Mining is an industry that involves various stages with complex work and special tools. The stages of mining activities are quite long, starting from general investigation or prospecting to reclamation or post-mining environmental restoration.
Mining activities are the work of digging and collecting valuable mineral materials from the earth or soil layers, like coal, gold ore, oil and gas, etc. In the mining industry, work must be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.
The mining process requires careful planning and the use of appropriate technology to minimize environmental impacts. That is why understanding the series of mining activities is very important to ensure that natural resource exploitation is carried out efficiently and responsibly.
The following are the stages of mining activities that you need to know, starting from the initial search and survey to reclamation.
General Investigation (Prospecting)
Prospecting is an activity that involves investigation, search, or identification of high-value mineral deposits. The aim is to detect the presence or signs of excavated materials that have the potential to be studied further.
Some prospecting methods include tracing float and geological and mineral mapping. Tracing float generally carried out in tributary streams to find or track the presence of minerals originating from the weathering of mineralization zones.
Meanwhile, Geological and mineral mapping is applied if information about the type of lithology at the location is not well known or more detailed data is needed.
Exploration
Exploration is an activity carried out after the prospecting stage or after the discovery of mineral deposits. This process aims to ascertain various aspects of the deposit, including shape, size, location, quality level, as well as its physical properties.
In addition to collecting data on the distribution and thickness of mineral materials, Exploration also includes taking samples of excavated materials and the overburden. This stage has an important role in the reclamation process because it can identify all ecosystems that previously existed at that location.
Mine Planning
The mine planning stage is the process of designing various aspects of mine operations to ensure activities run efficiently, aman, and sustainable. This process involves selecting a mining method, environmental impact management, job security, as well as the development of the necessary infrastructure.
Every decision made at this stage will affect production results and environmental impacts in the long term. The choice of mining method is based on the characteristics of the deposit, as in open pits (open-pit) or underground mines (underground).
Open-pit mining is more suitable for deposits located close to the surface. while underground mines are used for proposals that are in deeper layers.
Construction (Preparation)
Construction stage involves the construction of all facilities necessary to support production operations, including steps to control environmental impacts. The construction process includes various activities aimed at providing mining facilities and infrastructure before mining begins.
Activities during the construction phase include the construction of a mining road, harbor, kantor, workshop, employee residence, communication facilities, power plants to support mining activities, as well as mineral processing facilities.
Mining (Exploitation)
Exploitation in mining is the main operational stage carried out after ensuring the existence of minerals suitable for mining. This stage includes the process of systematically extracting excavated materials according to the method that was designed at the mine planning stage.
Exploitation aims to extract maximum minerals while still paying attention to efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Exploitation activities involve a variety of activities, like digging, transportation, and processing of minerals, until the material is ready to be used or marketed.
The exploration process must comply with applicable work safety regulations and standards to protect workers and prevent the risk of accidents. Appropriate exploration activities will produce economic benefits while maintaining the environment and comfort of the surrounding community.
Processing and Purification
Processing is carried out to separate valuable and non-valuable minerals. Excavated materials that have been mined generally have to be processed first at a processing plant. Because the excavation results are usually mixed with dirt during the mining process, and the need for certain specifications to be marketed.
Besides that, Excavated materials need to be processed in order to reduce volume and transportation costs, increase added value, and reducing chemical compounds that smelters don't want. So this processing and refining process aims to improve the quality of the excavation results.
Transportation
The transportation stage is the process of moving excavated materials that have been exploited from the mining site to the processing site, storage, or directly to consumers. This process is an important part because it ensures that excavated materials can be transported efficiently, aman, and according to production needs.
Transportation can be done using various types of transportation, like a mining truck, conveyor, or train. The transportation process must pay attention to load stability, mine road conditions, and time efficiency to ensure the continuity of mining operations.
At the open pit, transportation usually involves heavy mining equipment such as haul trucks which are designed to carry large amounts of cargo. Meanwhile in the underground mine, Excavated materials are often moved using minecart or conveyor systems that can reach areas with limited access.
Marketing
Marketing in mining activities is the stage of selling mining products to consumers or end users. This stage involves various activities, starting from determining the price, contract negotiations, to managing product distribution.
Mining products that have gone through processing will be marketed based on quality, amount, and specifications desired by the buyer. Several mining companies also establish long-term cooperation with buyers, such as processing plants or energy companies.
The marketing stage requires compliance with export and import regulations, especially if mining products are sold to international markets. On a local scale, marketing often focuses on adapting to the needs of the domestic industry.
Reclamation
Reclamation is an effort to restore ex-mining land so that it can be reused for both ecological and social functions. After mining activities are completed, The company is obliged to return the land to a better condition or according to the post-mining plan that has been determined.
The reclamation process includes various steps such as revegetation, soil stabilization, and water resources management. One way is to replant or green the affected areas.
The reclamation stage is divided into two main activities, namely the restoration of ex-mining land to improve disturbed ecological functions, as well as preparation of land that has been restored so that it can be utilized further as needed.
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Make sure you always use quality and prime mining equipment
The stages of mining activities involve a long process and require special equipment. Every mining worker must understand it to ensure work runs efficiently, aman, and minimize environmental impacts. Also make sure to use quality heavy mining equipment for the success of your project.
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