang district, Shaanxi, China

The Ningqiang district, which is located in the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Platform, contains the richest supply of Cu and Au mineral resources in Shaanxi Province, China. The purpose of this study is to identify geochemical anomalies associated with Au–Cu mineralization in the Ningqiang mineral district using spectrum–area (S–A) multifractal and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. The centered logratio (clr) transformation was applied to preprocess geochemical data which contain 226 samples with concentrations of Zn, Au, Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cu, Hg, Mo, Sb, Pb, and W. The processed geochemical data are then further examined by means of factor analysis (FA) to explore statistically the data regarding geochemical patterns and to assist the identification and interpretation of element associations. The resulting S–A based on the Factor 2 obtained by FA suggests that the geochemical patterns of Cu and Au are linked with the Bikou Group, which may be the source of metal for the formation of mineralization. The predictive results obtained by ANN are in good agreement with the known deposits, indicating that ANN methods are capable of managing nonlinear relationships properly. The integrated methods of FA, S–A, and ANN demonstrated in this study are useful in identifying anomalies associated with Cu and Au mineralization for further exploration of mineral resources. In addition, these methods also confirm that the NE-oriented structures and the Second-rock Formation of the Bikou Group are two key factors for the formation of Au–Cu mineralization in the study area.

A continental-scale geochemical atlas for resource exploration and environmental management: the National Geochemical Survey of Australia

The National Geochemical Survey of Australia (NGSA) was carried out to bridge a vast knowledge gap about the concentration and distribution of chemical elements at the Earth’s surface in Australia and consequent poor understanding of processes controlling their distribution here. The aim of the project was to contribute to improving exploration for energy and mineral resources through the pre-competitive delivery of a new spatial layer of compositional data and information. Surface (0–10 cm depth) and shallow ( c . 60–80 cm) samples of catchment outlet sediments were collected from 1315 sites located near the outlet of 1186 catchments ( c . 10% of which were sampled in duplicate) from across Australia. The total area covered by the survey was 6.174 million km 2 , or c . 81% of Australia, at an average sampling density of 1 site per c . 5200 km 2 . A number of field parameters (e.g. soil colour, pH), bulk parameters (e.g. electrical conductivity, particle size distribution) and geochemical parameters (i.e. multi-element composition of dry sieved <2 mm and <75 μm grain-size fractions) were determined. The grain-size fractions were analysed to determine (1) total, (2) aqua regia soluble, and (3) Mobile Metal Ion (MMI®) extractable element contents. These data were collated into a spreadsheet and graphically represented as a series of 529 geochemical maps ( http://www.ga.gov.au/ngsa ). These constitute the first continental-scale series of geochemical maps for Australia based on internally consistent, state-of-the-art data pertaining to the same sampling medium collected, prepared and analysed in a uniform and thoroughly documented manner and over a short time period. They are being used to better understand the accumulation, mobility and significance of chemical elements in the near-surface environment. Applications to date and ongoing and future directions are discussed. Supplementary material: Appendices 1-4 of summary statistics are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18853

Delineating structures controlling sandstone‐hosted base‐metal deposits using high‐resolution multicomponent seismic and radio‐magnetotelluric methods: a case study from Northern Sweden

ABSTRACTOver the past few decades seismic methods have increasingly been used for the exploration of mineral, geothermal, and groundwater resources. Nevertheless, there have only been a few cases demonstrating the advantages of multicomponent seismic data for these purposes. To illustrate some of the benefits of three‐component data, a test seismic survey, using 60 digital three‐component sensors spaced between 2 m and 4 m and assembled in a 160 m‐long prototype landstreamer, was carried out over shallow basement structures underlying mineralized horizons and over a magnetic lineament of unknown origin. Two different types of seismic sources, i.e., explosives and a sledgehammer, were used to survey an approximately 4 km‐long seismic profile. Radio‐magnetotelluric measurements were also carried out to provide constraints on the interpretation of the seismic data over a portion of the profile where explosive sources were used. Good quality seismic data were recorded on all three components, particularly when explosives were used as the seismic source. The vertical component data from the explosive sources image the top of the crystalline basement and its undulated/faulted surface at a depth of about 50 m–60 m. Supported by the radio‐magnetotelluric results, however, shallower reflections are observed in the horizontal component data, one of them steeply dipping and associated with the magnetic lineament. The vertical component sledgehammer data also clearly image the crystalline basement and its undulations, but significant shear‐wave signals are not present on the horizontal components. This study demonstrates that multicomponent seismic data can particularly be useful for providing information on shallow structures and in aiding mineral exploration where structural control on the mineralization is expected.

Study and analysis of application of ZY-1 02C satellite data to remote sensing monitoring technology for exploration of mineral resources

With the HR / MUX data of ZY- 1 02 C obtained from Chengde and Xunwu experimental areas as examples,the authors applied the remote sensing monitoring technology to the exploration of mineral resources at the scale of 1 ∶ 50 000. The problems in the application process were studied and analyzed,the solutions and recommendations,which play a demonstration role in the large- scale application of mineral exploration monitoring,were proposed. Some conclusions have been reached: In the data processing,the 02 C HR1and HR2 data with 2. 36 m resolution must be orthorectified first before splicing,and the MUX data with 10 m resolution should be composed with simulated true color by using the false color composition method. In the aspect of mine object recognition,the 02 C image can better reflect mining position,transit field,mine construction and other types of mining features in comparison with SPOT5 image,but its relative smooth texture information and relative fuzzy boundary of the mine ground objects increase the difficulty of indoor interpretation. In economic efficiency,the price advantage of 02 C data is obvious. Although the 02 C data processing and interpreting have larger workload,it can meet the remote sensing monitoring of mineral exploration at 1∶ 50 000 scale,and the overall economic benefit is significant.

The Kurba-Eravna ore district of Western Transbaikalia: Geological and geophysical structure, types of ore deposits, predictive assessment, and mineral-resource potential

The results of integrated geological and geophysical studies reveal that ore deposits within the Kurba-Eravna ore district were formed as a result of activity of the Vendian-Cambrian Uda-Vitim ensialic volcanic arc and subsequent structures recycling during the Middle and Late Paleozoic. Ore formation analysis was used to identify new types of ore deposits; gravity anomaly mapping and predictive metallogenic zonation were made. Further development efforts within the Kurba-Eravna ore district envision the expansion of exploration works with priority placed on exploration for strategic mineral resources and establishment of new production facilities on the basis of the Ozernoe mining and processing works.

A new capacitive borehole tiltmeter for crustal deformation measurement and its performance analysis

Borehole inclinometers are important observation instruments used to measure ground tilt movement and monitor crustal deformation of solid tides and geological landslide disasters. They are widely used in oil exploration, mineral resource drilling, well logging, exploration and other fields. There is potential for development of rock stress strain monitoring tools. Many types of tiltmeters have been installed, such as SQ-7, FSQ, VS and JB. However, these tiltmeters are generally installed in a deep cave to avoid the interference of temperature, humidity, and human activities. With the urbanization of human society, suitable installation locations are difficult to find. To solve the problem, a two-component borehole tiltmeter, named the CBT-type tiltmeter, is proposed in this paper. It can be installed in a borehole less than 500m deep to eliminate environmental influences. The tiltmeter is composed of two sophisticated gravitational swing and two capacitive transducers. From preliminary theory and experiment analysis, its linear correlation coefficient is higher than 0.99, its co-seismic response is rapid and its noise level is up to 10−4 arc seconds in practice.

Structure Design of and Numerical Simulation on an Annular Reverse Circulation Drill Bit

The reverse circulation drilling technology of hollow through DTH air hammer is a set of efficient coring with DTH air hammer, full-hole reverse circulation with drilling fluids, and continuous coring without power lack. It been successfully applied in mineral resources exploration, water well drilling, infrastructure construction and other fields. We designed a new type of annular reverse circulation drilling bit in order to prevent drilling accident when drilling in complex strata, such as breakage and leakage. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT, is employed to simulate the flow phenomena of reverse circulation drill bit. Numerical simulation results show that the values of negative pressure of new type annular reverse circulation drill bit which formed in the center channel and the bottom of hole were larger than those of the normal bit. Under the same conditions, the suction quantity from annulus of annular drilling bit is 1.4 times to the normal one.

Mineral Exploration in the Indian Ocean: India's Policy Response

India's lack of a concrete policy towards exploration for mineral resources in high seas and offshore areas has played a role, though to a limited extent, in the exploration projects being awarded to countries like Korea and China in the Indian Ocean. In 2011, China was awarded a large area in the Indian Ocean for mineral exploration. India has thence awakened to the issue and has made amends to its bureaucratic inertia. However, the question is whether these mineral exploration projects and demarcated ocean areas have economic implications only, or have larger strategic significance. In the contemporary debates, the ocean economy is gaining traction with more and more littoral nations seeking to generate revenue as well as royalty from ocean resources. This paper therefore attempts to address the issues of ocean economy, mineral exploration, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), interests of small island nations, and how these issues have a larger strategic implication.

Exploration of Mineral and Energy Resources in and by Japan from 2014 to 2015

Exploration of Mineral and Energy Resources in and by Japan from 2014 to 2015

SHRIMP Age and Its Geological Implications of the Hunan Chengchong Concealed Granite

Acta Geologica Sinica - English EditionVolume 88, Issue s2 p. 973-974 Meeting Abstracts SHRIMP Age and Its Geological Implications of the Hunan Chengchong Concealed Granite Gonggu FU, Corresponding Author Gonggu FU Hunan Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and development, Changsha, Hunan, 410011Corresponding author. E-mail: fugonggu@163.comSearch for more papers by this authorBihe CHEN, Bihe CHEN Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this authorShimin TAN, Shimin TAN Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this authorZhengfu ZHENG, Zhengfu ZHENG Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this author Gonggu FU, Corresponding Author Gonggu FU Hunan Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration and development, Changsha, Hunan, 410011Corresponding author. E-mail: fugonggu@163.comSearch for more papers by this authorBihe CHEN, Bihe CHEN Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this authorShimin TAN, Shimin TAN Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this authorZhengfu ZHENG, Zhengfu ZHENG Hunan Institute of Geological Survey, Changsha, 410116Search for more papers by this author First published: 29 December 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.12378_6AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume88, Issues2Special Issue: Meeting Abstracts: The 14th Quadrennial International Association on the Genesis of Ore Deposits Symposium. August 19–22, 2014, Kunming, ChinaDecember 2014Pages 973-974 RelatedInformation

Field mapping of buried faults – a new approach applied in the Western Carpathians

Fault array in an area covered by Quaternary sediments and deprived of bedrock outcrops was investigated using fault trace mapping by geophysical methods and human feedback information from dowsing. The tectonics in the study area is dominated by a ENE-WSW fault zone affecting regional-scale structures. The fault network was approximated by dowsing-enhanced mapping and subsequently confirmed by field geophysical measurements using electromagnetic and radon emanometry methods. A resultant detailed map of structural discontinuities highlighted that combined dowsing and geophysical survey is an effective and reliable tool to identify buried faults. This approach with its low costs and fast field recognition is highly recommended for construction-work planning and for mineral resources exploration and exploitation.

The Need of Professional Judgement of the Accountant in Accounting Assets of Exploration and Evaluation of Mineral Resources

The relevance of the investigation is predetermined by the fact that application of IFRS 6 “The exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources” presupposes the application of professional accounting judgment while running the information about exploration and evaluation of mineral resources. The aim of the article is to study how oil producing companies apply IFRS 6 and to work out some suggestions on perfecting the accounting policy in the above-mentioned assets in the conditions of uncertainty of the norms of International standards. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n24p65