MINERAL EXPLORATION
More companies are turning to SGS Mobile Sample Preparation Units
clients to continue or even modify drill program strategies based on data they ’ ve already received . Once the program is finished , the MSPU is transported by truck to its next client , SGS explained .
The MSPU ( lab ) provides an excellent case study for exploration companies around the world about what is possible . Instead of having to ship 100,000 , 3-5 kg samples across the country to its analytical facility in Burnaby , British Colombia , only 250 grams per sample are sent while the remaining materials remain with Matador on site in Newfoundland . This means major carbon footprint reduction and cuts to CO2 emissions and points to the kind of positive mitigating effect on sustainability that investors and stakeholders are demanding , SGS said , in addition to tangible action and accountability when it comes to corporate social responsibility .
Collins is optimistic for the future of the MSPU , saying that the company has three units in Canada and several globally .
“ By my projections we should have several more across the continent by next field season with more to be commissioned this year ,” she said . “ And , for context , since 2004 , we have had 35 MSPUs in places like PNG , Peru , Congo , West Africa , Mexico and Kazakhstan . Since 2011 , there are about 20 active MSPUs across the globe .”
Exploits Discovery Corp recently announced that it has received all analytical results from its extensive regional 2022 soil sampling program . This includes 8,089 samples , covering approximately 14 km of strike length along the Dog Bay Line fault , approximately 30 km north of its Bullseye property in Central Newfoundland . This program demonstrated the gold mineralisation potential of Exploits ' claims along the Dog Bay Line fault , in addition to its targets along the Appleton Fault Corridor . This soil program identified new prospective mineralized areas and further confirmed , and more importantly expanded , existing gold targets . Exploits Discovery Corp contracted the services of Planet X Exploration Services Ltd , based in Gander - Newfoundland , to conduct the
2022 soil sampling program . The targeted soil horizon for sampling was the B-horizon ; however , common interpretation of glaciation and till deposition studies show that there is variability throughout Newfoundland of surficial cover and this variation has a direct impact on the ‘ local ’ depth of the B-horizon . Planet X crews utilised a ' Dutch-auger ' for soil sample collection . The soil samples were collected at pre-determined sample locations and placed in soil sample bags . Once sorted the samples were shipped to a SGS Canada Inc ( SGS ) Mobile Sample Preparation Unit ( MSPU ) located in Grand Falls , Newfoundland for sample preparation and then sent to SGS ’ s analytical laboratory in Burnaby - British Columbia for analysis .
Geomagnetic Design looks to slash drilling carbon footprint
Emerging drill rig manufacturer , Geomagnetic Design , the rig manufacturing arm of DDSR Australia , last year announced results from field trials on its specialty , patented RC and diamond GM1 drill rig . Now in advanced stages of research and development ( R & D ), field testing in Western Australia ’ s Pilbara Region has confirmed the drill rig ’ s ability to halve the carbon footprint of traditional exploration drilling programs , with exceptional operational and environmental outcomes , according to the company .
Of note , the GM1 ’ s performance across exploration drilling programs at six separate sites across the state showed a significant reduction in fuel consumption of up to 400 litres per 11-hour shift at RC configurations , and 60 litres per 11- hour shift at diamond configurations , as well as reducing ambient noise emissions .
The GM1 can also commence drilling in RC mode , and change to diamond coring within three hours , a significant reduction compared with current market changeover configurations , which typically take between 1-3 days , Geomagnetic Design says .
Commenting on the driving factors for innovation , Geomagnetic Design Founder and General Manager , Darren Papst , said : “ Drillers are facing growing scrutiny and pressure from governments , investors and communities to exceed environmental considerations in their
program design . We made it our business to address a multitude of performance factors that have never been achieved in one drill rig … our solution will be the first of its kind , an ‘ all-in-one ’ RC and diamond rig that delivers reduced fuel consumption , carbon output and noise emissions all while covering more ground , with less holes and less metres .”
Designed and manufactured at the company ’ s headquarters in Perth , the patented blueprint for the GM1 uses a hydraulic system , enabling the rig to operate with a drastically reduced carbon output ( from 59 kg / h down to 29 kg / h ) while still retaining the same operational capacity as competitor rigs , the company says .
As well as halving carbon emissions , the physical machine footprint is substantially less than other drill rigs – measuring just 2.5 m x 3 m . The GM1 rig requires support from only one air truck , where competitor rigs are normally accompanied by two to three large trucks , it says .
Unique to the GM1 drill rig is its ability to conduct shallow angle RC drilling on 2 axes . This capability has been addressed during R & D and , if successful in future trials , will provide a cheaper form of drilling that allows clients to cover more ground with less holes and less metres , the company said .
The concept of a magnetically-driven drill rig has been a long-time plan of Papst ’ s . “ I began ideating the GM1 drill rig years ago when I noticed a gap in the market between having a superior-functioning rig versus having a sustainable , environmentally-designed rig . This current drill rig that we aim to go to market with has phenomenal fuel efficiencies , but we don ’ t plan on stopping there . Phase two of our engineering process will involve removing the need for diesel altogether with the use of a magnetic drive in its place .”
MinEX CRC and coiled tubing drilling
MinEx CRC , in collaboration with the Geological Survey of South Australia ( GSSA ), has successfully completed a 24-hole , scientific drilling campaign of the Delamerian Orogen in eastern South Australia , unlocking the region ’ s mineral potential and trialling more environmentally friendly , cost-saving drilling technology .
The campaign was the second round of the world-first National Drilling Initiative ( NDI ), designed to understand the evolution of the Australian continent , provide clues about where to search for new mineral deposits and bring forward the next generation of mineral exploration technology .
In collaboration with Geoscience Australia and geological survey organisations in every state and territory , the NDI is delivering a seven-year program with multiple drilling campaigns across Australia .
74 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2023