Task: A Mine of Information Coming up at the end of this section.

3.1 Planning Mine Development

		Planning the development of a mine is a highly complex task designed to ensure that the ore is extracted safely, efficiently and profitably.
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3.1.1 Visualizing the Deposit

Before developing a mine, an overview of the ore deposit is required.

Diamond drilling is carried out at closely spaced intervals to create a 3-D model of the deposit.

The core samples are carefully analysed by geologists who locate structures and identify rock formations and mineralization.

		Core samples from a copper deposit (chalcopyrite).
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Many samples are systematically taken from the drill core and sent to an assay laboratory to determine their valuable metal content.

		Traces of chalcopyrite in drill core.
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The data collected is then processed using sophisticated software that produces 3-D colour maps, showing the type of rock, ore, etc.

All this information is necessary for planning mining operations.

		A wealth of data may be recorded on the 3-D map of a deposit.
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