The document provides information about a lesson plan on mineral resources of Pakistan and geological investigation techniques. It begins with introducing the objectives and topics to be covered, which include an overview of Pakistan's mineral resources such as coal, natural gas, copper and gold. Next, it discusses common methods for identifying rocks and minerals in mining, such as geological mapping, field observations, core logging and various analytical techniques. It concludes with an introduction to geological investigations of soil and rock, outlining the purpose, typical site selection and field investigation procedures such as geotechnical drilling, geophysical surveys and laboratory testing.

1. LESSON PLAN
Week:
Taught By: -------------
Date: _______
Subject: Introduction to Mining Methods/ Techniques Course
Time: 120 min
Topic: Mineral Resource of Pakistan
Objective(s):Student will know about
Mineral Resource of Pakistan
Rock and Minerals identifications
Introduction to geological investigation (soil and rock)
Skill Focused on: Introduction to Geology and Geological Investigation
Resources: Marker, Board, Multimedia
Text book: Introduction to investigate Rocks parameters & Techniques developments
Methodology:
First I’ll give brief introduction about Geology & Geological Methods
Mineral Resource of Pakistan
Pakistan is rich in various mineral resources. Here are some of the key mineral resources found in
Pakistan:
Coal: Pakistan has substantial coal reserves, mainly located in the Thar Desert. Thar coal
reserves are estimated to be one of the largest in the world. The coal deposits are mainly
lignite, which is primarily used for power generation.
Natural Gas: Pakistan has significant natural gas reserves, with major fields located in Sui,
Mari, Kandhkot, and Qadirpur. Natural gas is an important energy source in the country and
is utilized for power generation, industrial processes, and domestic use.
Crude Oil: Pakistan has limited but significant oil reserves, with major oil fields located in
Potwar Plateau, Sindh, and Balochistan. The country also imports a significant amount of
crude oil to meet its energy demands.
Copper and Gold: Pakistan is endowed with substantial copper and gold deposits,
particularly in the Balochistan province. The Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan is
considered one of the world's largest untapped copper and gold deposits.
Iron Ore: Pakistan has sizable iron ore deposits, particularly in the Chiniot and Kalabagh
regions of Punjab province. Efforts are underway to exploit these deposits for local steel
production.
Gemstones: Pakistan is known for its diverse range of gemstones. It has significant deposits
of ruby, emerald, topaz, garnet, tourmaline, aquamarine, and various other gemstones. The
northern areas of Pakistan, such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are
particularly rich in gemstone deposits.
Salt: Pakistan is home to one of the largest salt mines in the world, the Khewra Salt Mine. It
has extensive salt reserves, including rock salt, which is used for various purposes, including

2. industrial, culinary, and medicinal uses.
Limestone: Pakistan has abundant limestone deposits, mainly located in the provinces of
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Limestone is utilized in cement production, construction,
and various industrial applications.
Chromite: Pakistan has significant chromite deposits, primarily found in Balochistan and
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chromite is an essential mineral used in the production of stainless
steel, alloys, and refractory materials.
Gypsum: Pakistan has substantial gypsum deposits, mainly found in the Salt Range and
Kohat region. Gypsum is used in the construction industry for manufacturing plaster,
wallboard, cement, and fertilizer production.
These are just a few examples of the mineral resources found in Pakistan. The country has a diverse range
of minerals, and efforts are being made to explore and exploit these resources to promote economic
development.
Rock and Minerals identifications
In mining, the identification of rocks and minerals is crucial for various purposes, including determining
the economic viability of a deposit, understanding the geology of the area, and selecting appropriate
extraction and processing methods. Here are some common methods used in the mining industry to
identify rocks and minerals:
Geological Mapping: Geologists conduct detailed geological mapping of the area to identify
different rock units and their distribution. This involves studying the rock formations,
structures, and their relationships with each other. Geological maps help identify the types of
rocks present and their spatial distribution.
Field Observations: Geologists and mining professionals make detailed field observations
to identify rocks and minerals. They examine the rock's color, texture, grain size, and shape.
They also observe the presence of minerals, veins, fractures, and other geological features
that can provide clues about the rock's composition.
Core Logging: In drilling operations, rock cores are extracted and logged. Geologists
carefully examine the core samples, describe the rock types, and identify any visible
minerals or mineralization present. Core logging provides valuable information about the
rock's characteristics, such as lithology, alteration, and mineralization.
Petrographic Analysis: Petrographic analysis involves studying thin sections of rocks under
a polarizing microscope. Thin sections are prepared by cutting thin slices of rock and
examining them under polarized light. This technique helps identify the mineral
composition, texture, and other important features that aid in rock identification.
X-ray Diffraction (XRD): XRD analysis is used to determine the mineralogical
composition of rocks and minerals. It works by analyzing the diffraction patterns produced
when X-rays interact with the crystal lattice of minerals. XRD helps identify the presence of
specific minerals and their relative abundances.

3. Geochemical Analysis: Geochemical analysis involves analyzing the chemical composition
of rocks and minerals. Techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are commonly used. Geochemical analysis
helps determine the elemental composition of rocks, which can be useful in identifying
specific minerals and understanding their potential economic value.
Assay Testing: Assay testing is commonly used in mining to determine the grade or
concentration of valuable minerals, such as gold, silver, or copper, in a sample. Various
methods, including fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy, are used to quantify the
mineral content.
Mineralogical Software: Advanced mineralogical software, such as QEMSCAN or MLA
(Mineral Liberation Analysis), can be used for automated mineral identification and
characterization. These software tools analyze the mineralogy of samples based on imaging
techniques and can provide detailed mineralogical information.
It's important to note that identifying rocks and minerals in mining is a specialized task that often requires
the expertise of geologists, mineralogists, and other mining professionals. Multiple methods and
techniques are often used in combination to ensure accurate identification and comprehensive
understanding of the geological characteristics of the deposit.
Introduction to geological investigation (soil and rock)
Geological investigation is a crucial aspect of understanding the composition, structure, and history of the
Earth's subsurface. It involves the study and analysis of rocks, minerals, and soils to gain insights into
geological processes, resource exploration, and engineering projects. When it comes to soil and rock
investigations, the focus is primarily on understanding the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties
of these materials. Here's an introduction to geological investigation specifically related to soil and rock:
Purpose of Geological Investigation: The primary purpose of a soil and rock investigation
is to gather data and information about the subsurface materials. This data helps in making
informed decisions regarding various applications, such as construction projects, foundation
design, slope stability assessments, environmental assessments, and resource exploration.
Site Selection: The first step in a geological investigation is selecting the site for study. This
could be a construction site, a mining area, or any location where subsurface information is
required. Factors considered during site selection include project requirements, geological
features, accessibility, and logistics.
Desk Study: Before conducting field investigations, geologists typically perform a desk
study to gather existing information about the site. This involves reviewing geological maps,
reports, aerial photographs, and any other available data related to the area. The desk study
helps in developing a preliminary understanding of the geology and identifying areas of
potential interest.
Field Investigations: Field investigations involve physically visiting the site and collecting
data through various techniques. These techniques may include:
a. Geotechnical Drilling: Drilling boreholes or test pits allows direct access to subsurface
materials. Soil and rock samples are collected at different depths to analyze their
properties, such as composition, grain size, density, permeability, and strength. This
information is vital for assessing the suitability of the materials for construction or other
engineering purposes.

4. b. Geophysical Surveys: Geophysical methods, such as seismic surveys, resistivity
surveys, or ground-penetrating radar, are used to investigate subsurface structures and
identify variations in geological materials. These techniques provide insights into the
depth, thickness, and properties of soil and rock layers without the need for physical
sampling.
c. Field Testing: In-situ testing methods are used to assess the engineering properties of
soils and rocks. Techniques like Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test
(CPT), or Plate Load Test measure parameters like soil strength, bearing capacity, and
shear strength.
d. Geological Mapping: Geologists map the surface geology and identify different rock
types, formations, and structural features present. They record the locations of outcrops,
rock exposures, fractures, and other geological phenomena to create detailed geological
maps.
Laboratory Testing: Soil and rock samples collected during field investigations are further
analyzed in laboratories. Tests are conducted to determine parameters such as grain size
distribution, moisture content, Atterberg limits, consolidation characteristics, shear strength,
and mineral composition. These tests help in characterizing the engineering behavior and
properties of the materials.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Once all the field and laboratory data is collected, it is
analyzed and interpreted to understand the geological conditions and properties of the site. A
comprehensive report is prepared, summarizing the findings, including geological
descriptions, test results, and recommendations for engineering design or further
investigations.
Geological investigation of soil and rock is an iterative process, and the level of investigation required
depends on the complexity and scale of the project or exploration. It requires a combination of field skills,
laboratory techniques, and geological knowledge to ensure accurate characterization of subsurface
materials and informed decision-making in various applications.
Activity – 1 Explain mineral resources of Pakistan.
Activity – 2 write down ways to investigate Rock and minerals.
Success Criteria:
 Assessment plan
A couple of question will be asked from students to clarify the understanding of the whole class, for
example
 What do you understand by Resources of minerals in Pakistan?
 Discussion on Different techniques and its types of rocks.
C.W: Write down the Physical properties of minerals
H.W: Write On importance of Earths properties as a structural.