PROCESS OF TIN MINING – THE MINERAL EXPLORATION PROCESS

The process of extracting the tin ore from the earth, there are a lots of stage and processes took place. It may take a lot of effort to find the most suitable location for tin mining. Generally the whole process consists of 4 main stages. Including:

1. Mineral Exploration
2. Feasibility Study
3. Mine Development
4. Status of Deposits and Mining Methods
 

1. MINERAL EXPLORATION

 

The first stage of tin mining known as mineral exploration. During this stage, variety of techniques andequipment has been used and developed for the exploration work. Among the techniques is the use ofsatellite images, magnetometer, electro-magnetometer and maps. In addition, all the of science knowledge such as geology, physics, and chemistry were used.  Geologists will use data from maps,photographs, satellite images and examination of soil samples from the drainage works to determine the structure of rocks and tear mineral prospects. Later geochemical will do the soil samples examination to determine evidence of metals and minerals.

2. FEASIBILITY STUDY 

 

Further feasibility studies will be conducted by a geologist, chemist, mining engineers, mineral processing expert, metallurgists, economists and environmental scientists for the evaluation of a mining project. This study is essential before an iron mining company to spend million dollars to open a mining area. It is important to determine the areas that will open it are really a pile of ore. The decision to open a tin mine should be based on:

           • The ability of the entire commercial project
           • The impact on the environment
           • Impact on local people

3. MINE DEVELOPMENT

 

Once a decision to open a mine has been determined, the initial work or planning to open a mine as the purchase of equipment, infrastructure, processing plant construction will be carried out.




4. STATUS OF DEPOSITS AND MINING METHODS

Ore mining process carried out by removing piles of ore reserves regardless of physical condition and the pile of earth ores. It involves the method of excavation, digging, and collecting, transporting, breaking large rocks and keeps the proceeds of ore. Some of the mining process will be conducted on the surface of the ground and below ground. Depends on the ore heap location. For surface mining, open cast mining methods, the use of the dredge and the hydraulic mining will be conducted. Whereas for underground mine, underground mining will be conducted. For underground mining as mining Sungai Lembing, the mining process is quite complicated. In which, some underground tunnel will be established to enable the process to run ore.