Terms

Process where continental crust is stretched and thinned, forming rift basins often associated with mineral systems (e.g., copper, REE).

High-temperature furnace used to oxidise ore or concentrate (e.g., sulphides) prior to leaching or smelting.

Steel rod installed into rock mass to provide ground support in underground excavations. Increases stability by creating reinforced rock zones.

Hydraulic machine used to break oversized rocks at crushers, grizzlies or drawpoints.

Violent release of stored strain energy in highly stressed rock, causing sudden failure. Significant hazard in deep underground mines.

Geomechanical classification system evaluating rock quality based on strength, joints, water and orientation.

Intermediate study evaluating project viability with preliminary engineering, resource conversion, metallurgical testing and cost estimation. Supports decision to proceed to full feasibility.

Removal of overburden before ore mining begins in open pits. Major component of initial CAPEX and mining schedule.

Solid formed from a chemical reaction in solution, often in metallurgical circuits (e.g., gold precipitation with zinc).

High-pressure, high-temperature oxidation process used to treat refractory gold or sulphide ores before leaching.

First stage of size reduction in processing; handles run-of-mine material and prepares it for secondary crushing or grinding.

Mineralisation formed during initial geological processes, prior to weathering or alteration.