ISO 22932-4:2023

ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX(E)
ISO/TC 82/ WG 8
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2023-02-08
Mining — Vocabulary —
Part 4:
Prospecting and exploration
DISFDIS stage

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© ISO 2023
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX2023(E)
Page
Contents
Foreword……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… iv
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… v
1 Scope………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
2 Normative references………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
3 Terms and definitions………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
3.1 Prospecting ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
3.2 Exploration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
3.3 Boring ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12
3.4 Drilling ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
3.5 Machinery …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
3.6 Survey ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 32
3.7 Economic geology ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33
3.8 Resource ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33
3.9 Reserve …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 36
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 47
Alphabetical index of terms ……………………………………………………………………….………………………………… 48





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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX2023(E)

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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX2023(E)
Contents
Foreword .vi i
Introduction . viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 45
Index . 46

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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
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The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives Field Code Changed
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
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www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 82, Mining.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22932 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.htmlIntroduction
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:20XX2023(E)
Introduction
0.1 General
The ISO 22932 series has been prepared in order to standardize and to co-ordinatecoordinate the global
use of technical terms and definitions in mining, for the benefit of the experts working on different types
of mining activities.
The need for the ISO 22932 series arose from the widely varying interpretation of terms used within the
industry and the prevalent use of more than one synonym.
A geological study is generally carried out in the following four main stages: reconnaissance, prospecting,
general exploration and detailed exploration (for definition of each stage see below). The purpose of the
geological study is to identify mineralization, to establish continuity, quantity, and quality of a mineral
deposit, and thereby define an investment opportunity.
0.1 2 Reconnaissance
A reconnaissance study identifies areas of enhanced mineral potential on a regional scale based primarily
on results of regional geological studies, regional geological mapping, airborne and indirect methods,
preliminary field inspection, as well as geological inference and extrapolation.
The objective is to identify mineralized areas worthy of further investigation towards deposit
identification. Estimates of quantities should only be made if sufficient data are available and when an
analogy with known deposit of similar geological character is possible, and then only within an order of
magnitude.
0.2 3 Prospecting
Prospecting is the systematic process of searching for a mineral deposit by narrowing down areas of
promising enhanced mineral potential.
The methods utilized are outcrop identification, geological mapping, and indirect methods such as
geophysical and geochemical studies. Limited trenching, drilling, and sampling may be carried out.
The objective is to identify a deposit which will be the target for further exploration. Estimates of
quantities are inferred, based on interpretation of geological, geophysical and geochemical results.
0.3 4 General exploration
General exploration involves the initial delineation of an identified deposit. Methods used include surface
mapping, widely spaced sampling, trenching and drilling for preliminary evaluation of mineral quantity
and quality (including mineralogical tests on laboratory scale if required), and limited interpolation
based on indirect methods of investigation.
The objective is to establish the main geological features of a deposit, giving a reasonable indication of
continuity and providing an initial estimate of size, shape, structure and grade. The degree of accuracy
should be sufficient for deciding whether a prefeasibility study and Detailed Explorationdetailed
exploration are warranted.
0.4 5 Detailed exploration
Detailed exploration involves the detailed three-dimensional delineation of a known deposit achieved
through sampling, such as from outcrops, trenches, boreholes, shafts and tunnels.
Sampling grids are closely spaced such that size, shape, structure, grade, and other relevant
characteristics of the deposit are established with a high degree of accuracy. Processing tests involving
bulk sampling may be required.
A decision whether to conduct a feasibility study can be made from the information provided by Detailed
Explorationdetailed exploration.
[SOURCE: CONTROLLER GENERAL INDIAN BUREAU OF MINESController General Indian Bureau of
Mines]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Mining — Vocabulary —
Part 4:
Prospecting and exploration
1 1 Scope
This document specifies the commonly used terms in mine prospecting and exploration. Only those terms
that have a specific meaning in this field are included.
2 2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
Prospecting

3.1.1
aeromagnetic prospecting
airborne magnetic prospecting
technique of geophysical exploration (3.2.8(3.2.7)) of an area using an airborne magnetometer
(3.1.1.1(3.1.1.1)) to survey (3.6(3.6)) that area
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified –— "airborne magnetic prospecting" has been added as a term.]
3.1.1.1
magnetometer
instrument for measuring magnetic intensity
Note 1 to entry: In ground magnetic prospecting (3.1.8.6(3.1.8.6),), magnetometer is an instrument for measuring
the vertical magnetic intensity.
Note 2 to entry: In airborne magnetic prospecting (3.1.1(3.1.1),), magnetometer is an instrument for measuring the
total magnetic intensity. Also, an instrument used in magnetic observatories for measuring various components of
the magnetic field (3.8.4(3.8.4)) of the Earth.
Note 3 to entry: Magnetometer is sensitive instrument for detecting and measuring changes in the Earth's magnetic
field (3.8.4),, used in prospecting (3.1.10(3.1.10)) to detect magnetic anomalies (3.1.2.10anomay (3.1.2.10)) and
magnetic gradients in rock formations.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Notes 1, 2 and 3 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2
anomaly
geological feature, especially. in the subsurface, distinguished by geological, geophysical, or geochemical
means, which is different from the general surroundings and is often of potential economic value
EXAMPLE A magnetic anomaly (3.1.2.10(3.1.2.10).).
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — EXAMPMEEXAMPLE was originally part of the definition.]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.2.1
botanical anomaly
local increase above the normal variation in the chemical composition, distribution, ecological
assemblage, or morphology of plants, indicating the possible presence of an ore deposit
(3.10.31(3.10.31)) or anthropomorphic contamination
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.2
geochemical anomaly
secondary anomaly
concentration of one or more elements in rock, soil, sediment, vegetation, or water that is markedly
higher or lower than background
Note 1 to entry: The term may also be applied to hydrocarbon concentrations in soils.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.3
gravity anomaly
difference between the observed value of gravity at a point and the theoretically calculated value
Note 1 to entry: It is based on a simple gravity model, usually modified in accordance with some generalized
hypothesis of variation in subsurface density as related to surface topography.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.4
ground geophysical anomaly
geophysical anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) that is mapped instrumentally at the surface of the ground
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.5
hydrochemical anomaly
anomalous patterns of elements contained in ground or surface water
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.6
hydromorphic anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) where the dynamic agents are aqueous solutions, which brought the elements to
the site of deposition (3.10.12(3.10.12))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.7
intense anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) whose elemental values rise sharply to one or more well-defined peaks
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.8
isanomalic line
line of equal value of an anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.2.9
isostatic anomaly
difference between the observed value of gravity at a point after applying to it the isostatic correction
and the normal value of gravity at the point
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.10
magnetic anomaly
variation of the measured magnetic pattern from a theoretical or empirically smoothed magnetic field
(3.8.4(3.8.4))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.11
nonsignificant anomaly
DEPRECATED: false anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) that is superficially similar to a significant anomaly (3.1.2.15(3.1.2.15)) but is
unrelated to ore
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.12
optical anomaly
optical properties apparently at variance with optical rules
EXAMPLE Anisotropy in isotropic minerals, such as birefringent diamond; biaxiality in uniaxial minerals, such
as quartz; and erratic variation in birefringence near optical absorption bandsebands, e.g. some epidote minerals.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — EXAMPMEEXAMPLE was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.13
primary anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) formed by primary dispersion
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.14
regional anomaly
more localized departures in the Earth's field (3.8.4(3.8.4)) from the values that would be predicted if
the field (3.8.4) were to originate with a single magnet oriented along the magnetic axis
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.2.15
significant anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) that is related to ore and that can be used as a guide in exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.3
biochemical prospecting
biogeochemical prospecting
geochemical exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5)) based on the chemical analysis of systematically sampled plants
in a region, to detect biological concentrations of elements that might reflect hidden orebodies
Note 1 to entry: The root systems of trees are powerful sampling (3.1.12.6(3.1.12.6)) mechanisms that represent
samples of solutions from a large volume of earth. Much of the mineral content from these solutions is found in the
leaves. Analysis of leaves may serve as a guide to prospectors
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Note 2 to entry: The trace-element content of one or more plant organs is most often measured.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.4
botanical prospecting
prospecting (3.1.10(3.1.10)) in which differences in plant growth or plant family serve as a clue to the
presence of metals beneath barren rock or a covering of sand and gravel
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.5
electrical prospecting
prospecting (3.1.10(3.1.10)) that makes use of three fundamental properties of rocks
Note 1 to entry: Three fundamental properties of rocks are as follow:
1) 1- Resistivityresistivity or inverse conductivity: this governs the amount of current that passes
through the rock when a specified potential difference is applied;
2) 2- Electrochemicalelectrochemical activity with respect to electrolytes in the ground;
3) 3-Dielectricdielectric constant: this is the basis of the self-potential method (3.2.11(3.2.11). ).
Note 2 to entry: This gives information on the capacity of a rock material to store electric charge, and it shall be
taken into consideration when high-frequency alternating currents are introduced into the earth, as in inductive
prospecting (3.1.10) techniques. Electrical methods are more frequently used in searching for metals and minerals
than in exploring for petroleum, mainly because most of them have proved (3.9.8) effective only for shallow
exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5).).
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.5.1
magnetotelluric method
electrical prospecting (3.1.5(3.1.5)) technique based on an application of telluric currents in which the
magnetic field (3.8.4(3.8.4)) induced by the alternations in earth currents would be measured
simultaneously with the voltage fluctuations between electrodes at the surface
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.6
geobotanical prospecting
visual study of plants, their morphology, and their distribution as indicators of such things as soil
composition and depth, bedrock lithology, the possibility of orebodies, and climatic and ground-water
conditions
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.7
geochemical prospecting
geochemical exploration
method of mineral exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5)) based on the systematic measurement of the chemical
properties of rocks, soils, river sediments, waters, etc.
[SOURCE: BS 3618-3:1971]
3.1.7.1
readily extractable metal
content of a metal that can be extracted from weathered rock, overburden, or stream sediment, by weak
chemical reagents
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.7.2
reliability of method
probability of obtaining and recognizing indications of an orebody or mineralized district by the method
being used
Note 1 to entry: Reliability depends not only on whether a readily detectable target exists and how effective the
exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5)) method is in locating it, but also on the extent to which the anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) is
specifically related to ore and the extent to which it is possible that non-significant anomalies may confuse the
interpretation
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8
geophysical prospecting
making and interpretation of certain physical measurements to obtain information on the subsurface and
surface geological structures
3.1.8.1
air shooting
technique of applying a seismic pulse to the ground by detonating explosive charges in the air, in seismic
prospecting (3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.2
anodic zone
zone of electropositive potential, in the electrical self-potential method (3.2.11(3.2.11)) of geophysical
prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8),), if the chemical composition of the soil or subsoil is such as to give electrical
polarization
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.3
arc shooting
method of refraction seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14)) in which the variation of travel time
(velocity) with azimuth from a shot point is used to infer geologic structure
Note 1 to entry: The term also applies to a refraction spread placed on a circle or a circular arc with the centercentre
at the shot point.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.4
Bouguer gravity
gravity values after latitude, elevation, and Bouguer corrections have been applied
Note 1 to entry: Used in the gravitational method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8).).
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.5
bursting time
maximum difference in time lag between the bursting of the earliest and latest detonators in a series, in
seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.8.6
magnetic method
magnetic prospecting
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8)) method that maps variations in the magnetic field (3.8.4(3.8.4)) of
the Earth that are attributable to changes of structure or magnetic susceptibility in certain near surface
rocks
Note 1 to entry: Sedimentary rocks generally have a very small susceptibility compared with igneous or
metamorphic rocks, and most magnetic surveys (3.6survey (3.6)) are designed to map structure on or within the
basement, or to detect magnetic minerals directly.
Note 2 to entry: Most magnetic prospecting is now carried on with airborne instruments
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.7
noise
all recorded energy not derived from the explosion of the shot
Note 1 to entry: Sometimes loosely used for all recorded energy except events of interest.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.8
normal field
smoothed value of a magnetic field (3.8.4(3.8.4)) component as derived from a large-scale survey
(3.6(3.6),), worldwide or of continental scope, in magnetic prospecting (3.1.8.6(3.1.8.6))
Note 1 to entry: The normal field of the Earth varies slowly with time, and maps of it are as of a certain date.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.9
profile
data recorded from one shot point by a number of groups of detectors, in seismic prospecting
(3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.10
reference seismometer
detector placed to record successive shots under similar conditions, to permit overall time comparisons,
in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14))
Note 1 to entry: Used in connection with the shooting of wells for velocity.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.11
reflection
returned energy (in wave form) from a shot that has been reflected from a velocity discontinuity back to
a detector; the indication on a record of reflected energy, in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14(3.1.8.14))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.12
refraction method
seismic method (3.1.8.13(3.1.8.13)) of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.8.13
seismic method
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8)) method based on the fact that the speeds of transmission of shock
waves through the Earth vary with the elastic constants and the densities of the rocks through which the
waves pass
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.14
seismic prospecting
method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8)) in which vibrations are set up by firing small explosive
charges in the ground or by other artificial sources
Note 1 to entry: Precise measurements of the resulting waves are taken, from which the nature and extent of
underlying strata are revealed.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.15
seismic reflection method
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8)) technique in which the structure of subsurface formations is
mapped by making use of the times required for a seismic wave (or pulse), generated in the Earth by a
near-surface explosion of dynamite or by other artificial sources, to return to the surface after reflection
(3.1.8.11(3.1.8.11)) from the formations themselves
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.8.16
seismic shooting
method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8(3.1.8)) in which elastic waves are produced in the Earth by the
firing of explosives or by other means
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.9
gravity prospecting
mapping of the force of gravity at different places with a gravimeter (3.1.12.1(3.1.12.1)) (gravity meter)
to determine differences in specific gravity of rock masses, and, through this, the distribution of masses
of different specific gravity
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.9.1
network
pattern or configuration of stations, often so arranged as to provide a check on the consistency of the
measured values, in surveying (3.6(3.6)) and gravity prospecting (3.1.9(3.1.8))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.9.2
regional
contributions to the observed anomalies due to density irregularities at much greater depths than those
of the possible structures, the location of which was the purpose of the survey (3.6(3.6),), in gravity
prospecting (3.1.9(3.1.8))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.9.3
residual gravity
portion of a gravity effect remaining after removal of some type of regional (3.1.9.2(3.1.9.2)) variation;
usually the relatively small or local anomaly (3.1.2(3.1.2)) components of the total or observed gravity
field (3.8.4(3.8.4),), in gravity prospecting (3.1.9(3.1.8))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.9.4
noise
disturbances in observed data due to more or less random
inhomogeneities in surface and near-surface material
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.10
prospecting
search for outcrops or surface exposure of mineral deposit (3.10.28(3.10.28))
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.11
radioactivity prospecting
exploration (3.2.5(3.2.5)) for radioactive minerals utilizing various instruments, generally a Geiger
counter or scintillation counter, by measuring the natural radioactivity of earth materials
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.12
reconnaissance
part of exploration (3.2.5(3.2)) for the purpose to identifyof identifying enhanced mineral potential on
a regional scale
EXAMPLE An engineering survey (3.6(3.6)) in preparing for triangulation of a region.
Note 1 to entry: Reconnaissance is based on:
— - results of regional geological studies, regional geological mapping;
— - preliminary field inspection;
— - indirect methods such as airborne and others;
— - geological interference and extrapolation.
Note 2 to entry: Reconnaissance aims at to identify mineralized areas worthy of further investigation towards
mineral deposit.
3.1.12.1
gravimeter
instrument which measures variations in the density of underlying rocks
[SOURCE: BS 3618-3:1971]
3.1.12.2
pilot sampling
reconnaissance sampling
taking of preliminary samples of a mineral deposit (3.10.28(3.10.28)) to study its mode of occurrence
and its detailed structure
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.12.3
reconnaissance map
map incorporating the information obtained in a reconnaissance (3.1.12(3.1.12) )survey (3.6(3.6)) and
data obtained from other sources
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.12.4
reconnoiter
make a reconnaissance (3.1.12(3.1.12)) of; especially to make a preliminary survey (3.6(3.6)) of an area
for military or geologic purposes
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1]]]]
3.1.12.5
remote sensing
acquisition and interpretation of airborne or satellite images of the surface using infrared and visible
wavelengths of light
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], adapted]
3.1.12.6
sampling
gathering of specimens of soils, water, sediments, vegetations, ore or wall rock for appraisal of an orebody
Note 1 to entry: Since the average of many samples may be used, representative sampling is crucial. term is usually
modified to indicate the mode or locality; e.g.,. hand sampling (3.1.12.6.1(3.1.10.6.1),), mine sampling, and channel
sampling.
[SOURCE: Reference [1[1],], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.12.6.1
hand sampling
one of the major breakdowns in ore sampling (3.1.12.6(3.1.12.6)) that includes grab sampling
(3.1.12.6),, trench or channel sampling (3.1.12.6),, fractional selection, coning and quartering, and pipe
sampling (3.1.12.6)
Note 1 to entry: These methods are used in sampling (3.1.12.6)
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 22932-4
ISO/TC 82
Mining — Vocabulary —
Secretariat: DIN
Voting begins on:
Part 4:
2023-02-22
Prospecting and exploration
Voting terminates on:
2023-04-19
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 22932-4
ISO/TC 82
Mining — Vocabulary —
Secretariat: DIN
Voting begins on:
Part 4:
Prospecting and exploration
Voting terminates on:
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NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography .42
Index .43
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 82, Mining.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22932 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html
iv
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Introduction
0.1 General
The ISO 22932 series has been prepared in order to standardize and to coordinate the global use of
technical terms and definitions in mining, for the benefit of the experts working on different types of
mining activities.
The need for the ISO 22932 series arose from the widely varying interpretation of terms used within
the industry and the prevalent use of more than one synonym.
A geological study is generally carried out in the following four main stages: reconnaissance,
prospecting, general exploration and detailed exploration (for definition of each stage see below).
The purpose of the geological study is to identify mineralization, to establish continuity, quantity, and
quality of a mineral deposit, and thereby define an investment opportunity.
0.2 Reconnaissance
A reconnaissance study identifies areas of enhanced mineral potential on a regional scale based
primarily on results of regional geological studies, regional geological mapping, airborne and indirect
methods, preliminary field inspection, as well as geological inference and extrapolation.
The objective is to identify mineralized areas worthy of further investigation towards deposit
identification. Estimates of quantities should only be made if sufficient data are available and when an
analogy with known deposit of similar geological character is possible, and then only within an order of
magnitude.
0.3 Prospecting
Prospecting is the systematic process of searching for a mineral deposit by narrowing down areas of
promising enhanced mineral potential.
The methods utilized are outcrop identification, geological mapping, and indirect methods such as
geophysical and geochemical studies. Limited trenching, drilling, and sampling may be carried out.
The objective is to identify a deposit which will be the target for further exploration. Estimates of
quantities are inferred, based on interpretation of geological, geophysical and geochemical results.
0.4 General exploration
General exploration involves the initial delineation of an identified deposit. Methods used include
surface mapping, widely spaced sampling, trenching and drilling for preliminary evaluation of mineral
quantity and quality (including mineralogical tests on laboratory scale if required), and limited
interpolation based on indirect methods of investigation.
The objective is to establish the main geological features of a deposit, giving a reasonable indication of
continuity and providing an initial estimate of size, shape, structure and grade. The degree of accuracy
should be sufficient for deciding whether a prefeasibility study and detailed exploration are warranted.
0.5 Detailed exploration
Detailed exploration involves the detailed three-dimensional delineation of a known deposit achieved
through sampling, such as from outcrops, trenches, boreholes, shafts and tunnels.
Sampling grids are closely spaced such that size, shape, structure, grade, and other relevant
characteristics of the deposit are established with a high degree of accuracy. Processing tests involving
bulk sampling may be required.
A decision whether to conduct a feasibility study can be made from the information provided by
detailed exploration.
[SOURCE: Controller General Indian Bureau of Mines]
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
Mining — Vocabulary —
Part 4:
Prospecting and exploration
1 Scope
This document specifies the commonly used terms in mine prospecting and exploration. Only those
terms that have a specific meaning in this field are included.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
Prospecting

3.1.1
aeromagnetic prospecting
airborne magnetic prospecting
technique of geophysical exploration (3.2.8) of an area using an airborne magnetometer (3.1.1.1) to
survey (3.6) that area
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — "airborne magnetic prospecting" has been added as a term.]
3.1.1.1
magnetometer
instrument for measuring magnetic intensity
Note 1 to entry: In ground magnetic prospecting (3.1.8.6), magnetometer is an instrument for measuring the
vertical magnetic intensity.
Note 2 to entry: In airborne magnetic prospecting (3.1.1), magnetometer is an instrument for measuring the total
magnetic intensity. Also, an instrument used in magnetic observatories for measuring various components of the
magnetic field (3.8.4) of the Earth.
Note 3 to entry: Magnetometer is sensitive instrument for detecting and measuring changes in the Earth's
magnetic field, used in prospecting (3.1.10) to detect magnetic anomalies (3.1.2.10) and magnetic gradients in
rock formations.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1, 2 and 3 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.2
anomaly
geological feature, especially. in the subsurface, distinguished by geological, geophysical, or geochemical
means, which is different from the general surroundings and is often of potential economic value
EXAMPLE A magnetic anomaly (3.1.2.10).
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — EXAMPLE was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.1
botanical anomaly
local increase above the normal variation in the chemical composition, distribution, ecological
assemblage, or morphology of plants, indicating the possible presence of an ore deposit (3.10.31) or
anthropomorphic contamination
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.2
geochemical anomaly
secondary anomaly
concentration of one or more elements in rock, soil, sediment, vegetation, or water that is markedly
higher or lower than background
Note 1 to entry: The term may also be applied to hydrocarbon concentrations in soils.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.3
gravity anomaly
difference between the observed value of gravity at a point and the theoretically calculated value
Note 1 to entry: It is based on a simple gravity model, usually modified in accordance with some generalized
hypothesis of variation in subsurface density as related to surface topography.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.4
ground geophysical anomaly
geophysical anomaly (3.1.2) that is mapped instrumentally at the surface of the ground
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.5
hydrochemical anomaly
anomalous patterns of elements contained in ground or surface water
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.6
hydromorphic anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2) where the dynamic agents are aqueous solutions, which brought the elements to the
site of deposition (3.10.12)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.7
intense anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2) whose elemental values rise sharply to one or more well-defined peaks
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.2.8
isanomalic line
line of equal value of an anomaly (3.1.2)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.9
isostatic anomaly
difference between the observed value of gravity at a point after applying to it the isostatic correction
and the normal value of gravity at the point
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.10
magnetic anomaly
variation of the measured magnetic pattern from a theoretical or empirically smoothed magnetic field
(3.8.4)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.11
nonsignificant anomaly
DEPRECATED: false anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2) that is superficially similar to a significant anomaly (3.1.2.15) but is unrelated to ore
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.12
optical anomaly
optical properties apparently at variance with optical rules
EXAMPLE Anisotropy in isotropic minerals, such as birefringent diamond; biaxiality in uniaxial minerals,
such as quartz; and erratic variation in birefringence near optical absorption bands, e.g. some epidote minerals.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — EXAMPLE was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.2.13
primary anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2) formed by primary dispersion
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.14
regional anomaly
more localized departures in the Earth's field (3.8.4) from the values that would be predicted if the field
were to originate with a single magnet oriented along the magnetic axis
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.2.15
significant anomaly
anomaly (3.1.2) that is related to ore and that can be used as a guide in exploration (3.2.5)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.3
biochemical prospecting
biogeochemical prospecting
geochemical exploration (3.2.5) based on the chemical analysis of systematically sampled plants in a
region, to detect biological concentrations of elements that might reflect hidden orebodies
Note 1 to entry: The root systems of trees are powerful sampling (3.1.12.6) mechanisms that represent samples
of solutions from a large volume of earth. Much of the mineral content from these solutions is found in the leaves.
Analysis of leaves may serve as a guide to prospectors
Note 2 to entry: The trace-element content of one or more plant organs is most often measured.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.4
botanical prospecting
prospecting (3.1.10) in which differences in plant growth or plant family serve as a clue to the presence
of metals beneath barren rock or a covering of sand and gravel
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.5
electrical prospecting
prospecting (3.1.10) that makes use of three fundamental properties of rocks
Note 1 to entry: Three fundamental properties of rocks are as follow:
1) resistivity or inverse conductivity: this governs the amount of current that passes through the rock
when a specified potential difference is applied;
2) electrochemical activity with respect to electrolytes in the ground;
3) dielectric constant: this is the basis of the self-potential method (3.2.11).
Note 2 to entry: This gives information on the capacity of a rock material to store electric charge, and it shall be
taken into consideration when high-frequency alternating currents are introduced into the earth, as in inductive
prospecting techniques. Electrical methods are more frequently used in searching for metals and minerals than
in exploring for petroleum, mainly because most of them have proved effective only for shallow exploration
(3.2.5).
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.5.1
magnetotelluric method
electrical prospecting (3.1.5) technique based on an application of telluric currents in which the
magnetic field (3.8.4) induced by the alternations in earth currents would be measured simultaneously
with the voltage fluctuations between electrodes at the surface
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.6
geobotanical prospecting
visual study of plants, their morphology, and their distribution as indicators of such things as soil
composition and depth, bedrock lithology, the possibility of orebodies, and climatic and ground-water
conditions
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.7
geochemical prospecting
geochemical exploration
method of mineral exploration (3.2.5) based on the systematic measurement of the chemical properties
of rocks, soils, river sediments, waters, etc.
[SOURCE: BS 3618-3:1971]
3.1.7.1
readily extractable metal
content of a metal that can be extracted from weathered rock, overburden, or stream sediment, by
weak chemical reagents
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.7.2
reliability of method
probability of obtaining and recognizing indications of an orebody or mineralized district by the
method being used
Note 1 to entry: Reliability depends not only on whether a readily detectable target exists and how effective
the exploration (3.2.5) method is in locating it, but also on the extent to which the anomaly (3.1.2) is specifically
related to ore and the extent to which it is possible that non-significant anomalies may confuse the interpretation
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8
geophysical prospecting
making and interpretation of certain physical measurements to obtain information on the subsurface
and surface geological structures
3.1.8.1
air shooting
technique of applying a seismic pulse to the ground by detonating explosive charges in the air, in seismic
prospecting (3.1.8.14)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.2
anodic zone
zone of electropositive potential, in the electrical self-potential method (3.2.11) of geophysical prospecting
(3.1.8), if the chemical composition of the soil or subsoil is such as to give electrical polarization
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.3
arc shooting
method of refraction seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14) in which the variation of travel time (velocity) with
azimuth from a shot point is used to infer geologic structure
Note 1 to entry: The term also applies to a refraction spread placed on a circle or a circular arc with the centre at
the shot point.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.4
Bouguer gravity
gravity values after latitude, elevation and Bouguer corrections have been applied
Note 1 to entry: Used in the gravitational method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8).
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.8.5
bursting time
maximum difference in time lag between the bursting of the earliest and latest detonators in a series,
in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.6
magnetic method
magnetic prospecting
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) method that maps variations in the magnetic field (3.8.4) of the Earth
that are attributable to changes of structure or magnetic susceptibility in certain near surface rocks
Note 1 to entry: Sedimentary rocks generally have a very small susceptibility compared with igneous or
metamorphic rocks, and most magnetic surveys (3.6) are designed to map structure on or within the basement,
or to detect magnetic minerals directly.
Note 2 to entry: Most magnetic prospecting is now carried on with airborne instruments
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.7
noise
all recorded energy not derived from the explosion of the shot
Note 1 to entry: Sometimes loosely used for all recorded energy except events of interest.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.8
normal field
smoothed value of a magnetic field (3.8.4) component as derived from a large-scale survey (3.6),
worldwide or of continental scope, in magnetic prospecting (3.1.8.6)
Note 1 to entry: The normal field of the Earth varies slowly with time, and maps of it are as of a certain date.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.9
profile
data recorded from one shot point by a number of groups of detectors, in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.10
reference seismometer
detector placed to record successive shots under similar conditions, to permit overall time comparisons,
in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14)
Note 1 to entry: Used in connection with the shooting of wells for velocity.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.11
reflection
returned energy (in wave form) from a shot that has been reflected from a velocity discontinuity back
to a detector; the indication on a record of reflected energy, in seismic prospecting (3.1.8.14)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.8.12
refraction method
seismic method (3.1.8.13) of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.13
seismic method
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) method based on the fact that the speeds of transmission of shock waves
through the Earth vary with the elastic constants and the densities of the rocks through which the
waves pass
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.14
seismic prospecting
method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) in which vibrations are set up by firing small explosive
charges in the ground or by other artificial sources
Note 1 to entry: Precise measurements of the resulting waves are taken, from which the nature and extent of
underlying strata are revealed.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.8.15
seismic reflection method
geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) technique in which the structure of subsurface formations is mapped by
making use of the times required for a seismic wave (or pulse), generated in the Earth by a near-surface
explosion of dynamite or by other artificial sources, to return to the surface after reflection (3.1.8.11)
from the formations themselves
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.8.16
seismic shooting
method of geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) in which elastic waves are produced in the Earth by the firing
of explosives or by other means
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.9
gravity prospecting
mapping of the force of gravity at different places with a gravimeter (3.1.12.1) (gravity meter) to
determine differences in specific gravity of rock masses, and, through this, the distribution of masses of
different specific gravity
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.9.1
network
pattern or configuration of stations, often so arranged as to provide a check on the consistency of the
measured values, in surveying (3.6) and gravity prospecting (3.1.9)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.9.2
regional
contributions to the observed anomalies due to density irregularities at much greater depths than
those of the possible structures, the location of which was the purpose of the survey (3.6), in gravity
prospecting (3.1.9)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.9.3
residual gravity
portion of a gravity effect remaining after removal of some type of regional (3.1.9.2) variation; usually
the relatively small or local anomaly (3.1.2) components of the total or observed gravity field (3.8.4), in
gravity prospecting (3.1.9)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.9.4
noise
disturbances in observed data due to more or less random
inhomogeneities in surface and near-surface material
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.10
prospecting
search for outcrops or surface exposure of mineral deposit (3.10.28)
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.11
radioactivity prospecting
exploration (3.2.5) for radioactive minerals utilizing various instruments, generally a Geiger counter or
scintillation counter, by measuring the natural radioactivity of earth materials
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.12
reconnaissance
part of exploration (3.2.5) for the purpose of identifying enhanced mineral potential on a regional scale
EXAMPLE An engineering survey (3.6) in preparing for triangulation of a region.
Note 1 to entry: Reconnaissance is based on:
— results of regional geological studies, regional geological mapping;
— preliminary field inspection;
— indirect methods such as airborne and others;
— geological interference and extrapolation.
Note 2 to entry: Reconnaissance aims at to identify mineralized areas worthy of further investigation towards
mineral deposit.
3.1.12.1
gravimeter
instrument which measures variations in the density of underlying rocks
[SOURCE: BS 3618-3:1971]
3.1.12.2
pilot sampling
reconnaissance sampling
taking of preliminary samples of a mineral deposit (3.10.28) to study its mode of occurrence and its
detailed structure
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.1.12.3
reconnaissance map
map incorporating the information obtained in a reconnaissance (3.1.12) survey (3.6) and data obtained
from other sources
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.12.4
reconnoiter
make a reconnaissance (3.1.12) of; especially to make a preliminary survey (3.6) of an area for military
or geologic purposes
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.1.12.5
remote sensing
acquisition and interpretation of airborne or satellite images of the surface using infrared and visible
wavelengths of light
[SOURCE: Reference [1], adapted]
3.1.12.6
sampling
gathering of specimens of soils, water, sediments, vegetations, ore or wall rock for appraisal of an
orebody
Note 1 to entry: Since the average of many samples may be used, representative sampling is crucial. term is
usually modified to indicate the mode or locality; e.g. hand sampling (3.1.12.6.1), mine sampling, and channel
sampling.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Note 1 to entry was originally part of the definition.]
3.1.12.6.1
hand sampling
one of the major breakdowns in ore sampling (3.1.12.6) that includes grab sampling, trench or channel
sampling, fractional selection, coning and quartering, and pipe sampling
Note 1 to entry: These methods are used in sampling small batches of ore, etc.
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
3.1.12.7
tectonometer
apparatus used on the surface to obtain knowledge of the structure of the underlying rocks
[SOURCE: BS 3618-3:1971]
3.2
Exploration

3.2.1
detailed exploration
final exploration
detailed investigation of a coal or mineral area on which a preliminary report was favourable
Note 1 to entry: The final exploration of an area may involve a costly boring (3.3.4) program, survey (3.6), and
sampling (3.1.12.6).
[SOURCE: Reference [1], modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry were originally part of the definition.]
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ISO/FDIS 22932-4:2023(E)
3.2.2
direction-finding method
electromagnetic exploration (3.2.5) methods in which one determines the direction of the magnetic
field (3.8.4) associated with the currents
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.2.3
electromagnetic method
group of electrical exploration (3.2.5) methods in which one determines the magnetic field (3.8.4) that
is associated with the electrical current through the ground
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.2.4
Eltran method
electrical exploration (3.2.5) method in which an electrical transient is sent into the Earth and the
change in shape of this transient is studied
[SOURCE: Reference [1]]
3.2.5
exploration
search for coal, mineral, or ore by
— geological surveys (3.6);
— geophysical prospecting (3.1.8) (may be ground, aerial, or both);
— geochemical prospecting (3.1.7)
— borehole (3.3.2) and trial pits; or
— surface or underground headings, drifts, or tunnels
Note 1 to entry: Exploration aims at locating the presence of economic deposits (3.10.12) and establishing their
nature, shape, and grade, and the investigation may be divi
...