02/01/2026
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION
Sampling Techniques & Importance of Sampling
๐ What is Geological Sampling?
Geological sampling is the systematic collection of rocks, soils, sediments, or drill materials to determine mineral presence, grade, distribution, and economic potential of a deposit.
๐งญ MAJOR SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
๐ชจ Rock Sampling
Grab Sampling
Chip Sampling
Channel Sampling
Trench Sampling
Purpose: Identify mineralization, lithology & alteration
Used in: Hard rock minerals, coal, industrial minerals
๐ฑ Soil Sampling
Grid Sampling
Traverse Sampling
Horizon-Based Sampling
Purpose: Detect geochemical anomalies
Used in: Gold, copper & base metal exploration
๐ Stream Sediment Sampling
Active Stream Sediments
Heavy Mineral (Pan Concentrates)
Purpose: Regional reconnaissance
Advantage: Cost-effective, large-area coverage
โ๏ธ Drilling-Based Sampling
Diamond Core Sampling
Reverse Circulation (RC)
Auger Drilling
Purpose: Subsurface evaluation & resource estimation
๐งช Geochemical Sampling
Rock, Soil, Sediment, Water
Analysis: XRF, ICP-MS, AAS, Fire Assay
Purpose: Identify elemental anomalies
โ๏ธ Bulk Sampling
Large volume samples
Metallurgical testing & grade confirmation
โญ IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLING
โ Determines grade, tonnage & continuity
โ Reduces exploration risk & cost
โ Guides drilling & development planning
โ Supports economic feasibility decisions
โ Essential for JORC / NI 43-101 compliance
โ Provides environmental baseline data
๐ก๏ธ QUALITY CONTROL (QA/QC)
Standards, blanks & duplicates
Proper labeling & chain of custody
Avoid contamination & bias
๐ KEY MESSAGE
> Accurate sampling is the foundation of successful geological exploration.
Poor sampling = wrong decisions
Good sampling = reliable resources