Qarsaa fi Maallima

exploration

Exploitation,the fourth stage of mining, is associated with the actual recovery of minerals from the earth in quantity. Although development may continue, the emphasis in the production stage is on production. Usually only enough development is done prior to exploitation to ensure that production,once started,can continue uninterrupted throughout the life of the mine. The mining method selected for exploitation is determined mainly by the characteristics of the mineral deposit and the limits imposed by safety, technology,environmental concerns,and economics. Geologic conditions, such as the dip, shape, and strength of the ore and the surrounding rock,play a key role in selecting the method. Traditional exploitation methods fall into two broad categories based on locale: surface or underground. Surface mining includes mechanical excavation methods such as open pit and open cast (strip mining), and aqueous methods such as placer and solution mining. Underground mining is usually classified in three categories of methods: unsupported, supported, and caving.( by chaka dabele (Geologist)