MGY1501 Assignment 1 solutions 2026
Mining Geology I
Welcome to the MGY1501 Assignment 1
Date: 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Define the term ore deposit
An ore deposit is a naturally occurring concentration of valuable minerals in the Earth’s
crust that can be extracted profitably using available mining technology. It contains
minerals in sufficient quantity and grade to justify economic extraction.
1.2 Differentiate between ore and gangue minerals
Ore Minerals Gangue Minerals
Minerals that contain valuable metals (e.g. gold, Minerals with little or no economic
copper) value
Extracted for profit Discarded during processing
Directly contribute to revenue Increase processing costs
Example: Gold (Au) Example: Quartz (SiO₂)
1.3 Why not all mineral deposits are economically viable
Not all mineral deposits can be mined profitably due to several factors:
• Low grade: If the concentration of valuable minerals is too low, extraction
becomes uneconomical.
• High extraction costs: Deep or remote deposits require expensive mining
methods.
• Market prices: If commodity prices are low, mining may not be profitable.
• Technical limitations: Some deposits are difficult to process with current
technology.
Mining Geology I
Welcome to the MGY1501 Assignment 1
Date: 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Define the term ore deposit
An ore deposit is a naturally occurring concentration of valuable minerals in the Earth’s
crust that can be extracted profitably using available mining technology. It contains
minerals in sufficient quantity and grade to justify economic extraction.
1.2 Differentiate between ore and gangue minerals
Ore Minerals Gangue Minerals
Minerals that contain valuable metals (e.g. gold, Minerals with little or no economic
copper) value
Extracted for profit Discarded during processing
Directly contribute to revenue Increase processing costs
Example: Gold (Au) Example: Quartz (SiO₂)
1.3 Why not all mineral deposits are economically viable
Not all mineral deposits can be mined profitably due to several factors:
• Low grade: If the concentration of valuable minerals is too low, extraction
becomes uneconomical.
• High extraction costs: Deep or remote deposits require expensive mining
methods.
• Market prices: If commodity prices are low, mining may not be profitable.
• Technical limitations: Some deposits are difficult to process with current
technology.
