If you’re new to the mining or geology industries, you may have primarily heard of soil sampling for purposes related to engineering, construction, or even gardening. However, soil sampling is an important part of the mineral exploration and mining processes.
WHAT IS SOIL SAMPLING?
Soil sampling in mineral exploration is the process of taking soil samples from an area to determine the soil’s mineral makeup. In the mining industry, these soil samples are used to help determine whether there are sufficient concentrations of locatable minerals to justify continuing exploration.
HOW DOES SOIL SAMPLING AID IN MINERAL EXPLORATION?
As we know, mining is less about the soil itself and more about the bedrock underneath. How, then, is soil sampling relevant in mineral exploration?
During erosion and soil formation, trace elements present in bedrock become incorporated into the overlying residual soils. Typically, a high concentration of a certain mineral in bedrock will increase the concentration of geochemical values in the soil.
The distribution of the minerals in relation to an ore body depends on the geography of the area. For instance, sloping in the area will usually create fanning of mineral distribution down the slope. Seepage, or minerals being dispersed by groundwater, can also create anomalies that are farther away from an actual mineral deposit. This is why the proper mapping and labeling of soil samples—as well as consideration for surrounding geological features—are so important in the mineral exploration process.
Soil sampling is an early stage of mineral exploration, usually occurring before any significant drilling takes place. It is used intended to help inform drilling patterns as well as to increase confidence about a project’s potential viability.
SOIL SAMPLING SERVICES
While soil sampling seems like a relatively simple process, the interpretation of the data can vary greatly depending on the processes used to collect, label, and interpret data. It can be incredibly helpful to have an experienced geologist assist with soil sampling to ensure proper interpretation of information.
Many anomalies can skew soil samples, such as:
- Mechanical distortions/displacements (such as sub-outcrops being present on a slope)
- Transported soil such as gravel, sand, silt, clay, etc., that may be present over residual soil
- Windblown material
- Volcanic ash (uncommon)
Because of these anomalies and the interpretation of disbursement as occurs from general mineralization, it’s helpful to have someone who understands the progression of mineralized soil to help identify where ore bodies may occur.
ASK A QUESTION
Do you have a question about soil sampling in the mineral exploration process, or would you like to speak with an expert about soil sampling services? Reach out to Rangefront today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRIAN GOSS
President, Rangefront Mining Services
Brian Goss brings over 20 years of experience in gold and mineral exploration. He is the founder and President of Rangefront, a premier geological services and mining consulting company that caters to a large spectrum of clients in the mining and minerals exploration industries. Brian is also a director of Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM), an exploration stage company specializing in energy storage minerals and from 2014 to 2017, he fulfilled the role of President and Director of Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: GRPH), an exploration stage that specialized in the development of graphite properties. Prior to founding Rangefront, Brian worked as a staff geologist for Centerra Gold on the REN project, as well as various exploration and development projects in the Western United States and Michigan. Brian Goss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geology from Wayne State University in Michigan.
You may also be interested in...
What is a Locatable Mineral?
A locatable mineral refers to mineral deposits that can be mined through the process of making a mining claim on public lands. One of the stipulations of filing a hardrock or placer mining claim is that the mineral deposits found in the area must be considered a...
Land Staking: What it Means & How it Works
Put away your flag; modern land staking looks nothing like it does in cartoons or historical motifs. Instead of a flag asserting instant ownership over a tract or parcel of land, modern land staking is more likely to refer to the asserted ownership over a land’s...
Why is a Feasibility Study Important in Mining?
During your prospecting projects, you may reach a certain point where you have the need to complete a feasibility study. If you’ve never been to this stage of the mineral exploration process before, you may be wondering what, exactly, a feasibility study is and why it...
Why Choose a Geology Job Through Rangefront?
Rangefront Mining Services provides staffing services to mining, exploration, and geological sites across the country. This means we have first-hand, and often exclusive access to geology job openings. However, the benefits to choosing a geology job through Rangefront...
Common Types of Mining Jobs
Mining has long been a steady career path, with worldwide needs for minerals and metals steadily growing as manufacturing, energy, and technology continue to boom. In the 21stCentury, this is no exception even as the world begins a broader transition to green energy....
What is AML Hazard Fencing & Why is it Important?
If you have recently received an Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) hazard notice, you may be wondering exactly what AML hazard fencing is and why it is important. Until recently, prospectors were allowed to leave a mine site without being required to leave the property in a...
8 Steps of Mineral Exploration
Mineral exploration is the process of seeking concentrated deposits of minerals for the purpose of mining these minerals for economic benefit. HOW IS MINERAL EXPLORATION DONE? While the exact process of mineral exploration depends on the area, team, and resources,...
How to Vet a Mining Services Company
Finding the right mining services partner is an important part of most mining projects. Taking the time to vet your options will help your project go as smoothly as possible. It helps to ensure the company has the expertise to complete your project efficiently and...
What to Look for in a Mining Consulting Services Company
If you are anticipating or currently undergoing a mining project, you will likely require the help of a mining consulting services company at some point. The quality of this company can help to make, break, accelerate, or slow your progress on the project. 4 QUALITIES...
What are Geophysical Services?
Geophysical services are services that pertain to the collection, interpretation, and mapping of the physical properties of the surface and subsurface (below-ground) of an area. Some of the properties measured include gravity, magnetics, seismic refraction/reflection,...
What are Mining Services?
Mining services are typically defined in two different ways. The first is for physical mining operations, which includes the extraction of minerals, metals, and other material from the earth for industrial and commercial use. Mining services can also be defined as...
How to Find Mining Job Openings
Metal ore mining jobs are expected to grow by 16.3% over the next 10 years which is over double the expected national workforce growth rate. With higher commodity prices and an electric energy trend that positively impacts mining for copper, nickel, lithium, and more,...