| Contents |
Definition and classification of mineral resources.- Mineral resources and the man.- Recycling of mineral resources.- Distribution of minerals resources in the earth.- Metal and mineral markets.- Mineral resources consumption: Hubbert model.- International standards in mining (NI 43-101, SAMREC, PERC, JORC, CRIRSCO...).- Types of Mineral Resources and Geology.- Mineral Resources related to igneous rocks (intrusive and extrusive).- Mineral Resources related to metamorphic rocks.- Mineral Resources related to sedimentary rocks (clastic and chemical).- Exploration of Mineral Resources.- Mineral projects and time.- Stages in prospect exploration: target generation, reconnaissance exploration, and detailed exploration.- Methods of exploration: geological mapping, satellite imagery and aerial photography, geophysical methods (magnetic, electric, electromagnetic, radiometric, gravity and seismic surveys; airbone prospecting; borehole geophysical logging), geochemical methods (primary and secondary haloes; types of sampling; interpretation of a geochemical data base -univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses-); drilling methods (reverse circulation drilling and diamond core drilling).- Mineral deposits models in exploration: descriptive, statistical, and genetic models.- Evaluation of Mineral Resources.- Sampling definition, types and density of sampling, and sample amount; analytical errors: fortuitous and systematic.- Mean grade definition and calculation: weighting and statistical methods - Sichel's estimator.- Evaluation methods: classical methods (polygonal, triangulation, sections, inverse distance, search window) and geostatistical methods (regionalized variables, semivariogram models, kriging, and cross validation; indicator kriging).- Economic evaluation of mining projects: definition and calculation of NPV, IRR, and PP. Estimation of risk: sensibility analysis and Montecarlo method.- Mineral Resources Evaluation Software.- Exploitation of Mineral Resources.- Surface mining and methods (open pit, hydraulicking, placer, dredging, solution, etc.).- Underground mining and methods (unsupported,supported, and caving).- Basic production cycle and units operations (drill, blast, load, and haul).- Mineral Resources Exploitation Software.- Mineral Processing.- Crushing equipments: jaw crushers, cone crushers, impact mills.- Grinding equipments (rod mills, ball mills, autogenous and semiautogenous mills, hammer mills) and sizing equipments (vibrating screens, etc.).- Ore separation processes: gravity concentration, froth flotation, magnetic separation, etc.- Concentrate dewatering equipments: thickeners, drum filters, disk filters, and pressure filters.- Tailings dam: objectives, construction methods (upstream, downstream, and centerline), and water control and management.- Environmental Impacts of Mining.- Impact of mining on the atmosphere (dusts, gases, high intensity noises, pollution, vibrations,...).- Impact of mining on the biosphere (Acid mine drainage, alteration of phreatic levels, other contamination, changes in soil profile,...).- Lost of biodiversity.- Geophysical hazards (i.e. subsidence, landslides, induced seismicity,...).- Reclamation; sustainable development and mine Rehabilitation.- Environmental impact assessment (EIA). |
