Question

Assume that you just read a magazine article about a copper mine that is closing. In the article, a mining geologist states that there was plenty of copper-bearing rock remaining and that the concentration of copper was uniform and of equal quality to what had been mined in the past. Later in the article, a spokesperson for the mine owner states, "No ore remains." Assume that both the geologist and the spokesperson are correct and suggest an explanation for the apparently contradicting statements.

Short answer

Copper is present, but it's not economically viable to mine.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Definitions

First, let's clarify the terms. 'Copper-bearing rock' refers to any rock that contains copper, while 'ore' refers to copper-bearing rock that can be economically mined and processed. The geologist claims there is copper-bearing rock left, which doesn't necessarily imply it's economical to mine.

Interpreting the Geologist's Statement

The geologist is stating that there is still rock containing copper in the mine. This means that from a purely geological perspective, copper is present regardless of economic feasibility.

Analyzing the Spokesperson's Statement

The spokesperson implies that from a business perspective, no ore is left. This suggests that although copper may be present, the cost of extraction and processing exceeds the market value, making it economically unviable to mine.

Bridging the Statements

Both the geologist and the spokesperson can be correct if the remaining copper-bearing rock is not profitable to mine. The geologist comments on the physical presence, while the spokesperson focuses on economic feasibility.

Key concepts

Copper-bearing rock

Copper-bearing rock is any type of rock that contains copper in meaningful amounts. It is an important resource for understanding and locating deposits.
The rock doesn't need to have a high concentration to be classified as copper-bearing. Even low-grade materials can contain some copper. This makes it essential for geologists to differentiate between the presence of copper and its potential economic benefits.
Identifying copper-bearing rock can guide exploration and mining activities. It helps determine the potential areas for developing mining projects. Knowing this rock is only the start, as it requires further evaluation to gauge economic potential.

Ore

Ore is a special type of copper-bearing rock. It holds enough copper to be considered for economic extraction. Unlike simple copper-bearing rock, ore is both geologically and economically valuable.
Many factors classify rock as ore, like the concentration of copper, the costs of extraction, and the current market price of copper.
Ore must have a copper concentration that justifies mining expenses. This includes all stages from extraction to processing.

• High concentration of copper.
• Feasible mining and processing costs.
• Market conditions supporting profitability.

Without these elements, what remains may still be copper-bearing rock but not ore.

Economic feasibility

Economic feasibility refers to whether mining and processing a particular deposit will yield profit. It merges geological findings with economic realities, determining if extraction is worthwhile.
The economics of mining consider several crucial factors:

• Concentration of ore.
• Costs of extraction and processing.
• Market price of copper.

If extraction costs outweigh potential profit, the operation is not economically feasible. This means even if copper exists in a geographic location, it won't be mined if it's not economically beneficial.
Economic feasibility ensures only profitable ventures proceed, maintaining financial viability and preventing wasted resources.

Mining geology

Mining geology is the study that bridges geology with mining processes. It focuses on locating and extracting earth's resources efficiently and effectively.
Geologists provide vital data on mineral locations, quality, and quantity. This data helps make informed decisions about whether to proceed with mining.
Key roles of mining geology include:

• Identifying locations of minerals.
• Assessing quantities and qualities of deposits.
• Providing data critical to analyzing economic feasibility.

In the context of the exercise, the geologist's role was to confirm copper's presence. However, economic assessments decide if the geological find can transition into a profitable mining operation.