Terms

Systematic error in sampling that leads to unrepresentative results. Must be minimised for accurate resource estimation.

Measure indicating whether a solution will dissolve or precipitate minerals. Important in water chemistry and scaling control.

Rare metal used in high-strength aluminium alloys and solid oxide fuel cells. Often a by-product of laterites and REE ores.

Medium-grade metamorphic rock with pronounced foliation, derived from shales or volcanic rocks.

Load–haul–dump equipment used in underground mines for loading and transporting broken ore.

Separation of particles by size using screens. Essential before crushing, grinding and classification.

Mechanical cleaning of particles using water and agitation to remove clays and coatings before processing.

Rock formed by deposition and compaction of sediments. Hosts coal, evaporites and many base-metal deposits.

Geophysical method using seismic waves to map subsurface structures. Key technique in oil, gas and some mineral exploration.

Mining technique aimed at extracting ore while minimising dilution of waste. Requires detailed geological control.

Fee charged by refiners to purify metals in concentrates, separate from smelting charges.

Financial guarantee required by regulators to ensure mine-site restoration and closure obligations are met.