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Generally, metal production in Ontario and elsewhere has
four phases: (1) Exploration; (2) development; (3) mining; and
(4) processing.
1. Exploration
The exploration phase consists of finding and delineating
ore reserves. These activities range from prospecting to
exploring by aircraft with advanced scientific techniques such as
electromagnetic and seismic surveying. Texasgulf Canada
discovered minerals near the Kidd Creek Mine by using airborne
exploration techniques.
2. Development
The development phase includes activities needed to bring a
mineral reserve into production. For an underground mine,
development activities include sinking a shaft, adit (an almost
horizontal entrance to a mine), or ramp from the surface of the
ground into the mineral reserves. For an open pit mine, such as
the Kidd Creek Mine, development activities include removing
waste rock that separates the ore from the surface.
3. Mining
The mining phase is the process of extracting ore from the
ground, typically by blasting and mechanical removal.
4. Processing
The processing phase generally includes three different
stages: (a) Milling or concentrating; (b) smelting; and (c)
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Last modified: May 25, 2011