Geological methods in mineral exploration and mining / Геологические методы разведки и добычи полезных ископаемых

This book is written as a practical field manual to be used by geologists engaged in mineral exploration. It is also hoped that it will serve as a text and reference for students in Applied Geology courses of universities and colleges. The book aims to outline some of the practical skills that turn the graduate geologist into an explorationist:. It is intended as a practical 'how to' book, rather than as a text on geological or ore deposit theory. An explorationist is a professional who searches for ore bodies in a scientific and structured way. Although an awkward and artificial term, this is the only available word to describe the totality of the skills which are needed to locate and define economic mineralization. Even the mine geologist, attempting to define ore blocks ahead of the mining crews, is an explorationist. The most fundamental and cost-effective skills of the explorationist relate to the acquisition, recording and presentation of geological knowledge so that it can be used to predict the presence of ore. Practical field techniques taught at undergraduate level are often forgotten and sometimes, although taught, are not reinforced by subsequent practice; some skills may never be adequately taught in the academic environment of universities. Special techniques needed by an explorationist - for example, mapping on grids or logging drill core or cuttings - seldom figure in basic training courses. Although no book can substitute for hands-on experience and demonstration, this manual aims to address some of these deficiencies. <...>