Mining and Processing Engineering

Mining Engineering—A/ Day

2rd year

Stages of mining process

Name:
William Unarineé da Conceição

Teacher:
Helena Victor Namaripa

Tete, August 2021

Index

Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Stages of mining process.............................................................................................................4
Prospecting/Surveying.................................................................................................................4
Exploration..................................................................................................................................4
Mine-site Design/Planning..........................................................................................................4
Development................................................................................................................................5
Production....................................................................................................................................5
Surface Mining............................................................................................................................5
Underground mining....................................................................................................................5
Closure/Reclamation....................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Bibliographic references..................................................................................................................7
Introduction

The mining process is responsible for much of the energy we use and products we consume.
However, the process of mining for ore is intricate and requires meticulous work procedures to
be efficient and effective. This is why we have broken down the mining process into six
comprehensive steps. In present work, we will talk about stages of mining process. The objective
off this work is to let the reader able to describe the stages of mining process For the acquisition
of information, the research methodology was adopted.

.
 Stages of mining process

Much of the energy that we use today is coming from the mining processes involved. The
process of mining is intricate and requires an efficient and effective workforce and tools.
Mineral and mining processes require a step-by-step procedure, which is described as follows.

Prospecting/Surveying
The first stage in the mining process calls for skilled workers to apply their geological
knowledge in identifying areas where a particular ore can be found. There are two methods
workers and machines can employ during this stage:

Direct Method

 Focuses solely on the examination of deposits found on or near the surface.

 Methods include visual examination via microscopic study and video prospecting.

Indirect Method

 Applied on deposits found deeper in the land.

 Methods include radiometric, seismic, and magnetic.

Exploration
In the second stage of mining, core samples are collected for the purpose of evaluating the grade
and weight of deposits. Diamond drills are used to obtain samples.

Once the reserve estimation meaning, the value of the deposit is determined, a feasibility study
must then be conducted to help determine whether to abandon or develop the deposit.

Mine-site Design/Planning
Upon determining to work on the site, the designing and planning stage begins. This process
calls for the use of studies that help determine whether the project is:

 safe

 socially responsible

 environmentally sound

 economically viable
Development
This stage of the mining process requires establishing a path to the mineral deposit. That path,
however, requires more than excavation.

In order to even begin work, mining rights must be acquired, access roads must be constructed to
help workers navigate the site, and a power source must be established.

Production
Once these elements are obtained, the physical mining processor, the first step of production
begins. The mining process can be broken down into two categories:

 Surface Mining
Workers begin by striping the overburden, which is rock, soil, and ecosystem that lies above the
surface.

 Underground mining
The digging of tunnels and sink shafts when the ore or mineral deposit is below the surface.
Hand tools such as chisels, hammers, and wedges are used to break up waste rock, Sometimes,
areas must even be blasted in order to loosen rock so workers can more easily separate the ore
from the waste rock which are mined separately.

The next step, once the ore is excavated, is to separate the waste rock and ore using primary
crushers, located at the open pit mine site. At this point, larger rocks are broken down to a size
better suited for the conveyor belt to transport.

Closure/Reclamation
Once the ore has been processed and shipped away for sale, the final step of the mining process
begins. The land, which was used to obtain these resources, must be rehabilitated as much as
possible. The objectives of this process include:

 minimizing environmental effects

 ensuring public health and safety

 preserving water quality

 establishing new landforms and vegetation

 removing waste and hazardous material

 stabilizing land to protect against erosion

Conclusion

In present work, I conclude that the first stage can be done by the direct or the indirect methods.
The direct method examines deposits found near or on the surface whereas the indirect method is
applied for searching deposits deeper in the land. In the second stage of mining, core samples are
collected for the purpose of evaluating the grade and weight of deposits. Upon determining to
work on the site, the designing and planning stage begins. The mining process can be broken
down into two categories: surface mining and underground mining.

With the value of the deposit, a further study is conducted to see whether the deposit shall be
developed or abandoned.
Bibliographic references

https://www.techinexpert.com/what-are-the-process-stages-of mining/#:~:text=What%20are
%20the%20process%20stages%20of%20mining%3F%201,for%2ale%2C%20the%20final
%20process%20of%20mining%20starts.

6 Stages of the Mining Process | BOSS Magazine (thebossmagazine.com)