New technology approach needed for mining industry

Rob Gordon of Quantec Geoscience, Toronto, Canada suggests that improved mining exploration results will only come with acceptance of new geoscience and other technology. Fundamental methodologies for mining exploration are finally benefiting from the precedent of the oil industry. The technologies used in 3D distributed seismic systems have now been applied to electrical earth imaging. Recent advances in digital signal processing and faster computers, coupled with the ability to collect very high resolution and deep geophysical data, means that physical property contrasts can now be discriminated from the surface with accuracy and depth penetration not previously seen. This provides new opportunities to further geoscientific investigation in mining environments at greater depths prior to drilling. Maximum value and more realizable returns are demanded from exploration expenditures today. Now the mining industry can systematically interrogate the ground in the search for orebodies while essentially sterilizing unfavourable ground in the process. In addition, as the oil sector continues to seek improvements in technology to increase exploration success rates, it has begun to experiment with electrical methods again. This technology should prove quite interesting to the forward looking groups in both sectors. Making a discovery is difficult and is arguably more difficult as undiscovered deposits today are more likely found at greater depths. The financial risk of deep drilling is hindering deep exploration. However, the mining industry has been traditionally slow to embrace new technology particularly if it is not easily understood or when the cost paradigm is out of sync with traditional spending habits regarding drilling versus other technologies. Drill targeting has to be more focused thereby providing better returns per metre drilled. In essence, high potential ground may gp be under-explored. Economists have often said a critical failure in exploration is the inefficiency even while targeting highly prospective regions. Today, imaging to depths of over 1500 m can assist with deeper exploration within favourable land packages. Moreover, technology can now provide a means to revitalize exploration in mature mining camps. A ‘bottom-up’ vs ‘top-down’ exploration process begins to address economic concerns about drilling risk and discovery rates.