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This comprehensive textbook covers all major topics related to the utilization of mineral resources for human activities. It begins with general concepts like definitions of mineral resources, mineral resources and humans, recycling mineral resources, distribution of minerals resources across Earth, and international standards in mining, among others. Then it turns to a classification of mineral resources, covering the main types from a geological standpoint. The exploration of mineral resources is also treated, including geophysical methods of exploration, borehole geophysical logging, geochemical methods, drilling methods, and mineral deposit models in exploration.
Further, the book addresses the evaluation of mineral resources, from sampling techniques to the economic evaluation of mining projects (i.e. types and density of sampling, mean grade definition and calculation, Sichel's estimator, evaluation methods - classical and geostatistical, economic evaluation - NPV,IRR, and PP, estimation of risk, and software for evaluating mineral resources). It subsequently describes key mineral resource exploitation methods (open pit and underground mining) and the mineral processing required to obtain saleable products (crushing, grinding, sizing, ore separation, and concentrate dewatering, also with some text devoted to tailings dams). Lastly, the book discusses the environmental impact of mining, covering all the aspects of this very important topic, from the description of diverse impacts to the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which is essential in modern mining projects.
List of contents
Introduction.- Types of Mineral Resources and Geology.- Exploration of Mineral Resources.- Evaluation of Mineral Resources.- Exploitation of Mineral Resources.- Mineral Processing.- Environmental Impacts of Mining.
About the author
Manuel Bustillo Revuelta - Complutense University of Madrid, Facultad de Geología, Madrid, Spain.
Summary
This comprehensive textbook covers all major topics related to the utilization of mineral resources for human activities. It begins with general concepts like definitions of mineral resources, mineral resources and humans, recycling mineral resources, distribution of minerals resources across Earth, and international standards in mining, among others. Then it turns to a classification of mineral resources, covering the main types from a geological standpoint. The exploration of mineral resources is also treated, including geophysical methods of exploration, borehole geophysical logging, geochemical methods, drilling methods, and mineral deposit models in exploration.
Further, the book addresses the evaluation of mineral resources, from sampling techniques to the economic evaluation of mining projects (i.e. types and density of sampling, mean grade definition and calculation, Sichel’s estimator, evaluation methods – classical and geostatistical, economic evaluation – NPV,IRR, and PP, estimation of risk, and software for evaluating mineral resources). It subsequently describes key mineral resource exploitation methods (open pit and underground mining) and the mineral processing required to obtain saleable products (crushing, grinding, sizing, ore separation, and concentrate dewatering, also with some text devoted to tailings dams). Lastly, the book discusses the environmental impact of mining, covering all the aspects of this very important topic, from the description of diverse impacts to the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which is essential in modern mining projects.
Additional text
“Students of the mining industry are rarely exposed to the other fields that comprise the mining project enterprise, nor are they well versed in the project economics. … It would therefore represent a useful reference for any student or professional seeking to gain an integrated understanding of the mining industry: a valued skill in any profession. The positive recommendation is offered here for the right-sized summaries and many practical axioms provided for the dozens of explored subjects.” (Guy Desharnais, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 54, 2019)
Report
"Students of the mining industry are rarely exposed to the other fields that comprise the mining project enterprise, nor are they well versed in the project economics. ... It would therefore represent a useful reference for any student or professional seeking to gain an integrated understanding of the mining industry: a valued skill in any profession. The positive recommendation is offered here for the right-sized summaries and many practical axioms provided for the dozens of explored subjects." (Guy Desharnais, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 54, 2019)
