Rapid, probabilistic 3D geological and geophysical modelling for timely, informed mineral exploration targeting and decision-making

MinEx CRC is a key contributor to the LOOP consortium; developing a suite of software designed to enable rapid 3D geological and geophysical modelling.

The LOOP 3D Modelling Platform incorporates modules for:

1. Extracting and incorporating diverse legacy data (borehole logs, structural measurements, map boundaries and overprinting relationships)
2. Integration of geophysical data and inversions;
3. Quantification and incorporation of uncertainty and value of information into 3D model products, and
4. Building 3D geological models by interpolating extracted information and knowledge.

The LOOP software modules are open-source with user interface via the popular and free QGIS desktop Geographic Information Systems package.

 

Introducing LOOP 3D:

When conceiving projects at the outset of MinEx CRC our Participants asked a question:
Is it possible to have a single 3D geological modelling platform that integrates diverse geological and geophysical data, properly acknowledges uncertainty and where 3D models can be constructed, modified and updated at time frames (weekly, daily, hourly?) appropriate to mineral exploration decision making?

Our response to that question has been developed in collaboration with the LOOP Consortium.

In developing the LOOP 3D Modelling Platform our researchers have re-examined all aspects of the 3D modelling workflow from first principles.

The resulting suite of software modules has unique functionality and inter-operability.

 

Accessible and practical interface:

Loop 3D has a focus on delivering Open-Source software development and QGIS plugins for user Interfaces as this encourages users to work with flexible tools that can be integrated into existing workflows rather than being tied to a single vendor.

The Loop3D modelling engine already imports from and exports to a number of industry standard formats, and we will continue to ensure that interoperability remains at the core of the product.

Extracting value from legacy data and maps:

The first step in building models is, in most use cases, the ingestion of legacy map, drillhole and outcrop data. Loop 3D is working on the supervised automation of these key, but often lengthy processes, using custom tools to extract geological meaning that can be directly incorporated as constraints for 3D modelling.

 

Integrating geophysical data and inversions:

Consortium are again Open Source and can run on single computers or clusters to maximise efficiency. These codes incorporate compression schemes to reduce calculation time, and gradient and petrophysical bound constraints to produce more geologically meaningful solutions. The latest research from this group is focussed on integrating Machine Learning and a tight coupling with the 3D geological modelling codes so that the solutions will provide both petrophysical and geological insights.

 

Incorporating uncertainty:

The Loop 3D framework will support uncertainty quantification, both as a means of understanding which parts of the 3D model are well-supported by the data, as well as at the scale of individual geological features, such as a Bayesian analysis of the interactions of fault dips and displacement vectors and their resulting surface apparent offsets.

 

Rapid model building:

The semi-automation of the often lengthy data ingestion phase of 3D modelling means that we can trial different assumptions about the data, as well as easing up and down scaling of models. As with all Loop 3D modules, these capabilities can be used as part of the Loop 3D workflow or slotted into in-house modelling workflows.

Product support and development:

Loop 3D FoundationLtd, a Non-For-Profit public company, was recently launched to research, develop and maintain 3D probabilistic geological and geophysical modelling solutions for subsurface resources management, including education of the community, training, consulting, and tailored applications. This provides a pathway to continued development and support for the Loop 3D tools after the closure of the MinEx CRC.

 

Project Industry Participants:

• Anglo American
• BHP
• The University of Western Australia
• Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA)

Project Research Participants:

• Monash University
• CSIRO

 

Contact:

Professor Mark Jessell
MinEx CRC Project 6 Leader: Automated 3D Modelling
E: mark.jessell@uwa.edu.au

Dr Laurent Ailleres
Monash, Loop3D Foundation
E: laurent.ailleres@monash.edu