Glossary

Some common terms explained

While this website is written primarily for a non-technical audience, some sections may require explanation. We hope a translation of some common terms helps:

Anomaly

In very simplistic terms, in the context of mineral exploration, an anomaly is an indication of possible mineralisation.

Base metals

Any of the more common metals such as copper, lead, tin and zinc.

Beneficiation

Upgrading ore through processing such as flotation, milling or gravity concentration. In essence, making the ore 'better'. It may be as simple as using reagents to wash the ore and separate out impurities such as the earth in which it was found.

Beneficiable ore

Ore than needs processing before shipment.

Direct shipping ore (DSO)

High quality ore that can be shipped without processing, which obviously means better returns.

Energy metals

Metals that can be used to create energy, such as thorium and uranium.

Farm in

A term used in the mining and petroleum industries that covers one company acquiring an interest in prospects held by another. A 'farm in' is often negotiated so help fund development costs in return for a share in the project or access to production.

Hematite

A mineral oxide of iron (Fe). Large formations of hematite that are soft and earthy are also known as red ochre.

IOCG

Iron Oxide Copper Gold

JORC Code

The Australian Joint Ores Reserves Committee (JORC) sets the industry code for reporting of mineral resources and ore reserves. Companies have to be 'JORC compliant' when they report reserves to the Australian Stock Exchange. A number of provisions include the appointment of a 'competent person' in stating reserves.

Mtpa

million tonnes per annum

Net Smelter Return (NSM)

is the gross revenue (total revenue minus production costs) that the owner of a mining property receives from the sale of the mine's products less transportation and refining costs. As a royalty it refers to the fraction of net smelter return that a mine operator is obligated to pay the owner of the royalty agreement. The royalty is paid in variable or fixed payments based on sales revenue received by a mining operator in return for mining output. It is contingent only on the sales price and quantity of product sold. (source Wikipedia)

Notice of Intent

Advice to the Government that the company intends to proceed with a mining project. This kicks off the environmental assessment process whereby the Government will prepare guidelines (outlining what needs to be covered) and advise of the level of environmental assessment required (usually an Environmental Impact Statement).

Oolite ironstone

Ironstone comprising Ooliths, formed by concentric layers of calcium carbonate deposited around a nucleus such as a shell fragment on the sea floor. The iron ore of the Roper Region is a mixture of hematite and oolite.

Oxides

Oxides are mineral compounds of oxygen and metallic elements, usually caused by exposure to the elements. So oxides are generally found near the surface.

Reagent

A substance used in a chemical reaction to detect, measure, examine or produce other substances.

Symbols appearing on this website

Ag	Silver
Au	gold
Cu	Copper
Fe	iron
Ni	nickel
P	phosphorus
Pt	platinum
Pb	lead
REO	rare earths oxide
Zn	zinc