RESEARCH PROGRAMS
MinEx CRC has three primary research programs
Program 1: Drilling Technologies
This Program will extend the capability of Coiled Tubing (CT) drilling so it can drill deeper, is steerable and delivers the highest quality sampling. Coiled tubing technology promises drilling at 1/5th the cost of conventional diamond drilling and thus has the potential to drive a revolution in mineral exploration whilst delivering significant health, safety and environmental benefits. Drilling tasks that are more suited to conventional drilling will also be tackled by the MinEx CRC, developing technologies for optimising the performance and increasing the productivity of Reverse Circulation (RC) and diamond drilling techniques.
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Soren Soe
Program 1 Leader
M:+61 406 239 841
E:soren.soe@unisa.edu.au
Program 01 Projects
Project 1: Drilling Optimisation
Project 1 focuses on drilling optimisation and automation for both diamond drilling and reverse circulation drilling.
Project 2: Coiled Tubing Drilling for Definition of Mineral Deposits
Project 2 comprises the essential modules to develop Coiled Tubing (CT) drilling to the point where it is suitable for the discovery and definition of mineral deposits..
Program 2: Data from Drilling
This program will develop technologies for capturing geochemical, petrophysical and seismic data either during drilling or within the drilling workflow. The program will also deliver software that will enable drilling data to be integrated into 3D geological models in real-time, delivering timely data to inform decisions on drill holes during drilling. This will contribute to drilling productivity through more efficient targeting, by minimising mobilisation costs and by allowing modifications to the drilling program during deployment.
Industry Partners
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Yulia Uvarova
Program 2 Leader
M:+61 8 6436 8728
E:Yulia.Uvarova@csiro.au
Project 02 Projects
Project 3: Real-Time Downhole Assay
Real-time downhole assay holds the promise of low-cost, automated, objective geochemistry that can be incorporated in the drilling workflow and informing while-you-drill decision making..
Project 4: Petrophysics for Mineral Discovery During Drilling
The ability to routinely drill towards lithological targets based on feedback from in-hole sensing systems is highly desirable as it will significantly improve drilling accuracy and efficiency...
Project 5: Seismic in the Drilling Workflow
The characterisation of the subsurface properties with high spatial resolution using non-invasive methods is one of the “holy-grails” of mineral exploration...
Project 6: Automated 3D Modelling
The project will develop automated workflows, including algorithms and software, for the integration and first- pass interpretation of geologically characterised drill hole data and other data routinely used to build 3D geological models...
Program 3: National Drilling Initiative (NDI)
The National Drilling Initiative (NDI) will manage and deliver drilling programs in multiple case study areas proposed by MinEx CRC’s partner geological survey organisations . The NDI vision is to drill multiple holes in a region to map the regional geology and architecture and define the potential for mineral systems in 3D. A range of drilling methods may be used however it is intended that the NDI will take advantage of new low-cost Coiled Tubing (CT) drilling technology and associated sensing, in order to maximise the number of drill holes and the volume of data collected.
Industry Partners
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Anthony Budd
Program 3 Leader
M:+61 458 281 097
E:Anthony.Budd@ga.gov.au