Industry Insights: Revolutionizing Mining
The new methods of discovery
“We have been using geophysics, and in particular drone magnetics, which has been revolutionary in giving us the resolution to map the subsurface architecture, particularly around the banded iron minerals which are strongly magnetic.”
Darren Cooke, CEO, Auteco Minerals
“We have done a lot of borehole IP, and the Iska Iska deposit is remarkably conductive. It is not a conductor in the way that most people think however. This is an amazing net-like textured stockwork of veins and vein breccia's that is electrically continuous. We end up with very extensive conductive zones that are running through there. The geophysical signature here has been remarkably useful.”
Bill Pearson, Executive Vice President of Exploration, Eloro Resources
“Airborne geophysics is a quick way to establish a clear understanding of the subsurface. We have no boots on the ground, so there is minimal environmental impact, and there are limited issues with local communities because we are not looking to drill holes in the ground.”
Davin Allen, Managing Director - Canada, Xcalibur Multiphysics
“Over the past 15 years, I have seen a shift toward a stronger focus on technical requirements. That is very healthy, because an airborne survey can be a large part of a junior mining company's exploration budget for the year. As the airborne provider, I want to give them the best solution for the longest term use of the data that they can get.”
Mandy Long, General Manager, SkyTEM Canada Inc.
“Data capture from sensors also allows us to predict failures, so we can service machinery ahead of time. We are making money when those cutter bits are cutting salt, and whenever they are not, our productivity drops. The more time that we can keep those bits on the salt face, the more apt we are to be profitable.”
Kevin Crutchfield, President and CEO, Compass Minerals
“Mining equipment operates in highly abrasive environments, and therefore aftermarket services and support are extremely important. Equipment wears, and we have to ensure that our clients have stock availability to avoid extended downtime or loss of production.”
Rob Fawcett, Managing Director, Weir Minerals
“One of the biggest things we heard from our clients is that geologists are basically overpriced data entry clerks. They look at the rock and then they spend an inordinate amount of time on data entry and performing repetitive tasks. We built our entire system to make this process a lot faster and more consistent.”
Vince Gerrie, President, KORE Geosystems Inc.
