MINERAL EXPLORATION
Interpretation (ISI) module allows for automatic
generation of downhole structural picks from
Acoustic and Optical Televiewer data.
“The increased resolutions of the Optical and
Acoustic televiewer sondes have also left many
geologists wondering if they are looking at images
of core. There is no need to struggle orienting
broken and fractured cores when the structural
information such as bedding angle or RQD is easily
gathered and processed from borehole image data.
Mount Sopris Instruments is proud to announce
the release of the world’s smallest gamma tool for
bed-boundary and lithology identification. This
gamma probe is 19 mm in diameter and can be
used for soil and environmental studies. For the
first time this year, Mount Sopris will also offer our
new Borehole Magnetic Resonance (BMR) downhole
tool for rental from our offices in Denver.” Designed
by ALT and its partner Qteq out of Australia, this tool,
which measures porosity and permeability, is
uniquely designed for the shorter T2 times seen in
metals mining applications. It is the only one of its
kind available for mining exploration and production.
As many mining projects around the world are
trending deeper, Mount Sopris is also releasing
its new IWA Intelligent Winch. With a powerful 6
HP servo motor and a 2,500 m (8,200 ft) wireline
capacity, this winch was designed to deliver
more. “It features an intuitive touchscreen user
interface where all winch settings and system
diagnostics are easily monitored and controlled –
giving the operator better visibility, precise control,
and greater safety.”
Mount Sopris and ALT are also in the final
stages of development of Spectral Induced
Polarisation (SIP) and Neutron Generator (nGen)
downhole tools. “To be released later in 2018,
these tools will be entirely new measurements in
the field of exploration. The Neutron Generator
was developed in response to a customer need to
collect Neutron porosity data without the use of a
radioactive source. Using a 4 Curie equivalent
Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D) fusion neutron
generator, the nGEN will provide radiation on/off
capability, increasing safety for operators
and avoiding the regulatory burden associated with
radioactive sources. The Spectral Induced Polarisation
(SIP) is sensitive to fundamental pore geometric
properties controlling fluid flow and recent case
histories indicate the measurement can be a good
estimation of permeability.”
40 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2018
Safely exploring in high risk regions
Increasingly mineral exploration has been moving
into the most remote and high-risk areas, as well
as facing increasing security concerns in areas
that have historically been regarded as “safe”. In
the past decade, SRK Exploration Services (SRK
ES) has successfully managed and conducted
exploration programmes in some of these regions
including Afghanistan, the DRC, Sudan and eastern
Cameroon. Whilst security factors make exploring
more challenging, SRK ES believes that with the
right training and support, high-quality exploration
can be conducted in many high-risk environments.
“Managing security risk in exploration is
multifaceted, requiring planning, training and
geological efficiency. Logistical planning and
security reviews are conducted on all SRK ES
projects and form part of the desk study
completed before setting foot on the ground.
Through the security review, risks are accessed
remotely, appropriate security protocols
developed and staff training and support
requirements identified. For some locations, a
security visit is made by SRK ES’s Safety and
Security Manager, Joe Fifield, before fieldwork
begins. Once in the field, operating procedures
are constantly refined and updated based on
changing situations and security reports.”
Training at SRK ES is planned and provided by
Fifield, who has over 20 years of experience
managing safety and security for international
organisations including mining and exploration
companies and the UN. Amongst other courses,
all SRK ES field staff have undergone SAFE
(Security Awareness in Fragile Environments)
training, a tailored programme incorporating both
classroom and practical instruction on situations
from failed airport pickups to terrorism.
Additional training is provided as required
including Remote Emergency First Aid, Advanced
Off-Road Driving and Boat Handling.
“By providing field staff (and clients) with
comprehensive security training and supported
by a strong security infrastructure, they are
better equipped to identify and manage day to
day risks on the ground. This active risk
management means safer and more secure
exploration, with situations identified and
controlled at an early stage.”
Detailed geological planning, using all
available data to streamline and focus
SRK ES believes that with the right training and
support, high-quality exploration can be
conducted in many high-risk environments
exploration plays an important role in managing
the risks and challenges of a project. For
example, in eastern Cameroon during 2017, an
area plagued by cross-border incursions by
armed ‘rebel’ groups from the Central African
Republic, SRK ES successfully and safely
undertook a grassroots gold exploration
programme. Before putting geologists in the
field, a high resolution airb