Minerals Industry of Gilgit Biltistan
Geology of Lease Area
Skardu Basin is a northwest-trending intermontane basin along the Indus River in the Karakoram Himalaya Mountains of Pakistan. Seismotectonic domain boundaries in the Karakoram Himalaya commonly cross lithologic and some older structural boundaries. Four major structural-seismotectonic domains exist in the Skardu area:
· Himalayan seismic zone, characterized by thrust tectonics;
· Hindu Kush–Pamir seismic zone;
· Skardu quiet zone, characterized by strike-slip, extensional, and rotational tectonics with relatively little seismicity.
· Southern Edge of Eurasian lithosphere (Tarim–Kun Lun–Tibet) northeast of the Karakoram fault. The Skardu quiet zone is interpreted to be within the Himalayan thrust prism, above an aseismic detachment along which stable sliding or ductile faulting accommodates displacement. Stresses transmitted into the Skardu quiet zone laterally from the Himalayan seismic zone toward Eurasia and perhaps upward from the inferred basal detachment result in gross clockwise rotation, translation to the north-northwest, and a right-lateral sense of shear in the Skardu region.
Landsat lineaments defined by major drainages suggest an array of fractures and faults in the Skardu quiet zone. Field data suggest that the lineaments generally reflect distributed shear along myriad small faults rather than displacement exclusively localized on major, discrete fault surfaces. Extensive glacial and fluvial erosion have accentuated trends characterized by relatively dense fracturing and faulting. At its confluence with the Indus at Skardu, the Shigar River flows through a breach that may have originated as a pull-apart structure similar to the pull-apart basin along the upper Sutlej River.
The preserved vestiges of the upper Cenozoic Bunthang sedimentary sequence reflect Skardu’s early basin phase. Uplift along the Nanga Parbat–Haramosh syntaxis and along the northeastern margin of the Himalayan seismic zone may have contributed to the ponding of the Indus River in the Skardu Basin during Bunthang time. These axes of uplift may be related to movement of the Himalayan thrust wedge from a region of easy basal slip (Skardu quiet zone) to a region of increased resistance to basal slip (Himalayan seismic zone, or, in the case of the NP-H syntaxis, the Hindu Kush-Pamir seismic areas). Regional uplift within the Skardu quiet zone may reflect thickening of the thrust prism in response to variations in shear resistance along the detachment.
Quaternary glacial lake beds located on the floor of Skardu Basin are generally undeformed in the western half of the basin. Local deformation within the lake beds in the eastern half of the basin is probably due to interaction with glaciers.
MINERAL DEPOSIT PLACER GOLD IN BRIEF
Since the beginning of time, people in the area have known how to extract gold from placers. Gold can be found in abundance in the Hunza, Ghizer, and Indus rivers, as well as the majority of their tributaries. Along all these rivers, large terraces with depths up to 120 meters are frequently exposed.
According to a survey done in 1998, local gold-washers in the area annually extract about 15 kg of gold. These gold washers wash 700–1000 kg of sand per day with the help of 8–10 people using archaic methods like mercury amalgamation to recover this yellow metal.
With the development of new techniques, mechanized gold recovery systems are now available that can process 5 to 50 tons of mica per hour with guaranteed safe recovery of mica along with other metals and gemstonesdevelopment and ultimate mining. These include:-
· Precious and base metals
· Precious and semi-precious gemstones
· Industrial minerals
Standard
Operating Procedure (SOPs)
Our policy, in general, in the area
of exploration activities / geological investigation will be to conduct
environmental impact assessments and social impact assessment prior to implementation
of planned exploration works. Therefore, in finalizing site selection full
account in environmental and the social impacts, if any, alongside all other
technical and business consideration shall be taken.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in placer gold mining typically
includes the following steps:
· Site
Assessment: Before starting any
mining operation, a site assessment should be conducted to determine if the
area is suitable for placer gold mining. Factors to consider include the
presence of water, accessibility, geology, topography, and environmental
considerations.
· Equipment
Selection: Once a suitable site has
been identified, the appropriate equipment should be selected based on the size
of the operation and the type of material being mined. Common equipment used in
placer gold mining include sluice boxes, high bankers, trommels, and dredges.
· Set-Up
and Preparation: The equipment should be
set up and tested to ensure it is functioning properly. Site preparation should
also be conducted, including the removal of overburden and the creation of
access roads.
· Mining
Operations: Placer gold mining
typically involves the use of water to separate gold from other materials. This
can be done using a sluice box, which uses water and gravity to separate gold
from sand and gravel. Alternatively, a high banker or trommel can be used to
wash the material and separate the gold.
· Gold
Recovery: Once the gold has been
separated from the other materials, it needs to be collected and processed.
This can be done using a gold pan or other specialized equipment. The collected
gold should be weighed and recorded.
· Site
Clean-up: Once mining operations
are complete, the site should be cleaned up to minimize the impact on the
environment. This may involve the removal of equipment, restoration of
vegetation, and the stabilization of any disturbed areas.
· Record
Keeping: It is important to keep
accurate records of all mining operations, including the amount of material
mined, the amount of gold recovered, and any environmental impacts. These
records can be used to assess the success of the operation and to plan future mining
activities.
It is important to follow all local laws and
regulations related to placer gold mining, and to prioritize environmental
sustainability and responsible mining practices.
No
doubt exploration site selection has an important upon the amount of
disturbance. Pollution that may be caused during field operations will be
primary object will be dump and recycle accordingly. Throughout geological
investigation site selection shall be aimed to minimize any dislocation or
disturbance of local inhabitant or disruption of their lives, or any risk to
land holding or to water supplies. Besides, it will be aimed to avoid any long
term effects upon drainage or water resources of the area. In addition under
unavoidable circumstances or necessary measures will be taken to mitigate any
impact or local flora or fauna or their habitats.
It may, however, be clarified that our
past geological exploration experience is indicative that no environmental
implementation results during geological traverses, sampling and other field investigation, that
we shall undertake in the area. Notwithstanding environmental pollution /
implication effects as well as their mitigation measures shall definitely be
factored in / catered for by the management and the field personnel’s as and
when preliminary editing / tunneling, geophysical Survey work and drilling
operations or started in the “Reconnaissance License” area by the company.
For this work schedule it shall be
the policy of company to appropriately and adequately train its human resources
in environmental and Health and Safety (EH&S). Apart from this company
employ working this remote area will be equipped to address accidents and field
emergencies, beside, out trained manpower shall be equally available for taking
emergences of the local population as and when areas arise.
Moreover,
all possible necessary steps shall be taken in order to assists local
inhabitants to adjust or the impacts that are directly or indirectly caused on
account of our activities, we, the management will liaise pro-actively with
local people / communities by responding immediately to their concerns.
Adequate and well before time warming / intimation shell be given to those that
are like to be effected because of our activities, in case damages caused to
their land / property restoration measures shall be taken to their satisfactory
and or as nearly as possible or else compensation shall be paid for damages
caused by as.
Not only that but also company’s
team working in remote areas / locations effective training and gear preserving
health and safety, in addition to, as well as water and food hygienically fit
shall be provided.
Safety and Health at Work
Safety and health at work are important considerations in placer gold
mining operations. Here are some measures that can be taken to ensure a safe
and healthy work environment:
· Training: All employees should be trained on the proper use of equipment and
safety procedures before starting work. This includes training on first aid,
emergency response, and hazard identification and mitigation.
· Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE):
Employees should wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, steel-toed boots,
safety glasses, and gloves, as well as respiratory protection if needed. The
type of PPE required will depend on the specific hazards present at the
worksite.
· Hazard
Identification: Employers should conduct
regular hazard assessments to identify potential hazards and implement measures
to mitigate them. Hazards in placer gold mining can include slips, trips, and
falls, equipment malfunction, exposure to harmful chemicals, and environmental
hazards such as extreme weather conditions.
· Emergency
Response: Employers should have an
emergency response plan in place, which includes provisions for first aid,
medical treatment, and evacuation in case of an accident or injury. All
employees should be trained on the emergency response plan.
· Environmental
Protection: Employers should take
measures to minimize the environmental impact of mining operations. This
includes proper disposal of hazardous waste, protection of water sources, and
reclamation of the land once mining operations are complete.
· Regular
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Employers should regularly monitor the work environment for hazards and assess
the effectiveness of safety and health measures. Any issues that arise should
be addressed promptly.
By prioritizing safety and health at work, employers can reduce the risk
of accidents and injuries and create a safer and more productive work
environment for their employees.
The DWCP (2016-22)
focuses on development and implementation of OSH mechanism for vulnerable
categories of workers. It supports the capacity building measures of the ILO
constituents to promote occupational safety and health including social
dialogue at the workplace.
The ILO has
been providing technical assistance to the Government of Pakistan in light of
possible ratification of relevant ILO conventions on OSH particularly the
Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No.176). In addition, it has also
extended technical assistance to enhance capacity of the SCORE trainers on the
modern OSH management system approaches based on the ILO
Personal Protective Equipment on Site
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an important
component of safety in placer gold mining operations. Here are some examples of
PPE that may be used on site:
· Hard hats: These protect the head from falling objects, bumps, and other hazards.
· Steel-toed boots: These protect the feet from heavy equipment, rocks, and other hazards.
· Safety glasses: These protect the eyes from flying debris, dust, and other hazards.
· Gloves: These protect
the hands from cuts, burns, and other hazards.
· Respirators: These protect the respiratory system from harmful dust, gases, and
other airborne hazards.
· Earplugs or earmuffs: These protect the ears from loud noises that can damage hearing.
· Reflective vests: These increase visibility and help prevent accidents.
The specific PPE required will depend on the
hazards present at the worksite. Employers should conduct a hazard assessment
to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate PPE for the job.
It is important to ensure that PPE is properly
fitted, maintained, and used by all employees. PPE should be regularly
inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. Employers should provide
training on the proper use of PPE, including how to properly put on, take off,
and care for the equipment.
By providing and ensuring the proper use of PPE,
employers can help protect their employees from accidents and injuries and
create a safer work environment.
Geologist
Engaged On Permanent Base
Letter of
Appointment
Date:
1st Jan 2020
Name: JAHANGIR KHAN
Address: Flat # 4 Muhammad Plaza, Service Road,
Transformer chowk,
Dear
Jahangir Khan
Appointment
as: Senior Geologist.
We
refer to your recent interview for the above position and are pleased to advise
that we are offering you the position with our Company effective from 1st Jan
2018 under the following terms and conditions:
1. SALARY
Your salary will commence at 25000/-
per month.
2. PROBATIONARY
PERIOD
Your appointment will be subject to
a probationary period of 6 months. An official confirmation of your appointment
will be notified to you in writing.
3. WORKING
HOURS
Your working hours will be as
follows:
Mon – Fri :
Lunch Break :
At times, you may be required to
work irregular hours, including Saturday and Sunday.
Appropriate time off will be
considered for work performed outside normal operational hours.
4. LEAVE OF
ABSENSCE
Leave of absence
whether medical or annual will be given in accordance with the Company’s
Employee Handbook. Application on prescribed form for leave must be made one
week in advance.
5. PAID LEAVE
5.1 ANNUAL LEAVE
The annual leave will be as
follows:-
a) Employed
for 1-3 years : 10
days
b) Employed
for 4-5 years : 15
days
C) Employed
for more than 5 years : 24 days
The maximum leave will be fixed at 5
days. The leave will be taken at interval periods
unless requested for special reasons such as an overseas trip.
No leave will be granted immediately
before/after Public Holidays.
Employee may carry forward a maximum
of 7 working days’ unutilized leave to the following
year and must be utilized by end of that year.
5.2 MARRIAGE
LEAVE
Permanent employees are entitled to
10 days’ Marriage Leave.
5.3 COMPASSIONATE
LEAVE
Permanent employees are entitled
to:-
a) 3
days – death of spouse, child or parent
b) 3
day – death of parent-in-law, brother, sister or grandparent.
6. BONUS
Bonus is dependent upon the
Company’s profitability and your performance. It is only payable at the end of
one year’s service and will be paid before New Year.
7. MPF
Deduction of employee’s contribution
and employer’s share of contribution will be in accordance with the respective Ordinance currently enforced.
8. PERIOD OF
NOTICE FOR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Period of notice for termination of
employment or salary in lieu shall be as follows:-
a) First
month of probation – without notice
b) Second
month till probation and 0 7 days
c) After
probation- 1 month
Proposed
Machinery List required
for mining / Equipment Detail
Specific Use of Each Machinery
Trommel
Screen
The trommel screen
is used to separate
materials by size. The rotating drum rolls larger pieces over
to allow all fines to flow down and through the trommel screen plates
CENTRIFUGAL CONCENTRATOR GOLD
RECOVERY
The application has
shown that the recovery of gold can be very high, as much as 99% and the concentration
ratio is up to 1,000 times. In the recovery of natural gold in lode ore that
has a particle size of -0.074mm, the gold recovered is about 98%, for recovery
of gold in particle size of 0.004mm, it is up to 97%.
Sluice Box
A box with riffles along
the bottom, used to trap heavier
gold particles as water washes them and the other material along the box.
Gold Bullion
Bullion
refers to physical gold and silver
of high purity that is often kept in the form of bars, ingots, or coins.
Bullion can sometimes be considered legal tender, and is often held as reserves
by central banks or held by institutional investors.
Melting Furnace
Metal melting furnace means a cupola, electric arc furnace, or electric induction furnace that converts solid forms of iron to a liquid state.
Mercury Amalgamation Gold
In
this practice, elemental mercury is
used to extract gold from ore as an amalgam. The amalgam is typically isolated by hand and then
heated—often with a torch or over a stove—to distill the mercury and isolate
the gold.
Shaking Tables for Gold
A Gold Shaking Table are basically low-capacity machines used as last step in the gold upgrading process. The shaking table is a thin film, shear flow process equipment that separates particle grains of its feed material based on the differences in their specific gravity, density, size and shape.
Owned Machinery
Available At Mine Site
·
Generators
·
Shaking tables
·
Piping system for water
·
Sluice box six in quantity
·
Metal detecting machine
Rented
Machinery
·
Excavators
·
Loaders
Installation Detail of Machinery
The installation details for machinery used for
placer gold mining can vary depending on the specific type of machinery being
used. However, here are some general steps that can be taken during the
installation process:
· Site
Preparation: The site where
the machinery will be installed needs to be prepared properly. This may include
clearing the area of any obstacles, levelling the ground, and providing a
stable base for the machinery.
· Foundation
Construction: Once the site is prepared, the foundation needs
to be constructed. The foundation needs to be strong enough to support the
weight of the machinery and provide stability.
· Installation
of the Machinery: The machinery can now be installed on the
foundation. This process will vary depending on the specific machinery being
used. For example, if a trommel screen is being used, it will need to be
assembled and mounted onto the foundation.
· Electrical
and Water Supply: The machinery
will need electrical and water supply for proper operation. This will require
the installation of electrical wiring and plumbing to connect to the power and
water sources.
· Testing and
Commissioning: After the installation is complete, the machinery
needs to be tested to ensure that it is working correctly. This includes
testing the electrical and water supply, as well as the various components of
the machinery.
· Operation
and Maintenance: Once the machinery is installed and tested, it is
ready for operation. It is important to maintain the machinery regularly to
ensure that it continues to function properly and efficiently. This may include
cleaning, lubrication, and regular inspections.
.
.
Revenue
Detail
Approximate Expenditure for Three
Years
1st Year (2023)
1. Technical
Geological Equipment PRs.
14, 00,000
2. Salaries, PRs.
6, 00,000/-
3. Transportation. PRs.
12, 00,000/-
4. Documentation
(Security, rent etc) PRs. 4, 00,000/-
5. Chemical
Analysis of samples. PRs.
5, 00,000/-
6. Office
Expenditure. PRs.
4, 00,000/-
7. Visits,
Tours. PRs.
2, 00,000
8. Misc.
Expenditures. PRs.
1, 00,000/-
Total:- PRs. 48,00,000/-
2nd Years (2024)
1. Salaries of Staff. PRs.
8, 00,000/-
2. Transportation. PRs. 5, 00,000/-
3. Documentation. PRs. 2, 00,000/-
4. Chemical analysis. PRs. 1, 50,000/-
5. Office expenditure Astor/Gilgit PRs. 3, 00,000/-
6. Equipment’s. PRs. 1, 50,000/-
7. Miscellanies Expenditures. PRs. 100,000/-
Total. PRs. 22, 00,000/-
3rd Years (2025)
1. Equipment’s. PRs. 2, 50,000/-
2. Salaries. PRs. 1,
50,000/-
3. Transportation. PRs. 2, 50,000/-
4. Office Expenditure. PRs. 4,
00,000/-
5. Visits Tours. PRs. 3, 50,000/-
6. Misc. Expenditures. PRs. 3,
00,000/-
Total. PRs.
17, 00,000/-
SUMMARY OF THE EXPENDITURES.
1st
Year PRs.
48, 00,000/-
2nd
Year PRs.
22, 00,000/-
3rd
Year PRs.
17, 00,000/-
Total PRs. 87, 00,000/-
Accidents Data
Placer gold mining,
which involves extracting gold from alluvial deposits, can be a dangerous
activity due to the use of heavy equipment, exposure to hazardous materials,
and working in remote areas with limited medical resources.
It's important to note that these reported accidents are likely just a
fraction of the total number of accidents that occur in the placer gold mining
industry. Accidents can also result in injuries and long-term health effects,
such as respiratory problems from exposure to dust and chemicals.
Recovery rates from placer gold mining accidents vary depending on the
severity of the accident and the availability of medical resources. Some
accidents may result in permanent disabilities, while others may require
extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Overall, placer gold mining can be a dangerous activity we ensure all
required proper safety measures, training, and regulatory oversight to prevent
accidents and protect workers
Land
Compensation
Land compensation for placer gold mining varies
depending on several factors, such as the location of the mining operation, the
size of the mining area, and the value of the gold deposits. Typically, placer
gold mining involves the extraction of gold from alluvial deposits, such as
rivers or streams, which are considered public lands.
Placer gold mining may require permits or licenses
from local, state, or federal authorities. These permits may require the mining
company to pay royalties or fees to the government, which can be considered a
form of compensation for using public lands.
Additionally, if the mining operation requires the
use of private lands, the mining company may be required to negotiate a
land-use agreement with the landowner. The terms of the agreement would
typically include compensation for the use of the land, which could be in the
form of a lump-sum payment, a percentage of the profits generated from the
mining operation, or a combination of both.
Overall, land compensation for placer gold mining
can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the mining
operation. It is important for mining companies to work closely with local
authorities and landowners to ensure that they are complying with all
applicable laws and regulations and that they are providing fair compensation
for the use of public and private lands.
Stage of Mining (Development Stage)
The
stages of mining development in placer gold can vary depending on the scale and
complexity of the operation, but typically include the following:
·
Exploration: This
involves identifying and assessing potential placer gold deposits through
geological mapping, sampling, and testing. This may also involve using
geophysical techniques such as ground-penetrating radar or magnetometry.
·
Permitting: Before mining can begin, the
necessary permits and licenses must be obtained from regulatory agencies. This
may involve submitting an environmental impact assessment and obtaining
approval from local authorities.
·
Site Preparation: This
includes setting up infrastructure such as access roads, power lines, and water
supply systems. It may also involve clearing vegetation and removing any
obstacles that may hinder mining operations.
·
Extraction: This
involves the actual extraction of gold from the placer deposit using various
techniques such as panning, sluicing, dredging, or hydraulic mining. The
methods used will depend on the nature and size of the deposit.
·
Processing: Once the gold has been
extracted, it must be processed to separate it from other minerals and
impurities. This may involve using gravity separation, flotation, or cyanide
leaching.
·
Reclamation:
After the mining operations have ended, the site must be reclaimed to minimize
environmental impacts and restore the area to a state similar to its original
condition. This may involve re-vegetation, soil stabilization, and water
management.
Overall,
the development stage of placer gold mining involves a thorough understanding
of the deposit and the application of appropriate mining and processing
techniques to extract and recover the gold while minimizing environmental
impacts.
Mining Type
Traditional mining of placer gold typically involves the use of simple hand
tools and manual labour. Here are the basic steps involved in traditional
mining of placer gold:
· Site
selection: The first step is to select a suitable site for
mining. This may involve conducting a geological survey to identify areas with
the potential for gold deposits.
· Prospecting: Once a site has been selected, prospecting is conducted to identify
areas with high concentrations of gold. This is typically done using a gold
pan, which is a shallow metal or plastic pan that is filled with sediment and
water. The pan is swirled around, and the heavy gold particles settle to the
bottom.
· Excavation: After identifying a promising area, the next step is to excavate the
sediment to access the gold deposits. This is typically done using hand tools
such as shovels, picks, and chisels.
· Washing: Once the sediment has been excavated, it is washed to separate the gold
from the other materials. This can be done using a gold pan or a simple sluice
box, which is a long wooden trough with riffles that trap the heavy gold
particles as water flows through.
· Collection: The gold particles that are trapped in the riffles or in the gold pan
are collected and stored. The collected gold may be further processed using
specialized equipment or sold as raw gold.
Traditional mining of placer gold is often
labour-intensive and can be physically demanding. It is important for miners to
take appropriate safety precautions and to follow best practices to minimize
the impact on the environment.












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