Core drilling and sampling, mapping, GPS/GIS modeling, reserve estimation, and evaluation are essential components of geological and geotechnical investigations for aggregate producers. These activities help in understanding the geological characteristics of a site, estimating the available reserves, and making informed decisions about the feasibility and profitability of extraction. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
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Core Drilling:
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Purpose: Core drilling involves extracting samples from the subsurface for detailed analysis.
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Benefits: It provides accurate information about the formations, stratigraphy, and mineral composition.
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Process: Core samples are extracted using specialized drilling equipment, and the recovered samples are analyzed for physical and chemical properties.
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Mapping:
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Purpose: Geological mapping involves creating detailed maps that depict the surface and subsurface features of a region.
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Benefits: Maps help identify geological structures, material types, and potential areas for aggregate deposits.
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Methods: Field mapping involves on-site observations, while remote sensing and aerial surveys can also contribute to comprehensive mapping.
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GPS/GIS Modeling:
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Purpose: GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information System) technologies are used to model and analyze spatial data.
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Benefits: These technologies aid in creating accurate three-dimensional models of the terrain, allowing for precise location-based analyses.
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Applications: GIS can integrate various data, such as geological, topographical, and environmental, to facilitate better decision-making.
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Modeling by Depth:
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Purpose: Modeling by depth involves creating subsurface models to understand the distribution of aggregates at different depths.
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Benefits: It provides insights into the vertical variation of geological features and helps optimize extraction plans.
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Software: Specialized software tools are used for creating 3D geological models based on drilling and mapping data.
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Reserve Estimation:
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Purpose: Reserve estimation involves calculating the quantity and quality of aggregate deposits.
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Methods: Geostatistical techniques, such as kriging, are often employed to interpolate data from drill holes to estimate reserves across the site.
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Accuracy: Accurate reserve estimates are crucial for project planning, investment decisions, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
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Evaluation:
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Purpose: Evaluation involves assessing the economic viability and environmental impact of aggregate extraction.
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Considerations: Factors such as market demand, transportation logistics, and environmental regulations are taken into account.
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The integration of these components allows aggregate producers to conduct thorough geological assessments, optimize resource extraction, and ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices. Additionally, regular updates and monitoring throughout the mining lifecycle help adapt to changing conditions and regulations.
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Reserves and your deposit are the backbone of your business. They say, your mine can only be as good as your deposit. We know how important accurate estimation and evaluation is when considering and new site and for obtaining financing. The size and value of your deposit is a large off balance sheet item and the key to sustainability for your operation.
Our truck mounted core drilling rig is capable of drilling sand and gravel deposits to a depth of over 100′ and bring back in situ samples for testing and evaluation. Along with Topcon GPS/GNSS equipment, logging capabilities, and GIS mapping with cross sections, you will know what you have, and how much, with a high level of accuracy. We have an in house testing lab with capabilities for performing sieve analysis, sand equivalent tests, and FM calculations, for material quality evaluation.
Many years of core drilling, and then mining what we drilled have given us the ability to be very accurate with our estimation and evaluations. This makes us very unique in this area, very few operators have these capabilities and most contract drillers do not have the knowledge or skill required to accurately sample sand and gravel deposits.
Below are sample reports from core drilling we have done.
