Mining Exploration Methodology

 

Exploration/Mine Geologists

The following training agenda is targeted at upskilling Exploration/Mine Geologists with ~2+ years’ experience. These would be geologists with basic skills in geology, maths, existing software skills and lateral/critical thinking and problem-solving ability. The approach with this is moderately different to the entry level course in that greater emphasis is given to the more advanced components.

  • Basic exploration techniques

A basic introduction to the key mineral exploration techniques will be delivered. More advanced techniques will also be presented depending on the group skill-levels. This would run be in the field with demonstrations of these methods or supported by videos where this is not possible.

  • Exploration Programme Basics

What does an exploration programme look like? What is a good programme? What’s the purpose and intended outcome?

How do you put one together? How do you execute one? What should they cost? What should this be based on?

  • Mining Value Chain Concepts

An overview of key ‘Mining Value Chain’ concepts will be presented. These concepts will range from the technical to commercial.

  • Data Analytics, Sampling Theory and QA/QC

Entry-level training on sampling and QA/QC will be undertaken with appropriately tailored data analytics exercises.

Quality Control

Concepts of QA; practical examples and creating good standard operating procedures; how to put SOPs together with a specific focus on quality control (i.e., pass/fail criteria, duties and roles, frequencies, etc).

Quality Control

Concepts and principles, basic statistics (with interactive exercises), accuracy and precision, assessment of QC data (with many interactive exercises), advanced principles of SPC, CRM, case studies; chronostatistics.

Sampling

Sampling theory (heterogeneity concept, types of sampling errors, minimizing errors, principles, excel exercises); Gy’s sampling formula, shortcomings, practical implications; creating a sampling nomogram, sampling optimisation.