Kenneth Wijeratne’s Post

Geological visualisation tools played a pivotal role in harnessing MWD data to accurately distinguish between coal seams and sandstone overburden for Glencore Hail Creek https://loom.ly/RRKtGWg #Maptek #MiningSolutions #CoalMining

Accurate modelling and interpretation of measurement-while-drilling data enabled a faster, more efficient geology process and reduced costs for Glencore Coal at Hail Creek, helping them meet corporate KPIs for coal loss and dilution https://loom.ly/1cOuXV0 #Maptek #MiningSolutions #CoalMining

QEM LIMITED ASX Announcement 5 March 2024 In 2019, QEM commissioned Velseis to conduct a 26 km 2D seismic survey using mini-sosie.The seismic survey consisted of two east-west lines, line 01 being 17 km and south of that line 02 being 9 km long. In 2023, QEM again commissioned Velseis to conduct a 7.3 km 2D seismic survey using mini-SOSIE. The seismic survey consisted of two east-west lines. Line 01 is located north of the existing 2019 survey lines at a length of ~3.6 km (Figure 4.4) and south of that is line 02, located between the 2019 survey lines, approximately 3.7 km long (Figure 4.5). The purpose of these programmes was to determine the geological structure(s) and the continuity of the resource across the project area. The 2023 survey built upon the findings from the 2019 survey, with results from both surveys being used for the 2023 interpretation, The results showed that seams are continuous across the surveyed area and that there are some minor N-S striking faults, with the largest fault displacement calculated at 12.5 m and the bulk of the interpreted structures appearing to be below the 3 m resolution limit. These interpreted structures should not impact open-cut mining potential. https://lnkd.in/eHK2-RrJ

Understanding the extent of mineralization of a deposit, it's grade variability and the geotechnical properties of both the mineral deposit and the host rock(s) is very important when designing a mine that's profitable and safe. Below is my recent optimized (optimized using #Whittle) open-pit mine, together with haulage road waste dump and stockpile, and access road to workshop. Brief description of the various dimensions used is also given. Geological Ore modeling, block model creation (#geostatistical resource estimation), and material classification was carried using #Surpac . The procedures for optimization of NPV (Net present value) in #Whittle using economic parameters like MCAF, mineral price, PCAF, Mining cost, processing cost, discounts will be shared in my next post.

Point load testing is essential for evaluating mine roof integrity, providing a quick and effective measure of rock strength. This method applies a load to a rock sample to assess its fracture resistance, with minimal sample preparation. It's useful for estimating the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rock, aiding in geomechanical assessments. In the context of coal mining, the Point Load Test is instrumental in determining the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR). The CMRR integrates rock strength data, obtained from PLT and other sources, with structural features and discontinuity patterns of the roof strata. This comprehensive approach provides a quantitative measure of the roof's stability, guiding the design and implementation of support systems to ensure safe mining operations. Employing point load testing for CMRR determination allows for informed decision-making regarding mine design and supports system optimization. As our mining operations delve deeper and encounter more complex geologic conditions, leveraging such geomechanical assessments becomes crucial for maintaining safety while maximizing reserve recovery. #PointLoadTesting #RockStrength #CoalMining #Geomechanics #MineSafety #CMRR #MiningEngineering #GeotechnicalEngineering #UndergroundMining

➡ Down Hole Motors(DHM) are well used in directional drilling machine in coal mines; ➡Directional Drilling is the process of controlling the direction, or path, of a drill hole with the aim of either preventing deviation； ➡In-seam directionally drilled horizontal boreholes have provided effective solutions in underground coal mines for methane and water drainage; ➡Meanwhile, including the specific directional drilling and coring procedures for exploration in-advance of mining; ➡Other directional drilling applications include in-mine horizontal gob ventilation boreholes, identification of abandoned workings. ⁉ So How to adjust the drilling direction in hole? Use the downhole tools like a bent sub or a mud motor to change the direction of the drill bit. Mud Motors can be with fixed bend housing, or the adjustable bend housing(ABH 0-3degree); When set one different bend degree, this to reposition the bit to the desired trajectory. When it starts drilling again, the pilot drill bit starts going in the direction that it’s now pointing towards. #coalmine #coalmining #geotechnicalboreholedrilling #Mine #siteinvestigation #Majordrilling #mining #coalminedrilling #mineralexploration #exploration #undergroundmining #groundinvestigation #geothermal #miningequipment #explorationdrilling #metalsindustry #DiamondDrilling #UndergroundDirectionalDrilling #drilling #drillandblast #blasting #Boreholedrilling #pilotdrilling #directionaldrilling #miningexplorationprojects #miningoperations #boreholetechnology #DHM #DownholeMotor #drillingmotor #drillbit #PDCbit #Corebit #diamondimpregnateddrillbits #PDCreamer #rockcrossing #hardformation #highspeedmudmotor #hightempeturemudmotor #CTmotor #bigtorquemudmotor #Hardrubber #highperformancerubber #downhole #energy #DownholeTechnologies #drillingequipment #navigationaldrilling #drillingtools #drillingmud #downholetools

resource estimation

The #JORC Code emphasizes transparency, materiality, and competence in reporting #exploration results, #mineral resources, and ore reserves. While it doesn't prescribe specific #drilling spacings, it requires that the chosen spacings are justified and documented based on geological and economic considerations. https://lnkd.in/dpKujg3f

Drilling is critical to the mining value chain and, as such, is important in the testing of an exploration concept. Core-based observations logged by geology teams can inform the following: 1. Geologic domains: Accurate mapping of a rock volume, including its size and shape, is fundamental to constraining the spatial distribution of ore-forming metals. 2. Mineral distribution and quantification: Identifying key minerals (ore, gangue, and alteration) and determining their relative proportions is important to core logging. 3. Structural analysis: Identification and description of the orientation and relationships of minerals and rock structures help build the structural and geotechnical properties of a rock volume used in resource modeling to mine design. Learn more from our SEG Paper https://bit.ly/4av0be8

✳️Resource Estimation: Resource estimation involves assessing the quantity and quality of mineral resources in a given deposit. The process typically includes: - Data Compilation: - Gathering and compiling geological, geophysical, and drilling data related to the mineral deposit. - Geological Modeling: - Creating a three-dimensional geological model of the deposit, considering various geological parameters. - Sampling and Analysis: - Conducting sampling through drilling or other methods to collect representative samples for analysis. - Grade Estimation: - Estimating the grade of the mineral deposit based on assay results from sampled materials. - Variability and Uncertainty Analysis: - Assessing the variability and uncertainty in the geological and grade data to understand the reliability of the estimates. - Interpolation Techniques: - Using interpolation methods (e.g., kriging, inverse distance weighting) to estimate grades at unsampled locations within the deposit. - Resource Classification: - Classifying resources into categories (indicated, inferred, measured) based on the level of confidence in the estimates. - Reporting: - Preparing a resource estimation report that details the methodology, data used, assumptions, and results. ✳️Cut-off Grade: The cut-off grade is a critical parameter in mining, representing the lowest grade of ore that can be economically mined and processed. The cut-off grade is determined through: - Economic Considerations: - Assessing the costs associated with mining, processing, and extracting minerals, and comparing them with the expected revenue. - Net Present Value (NPV) Analysis: - Utilizing NPV analysis to determine the economic viability of extracting ore at different grades. - Sensitivity Analysis: - Conducting sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of changing commodity prices and operating costs on the cut-off grade. - Optimization: - Optimizing the cut-off grade to maximize the profitability of the mining operation. - Mining Method Considerations: - Considering the mining method employed (open-pit, underground) and its impact on determining the cut-off grade. - Market Conditions: - Taking into account market conditions, demand for the mineral, and fluctuations in commodity prices. Balancing resource estimation with a realistic cut-off grade is crucial for efficient mining operations, ensuring economic viability while maximizing the recovery of valuable minerals. #Mining #drilling #blasting #design #planning #geology #geotechnical #economic #production