b'IndustryNewsautonomous analysis of drilling data, anddelivering a platform for low-cost,logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors (d) developing a modular autonomousrapid, safe and environmentally- and real-time subsurface reconstruction optimisation system that can pave thefriendly drilling, meeting key technicalalgorithms will be designed to way towards complete automation. challenges of coil durability, drilling hardintegrate within exploration or mining In the first three years of the MinEx CRC,rocks with low weight-on-bit and goodworkflows. The research has two linked drilling processes will be studied insample fidelity. Project 2 aims to delivercomponents; (i) development of new the lab and field, engineering modelsadditional capability to this CT drillingsensors for real-time multi-parameter and algorithms will be created toplatform, which will enable it to access aLWD with a CT drill rig and (ii) automatic characterise each method, and prototypemuch larger share of the drilling market.subsurface reconstruction for steering optimisation modules will be developed. The research will deliver improvedtowards a target (geo-steering) based on sample integrity, the precise location andgeophysical sensing while drilling. This Project 2 aims to develop existingsteering of the drill bit, and increasingresearch will extend the reach and value Coiled Tubing (CT) drilling technologythe reach of drilling. of every metre drilled into a 3D search to be suitable for the discoveryResearch in Program 1 will be undertakenspace ahead of and around the drill bit.and definition of mineral depositsby Curtin University, CSIRO and UniSA.Project 5 aims to reduce the cost and (including brownfields, resourceProgram 1 industry sponsors includelogistic difficulties associated with definition drilling and greenfieldsAnglo American, BHP, Epiroc, Geotecborehole and surface seismic acquisition drilling to depths of >500 m). The DeepBoyles, IMDEX, LKAB Wassara, McKayto the point where it is considered a Exploration Technologies CRC (DETDrilling, Minerals Research Institute of WAroutine mineral exploration and deposit CRC) has previously developed a CT(MRIWA), Sandvik and South 32. definition technique. The characterisation Rig for greenfields mineral exploration,of subsurface properties with high spatial resolution using non-invasive methods is one of the holy-grails of mineral exploration. While currently used seismic methods provide the highest resolution among the remote sensing methods, they often considered expensive, lack direct interpretability and depth control. To fully utilise seismic measurements, we need to correlate them with borehole measurements. If this is successful, high spatial resolution 3D mapping of mineral deposits will be possible using many fewer drill holes than are currently required. MinEx CRC will develop methods for rapid data processing and updating of subsurface geological models for resource mapping, mine planning, and safe operation.Project 6 aims to develop an automated workflow, including algorithms and software, for the integration and first-pass interpretation of geologically Program 2: Data from drilling small surface footprint and will be cheapcharacterised drill hole data and to operate. The sensor (or sensors) will beother data routinely used to build Program 2 will develop technologies foreither driller deployable or incorporated3D geological models. The resulting capturing geochemical, petrophysicalin an automated drilling process and willworkflow will facilitate rapid 3D and seismic data either during drillingenable informed decisions to be mademodel building processes that draw or within the drilling workflow. Thewhilst drilling campaign is ongoing. Theupon multiple geological datasets, programme will also deliver software thattool will be deployed and tested throughare reproducible, provide uncertainty will enable drilling data to be integratedthe National Drilling Initiative. Projectestimates, offer various geological into 3D geological models in real-time,3 will involve explicit collaborationhypotheses, and allow timely model delivering timely data to inform decisionswith Partner METS companies whoupdating. These models will enable on drill holes during drilling. This willwill contribute technical expertise anduncertainty analysis and multiple contribute to drilling productivitycapability in functional design andgeological scenarios to be developed as through more efficient targeting, byfabrication of sensors and will provideinputs to support resource estimation minimising mobilisation costs and bya pathway to commercialisation for theand data acquisition strategies.allowing modifications to the drillingtechnology.programme during deployment. Research in Program 2 will be undertaken Project 4 will develop the capacityby Curtin University, CSIRO, UniSA and Project 3 aims to deliver a downholefor real-time vectoring during drillingthe University of Western Australia. assay technique that will provideinto a new generation of lightweightProgram 2 industry sponsors include rapid results, remove the reliance oncoil tubing (CT) drill rigs built for theAnglo American, BHP, South 32, HiSeis, representative cuttings return, will have aminerals industry. New geophysicalIMDEX, Olympus, MRIWA and Sandvik.31 PREVIEW AUGUST 2019'