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Alluvial Mining 2

The document outlines the exploration process for alluvial deposits in mining, detailing stages such as reconnaissance, prospecting, sampling, and testing. It highlights the importance of land ownership, geological analysis, and various sampling methods, while also addressing challenges faced during sampling. Finally, it mentions different methods for estimating reserves after sample analysis.

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23 views7 pages

Alluvial Mining 2

The document outlines the exploration process for alluvial deposits in mining, detailing stages such as reconnaissance, prospecting, sampling, and testing. It highlights the importance of land ownership, geological analysis, and various sampling methods, while also addressing challenges faced during sampling. Finally, it mentions different methods for estimating reserves after sample analysis.

Uploaded by

amoakogyamfimicheal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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University of Mines and Technology (UMaT),

Tarkwa, Ghana
BSc MININING ENGINEERING
MN 274
Alluvial and
Ocean Mining
Chapter 2
Exploring Alluvial Deposits

Lecturer
Dr Clara Akalanya Abuntori

2024
1
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits
❑Reconnaissance
❑Prospecting
❑Sampling
❑Testing and evaluation

2
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits-
Reconnaissance
This is the stage where the interested investor reads or studies all the available
information on the location:
❑Check status of land ownership;
❑Physical characteristics of area; and
❑Research mining history of the area.

3
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits-
Prospecting/Field Inspection
Prospecting is the first stage of the territory geological analysis and search for the mineral
of interest. May involve:
❑Photogeomorphology: Study of the earth using aerial photographs
❑Surface grab sampling over all exposures of gravel
❑Panning
❑Few seismic cross section: Dividing a grid model into various cross sections
❑Geobotanical study: visual survey of the vegetation to determine the presence or
absence of certain plants.
❑Survey for old workings.

4
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits-Sampling
Sampling is one of the most difficult task associated with alluvial mining exploration. The
main methods to consider are:
❑existing exposures;
❑hand-dug pits or shafts;
❑backhoe trenches;
❑bulldozer trenches;
❑other machine-dug pits or shafts;
❑churn drill holes;
❑other drilling methods; or
❑bulk samples.
5
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits-Problems
with Sampling
Special problems associated with placer sampling are:

❑large rocks and boulders;

❑erratic high values;

❑uncased holes;

❑small diameter holes; and

❑salting.

6
Exploring For Alluvial Deposits-Testing
and Evaluation
❑After samples have been collected,

❑washed and assayed, reserve for a deposit can be estimated.

❑There are many placer reserve estimation methods available. Some of these are the:
block, triangle, polygonal, traverses, and diamond methods.

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