A QUICK INFORMATION ABOUT THE 5 STAGES OF MINING : SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
The life of a Mining operations is actually a cycle. It is composed of five stages and it does not easily end.
- Prospecting
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This is the first stage of Mining Operation. In this stage, Geologists identifies and measures the presence of base or precious metals in a suspicious geographic location or the so called anomaly.
- Exploration
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In this second stage of mining operation, once the area is classified and proven to contain potential minerals the exploration will commence. Exploration generates more accurate and detailed surveys and it gives precise information about the ore body. and its characteristics such as size, shape, grade and tonnage.
Mining companies spend million of dollars to make this stage successful.
- Development
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PHASE 1 - Assessment and approval
Necessary plans and permits are being processed and must be acquired by the company and it should gain approval from the government. This stage lasts 1-5 years.
PHASE 2 - Construction
This where the necessary infrastructures are being built. Necessary equipment and materials are acquired and initial excavation is done to prepare the mining operation site to its full mining operation.
- Mine Operation
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This stage is the actual mining, milling and processing of the ore body to obtain high grade concentration of the metal. This is where the company starts their profits despite their continuous operational expenses from the start. This stage can last up 10-40 years.
- Reclamation or Rehabilitation
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This is the last stage of Mining operation, the goal here is to return and host self-sustaining ecosystems that serves as a healthy environment both for flora and fauna. This will take 2-10 years depending on how wide is the mined out area.
That is all about the 5 stages of Mining. If you want to know more check out my other posts all about the mining industry:
THE THREE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MINING INDUSTRY : SCIENCE
THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF IRRESPONSIBLE MINING INDUSTRY : SCIENCE
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Unfortunatey some mining companies forget the last stage. Huhu