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1. Mining Fundamentals What is mining?

Mining is the process of locating, extracting and handling useful materials from the Earth's crust. These materials may include metallic ores, industrial minerals, construction materials and other geological resources.

The mining cycle

A simplified mining cycle includes exploration, evaluation, mine planning, development, extraction, processing, transport, sale or use, and eventual closure and rehabilitation.

Ore, mineral and waste

A mineral is a naturally occurring material with characteristic properties. Ore contains valuable material that may be economically recoverable. Waste rock is material removed that is not part of the intended economic product.

Why geology matters

Geology helps teams understand the location, shape, depth and characteristics of deposits. Geological information supports exploration, resource estimation and mine design.