GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
Purpose---- Property has mineral value only when it contains a deposit from which a
product can be won at a profit. Since evaluation necessarily contemplates the processes
of mining and extracting the product, the size, shape, position and the grade of the deposit
are fundamental features that must be determined, at least within reasonable limits, as a
basis. Determination of these features is largely a matter of geology.
Sampling is an allied process.
Mineral deposits 1 range from thin, erratic veins to extensive bedded deposits and
massive bodies such as the copper-porphyries. Processes of genetic concentration may
have been igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. Some deposits are primary in that they
have retained their original qualities and relationships to adjoining rocks; others have
been altered, either by chemical or mechanical means, to secondary deposits. Structural
relationships 2 range from inclusion in undisturbed series to distortion in tight folding and
dislocation by complicated fault offsets. only after it has been mined. It can seldom be
seen as a whole body.
1. Lindgren, W., Mineral Deposits, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1933
2. New house, H.W., Editor, Ore deposits as Related to Structural Features, Princeton
University Press,1943.
In all forms of mining, open pit or underground, there is always a region beyond which
one must visualize continuance or possible interruption of ore. In an open pit, this
projection is downward or sidewise; In an underground operation, it maybe in any
direction.
The object of geologic study as a basis for evaluation of a mineral deposit is to locate
and determine the boundaries of mineral value; or as stated above, to determine the size,
shape, position, and grade of deposit.
SCOPE.In the main, this problem of delineation of ore bodies is a problem in
structural geology aided by sampling, although the complete investigation would be
concerned also with genesis, alterations, mode of occurrence, and mineral association of
deposit.
Since mineral deposits are themselves three-dimensional and since their coordinate
position and depth below the surface is likewise a three-dimensional problem, geologic
field work is planned accordingly. Surface investigations are usually supplemented by
drill-hole data and by underground observations whenever openings for such are
available. Subsurface data are vitally important to proving up the third dimension. While
there are occasions when the entire geologic study must be made from surface indications
alone, it would be poor practice to be limited to surface data if there were underground
openings that could be inspected. To do so would be to ignore the possibility of gaining
additional evidence that might prove or disprove an important point.
Furthermore, surface study is often hindered by lack of rock exposures in the area
under investigation. On the average, there is about one square foot of exposed bedrock
per acre throughout the entire North American continent. Over the glacial pre-Cambrian
Shield of Canada and the Central Plains, large areas contain few exposures.
Geologic study seldom can be confined to the immediate mineral property.
Knowledge of the regional geology is a perquisite to working out the local geology. The
effects of major forces, possibility not expressed locally, may control minor structural
patterns to which the ore deposit is related.
PROSPECT VS MINE.Examination
sometimes available to the geologist. Geology texts frequently contain references or maps
in sufficient detail to be helpful. Maps of adjoining mines, when available, may show
assay results and geologic sections that will be of value in projecting structure and
mineral trends across the property in question. Drilling and geophysical records are an
additional source of information. The examiner should avail him self of all such as data
preparatory to making his own investigation. He can then plan his work more effectively.
FIELD WORK.It is
not within the scope of this book to cover in detail the many
geologic field procedures and the methods of interpretation of data that may be called
upon in the course of a mine examination. These, appropriately, may be found in geology
texts and handbooks in which mineral deposits, structural principles, and field practice 1
are treated at length
CORRELATION WITH OTHER PARTS OF EXAMINATION.Mapping
Test Pitting And Trenching..One traces of mineral or favourable geologic condition have
been found, test pits and trenches are among the simpler, direct methods of prospecting
used to search out mineral values. Trenches are suitable for uncovering ledge under
shallow soil; test pits can be used to penetrate overburden to about 100 ft in dept,
providing large boulders and much water are not encountered. Both are adaptable to hand
methods and, requiring no power equipment, to remote localities.
Simple drive-pipes or auger drills may be used to test relatively soft, shallow deposits.
With suitable topography, light overburden, and a supply of water under head,
Hydraulic king may be advantageous for exposing an area of bedrock to inspection. This
method, however, will usually require too much capital outlay for the average
examination.
Drilling1.Drilling,
Forrester, J. D., Principle of Field and Mining Geology, John Willey & Sons, 1946
Mc Kinstry, H.E., Mining Geology Prentice - Hill, Inc.,1948, Chap. 3.
Lahee, F.H., Field Geology, McGraw-Hill Book C.o., Inc., 1941, Chap. XXII
Heiland, C.A., Geophysical Exploration, Prentice-Hall, 1940.
Jakosky, J. J., Exploration Geophysics, Times-Mirror Press, Los Angeles, Calif., 1940.
Nettleton, L. L., Geophysical Prospecting for Oil McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1940.
Geophysical Prospecting A.I.M.E., 1929, 1932, 1934, 1940, 1945.
LABORATORY STUDIES..Laboratory
maps usually are of two types, property and topographic. The property
map show only land parcels and be plotted on form sheets printed to cover a regular
township with its 36 numbered sections. Or it may be a map drawn to show property
lines, railroads, highways, streams, building, mine dumps, etc., but usually without
topography. The topography map probably will show property lines also and will have on
it the railroads, highways, etc., listed above. In addition, it will show topography
(counters) and geology. Property lines, with tie-in lines to reference points, are usually
Surveyed with transit and tape for record purposes, although for a preliminary report and
as a base for geologic work, stadia measurements will suffice for boundary lines but
should be so noted. The plane table is the usual field instrument for topographic and
geologic work, as it is somewhat more rapid than the transit. Choice of contour interval
will depend on ruggedness of topography and scale will depend on area being worked.
The compass is often used for some of traversing. Solar observations are the usual means
for determining meridian in remote areas. If the area is large, aerial mapping will be
much faster and possibly more economical.
1
Breed, Surveying, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lahee, F.H., Field Geology, McGraw-Hill Book C.o., Inc., 1941, Chap. XV to XXI,
Inclusive
Forrester, J. D., Principle of Field and Mining Geology, John Willey & Sons, 1946
Mc Kinstry, H.E., Mining Geology Prentice - Hill, Inc.,1948, Chap. 1
as an interrelated group. The results of the physical factors, such pressure and
temperature, and the chemical action are evidence from which the original system may be
reconstructed but, of the three, only the structure can be seen in a relatively unchanged
state.
Geology is not yet an exact science and, naturally, there differences of opinion about
the origin of any ore body. Although it may be difficult, in any deposits, for the
investigator to gain much of practical value from ideas on ore genesis, nevertheless,
relationships of ore to rock alteration and to structural features are at times great aids in
locating and following ore bodies.
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1. Lindgren, W., Mineral Deposits, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 4th Ed.,1933, p. 204
IMPORTANCE OF STRUCTURE..Structure
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1
Billings, M.P., Structural Geology, Prentice Hall, Inc.,1942
2
Fisher, D. J., A New Projection Protractor, University of Chicago, Dept. of Geology,
1940