SAMPLING , ANALYSIS AND LAB ASSAY
Veins of galena and sphalerite in drill core from a Paleoproterozoic Lovisa stratiform Zn-Pb sulphide deposit in Sweden , visualised and annotated in 3D using Orexplore Insight
“ When it comes to something like grade control where a lot of volume is involved and speed is of the essence , there is room to upend this process by getting the right information , with the right context , to decision makers in a fraction of the time .
“ We can progressively see more processes in the mining space that are becoming time critical as mining companies reassess their own data needs and the demands placed on them , recognising where and when they need to leverage laboratory-style data and where it makes more sense to use the accuracy and speed of in-field data .”
This reassessment of the entire exploration-todevelopment-to-production status quo has been driven by several factors , including the need to accelerate exploration decision making as well as the need to reduce the carbon footprint associated with mining .
Orexplore ’ s technology can help on both counts .
The scanning of core via the GeoCore X10 units – which integrate CT X-rays and XRF technologies – when combined with Orexplore ’ s Insight 3D volumetric modelling software can allow up to four , 1-m core samples to be scanned and analysed within the hour , delivering information on detected elements , emerging mineralogy , geological structure , texture and density in digital form .
In the contexts Giroud
highlights , this could see drillers out in the field assessing whether it is worthwhile continuing to drill into structures previously interpreted as holding no mineral wealth based on close-to-real time feedback from the field . This helps accelerate the decision-making process and could be especially important at times when laboratory assaying timelines are extended or where seasonality restricts available drilling time .
At the same time , core can continuously be scanned in a grade control scenario ahead of cutting to decide if it is worth onward transport to a commercial laboratory for more detailed analysis . By being selective with what is sent to the lab , mining companies can reduce the emissions associated with transporting core offsite to these facilities .
“ There is now growing awareness of not only the ‘ cost out ’ benefits associated with the technology – saving money on exploration campaigns through more accurate drilling based on what the sensors are telling you in the field – as well as the inherent value generation our solutions can provide ,” Giroud said .
This value generation piece could relate to increased orebody knowledge – “ smart domaining ” on the back of sulphide speciation in base metal deposits , for instance . “ If you can build better domaining on the back of sulphide speciation and other things like elemental concentration and mineralogy , you can build better project techno-economics , build better process plants and reduce the amount of material movement over the life of mine ,” Giroud added .
There is also significant value to be had by speeding up the core logging and analysis loop through elements like Orexplore ’ s Log Checker solution . This solution augments the logging process through human and computer learning to help with , for instance , downhole mineralogy analysis .
These examples are but a fraction of the potential Orexplore ’ s offering has in the wider mining value chain , according to Giroud , saying that every new unit the company deploys – it currently has 12 in the field , including at Carrapateena ( Australia ) and Salares Norte ( Chile ) – is leading to new questions , new answers and new opportunities .
“ We are now at the point where we are sitting beside the miners , developing good relations and co-developing some of our solution suite based on direct feedback from them ,” he said . “ This commercialisation path is key for an emerging technology company and is how we will understand what solutions need to be pushed at what point in time .”
Already in the wings is a direct gold detection module that could potentially overcome the ‘ nuggety gold ’ challenge that comes with
18 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2024