JT Clark CEO VERACIO
Can you introduce Veracio?
Veracio started within Boart Longyear, which eventually decided to graduate its Geological Data Services division into a separate entity. As we explore ore bodies, we capture information and seek to understand it early in the development stage. However, historically, we have used methods that produce data for human consumption, and we relied on human intelligence to extrapolate from those data points to better understand what the ore body might contain. Recently, we have sought to add artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Veracio is fundamentally building AI-centric datasets that will add to the human capability to understand ore bodies. Fundamentally, we are solving a problem around the information gap: the lack of AI-centric information that we need to enable mining to make the next step-change in productivity, which is required for us to access and develop ore bodies that are increasingly smaller, deeper, and in more challenging environments.
Can you speak to Veracio’s portfolio for the mining industry?
Veracio has three primary platforms to deliver AI-centric data sets. Our TruScan technology can accelerate an understanding of an ore body using XRF hyperspectral LiDAR and photography. TruProbe captures information from the downhole environment. TruProbe’s primary IP is an expandable driller deployable platform that allows us to stack sensors on top of each other. TruSub, captures information from the drill string itself, monitoring the performance of a diamond bit as it penetrates through the ore body.
On top of these three data capture platforms, we have built a data management platform. Veracio recently acquired Minalyze, which developed a best-in-class data management platform to capture the information gathered by Veracio’s three sensory platforms and bring that together into one data platform to enable clients to interact with that data, as well as for us to make that data accessible to AI solutions and applications.
David Ross President and Co-Founder ALASKA DRILLING & COMPLETIONS
What is the history of Alaska Drilling & Completions?
My partner Tim Flynn and I founded the company in 2015, focusing primarily on oil and gas completions and drilling engineering consulting. In 2019, we expanded into building an ultra-mobile exploration rig designed to API standards, equipped with well-control and a closed-loop mud system. Our initial target was remote oil and gas exploration in Alaska, but due to demand and our technology we have expanded into additional opportunities in the mining and geothermal sectors.
How can help the rigs overcome the challenges posed by operating in the remote jurisdiction of Alaska?
The primary goal in constructing these rigs was to ensure they were ultra-mobile. The rigs can be flown into sites using fixed wing aircraft such as Hercules transports, DC3s, or CASAs.
What is your strategy to grow your business in the mining industry?
Our initial foray into mining exploration, with the Whistler gold-copper project, came with a learning curve, nevertheless, we efficiently managed operations, and were achieving coring rates in the range of 200-220 feet per day by the project's conclusion. As the mining industry is requested to restrict fluid exposure to the ground, ADC has the technology currently being utilized to meet this need utilizing the closed loop mud system.
What should we expect from Alaska Drilling & Completions in the next 12 months?
We have secured the Whistler contract for the second year. Our upcoming projects also include potential workovers and well abandonments in the oil and gas industry. Notably, there is anticipation around securing funding for our third rig, the "Super D," more specifically designed for oil and gas exploration while maintaining a small footprint and ultra-mobility similar to the Delorean. At Alaska Drilling & Completions, we feel optimistic about the diverse and promising opportunities we have on the horizon.