MinEx CRC is developing “dogleg” technologies to collect three-metre sidewall coresamples from selected depths within a coiled tubing (CT) drill hole. This technology will also enable multiple deviations from the same drill hole. MinEx CRC has recently trialled this approach at the historic Kapunda Cu mine site in collaboration with MinEx CRC Affiliate EnviroCopper .

The ability to collect sidewall core samples will allow explorers to take high-quality samples (including textural and structural information) from selected intervals, informed by prior analysis of the drill cuttings from the same hole.

This approach retains the cost benefits of CT drilling whilst enabling flexible sampling options. At the same time, creating the option for multiple deviations from one borehole will help explorers chase and hit small, complex targets at depth – for example, to intersect an off hole geophysical target.

Project Sponsors:

• Anglo American
• BHP
• Epiroc
• LKAB Wassara AB
• Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)
• South32
• Curtin University
• CSIRO
• University of South Australia

Stay tuned for our upcoming vNews episode to learn more.