Rock And Mineral Exploration

CES has successfully completed more than 200 mineral and rock prospecting projects in Florida and across the United States and in the Caribbean, Central America and the Yucatan of Mexico. These projects ranged from file and map reviews to field reconnaissance, sample collection and analysis, and full reserve calculations for limestone, dolomites, granite, Fuller’s earth, kaolin, silica sand and sandstone prospects. 

Fuller’s Earth Prospecting, Ocala, Florida

CES identified potential sources of Fuller’s earth using geologic and topographic maps. Accessible sites were prospected using a variety of drilling methods including auger, direct push technology, and wire-line coring. Samples were analyzed for clay mineralogy by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and for chemical impurities, bulk density and other physical properties. Isopach and structure contour maps were prepared using Surfer, and reserves were estimated for each site. Project let to the discovery of Fuller’s earth deposits that will greatly extend the lifespan of the mining company.

Railroad Ballast Prospecting, UP/SP Railroad, SW US

CES inspected every igneous rock (granite, rhyolite, basalt, etc.) outcropping within 3 miles of the UP/SP Railroad between Los Angeles, California, and Van Horn, Texas. Outcrops were mapped in GIS using publicly available digital geological maps. Hand samples were collected from outcrops that appeared to display suitable ballast properties. Undisturbed rock samples were collected at selected locations using conventional coring equipment. Core samples were analyzed for Los Angeles (LA) abrasion, mill abrasion, bulk density, specific gravity, absorption, and silica content. Samples from superior deposits were also analyzed petrographically to determine rock type, major and minor mineralogy, the ratio of crystalline to glassy matter, crystal size distribution, porosity, mode/degree of cementation, reaction rims, and degree of foliation. The project led to the discovery of a rhyolite deposit near Sierra Blanca, Texas that was leased and put into production and became a favorite ballast source of the UP/SP Railroad.

Limestone Prospecting, Ft. Myers, Florida

CES provided prospecting services to evaluate limestone aggregate mining potential of 2,100 acre citrus and farming tract. Project completed in 4 stages over 12 month period and consisted of 60 split-spoon mud-rotary borings through the overlying sand and shell and 39 wire-line core borings advanced to 90 feet. Undisturbed limestone samples from the core borings were crushed in the laboratory, graded to make FDOT No. 57 stone, and tested for a variety of properties including Los Angeles (LA) abrasion loss, specific gravity, and absorption. Yields were estimated using the crushing and screening data and reserves were calculated using computer models licensed by Rockwares, Inc. The final report included color three-dimensional block drawings and color cross-sections depicting the various lithological units penetrated by the borings.

Frac Sand Prospecting, NE Arkansas

CES identified potential frac-sand bearing deposits in Arkansas nearest rail needed for transport and nearest water needed for processing.  Sites were investigated in order of logistical advantages using wire-line coring methods.  Samples were tested in the laboratory for K-value, sphericity, roundness, clusters, impurities and more.  The investigation led to the discovery of 80 million tons of reserves near Cave City and a suitable plant site near Batesville.  The $60 million operation began shipping frac sand to oil and gas companies in 2016.

contact us

Feel free to fill out our the form below if you want to drop us a
message. Send us your questions or make a request for consultation services.