Training for Foreign Exploration: An Address (Classic Reprint)

This book examines the foundational principles and practices of foreign exploration in mining engineering. The author first explores the global demand trends for different mineral resources, emphasizing an increase in consumption as the population grows and industries expand. It is argued that expanding mineral exploration into less familiar regions is likely to increase in importance due to local reserves becoming depleted or being inaccessible. The author connects this demand with the critical role that engineers have in expanding access to these resources, and the evolving technical demands of the field. The book gives an overview of the different subfields and skills required in foreign exploration, with a particular emphasis on geology. The author describes both the theoretical and practical knowledge a foreign mining engineer needs, and how the field draws on economics, finance, technology, market assessment, and political negotiation. Realizing that a successful engineer in this field must have knowledge beyond mining, the book also explores the benefits of being well-rounded and versed in different cultures and languages. The author concludes that having a versatile skillset, which includes non-technical knowledge, makes foreign exploration engineers more successful in their field.