Ore
Rock or material from which valuable minerals or metals can be profitably extracted.
Detailed Definition
Ore is a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably. The term distinguishes economically viable material from waste rock or gangue.
Characteristics of ore: - Contains sufficient concentration of valuable minerals - Can be mined and processed at a profit - Economic viability depends on market prices and costs - Grade must exceed economic cutoff
- Run of Mine (ROM): Ore as extracted, before processing
- First Class Ore: High enough grade for direct sale
- Milling Ore: Requires concentration before sale
- Cutoff Grade Ore: Marginally economic material
- Oxide Ore: Weathered, near-surface material
- Sulfide Ore: Unweathered, typically deeper material
- Primary Ore: Original mineral deposit
- Secondary Ore: Enriched through geological processes
Ore vs. Mineral Resource: Not all mineral resources qualify as ore. Material becomes ore only when it can be extracted and processed economically under current conditions.
Related Terms
Mineral Resource
A concentration of minerals with reasonable prospects for economic extraction, classified as inferred, indicated, or measured.
Mineral Reserve
The economically mineable portion of a measured or indicated mineral resource, classified as probable or proven.
Grade
The concentration or proportion of valuable mineral content in ore, expressed as percentage or grams per tonne.