Mining Terminology E

• Epigenetic: Ore bodies that are formed by hydrothermal fluids and gases that have been introduced in host rocks and that fill the cavities in the rock

• Epithermal deposit: A mineral deposit that is made up of veins and replacement bodies, regularly in volcanic or sedimentary rocks and that has precious metals or, on some occasions, base metals.

• Equity financing: The provision of funds due to purchasing of shares.

• Era: A great division of geologic time such as the Precambrian era, for instance.

• Erosion: The breaking down and following removal of rock or surface material with wind, rain, wave action, freezing and thawing and other developments.

• Erratic: Either a piece of visible gold or a large glacial boulder.

• Exploration: Prospecting, sampling, mapping, diamond drilling and additional work implicated in searching for ore.