What are some effective ways to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills?
Mineral exploration and resource assessment are essential skills for mining engineers, as they help to identify, evaluate, and exploit mineral deposits. However, these skills are not acquired overnight, and require continuous learning and practice. In this article, we will share some effective ways to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills, whether you are a student, a graduate, or a professional in the mining industry.
The first step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to learn the basic principles and concepts that underpin these activities. You should have a solid foundation in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineralogy, and mineral economics, as well as the relevant tools and techniques for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You can learn the basics from textbooks, online courses, workshops, or mentors, depending on your level and needs.
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This is a given regarding the understanding of the basics of geology, geochemistry and geophysics and its limitations. The best approach of acquiring the skills is by practice undergoing all the phases of exploration, from reconnaissance, semi-detailed, detailed, target testing and if you are fortunate reach the stage of ore body delineation, PFS and feasibility study. These activities will hone your skills and know each study's limitations. You must have a good foundation of mapping. The most important thing you could ever have is a good mentor. A lot of people are good geologists but are lousy teachers.
The second step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to gain field experience. There is no substitute for hands-on learning, as you will be exposed to different types of mineral deposits, geological settings, exploration methods, and challenges. You can gain field experience by participating in field trips, internships, projects, or volunteering opportunities, either in your own country or abroad. You should also seek feedback and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
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I had an edge over my peers since I was exposed to different kinds of rocks and deposits. I was affiliated with the country's Geological Survey and concentrated on reconnaissance and semi-detailed exploration before moving as a Project Geologist concentrating on target testing, ore body delineation and PFS specializing on epithermal systems and copper porphyry.
The third step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to stay updated with the latest developments and trends in the mining industry. You should follow the news, reports, publications, and podcasts that cover topics such as mineral markets, exploration strategies, resource estimation, mining technology, and sustainability. You should also network with other mining engineers, geologists, consultants, and researchers, and join relevant associations and communities.
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Reading geology literature is the best and cheapest way to acquire knowledge. The first is to learn and understand the regional geology of where your main tenements are located. Depending on what exploration phase every geologist should be familiarize on every exploration tool for example with geochemical sampling; the process and its limitations. Once you have the basics behind you, you master deposits types and attend lectures and collaborate with experts at these kind of deposits.
The fourth step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to apply your skills to real-world problems and scenarios. You should challenge yourself to find, analyze, and evaluate mineral deposits, using various sources of information, such as maps, reports, databases, and software. You should also practice your communication and presentation skills, as you will need to convey your findings and recommendations to different audiences and stakeholders.
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A junior should prepare all data sets including the geological map and sections then the interim report. Based on the junior's output the project or senior geologist could certainly review and give constructive criticism. The attitude should be open otherwise there would be no improvement. Likewise he is encouraged as a co-author to present the paper on a forum be it a public one or private. In so doing his skills will be honed holistically.
The fifth step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to seek feedback from others who can help you improve and grow. You should ask for constructive criticism and suggestions from your peers, supervisors, clients, or mentors, and be open to learning from their perspectives and experiences. You should also reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where you need to improve or learn more.
The sixth and final step to develop your mineral exploration and resource assessment skills is to keep learning. You should never stop being curious and eager to learn new things, as the mining industry is constantly evolving and changing. You should pursue further education, training, or certification, if possible, or enroll in online courses, webinars, or workshops that can enhance your knowledge and skills. You should also read books, journals, blogs, or magazines that can inspire you and broaden your horizons.
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