Chapter 114: Too Bold!
The next day, after briefly checking the surface-exposed mineral site they had found earlier, Chen Jinhe and Yao Zhenyu returned to the camp, got in their vehicle, and left.
Zise Mining still left behind a technical team at the site to constantly monitor the prospecting work of the 101 Geological Team.
Having finally completed the inspection from the client side, Li Zaiqiang packed up his geological hammer, compass, and other equipment, along with water and dry food, ready to head into the field with the technicians.
But Li Tang pulled Li Zaiqiang aside.
"Just stay here at the camp and don't run around!" Li Zaiqiang still felt protective of his son and wasn't keen on letting Li Tang wander around. "The technicians from Zise Mining are also staying here to supervise. Just stick with them."
"I have something I want to discuss with you," Li Tang said seriously.
"Go ahead."
"Based on what you said yesterday, your approach is to cover every corner of the project area with surface work, then proceed with surface engineering, focusing on identifying the structural features within the area. The next step would be magnetic surveys, followed by electrical surveys focused around the structures."
"That's right," Li Zaiqiang smiled. "This plan is based on the feasibility report you provided and our analysis of the porphyry-type copper mineralization in the region. It's a targeted method. As the project's expert advisor, you already determined that this is a porphyry-type deposit controlled by geological structures."
"Dad, you're overcomplicating the problem."
Li Tang had a comprehensive understanding of all known mineral occurrences within the Qinglong Copper Mine project area—an advantage of having knowledge from the future.
If they followed Li Zaiqiang's method, they would be retracing old paths—painstakingly exploring one structure after another in search of intrusive rocks, then drilling each to see if any contained enriched copper ore.
This area lies along a suture zone, full of structures and intrusive rocks.
But not every intrusive body contains high-grade copper ore!
Following the entire process through—eliminating the unmineralized areas one by one until finally finding ore-bearing bodies—could take a year or two.
This trial-and-error process is common in all mineral exploration projects.
But Li Tang didn't want to waste time.
Because he knew exactly which intrusive bodies contained copper ore.
"What are you getting at?" Li Zaiqiang was puzzled.
"What we need to do now is find ore, and find it fast!"
Li Tang spoke earnestly, his face serious. "Zise Mining has invested heavily to conduct exploration in this uninhabited area. Take Chen Jinhe, for example—he must be under immense pressure! If, after spending five million on preliminary and general surveys, they still haven't identified a decent orebody, there will definitely be internal opposition within their company."
"What happens inside Zise Mining isn't our concern," Li Zaiqiang thought simply—his job was to do solid technical work.
"If you don't find ore soon, once the five million is gone, the 101 Geological Team can forget about securing the thirty million for the detailed survey phase!"
Li Tang was clearly concerned for the team. "With your current scattergun approach to exploration, the five million budget won't last! If this phase ends without a standout result, the Zise Mining board is unlikely to approve the thirty million follow-up funding!"
Given what had happened with the Qulong Copper Mine, Li Zaiqiang couldn't help feeling a little nervous after hearing this. "What are you suggesting?"
Li Tang pulled out a geological map he had already prepared and pointed to two spots. "I already highlighted these two areas in the feasibility report—both have large surface exposures of copper ore! My recommendation is to concentrate all manpower and resources on thoroughly investigating these two main ore occurrences! If it were up to me, I'd treat this as a detailed survey from the start—increase density, launch magnetic and electrical surveys, and carry out high-density drilling!"
The Qinglong Copper Mine is actually a mineralized cluster, divided into east and west zones, mainly consisting of four orebodies.
Besides these four, the scattered minor occurrences can basically be ignored.
According to later published exploration data, the total copper reserves of these four orebodies exceed 20 million tons!
Even more enticing, the main high-grade orebody lies right at the surface—making it extremely easy to mine!
In other words, just peel back the grass and dig a spade into the ground—there's copper ore right there!
This is what made the Qinglong Copper Mine famous across the country—and a sensation in the global mining industry.
However, there were some things Li Tang couldn't say clearly to his father, nor could he explain them convincingly.
"What you're suggesting is way too bold!"
Li Zaiqiang pondered the meaning behind Li Tang's words and felt it was like burning bridges, putting everything on the line.
But at the moment, their situation wasn't actually that dire, and Zise Mining hadn't applied much pressure.
"Dad, my understanding of this land goes beyond your imagination!" Li Tang remained serious, clearly not joking.
"Then why didn't you bring this up yesterday when Chen Jinhe and Yao Zhenyu were here?" Li Zaiqiang thought that such an unconventional exploration plan should at least be approved by the client. Yesterday would have been the perfect opportunity.
Li Tang gave a wry smile. He thought to himself: I was just trying to save your face. But he spoke with confidence: "As geologists, sometimes we need our own ideas—we need to innovate! I believe my approach is highly targeted. Of course, you're the exploration lead, so the final method is still your decision."
Li Zaiqiang looked out at the rolling, green grasslands, the blue sky and white clouds in the distance, and suddenly felt a wave of clarity.
He turned to look into his son's clear eyes. "I remember you used to be a bit of a blockhead—where did all these thoughts come from?"
Since the Qulong Copper Mine project, he had noticed a dramatic change in his son's personality.
Normally, a 21-year-old would be doing silly things—chasing after girls who rejected him countless times, drinking and goofing off with friends, wasting time.
But ever since joining Wukuang Group, his son had quickly become a pillar of the organization. He was even friends with Zise Mining's president Chen Jinhe and capable of influencing decisions involving tens of millions in funding!
During the Qulong Copper Mine project, Li Tang's ideas were fully adopted—and the results were so extraordinary they ended up being textbook examples!
Li Zaiqiang felt proud of his son and deeply trusted him.
"All I can say is that my unique geological insight comes from growing up in our family environment." Li Tang chuckled.
That was very pleasing to hear!
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