Ways - Methods to Communication in Prospecting
This problem needs to be studied both before departure, as well as once in the working area, for permits with the local authorities.
There are three kinds of communication that can be considered:
- visual contact: communication by car, boat, aircraft, etc
- postal service (telephone or telegram): with the normal network
- private radio channel: this means having to have authorization, a schedule and procedures that need to be respected (for information ask about local telecommunication). A frequency must be defined that must be strictly respected.
Radio communication normally includes a radio operator with national communication license. Authorities normally accept operators without a license, as long as they use international procedures. In all cases it is important to be informed and know how to properly use the equipment.
In fig. 3 you will find the international radio signs:
In the case of needing to communicate with an airplane you’ll find the ground to air signals in fig. 4.
Activities during the mission
A) Contacts in the area
Upon arrival where the base camp will be set up, get in touch with the local authorities (sheriff, major, etc.) and ask for their assistance, especially during personnel recruitment.
Clearly define the working conditions, wages, bonuses, layoffs, etc. before hiring.
B) Field activity
Good installations should never be considered a waste of time, even in a temporary field.
The terrain must be clear of vegetation, keeping the sanitary pits and garbage as far away as possible, so they won’t bother and to avoid insects and animals.
Generally the local personnel will know where not to set up camp.
Activities of the mission or sector chief, at the camp,
(in the general case of strategic prospecting)
- Preparing the itinerary
- Task planning
- Meeting and ordering the prospecting team managers, after studying their itineraries.
- Distribution and rations of provisions (estimate purchasing & provisions)
- Overlooking the condition and maintenance of the vehicles.
- Controlling the fuel and supervising it use.
- Supervise the packing & the shipping list of samples (also control the provision of containers & bags for the samples).
- Purchasing: groceries, fuel, paper, batteries, medicines, etc.
- Administration: invoices, payments, salaries, contracts, petty cash flow, etc.
- Communication the base camp
- Map preparation & work results
- Study of petrographic samples
- Study of alluvial samples
- Report on map results
- Compiling & sending a monthly report
- Visiting important points of the field
Prospector or squad leader activities
- Report on the available topographic maps:
- exact performance of the accomplished itinerary (if different from what was planned)
- location of petrographic samples
- location of alluvial samples
- location of geochemical samples
- Report in the field book:
- number of geochemical samples and corresponding alluvial
- description of alluvial samples, with a magnifying glass (observations)
- description of petrographic samples (observations)
- daily form of the accomplished itinerary
- if possible on a separate page, specific observations
- study of the petrographic samples (including the ones gathered by the prospector) and their determination.
- Choosing possible samples to be examines by thin layers
- Study of samples for mineralization & choosing them for light reflect study (polished sections)
- Study of some alluvial samples at specific interesting points
- Report the data found on the field on the topographic map and draw a geological map (to a set scale)
C) Monthly report
Technical report
The technical report can be as follows:
- Introduction: general observation on the monthly job conditions (vehicle status, sicknesses, accidents, etc.).
- Statistic info; when possible for general prospecting missions use the following chart:
Name S.N. S.N. S.N. Km field
Alluv. Geoch. petrg covered day
Johnson 25 32 34 41 7
Ficarelli 45 142 10 114 14
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Total 70 174 44 155 21
Some managers give great importance to these statistics, although they aren’t always an indication of efficient work being done.
Geology: description of the found petrographic phases & series, when an area is finished, it can include geological cut objects, drafts, maps, technical notes, etc..
Prospecting: observation on the alluvial concentrations (especially if possible doing a first study of the field with binocular microscope), observations on petrographic samples, observations on eventual mineralization, etc..
Conclusion: on the month’s tasks and mission’s development status
Program for the following months: forecast of the jobs to be done, number of samples to pick up.
Attach: a copy of the itinerary files of each group.
Administrative inform
What ever was previously agreed upon before departure
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