Development and Exploitation of Mineral Deposits
The search for new ore bodies is closely related to the development, extension, and mining of ore bodies already found. In this field the geologist finds wide application of his science. Here he may not be so much concerned with the economic factors or with the broader methods of geologic elimination; his study is more likely to be based mainly on the local geologic conditions.
Some of the larger and more successful mining companies, perhaps the greater number of them these days, have geologists whose business it is to follow closely the underground operations, with a view to advising on the conduct of the development work. This requires the most precise and intensive study. For instance, the Anaconda Copper Mining Company has a staff of several geologists, who follow the underground work in the utmost detail and whose approval must be obtained by the operating department in the formulation of any development plan. The complexity and fault relations of the veins in this company's mines are such that the application of these methods has abundantly justified itself on the cost sheet.
Too often mining companies leave the planning and execution of the underground development work to the local management, commonly to the underground mining captain, without geologic consultation. This procedure does not eliminate the economic geologist; for when the development fails at any point, or new and unexpected conditions are met, the geologist is likely to be called in. In such cases the practice of a geologist is like that of the ordinary medical practitioner; he is called in only when his patients are in trouble. The use of adequate geologic advice in the planning stages is about as little advanced in some localities as the practice of preventive medicine.
The work of the economic geologist may not be ended by the finding and development of the ore; for the moment this is accomplished, he should again consider the economic phases of the problem—the grade of his ore, its probable amount, and other features, in relation to the general economic setting. In his enthusiasm for physical results, he may be carried into expenditures not justified by the economic factors in the problem. Some one else may and usually does look out for the economic elements, but the prudent geologist will at least see to it that someone is on the job.
FOOTNOTES:
[37] Smith, George Otis, and others, The classification of the public lands: Bull. 537, U.S. Geol. Survey, 1913.
[38] Schlumberger, C., Study of underground electrical prospecting: Translated from the French by Sherwin F. Kelly, Paris, 1920.
Bergstrom, Gunnar, and Bergholm, Carl, "Teknisk Tidskrift, Kemi och Bergvetenskap," 1918, Book 12.
[39] Hoover, Herbert C., Principles of mining: McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1909, p. 32.
[40] Leith, C. K., Use of geology in iron ore exploration: Econ. Geol., vol. 7, 1912, pp. 662-675.
[41] Van Hise, C. R., and Leith, C. K., Geology of the Lake Superior region: Mon. 52, U.S. Geol. Survey, 1911.