The challenge
The core problem
Reliable geological and geotechnical models are vital for safe, sustainable and productive mining operations.
Rock core data used to build these models is essential yet drill holes are expensive investments for the mining industry.
Geological and geotechnical surprises can result in significant loss of production, making it even more important to get right.
While drill cores and chips from boreholes are analysed to produce the required data, coring is expensive and often the core cannot be fully recovered.
Our response
Expert measurements while drilling
Efficient and accurate analysis and interpretation of borehole measurements during drilling operations improves geological and geotechnical certainty and, in turn, mine productivity and safety.
Borehole measurements such as geophysical logging and measurements-while-drilling (MWD) are an alternative way to extract the necessary information from boreholes, even when the core has not been recovered, maximising the benefits of drilling.
We have capabilities and unique software specifically to enhance measurement from bore-holes.
Our capabilities include:
- Borehole radar-imaging analysis
- Tomographic imaging
- Measurements-While-Drilling (MWD)
- Imaging-While-Drilling
- Automated logging data analysis
- Evaluation of geological conditions, including geotechnical, ore boundaries, grade, geological hazards
The ability to convert raw borehole measurements into valuable information for fast and objective decision-making is critical for effective mine planning.
Working with our collaborators, we are improving the tools to visualise, interpret and integrate geophysical data into mine systems, maximising the benefits from borehole logging measurements.
Software includes:
- SeisWin - for the comprehensive manipulation and interpretation of borehole radar and seismic data
- LogTrans - automated interpretation of borehole logging data
- ImageWin - tomographic geophysical imaging
- LogQA - the quality control of the borehole logging data as they are acquired in the field
- GeoInterp - a 2D and 3D geological and geotechnical modelling tool linking geophysical borehole logging data to known geological boundaries
- ParaEstimate - a software module for parameter estimation, such as coal quality and rock strength, from multiple geophysical logging data
Our collaborations and partnerships bring us broader industry knowledge, greater academic expertise, national and international perspectives and the ability to have deeper impact.
We are proud to be in partnerships with:
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Sydney
- Fullagar Geophysics Pty Ltd
- Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China