Question 1 (20 marks)

(a) Define the terms “prospecting” and “exploration” for minerals. (5 marks)

(b) What are the main objectives of exploration? (5 marks)

(c) Outline the prospecting and exploration strategies which need to be undertaken in the acquisition of a mineral deposit. (10 marks)

Question 2 (20 marks)

Find and provide both the name and geographical locality of a currently operative mine-site, one from each of the following states: Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. State the name/s of the principal share-holding company that owns each mine. Then, list the geological setting (mode of formation), name the major ore-bearing rock type/s and the commercial use/s of these economic deposits at each mine site. Set out your answers in a table.

Question 3 (20 marks)

You are about to undertake a prospecting and exploration program in a new Greenfields mining venture that adjoins a national park. The mine lease has listed species and cultural artefacts therein. Outline what legislation that you need to be both aware of and to comply with during the prospecting and exploration phases?

Question 4 (20 marks)

As the principal mining engineer at a new Australian mine lease, you need to ensure that the results from your geological exploration program are JORC compliant and are undertaken by a “competent person”. Discuss what this statement means.

Question 5 (20 marks)

What information does the engineering geologist provide to the technical services division for the whole of mine plan?

Researching the answers to questions will require extensive internet searches.  Please ensure that you only use reputable sites and do cite the source of external information utilised using the Harvard referencing system.

Please upload your file to Moodle in MS Word format (.doc or .docx) so that it can be opened and marked in MS Word.