Coring Magazine Issue 12 by Coring Magazine

GRANITE’S LAYNE AND IDS: 138 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Issue 12

Drilling

Exploration & Mining Geology

February 2020

Issue Special // Remote Drill Sites

Q&A from the Experts // Tim Livesey – Oriole Resources Plc

21 Questions // Ili Cava – Australasian Drilling Institute

More Inside // Egypt and Sudan: Africa’s Sleeping Mining Giants; Drill Rig Geologists’ On-site Responsibilities: Beyond Logging and HSE

ISSN 2367-847X www.coringmagazine.com

More Inside // In Focus: Layne, A Granite Company; NWL Rod and BW Casing Cutter Prototype

Explorat ion

D ia mond

D r i l l i ng

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/EDITORIAL

Dear Readers Coring Magazine will soon celebrate its fifth birthday, which may seem relatively ‘young’ to you, but we have evolved as a team and a publication since the magazine was founded in September 2015. It’s been an equally challenging yet rewarding time, filled with opportunity and achievement – establishing and developing solid relationships and partnerships that have aided Coring’s transformation into the publication we are proud to represent yet continue to aspire to improve. It took some effort to build a brand from scratch, yet the inaugural team’s enthusiasm prevailed as we sought to fulfil the industry’s want for a trusted publication that offered reputable news and intriguing articles with expert advice and opinions. Convincing fellow industry members – drilling contractors, manufacturers, geologists and mining companies to become involved and invest in our magazine took some persuading, yet each group quickly realized the positive effects from information sharing, while supporting the magazine through relevant industry advertising. Our first issue contained only 10 articles and was just 29 pages in total. Readership was modest with distribution to 500 readers. Today, we’ve released Issue 12 – the pre-PDAC 2020 edition, which is our lengthiest at 76 pages long, and I’m proud to report that our readership of select industry professionals is now at 2500 and continues to grow. I’m so inspired by Coring’s ‘growth’ in every respect through readership and volume, occupying three times the space of the initial edition. We now have two distinct magazine sections – Drilling for Exploration, and Exploration and Mining Geology – both serving the main aspects of the mineral exploration chain, while satisfying industry interest, and we plan to further develop and expand both. Comparing our first to our latest edition of Coring Magazine demonstrates how far we’ve come and grown, knowing there is so much more to look forward to. Thank you for your continual support and readership. We love to hear from our subscribers, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Coring team to share your feedback. I hope to connect with many of you at PDAC 2020.

GRIGOR TOPEV Founder / Editor in Chief CORING MAGAZINE

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Table Contents /NEWS & EVENTS 5

The latest in the industry.

/21 QUESTIONS 8

Exclusive interview: 21 Questions with Ili Cava, Managing Director of the American and Australasian Drilling Institutes.

/IN FOCUS 14

‘Granite’s Layne and IDS: 138 years of innovation’ – Layne’s team presents the company’s history, evolution, operations, and the recent acquisition by Granite Construction Inc.

/ISSUE SPECIAL: REMOTE DRILL SITES 28 ‘Taking to the skies to unearth anorthosite: Heli-portable diamond drilling with Cartwright Drilling Inc. & Greenland Anorthosite Mining ApS’ – Jelle Terpstra P. Eng. (Retired) President at Cartwright Drilling Inc. reveals the company’s remote site operation within Greenland’s beautiful yet rugged terrain. 30

/PRODUCT REVIEW 20 ‘DeviGyro miniature survey tool’ – Rune Lindhjem, Product Manager at Devico AS presents the company’s recently released product, which delivers robust, efficient and accurate performance. 24 ‘Northwest Machine Works, Inc.’s NWL rod and BW casing cutter prototype’ – Gina Rinderle, Project Coordinator & Safety Officer discusses the launch and features of CCBWC – a lightweight and efficient tool.

GRANITE’S LAYNE AND IDS: 138 YEARS OF INNOVATION

‘Remote Site Drilling with Hubbard Perforaciones’ – Lance Hubbard, General Manager discusses the company’s challenging drilling program in Ecuador.

/CASE STUDY 32

‘Directional and wireline core drilling Jwaneng diamond mine’ – Filip Slavtchev, Sales Representative at MICONDrilling GmbH discusses the company’s collaboration with Dewet Drilling Botswana (DWD).

Drilling

Exploration & Mining Geology

Issue Special // Remote Drill Sites

Q&A from the Experts // Tim Livesey – Oriole Resources Plc

21 Questions // Ili Cava – Australasian Drilling Institute ISSN 2367-847X www.coringmagazine.com

More Inside // In Focus: Layne, A Granite Company; NWL Rod and BW Casing Cutter Prototype

Explorat ion

D ia mond

More Inside // Egypt and Sudan: Africa’s Sleeping Mining Giants; Drill Rig Geologists’ On-site Responsibilities: Beyond Logging and HSE

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY 43 Q&A from the experts: Timothy Strong in conversation with Tim Livesey, Director and Group CEO, Oriole Resources Plc. 48 ‘Drill rig geologists’ on-site responsibilities: Beyond logging and HSE’ Benedikt M. Steiner, Director at XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd advises how to ensure an effective and seamless operation. 50 ‘Sampling quality assurancequality control and its impact on resource estimates’ – Mario E. Rossi, Principal, GeoSystems International, Inc., discusses sample quality, collection, handling, preparation and analysis, and more.

60 ‘Drill Core Storage: Orientation regarding international best practices – Part II’ by Daniel Bortowski Carvalho, Geologist & CEO at Core Case, Gláucia Cuchierato, Geologist & CEO at GeoAnsata, and Professor & Mining Engineer Ana Carolina Chieregati.

/CATALOG 66 Diamond drilling services 68 Drilling equipment & accessories 72

Survey equipment

Miscellaneous

34 ‘Comparing multishot & continuous surveys using the TwinGyro™’ – Duncan McLeod, Product Manager and Dag Billger, Business Manager at Inertial Sensing One AB.

Coring Magazine February 2020 Issue 12 ISSN 2367-847X

February 2020

38 ‘PDAC 2020: The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention’ – learn more through PDAC’s 88th edition.

56 ‘Egypt and Sudan: Africa’s Sleeping Mining Giants’ – Chris Bargmann, Principal Consultant, Sodor Geosciences Limited UK outlines the two countries’ mining legislation, geology, mineral deposits and mining projects.

/SURVEY TOOLS

Cover photo Layne, A Granite Company

Issue 12

/INDUSTRY EVENT

Not for resale. Subscribe for free: www.coringmagazine.com/subscribe

D r i l l i ng

Contact Us Coring Media Ltd. 119B D. Petkov Str., Sofia 1309, Bulgaria Phone +359 88 953 2653 Email editorial@coringmagazine.com Website coringmagazine.com

Publisher Coring Media Editor in Chief Grigor Topev Executive Officer Martina Samarova Editor Joanne Miller Section Editor – Exploration & Mining Geology Timothy Strong Graphic Design Cog Graphics Printed by Dedrax Printing House

Coring Magazine is an international triannual title serving the exploration core drilling industry. Published in print and digital formats, Coring has a rapidly growing readership that includes diamond drilling contractors, drilling manufacturers and suppliers, service companies, mineral exploration companies and departments, geologists, and many others involved in exploration core drilling. Launched in late 2015, Coring aims to provide a fresh perspective on the sector by sourcing authentic, informed and quality commentary direct from those working in the field. With regular interviews, insightful company profiles, detailed product reviews, field-practice tips and illustrated case studies of the world’s most unique diamond drilling and mineral exploration projects, Coring provides a platform for learning about the industry’s exciting developments.

/NEWS & EVENTS

The Latest in the Industry

January, 2020

June, 2020

Osisko completes Discovery 1 deep drill hole

Chile Explore Group’s inaugural Optimization Drilling Seminar

Discovery 1 was a planned 3000 m (9843 ft) to 3500 m (11 483 ft) deep drill hole, designed to target two down plunge extensions of known gold zones and investigate the projected source area of the Windfall deposit at depth. The working model for the Windfall deposit interprets an outer shell and centre of a possible porphyry intrusion feeding the Windfall-Lynx gold system. The final length of Discovery 1 was 3467 m (11 375 ft), becoming the longest diamond drill hole in Canada, and achieving a vertical depth of 2700 m (8858 ft) from surface. Analytical results from the final 200 m (656 ft) are at the laboratory. Results are pending. The hole was drilled from surface to 3149 m (10 331 ft) with N-size rods and finished with B-size rods. Osisko President and Chief Executive Officer, John Burzynski commented: ‘Discovery 1 is a great success and achievement. We are very proud of our Osisko team and Major Drilling for their tremendous work completing this hole. Successes include the discovery of the Underdog and Triple 8 extensions, the wide intercepts of anomalous gold values similar to those observed in the Lynx system, and now these new high value gold intercepts at depth. These results of the Discovery 1 hole show that the Windfall system is extensive with substantial room for potential growth.’ Read more: www.osiskomining.com/news/

Optimization is a one-day seminar that will examine Chile’s drilling industry, presenting cost effective solutions to enhance production whilst reducing risk, and increasing operational safety and efficiency. The inaugural symposium will present some of the latest technologies being developed to ensure drilling optimization. The seminar is aimed at drillers, managers, geologists, health and safety professionals, and associated supply chain and contract managers. Optimization will focus on deeper understanding of the most important aspects of key expenditure within exploration and mining. A strong speaker program with a diverse panel of leading international speakers who are considered experts in their niche will generate discussion and thought on drilling optimization. Optimization is being organized by Chile Explore Group - a company with proven results and a growing reputation of producing informed international industrial events. Chile Explore Group were credited with producing the most successful SEG Conference in its history, last October in Santiago, Chile, welcoming a record 900 global attendees Don’t miss Optimization - June 11, 2020 at Hotel Santiago, Chile. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit chilexploregroup.cl, or email info@chilexploregroup.cl.

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

/NEWS & EVENTS

The Latest in the Industry

November, 2019

April, 2020

Mitchell Services Limited acquires Deepcore Drilling

Discoveries Mining Conference enters fifth year

Mitchell Services Limited announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 % of the equity in Deepcore Holdings Pty Ltd (Deepcore Drilling). Deepcore Drilling is a privately-owned drilling business that provides services to the mining and infrastructure industries, specializing in highly technical underground mobile drilling, diamond, acoustic and deep directional drilling. The acquisition is strategically and financially compelling for Mitchell Services, given Deepcore Drilling’s specialist product offerings and its strong exposure to gold in Victoria. The combination of the two businesses will make Mitchell one of the largest and most diversified drilling services providers in Australia. The acquisition will further strengthen Mitchell Services’ market position with regard to diversity of drilling type, commodity and geography whilst maintaining a high proportion of ‘Tier 1’ clients on operating mine sites. The brand and current operating structure of Deepcore Drilling will remain largely unchanged. Mitchell Services believes that the quality of expertise of the existing management team will continue to provide an invaluable contribution to the ongoing performance of the business.

Mexico Mining Center welcomes delegates to the fifth Discoveries Mining Conference from April 28 to 30, 2020 in the beautiful and traditional city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Delegates are invited to participate in this great event where all three mining sector elements will combine - exploration, innovation and development. Discoveries is recognized internationally as one of the foremost technical conferences with more than 50 presentations delivered by key figures within the Mexican mining industry, sharing exploration news and development projects as well as presentations of new technologies and concepts applied to all stages of mining. The exhibition area will feature 200 booths, attended by up to 3000 delegates. Event organizers pride themselves on attracting quality speakers and attendees, ensuring the conference is one of the mining industry’s most anticipated networking events of the year. Discoveries is the event where doors literally open to fantastic opportunities resulting in relationships and commercial alliances.

Read more: www.mitchellservices.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2019/11/2019-11-14-Acquisition-of-Deepcore-Drilling.pdf 6

Read more: www.mexicominingcenter.com Coring Magazine #12

/21 QUESTIONS

Exclusive interview with

questions

Ili Cava Managing Director of the American and Australasian Drilling Institutes Grigor Topev: Everyone’s got a story as to how they started in drilling. What’s yours? Ili Cava: Like so many Fijian kids, I thought rugby was my future, but I became distracted. My observant mum and geologist stepfather decided to keep me occupied until I decided otherwise, organizing an offsiding role with family friends who operated their own small drilling company. I finished my schooling in November, enjoyed a short break and then answered a knock at our front door in early December. A German man stood before me, advising that he had come to collect me. I turned around, and there stood my mum – bags packed on my behalf. ‘Good luck son. I’ll see you when you get back!’ Just one month after finishing high school, I was working on a rig! It was tough, yet I was determined to make a go of it and didn’t want to disappoint my family. Drilling was and still is the perfect industry for me as I love to travel, and this industry ensures that you never stay in one place for too long. GT: How and when did you develop an interest in education and training? IC: In 1997, I returned from Europe having worked for 18 months. I was motivated to obtain a role with one of the larger corporate drilling companies, as I’d so far 8

Ili Cava

Ili Cava was born on the small island nation of Fiji, before moving to the world’s largest island of Australia in 1984. A graduate of Queensland’s Townsville Grammar School, Ili worked as a driller for close to a decade, traveling across Australia, and to Europe and South East Asia – relishing every opportunity to learn and be mentored, rising through the ranks of the corporate drilling world. His experiences shaped his desire to focus on drilling health and safety and more specifically, training development. It was at this moment that the ‘job’ became a passion, motivating Ili to uphold various senior roles. Since 2005, Ili has been the Managing Director of Australasian Drilling Institute (ADI) – an established and registered training organization (RTO), responsible for developing training programs for both new entrants and experienced drilling personnel. Ili enjoys helping others realize their dreams, especially young students. Ili is also Managing Director of Global Drilling Alliance, promoting collaboration between mining, exploration and training providers to strategically address drilling industry training and development needs. Ili has also upheld the role of MD of the American Drilling Institute since 2017.

been employed by industry owner-operators. I started with Rockdrill, which was later acquired by Century Drilling. It was during this time that the safety and training manager approached me to become involved with the specialty. I was very keen and agreed, and instantly commenced learning the process of developing training packages. So much so that I was integral in Century Drilling being approved as a RTO. I then represented Century during the development of the first drilling training package (DRT98), endorsed in 1998. In 2004, I worked for Boart Longyear in Australia when it seemed they were acquiring most drilling companies in Australia and

New Zealand. I commenced in a safety and training role and experienced the stress that a company endures during rapid expansion. Safety performance was at an all-time low, and the team of approximately 1250 personnel across Australian and New Zealand operations were feeling pressured as the annual personnel turnover rate hit 50 %. An influx of new and inexperienced workers into daily operations posed a challenge, and one that required external assistance. Sourcing an external training provider to support our team wasn’t easy, as training and development within the drilling industry was nonexistent at the time. Demand for personnel was so intense, that new hires Coring Magazine #12

were being recruited and flown to various Australian drilling sites within days of responding to job listings. It was the ‘perfect storm’ in that we had high volumes of inexperienced drillers who were expected to train on the job. We needed an external service provider who could train industry entrants before we recruited and assigned them to rigs. The training would expose interested individuals to offsider or driller’s assistant (DA) tasks to ensure that new personnel met a level of understanding and skills before employment. GT: Tell us about competency-based training, or CBT. What is it? IC: Competency-based training (CBT) references industry-endorsed standards – knowledge and performance criteria deemed vital to successfully undertake a role i.e. driller’s assistant (DA). A person is deemed competent when they can demonstrate that they can perform a role against the standard during an assessment process. Assessments are administered by either a trainer, assessor or experienced person who understands the role and the various tasks to then decide or make judgement on an individual’s performance against the standard(s). In Australia, the drilling industry training package has evolved since the original DRT98 some 22 years ago, and now forms part of the Resources and Infrastructure Industries Training package (RII15). GT: Why should drillers undertake CBT? IC: Since developing the initial training package, the Australian drilling industry continues to strive to professionalize its image and the entry process. Professions are expected to outline minimum entry requirements and industry development pathways. ADI competes with countless industries to attract new talent; therefore, entry requirements and career pathways must be clear. Such clarity enables drillers to understand necessary skillsets and training requirements before they can progress from one level to the next, should they want to ascend the career ladder or migrate to other sectors of the drilling industry such as from exploration drilling to onshore oil and gas. GT: What is live, ‘real-time’ training? IC: When ADI started in 2005, RTOs didn’t offer practical drilling training, and most of the awareness training was through PowerPoint presentations, facilitated by companies during inductions. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

ADI differentiated by obtaining rigs for potential drillers to learn about, practice on and operate, rather than sit in a class or boardroom. The benefit of owning and utilizing our own training drill rigs is unquestionable in terms of introducing students to the equipment and developing their skills. Safe, practical learning is essential when developing the ability to identify and prevent hazards, while understanding highrisk focus points – hand and body position while tripping drill pipes; managing body and mental fatigue while working in extreme environments, and managing working space during drill tasks such as tool placement. These areas of focus are often foreign to students, and gradual introduction through a training rig, demonstrating competent behavior and stopping the rig when necessary, without the pressures of actual production, has proven very successful. ADI’s hands-on ‘real time’ training delivers superior students who not only understand the process, they recognize what competent behavior is. My motto: ‘Safety is an outcome of competent people behaving competently’. GT: Training consumes resources, with a compounding effect when retention rates are low. How do you persuade organizations and individuals to invest in CBT? IC: The longer I’m involved with CBT, the more I recognize the many layers of human resourcing required within our industry. ADI has followed the military and engineering industries’ lead by actively working with high schools to attract school leavers, using a school-based training platform to identify candidates. Once enrolled, industry career pathways and development opportunities are outlined to the candidate and their parents or guardians. Sourcing suitable candidates mitigates the risk of continually filling pre-industry training courses with unsuitable people. During my 15 years of leading ADI and its pre-industry training courses, I’ve witnessed a variance between potential candidates. The notable difference is enthusiasm - whether they’re young with little work experience or they’ve been unemployed or had intermittent work, we look for people who are keen to learn and absorb information. Training an unsuitable candidate costs time, money and resources, therefore, every effort must be made to source and validate suitable candidates before training commences. ADI partners with government, community groups and the drilling industry

to deliver trained and certified candidates at reduced costs to the drilling industry. We do need to broaden our scope to source and recruit suitable candidates, while providing clear development pathways to improve the industry’s retention rate. These partnerships result in a win-win outcome, with community groups assisting youth into not just employment but careers, while the government builds strong communities through subsidized courses for under-utilized people and school leavers. This year marks ADI’s sixth successful school-based recruitment program. GT: What's ADI’s story – the vision, early days, and how much has it changed? IC: ADI developed from an apparent gap within the industry, which I experienced while working within safety training and development. My intent was to inform, properly train and professionally develop anyone interested in the drilling industry to ensure alignment for both the candidate and the industry. I’m proud to share that some of ADI’s initial students from our first course 15 years ago are still working within the industry today. We endured skepticism, given our approach – a RTO committing an operational drilling rig purely for training was viewed as excessive given the cost of the machine and the fact that it would not be ‘productive’ in terms of lost daily meters, but the ‘value’ was and remains in the training of tomorrow’s industry. We took the risk and committed to the major capital investment and it has paid off and remains a major point of differentiation with other RTOs. Today, ADI operates a successful school-based program with 30 high schools across Queensland, Australia and Western Australia will follow later this year. Since 2012, ADI’s learning content has shifted from print-based to digital, and just last year, we purchased the rights to our e-Learning platform. We added a mobile app in 2018 which we’ve since improved – specifically its offline capability to conduct competency-based observations (CBOs) for a paperless system that can be implemented across client sites with ease. ADI’s learning and assessment system provides for continual monitoring of workforce competencies across multiple sites. Exciting projects are in the pipeline, although investing in technology to improve the industry interface is ADI’s primary focus and strategy right now. ADI remains committed to providing our clients with flexibility and choice, through various 9

/21 QUESTIONS

services and partnerships where qualified trainer and assessors undertake workplace assessments, training and upskilling of current employees; facilitate traineeships, recognize prior learning (RPL) and provide pathway programs for new personnel. GT: You worked the rigs as a driller for eight years, upholding safety as key to a successful operation. Describe the evolution of drilling safety standards since 2000, and how does the drilling industry compare with other exploration groups? IC: There’s been significant improvement within the industry since I started in 1989. Specifically, machinery design, semi-automation of process, and training, recruitment and development. I’ve also witnessed a dramatic improvement in the caliber of skilled personnel and the management and operation of drilling companies. Today’s drilling supervisors and managers appear to have a much more balanced approach towards operations and

people. Acceptance of and compliance with environmental, training and safety standards has instilled a culture of safe production, alongside the introduction of new technology and equipment such as rod handling systems, while minimizing our environmental footprint through compact machines and mud systems. Continual improvement of down hole tools has resulted in deeper, consistent drilling across a wider variety of ground formations. These collective improvements were instigated by mining houses insisting on consistent performance from drilling companies and have served to enhance the industry’s reputation and performance. Today the drilling industry performs well against similar industries, and in some cases, we lead in compliance despite challenging working conditions. GT: What are the frequent safety breaches at rigs, and how can we overcome them? IC: Team leaders (drillers/supervisors) need to consider their behavior toward their colleagues, and especially under pressure. In

Australia, manual handling-related injuries represent a significant portion of incidents among new entrants. It’s to be expected, given the high-risk nature of driller assistant tasks; yet the incidents are avoidable. I remain optimistic as a new generation of team leaders are trained and understand the importance and value of efficient, safe productivity. Driller and supervisor behavior is critical to retaining skilled personnel and attracting inspired candidates. GT: What’s your advice to drillers – the green and the stalwarts in today’s climate? IC: Change is inevitable, as witnessed this past decade. Advancement in machinery design and information management will continue, so it’s advisable for everyone to capitalize on personal and professional development opportunities, particularly for the stalwarts – their accumulated knowledge and wealth of experience is invaluable and should be harnessed through training and mentorship.

Drill training 10

Coring Magazine #12

GT: What’s the future for global drilling training and development? IC: There is local momentum, yet no individual or group has managed to successfully implement a global drilling competency standard that can be applied across operations in multiple countries, which is what the industry needs. I maintain that Australia’s RII standards are exceptional and realize qualified candidates. Canadian standards have a solid reputation, but I haven’t personally contributed or been exposed to them. I’m aware of several training organizations that have successfully implemented standardized assessment systems locally. Whoever implements global assessment standardization will lead the way. ADI partners with drilling companies intent on developing and training personnel, and our focus is to support and deliver this outcome as a priority. ADI continues to invest in online systems to uphold our global growth strategy. GT: What are the five most important lessons emphasized during ADI’s training? IC: Drilling as a career: the environment, the industry and relationships. We outline expected competencies, the assessment process, and the personal strain that fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work can impart on relationships and mental health. We discuss pay structures and the importance of sound financial planning, and even successful social media engagement to maintain a strong professional network. Some new entrants do refer to the television series, Black Gold. Demystifying what should happen at a drill rig is important to establish safe behavior and attitudes, client/employer expectation, and how fitness for work policies shape our lives. We reiterate practicing good communication – being contactable in case of emergency or when there are changes to work plans or rosters. The machine and worksite: drilling terminology is confusing, therefore familiarization is key to swift integration, as is safe workplace layout and awareness. Drilling asset costs: understanding the typically expensive cost of drilling equipment shapes personnel’s focus and choices, particularly the driller or DA who can visualize the impact of cost on daily targets. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Tooling and ancillary equipment: we comprehensively explore tools and equipment, stripping downhole tools (coring barrels) and then name aspects as we reassemble. We demonstrate worn components so that trainees recognize when new parts are required while servicing tubes, backends and wet ends. Using correct component names is vital to cement parts recognition at an early stage. Practice, practice and more practice: we literally fire up the rig and drill. We progress slowly and stop whenever body and hand positions require correcting, while maintaining housekeeping standards and spatial awareness within small teams. As each task is completed correctly, we increase momentum so that trainees experience typical working intensity at the rig, exposing a trainee’s ability to plan and maintain tool placement on an operating floor. Trainees can become fatigued or complacent, throwing tools and being unaware of the trip hazards when winches and wirelines are in operation. Stopping the rig to highlight such hazards delivers a higher level of understanding and recognition of the behavior. Toolbox debriefings are integral, and repeated failures are discussed with individuals, and improved performance is expected. GT: What differentiates ADI from other RTOs? IC: ADI’s point of difference is attributed to people, content and technology. We aim to find and develop the best people for the drilling industry. Our focus has evolved over 15 years, adding the school pathway program while developing relationships with migrant communities and industry groups. ADI strives to develop the best content, supported by strong practical training. The team is tireless in its efforts to develop partnerships with suppliers and drilling equipment manufacturers, providing access to engineers and experts who review and apply our training materials against industry products and real-time scenarios, as well as lend their expertise to provide practical tips and advice at our training rigs. Our team maintains a competitive edge through passionate interest in and pursuit of emerging technology, particularly at remote locations and sites. Identifying technology that assists to efficiently manage information by way of access, usage and delivery is important. The industry can be reactive, therefore a scalable platform is important, as is a reduced reliance on paper-

based systems, particularly at remote or multiple sites when monitoring training and assessment activities. GT: While facilitating, do you identify who will ‘make it’ and who will ‘break’? Are certain personalities more aligned to the industry than others? IC: Facilitating training provides unique insight. Resilience, ability to work under pressure, communication style and overall suitability to the industry are important factors when considering a drilling career. I often consider how an individual approaches daily tasks at the rig and how they communicate with their peers. I initially coach heavily and then step back as practical training progresses and trainees reach a point where I hardly need to remind them of the next task. Trainees who strive to complete all tasks and prepare and service tools before the driller needs them are those who I feel confident recommending. There’s a definite personality type that seems to succeed at our courses. Interestingly, the students from our school program who are often full of energy and labelled ‘clowns’ or ‘larrikins’ bring a certain level of camaraderie or banter at the rig, which keeps the group alert and can make the learning process fun. Days at the rigs can be hot and very humid and with heavy rain so it’s important to keep spirits high. It’s rewarding to watch these characters step into trainee driller and driller roles. GT: Let's talk demographics. Who attends ADI courses? IC: Four distinct streams typically attend our drilling courses: 1. Individuals through government programs aimed at assisting students (school leavers and underutilized people) to enter the drilling industry. 2. New and existing employees within drilling companies: these students are either engaged in traineeships or fee for service, and are typically managed through our partnering agreement, accessing ADI’s online learning, with assessments undertaken by endorsed trainers and assessors. 3. School-based pathway programs funded by state governments aimed at students who may be disengaged and uncertain as to what trade career to pursue. 4. Students funding their own professional development, traveling near and far to ADI’s Queensland training base for higher learning, or 11

/21 QUESTIONS

to obtain recognition of prior learning (RPL) as either short courses or full qualifications. GT: What’s your take on digital drill rigs, control panels and automation? IC: I recently inspected a new digital drill rig and considered its benefits for training and mentoring. ADI’s top drive drill rig is used for training new entrants for offsiding roles, however, designing a certificate III driller’s course requires that we gather performance data for analysis and skill refinement, which is difficult to do with an older model pilot hydraulic drill rig such as our current training rig. A digital control panel allows parameters to be set and a drill mentor can be alerted if parameters are breached. Our current approach is to start trainees on a pilot hydraulic machine to develop basic skills before exposing them to a digital or automated environment to develop learning. GT: What’re the three most common human-induced/down the hole drilling issues?

IC: Inexperience and exposure; drop in currency, and drilling tool parameters. Inexperience and exposure: mistakes occur due to inconsistent or insufficient hours spent drilling different formations. This isn’t the fault of the individual, as they may have started their drilling career in a mine and subsequently remained in that specific environment. Tackling new formations can unsettle a driller, leading to poor or uninformed choices, resulting in downhole issues. Long-term, mine-based drilling projects are an excellent platform for training new drillers, however, drillers should also be encouraged to rotate to other sites where they can be challenged to develop their skillsets, but it can be cost prohibitive in the short-term. Drop in currency: when experienced personnel continue to undertake a singular drilling method, such as short diamond coring programs. Suddenly, a driller may be required to set a casing wedge or run a downhole motor, yet it’s been some time – months or years since they’ve attempted such a task, which could cause a lapse in judgement, resulting in downhole problems and ultimately, downtime for the operation.

Drilling tool parameters: the industry’s evolved from an era where drillers were instructed at site, standing beside an experienced driller. I’m not suggesting this is an incorrect training method, but it does expose the industry to interpretation of safe operating parameters of downhole tools, evidenced when assessing drillers who operate the same downhole tools yet obtain various answers. GT: Name your preferred drilling innovation. IC: The wireline coring system is the standout benchmark, given its development and innovation over the years. Fundamentally it hasn’t changed a lot, yet targeted refinement has led to vast improvements in productivity and safety. GT: What’s the future of drilling? Will 2020 be promising for diamond drilling? IC: It’s going to be a busy year for the ADI team, as we operate in a competitive market – sourcing and developing the best talent for our drilling clients. Ultimately, we strive for efficiency which results in a win-win for all. C

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/IN FOCUS: LAYNE, A GRANITE COMPANY

Graniteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Layne and IDS:

138 years of innovation by Layne, A Granite Company

Coring Magazine #12

Identification, definition and development of base and precious mineral deposits drives demand for drilling services. Layne, A Granite Company delivers quality samples that accurately reflect the location and orientation of mineral deposits. Founded 138 years ago, Layne is one of the world’s largest, most experienced water and mineral service companies. Trusted by the world’s premier mining companies, Layne’s professionals deliver high level expertise and technical competence.

Layne de Mexico’s track-mounted CT-14 rig

Fact stranger than fiction It’s a sunny day in the Sonoran Desert – a cloud not in sight. A mine site shift begins and we witness everything that entails – heavy machinery, intense work and drillers’ precise focus. Yet there’s something different about this setup. We observe a rig with a green and yellow logo, that reads: ‘Layne, A Granite Company’. A shiny machine, looking more like a space exploration vehicle than a piece of mining equipment, delivers a fully automated rod storage system to the mine site. The rig’s control panel also attracts attention. Next to a set of old-school hydraulic levers is a modern touch screen interface, tracking real-time drilling parameters. This rig is equipped with something reminiscent of Faster. Deeper. Safer.

the arm of Optimus Prime, lifting the rod and perfectly positioning it. ‘This is called the ARM’, explains Jesse Adkins, the on-site lead driller. ‘ARM being Automated Rod Manipulator – Layne’s patented technology. For us, it means that hands are nowhere near heavy machinery.’ Adkins operates the ARM with a radio control from a safe distance. Witnessing the process is surreal as the rod is automatically released from a storage system, fed through the lubing mechanism, gripped by the roller clamps and swung to the drill mast with stunning precision. A hydraulic motor and gear system screws the water swivel into the top of the drill string. Complex, large-scale motions initiated with one touch of a button. 15

/IN FOCUS: LAYNE, A GRANITE COMPANY

Layne Mineral Service’s CS4002 ARM rig

On the safe side It’s apparent that safety is priority with Layne’s operation. The ARM removes drillers from harm of the most repetitive and demanding task – rod handling. Retrieving and replacing a worn-out bit from a 5000-ft hole requires 500 rod-handling moves, which inevitably leads to crew fatigue. Tools and rods are often greasy, wet and dirty. Hands can be dangerously close to metal rods, next to heavy machinery. In those conditions, it’s best to remove the human element from the equation – automate the process and allow the crew to focus on the general safety of the drilling operation. Development of this spectacular display of automation requires a team of innovative thinkers to invent, test and implement 16

systems such as radio-controlled collar wrenches, closed loop directional drill motors, load-rated lifting devices, multipurpose drill heads and bottom-hole assembly (BHA) components. Audie Medhurst, General Manager of Layne’s US Mineral Services explains that the process of adding new components to the existing rigs requires input from many team members. Medhurst’s Arizona-based operation was fundamental in fine-tuning the ARM technology, improving the ARM every time it returned from the field, over the course of the last few years. ‘It was a continuous process that yielded excellent results’, confirms Scott Graham – Medhurst’s colleague and Layne Operations Manager. ‘The mine sites are very impressed

with how seamlessly the system integrated with our existing rigs,’ he adds. Numerous field tests confirm: the ARM in action delivers an average 30 % speed increase in rod handling over the manual process. The drilling industry has been the focus of many attempts to design rod handlers. Humans have always won the race against the machines. Until now. Layne’s engineering team challenged existing status quo, designing a system that is safer and notably faster than manual rod handling.

The rest is history Whether you step foot inside a sun-lit Texas headquarters, an historic Chandler, Arizona office or a Hermosillo, Mexico operation, Coring Magazine #12

one thing is clear: passion drives employees to drill the extra mile and vast industry experience dictates all decision making. Brian Smith, Director of Layne’s Drilling Technology Center and the man behind the ARM design, worked as a driller while completing his mechanical engineering degree. He wanted first-hand experience using the very equipment he would devote his life to improving. Smith’s convinced that the best ideas come from the field. Picture a young farmer by the name of Mahlon Layne, struggling to procure enough water to irrigate his Kansas fields. What originated as a homestead water-extraction experiment in 1882 resulted in the most recognized name in water-well drilling. A decade later, Elmore and Page Boyles purchased their first diamond drill, forming Boyles Bros. Drilling Company in Spokane, Washington. The brothers’ hard work and ambition lead to steady growth and an acquisition by Christensen Diamond Products in 1975. Innovators at Christensen Boyles are credited with revolutionizing the drilling process by developing new rigs, drill tooling and bits – designing the infamous impregnated drill bit with tiny synthetic diamonds scattered throughout the crown. This invention facilitated hard-rock drilling three to four times deeper than previously attained. A century later, Layne merged with the Christensen Boyles Corporation, with the newly formed Layne Christensen becoming one of the world’s largest drilling service providers. As direct descendants of Christensen Boyles Corporation, Layne’s Mineral Services team uphold diamond core experience that is second to none – continuing the legacy of modernizing drilling tools and processes to solve industry’s biggest challenges.

The direction of innovation IDS or International Directional Services is a prominent component of Layne’s Mineral Services division, boasting a rich history of modernization. IDS is a leading provider of non-magnetic downhole gyro deviation surveys, directional drilling services, geophysical logging services, rental of downhole instrumentation and directional mud motor sales. IDS remains at the forefront of technology, ensuring customers in the mining, coal bed methane, and geotechnical construction markets benefit from the latest instruments. Continuous north-seeking gyros and electromagnetic measurement while drilling (EM-MWD) directional steering technology delivers exceptional data quality Faster. Deeper. Safer.

IDS downhole gyro deviation survey truck setting up to perform survey on Layne CT-20 core drilling rig and efficiency. Extensive experience and proprietary methodology ensures that IDS accomplishes some of the most difficult tasks. IDS General Manager, Jason Smith is ‘proud of our highly skilled staff, utilizing our advanced technology to complete global mining and construction projects’. The spirit of innovation permeates Layne, domestically and internationally. ‘Drilling in isolated areas with limited resources requires a high-level ingenuity to make a successful operation,’ reveals Gerardo Martinez, Layne de Mexico’s General Manager. ‘What makes this business so unique in the global market is our self-reliance when it comes to support, continuous improvements and preventative maintenance of the equipment’.

Leo Wurtz, Operations Manager at Layne de Mexico elaborates: ‘We run a state-of the art machine and fabrication facility, employing local craftsmen and engineering talent. Our team stands on its own to take care of the fleet. Such in-house capabilities reduce our overhead and provide the dependability and flexibility our clients value.’ Layne de Mexico is living proof of how an organization can reach its full potential when the leaders think outside the box and seriously consider unique regional needs.

Consolidation for success The Layne story continued its evolution with the firm’s recent acquisition by Granite Construction. Granite, one of the US’s largest 17

/IN FOCUS: LAYNE, A GRANITE COMPANY

full-service construction management firms and materials producers, saw value in joining forces with the top provider of water and mineral infrastructure solutions. Combined strong cultural foundations and complementary operations deem them a natural match. With more than a year of combined operations to look back on, the power of joint resources and experience is apparent. ‘Layne, A Granite Company is now positioned to provide a unique offering to our mining clients’, explains Gernot Penzhorn, Vice President at Layne. ‘We’re able to leverage Granite’s vast experience with complex infrastructure projects and complement our services with newly acquired resources’. Industry anticipation is evident, as to what these two award-winning companies, melding collective innovative experience will achieve in the near future. C

For more information Visit: www.graniteconstruction.com/ company/our-brands/Layne

Layne ARM system patented roller clamps in action

2020

Coring Magazine #12

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/PRODUCT REVIEW

DeviGyro miniature survey tool by Rune Lindhjem, Product Manager at Devico AS

DeviGyro’s 125 cm overshot design

Borehole surveying technology has developed and improved rapidly in recent years – driven by an increased focus on accuracy, efficiency and safety, combined with the always increasing need of knowing the borehole’s true trajectory. This applies to all drilling industries and boreholes – core- or RCdrilled exploration holes, blast or injection holes, and even water wells and geothermal holes. 20

Still, instruments are often limited by functionality – performing accurately and efficiently in certain conditions, yet demonstrating severe limitation in other situations – in high latitudes, at near horizontal or vertical angles; or by being fragile or cumbersome in use. The DeviGyro is Devico’s recently released product, representing nearly 20 years of on-site feedback focused into one tool, from a specialized manufacturer of borehole survey instruments. The DeviGyro instrument is a miniature, non-magnetic survey tool delivering robust, efficient and accurate performance at any location and in any hole direction. Latest technology, solid-state gyro sensors, fitted with back-up systems, quality control features and advanced navigational algorithms achieve reliable results in any condition or situation. The instrument itself is a 14 x 2.5 cm (5.51 x 0.98 in) probe (battery included), that can be installed within various pressure

barrels and running gears, depending on the application. Running gears adapt to the following modes: standard survey, overshot, blast hole survey and core barrel head, and all within one small DeviGyro sensor package. Before its release, the DeviGyro was subject to a thorough trial program, in cooperation with Downhole Surveys Australia, where it was compared with other leading survey tools – magnetic multi-shots, reference gyros, north-seeking gyros, and breakout holes. DeviGyro’s compact size and user-friendly software proved popular, seeming easier to handle and operate than its competition, while delivering accuracy and quality control.

Continuous operation DeviGyro provides continuous operation for efficient surveying with minimal impact on the drilling operation itself. The surveying occurs while the tool assembly is lowered and retrieved from the drill string at speeds of up to 100 meters per minute (330 ft per minute), Coring Magazine #12

meaning that a 1000-meter hole can be surveyed twice – in and out in less than 30 minutes. ‘Multi-shot mode’ is also supported for situations where continuous surveying is not possible, like conventional drilling. Depth is controlled during survey by the DeviCounter – transmitting the depth data wirelessly to a handheld Android device for logging and display. The operator has full control of the tool’s speed and current depth, securing safe operation and accurate trajectory calculations. Continuous survey instruments are often affected or limited by hole inclination, and especially when the angle is close to vertical. DeviGyro uses filtering and navigational algorithms to avoid such problems, maintaining accuracy while surveying continuously – even in absolute vertical holes.

Rotation while surveying Internal bias and improper centralization are common issues with surveying technology, causing multiple errors if the survey tool remains at a steady roll angle throughout survey. The solution is to rotate the tool at a constant rate to cancel bias and eliminate centralization issues. DeviGyro uses patent pending helix centralizers to automatically rotate the tool as it moves inside the drill string. DeviGyro - Devico’s miniature downhole survey tool

Overshot mode DeviGyro offers an ‘overshot mode’ where it is assembled within a compact overshot system. The patented, long-range wireless antenna system allows communication between the DeviGyro and a handheld device without opening a single thread. Rotating centralizers combat sensor drift and misalignment. DeviGyro’s overshot system can be applied to most core drilling applications. Its short length and ability to survey all hole angles deem it ideal for smaller rigs and underground drilling where alternate overshot survey systems struggle due to the short drill rig masts and confined work spaces.

Reference options

Azimuth plot confirms DeviGyro’s data integrity, aligning with north-seeking surveys Faster. Deeper. Safer.

DeviGyro measures changes in direction over the length of the hole to secure accuracy and stability at any location and in any direction. Users can then reference the survey data with the most suitable angle alignment system for 21

/PRODUCT REVIEW

DeviGyro ready for surveying their specific drill site. Dedicated, specialized north-seeking alignment solutions typically provide greater accuracy than a downhole, north-seeking survey tool. The DeviGyro can be packaged with such alignment options, including the DeviAligner north-seeker and the DeviSight GPS alignment system.

2400-meter survey Since its launch, the DeviGyro has been used to survey a variety of drill holes, including RC-, production- and coredrilled holes. Downhole Surveys Australia completed notable surveys at a DDH1 drill site in Western Australia. Namely, a 2410-meter deep, near-vertical hole, with seven significant directional cuts to aim 22

the hole to target. DDH1 are renowned for accuracy in deep hole directional drilling, employing two separate survey methods on critical holes to ensure survey precision. DeviGyro was selected due to its unique design and reputation for accuracy, while a single shot, north-seeking gyro measured azimuth and dip every six meters drilled. The DeviGyro was set up with standard running gear and auto-rotating centralizers, while the DeviCounter measured depth and velocity. The surveys were performed as continuous surveys and completed with speeds averaging up to 80 meters per minute (262 ft per minute). During final survey, the complete 2410-meter

hole was surveyed – in and out, and in less than 75 minutes, with over 45 000 survey stations logged. With the instrument back on surface, the data was downloaded, processed and directly approved by the automatic quality assurance test. Results showed minimal difference between the two survey runs and a mere 0.16° azimuth difference, compared to the north-seeking gyro. These surveys served as solid evidence that DeviGyro delivers accuracy and quality under extreme conditions. C

For more information

Website: devico.com Email: devico@devico.com

Coring Magazine #12

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/PRODUCT REVIEW

Northwest Machine Works, Inc.’s

NWL rod and BW casing cutter prototype by Gina Rinderle, Project Coordinator & Safety Officer at Northwest Machine Works, Inc.

Cutter front

Cutter side

Northwest Machine Works, Inc.’s internal casing cutters are machined and assembled using simple, unique and effective design. Three cutters have proven to be market mainstays – the CCNWC (3 in or 7.62 cm), CCHWC (4 in or 10.16 cm), and CCPWC (5 in or 12.70 cm). Each provides quick and easy cutter blade replacement during daily operations and maintenance. 24

CCBWC internal casing cutter prototype Northwest Machine is proud to announce and share the launch of CCBWC. Specially designed to cut NWL rod and BW casing, the CCBWC internal casing cutter prototype is lightweight (11 lb or 5 kg), and easy to handle. The hydraulically activated, single blade unit provides smooth, efficient cutting of material between 2 in (5.08 cm) and 3/4 in (1.90 cm) OD.

Background In 2011, Northwest Machine introduced the CCNWC internal casing cutter to cut HWL rod and NW casing. CCHWC and CCPWC were developed and released soon after, cutting through PWL rod, HW and PW casing respectively. Northwest Machine customers were grateful – sharing their success stories when employing the larger internal casing

cutters, which prompted requests for a smaller diameter version to cut NWL rod and BW casing.

Specs • • • •

Outside diameter: 2.125 in (5.39 cm) Overall length: 16.5 in (41.91 cm) Weight: 11 lb (5 kg) Connection: BW rod box

Features Manufactured using high-speed tool steel, the CC203 cutter blade provides a tough and reliable cutting edge, while the CCBWC body is machined from 4140 QT stainless steel, providing a durable outer shell for pumping the unit downhole. Singular pins of 17-4 stainless steel minimize wear and prolong tool life. Northwest Machine offers casing cutter kits for each size of internal casing cutter. Coring Magazine #12

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/PRODUCT REVIEW

Kits are equipped with a complete casing cutter, assembled and ready for use, plus a complete rebuild kit, securely stored within a rigid, key-locking case, providing convenient and secure storage for cutter components.

Basic operation The NWL rod and BW casing cutter is equipped with a BW rod box connection for simple adaption to a suitable drive rod to initiate rotation and supply water pressure. While locating the assembly to be cut within the drill string, the operator must charge the drill rods and commence slow rotation. Water then activates the cutter assembly and provides vital coolant to prevent the high-speed tool steel cutter blade from overheating during cutting. An operator would then slowly increase pump pressure from 300 psi to 400 psi, while simultaneously increasing the drive rod rotation gradually

from 200 rpm to 300 rpm. Operators can prevent cutter blades from overheating by slowing the rate of rotation for larger drill pipe. Note: these instructions act as a guideline

THE INDUSTRY'S RESPECTED DRILLING PUBLICATION

due to varying operating conditions. Field testing is underway and Northwest Machine Works, Inc. expects the cutters to be available by March 2020. Pricing is available upon request. C

For more information Visit the website for complete parts breakdowns of Northwest Machine’s LOCK N LOAD® Latch Heads, water swivels, stuffing boxes and internal casing cutters. www.northwestmachine.com

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Coring Magazine #12

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/ISSUE SPECIAL: REMOTE DRILL SITES

Taking to the skies to unearth anorthosite

Heli-portable diamond core drilling with Cartwright Drilling Inc. & Greenland Anorthosite Mining ApS

by Jelle Terpstra. P. Eng. (Retired), President, Cartwright Drilling Inc.

On August 22, 2019 Cartwright Drilling Inc. was awarded a 1500- to 2000-meter diamond core contract by Greenland Anorthosite Mining ApS. The Majorqap Qava project is located 125 km south of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. The contract posed a challenge, despite Canadian-based Cartwright Drilling’s 16 years’ experience operating within Greenland’s beautiful yet rugged terrain. It was a mad scramble to load containers in Goose Bay, Labrador in the Province of Newfoundland – Cartwright’s headquarters since its 1995 inception. 28

This contract took mobilization to a whole new level, as two 20-foot sea containers were trucked 620 km across Labrador, over partially unsealed roads to the Blanc Sablon (Quebec) ferry terminal. The containers were then shipped by ferry to St. Barbe, Newfoundland, before traveling 889 km to the south coast of the island to the Eimskip Shipping Terminal in Argentia. From there, the Pictor J. container vessel transported the equipment from Argentia, NL to Reykjavik, Iceland before transferring to Royal Arctic Lines’ Naja Arctica to continue the final leg of the journey to Greenland’s capital of Nuuk. Greenland Anorthosite Mining ApS specifically requested the containers unload onto a barge, to deliver the rigs to the general drill area by September 9. The late award date and complicated shipping schedule resulted in the equipment arriving in Nuuk

on September 12. To allow for customs clearance, the drill crew were requested to arrive in Nuuk by September 16. They left their Canadian homes on September 15, boarded red-eye flights to Reykjavik, Iceland; where they boarded one more flight to arrive in Nuuk, Greenland mid-afternoon. The crew worked tirelessly to unload the containers and load the barge that same evening. The next day, the crew helicoptered to site to unload the barge and set-up the drill. The program successfully drilled 1509 m (4950 ft) as of October 9, although bad weather delayed demobilization, with the containers being repacked in Nuuk on October 16. The project was completed in one month, including mobilization and demobilization from Nuuk to and from the remote camp. The team consisted of one foreman, two drillers and two helpers, and they drilled non-stop. Coring Magazine #12

Unloading barge

Aerial view of fly drill on setup in Greenland

The drilling program’s intent was to confirm the quantity and quality of anorthosite – a material used to manufacture paint, fiberglass and other industrial products. Difficult and rocky terrain called for heliportable drill rig moves. Bad weather imposed a one-week delay just before demobilization, at the end of a successful three-week drill program. The program commenced favorably with fine weather conditions and production rates of approximately 500 m (1640 ft) per week including moving time. Temperatures were above freezing most of the time, so coil heaters weren’t required to protect the waterlines. The project was an anomaly, in that fuel wasn’t required for water pumping. The resourceful crew found a source that provided gravity flow water to the drill for the project’s duration. Poor weather forced the crew to travel by boat to Nuuk, and wait for calmer conditions. The team was reduced by one during the wait time, with four crew members remaining to complete demobilization and pack the containers. Drilling along Greenland’s coastline poses the very real risk of polar bear attacks, as Cartwright Drilling had encountered in the past. Local, experienced hunters were often engaged to protect drill crews around the clock, while helicopters were used to ward off the bears. This project was deemed to be far enough inland for polar bear encounters. Fortunately, there were no sightings. Challenging conditions called for the crew to utilize the CDI 500 drill rig — a lighter weight, aluminum version of the

JKS 300 – designed and built in-house by Cartwright Drilling Inc. in Goose Bay, Labrador. The CDI 500 is capable of drilling 500 m (1640 ft) N-size or 700 m (2296 ft) BTW (B-size Thin Wall). Its light weight deems it relatively easy to handle and move in sections by helicopter, especially when light weight BTW drill rods are used. As with any drill program, minor mechanical issues occurred, yet were quickly resolved by the capable crew. The drill rig demonstrated ample capacity and was only required to drill up to 143 m (469 ft) in 14 BTW-sized holes,

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

resulting in an average of approximately 100 m (328 ft) per hole. All holes were completed as per the plan. We thank Anders Norby-Lie, M. Sc., Geology, Director and Project Manager; and Claus Ostergaard, M. Sc. Geology, Director of Greenland Anorthosite Mining ApS for their cooperation throughout the project. We wish them every success with establishing a new mine in Greenland. C

For more information Website: www.cartwrightdrilling.ca

Slinging tower 29

/ISSUE SPECIAL: REMOTE DRILL SITES

Remote site drilling

with Hubbard Perforaciones by Lance Hubbard, General Manager at Hubbard Perforaciones

Drilling in the Andes Mountains or South American jungle is challenging due to altitude, terrain, extreme weather and accessibility – or lack thereof, to remote drilling sites.

Before starting a drilling program at a location deemed inaccessible, drilling contractors must consider many factors, and the most crucial are: 1. A lightweight, portable drill rig specifically designed and built to meet the demands of the location’s particular geography. 2. Reliable equipment and proven methods to mobilize across narrow access trails in extreme conditions, and typically without helicopter support. 3. Experienced and competent crew.

1. Drill rig In September 2013, Hubbard Perforaciones (HP) committed to undertake drilling at SolGold’s tier-one copper deposit in Ecuador. Challenging terrain with deep drill targets meant that a larger, conventional rig couldn’t be utilized. HP started with a Hydracore 2500, however drilling results dictated a mobile rig that could drill deeper. HP requested a larger rig from Hydracore drills. In the fall of 2015, the first HC 5000 drilled its initial holes. The rig is sturdy and reliable to regularly access deep targets, yet lighter in weight than comparable rigs to mobilize to remote drill sites.

Comparison

Track units utilized for drill mobilization 30

A comparable rig, capable of reaching Hydracore 5000’s depth range is the LF™ 160; rated for 1800 m (5935 ft) of N-size, weighing 16 300 kg (35 935.35 lb) with 304 hp. But that’s where the similarities end. HP’s rig is one of the world’s lightest drill rigs, capable of regularly reaching deep targets and weighing one-quarter the weight of the LF™ 160. The Hydracore 5000 can reach 2167 m (7110 ft) in N-size with just over 200 hp, deeming it more efficient and environmentally conscious than the LF™ 160. The chuck is the rig’s heaviest component, weighing 406 kg (895.08 lb) assembled. Its unique, belt-driven design reduces the drill head weight for seamless operation, unlike troublesome gear-driven chucks.

Coring Magazine #12

A daily pre-check of the track units

Capacity Depth capacity was originally set at 1500 m (4921 ft) in N-size. However, HP’s constant innovation and design improvements resulted in the Hydracore 5000 exceeding original depth capacity beyond initial expectation. This year, HP expect to reach depths with N-size between 2600 m and 3000 m (8530 ft and 9842 ft) – more than double the original estimate. Today HP has 12 Hydracore 5000 rigs in the field.

2. Mobilization With 25 years’ experience working in tough terrain and remote sites, no location is deemed too difficult to explore by HP. Their fleet includes man-portable drills, mini excavators and specialty movers to ensure drill rigs and equipment can be transported almost anywhere, quickly and safely. The Hydracore 5000 resolved SolGold’s mobilization issues. The rig’s modular components allow for disassembly into

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

A typical access trail manageable weights for transportation on narrow trails. Latin America’s strict environmental regulations limit accessibility in some areas to 1.5 meter-wide (5 ft) trails. Such situations call for innovative mobilization solutions, such as small, track-mounted units to transport the drill and provide daily drill support. The trackmounted units have proven effective, especially in deep mud and marshlands. HP is currently developing an hydraulic version of a track-mounted unit to ensure more efficient and safer moves.

3. Crew When working in Ecuador, HP often hire local talent to assist with trail formation, rig transportation and various drilling activities given their local knowledge and familiarity with the terrain, weather and altitude. HP’s crew expanded to 230 personnel last year, of which almost the entire crew is Ecuadorian as they’re hard working, responsible and habit-

free – an ideal profile for the demands of a driller’s daily tasks. Camp conditions can be trying, sometimes requiring crews to walk to work for up to an hour per day through mud, which can pull one’s boots completely off, if one is not careful.

Conclusion HP is currently focused on completing several R&D projects. After which time, HP intends to move into larger markets. Last Fall, HP set a new depth record of 2623 m (8606 ft) in B-size. The future for HP and the Hydracore 5000 looks promising as this lightweight, high capacity, environmentally conscious rig outperforms heavier machines in efficiency, depth capacity and reduced carbon footprint through a smaller platform area, narrow access points and less fuel consumption. C

For more information

Website: www.hubbarddrilling.com

/CASE STUDY

Directional and wireline core drilling

Jwaneng diamond mine by Filip Slavtchev, Sales Representative at MICON-Drilling GmbH

The Jwaneng story Jwaneng is a local Setswana word meaning ‘where a small stone is found’. It’s also the name of a small yet abundant mine situated south-central to Botswana and owned by Debswana – a partnership between De Beers and the Botswana government. High extraction rates of quality diamonds, fetching excellent per weight price deem Jwaneng the world’s richest diamond mine by value of recovered diamonds. Dubbed ‘The Prince of Mines’ upon its discovery in 1972, the mine remained unused for a decade until operations began in 1982. The resource itself consists of three separate kimberlite pipes that run north, south and central, with two additional small kimberlite bodies intersecting the pit. The pipes erupted through Transvaal strata and overlying Karoo sediments dating back to approximately 245 million years ago.

Scope of work

Buffalo 90 rig on-site

German-based global drilling company, MICON-Drilling GmbH (MICON) offers directional drilling and coring services, including development and manufacturing of complete drilling bottom hole assemblies (BHAs). Projects are unique and therefore tailored to meet client expectation – as was the case with a Botswana diamond exploration project in collaboration with Dewet Drilling Botswana (DWD). 32

The deposit’s location below an existing operational open pit mine ruled out certain exploration methods including vertical drilling. Wireline coring and directional drilling was then applied from outside the open pit to enable exploration of the kimberlitic pipes. The mine’s dimensions are approximately 2500 m x 2000 m (8202 ft x 6562 ft), with an estimated kimberlitic pipe diameter below the mine measuring 2500 m x 2000 m (8202.10 ft x 6561.68 ft). Boreholes were positioned as close to the open pit as possible to maximize core retrieval. Current excavation before the project reached 400 m (1312 ft) measured vertical depth from the surface. The distance between 400 m and 850 m (2789 ft) had already been explored, or was to be explored through different methods. The target was located between 850 m (2789 ft) and 1000 m (3280 ft) from the surface. To reach the deposit and minimize drilling through ineffective or previously planned ground, the team utilized MICON’s downhole motor and MWD system for controlled directional Coring Magazine #12

Figure 2 – MICON’s hot-pressed core bit.

Figure 1 – An example of mother and daughter holes. drilling, which would then enable wireline coring down the same hole – adding to what was already ‘challenging’ circumstances. Tight directional control was necessary while drilling to ensure a safe operation once the ‘mother’ or initial hole was complete. After reaching the target, the directional drilling assembly was replaced with wireline coring equipment. For increased efficiency, the directional drill string and wireline coring drill rods’ inside diameters had to be equal, so that only the BHA required replacement. Once coring was complete, the wireline coring BHA was tripped out, and the hole was cemented along the entire coring distance – 20 m (66 ft) below the casing shoe. The remaining holes (fig. 1) were then side-tracked to a new path from the top of the cement plug. All drilling operations were undertaken in accordance with client requirements and safety standards, with zero incidents.

High performance equipment and tools The project was split into two exploration methods – wireline coring and directional drilling. Both methods were equally important and undertaken in extreme conditions, which meant turning to MICON’s robust and reliable wireline coring utilizing Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Christensen’s SK 4¼ B and 5½ B-series (fig. 3). Christensen’s SK wireline core barrels are heavy duty and intended for deep coring applications in rough or difficult conditions. The system proved highly reliable in every type of formation – even when coring through difficult rocks such as kimberlite or sticky sediment. SK wireline core barrels performed with outstanding reliability and efficiency. Importantly – deep coring projects can utilize the 9 m (30 ft) core barrel to significantly reduce the number of trips. Christensen’s unique latching system ensures consistent and effective coring, while SK wireline core barrels are complemented by durable drill rods with friction-welded, high-grade tool joints, and hard facing pin tool joints for high abrasion resistance. Additionally, the core barrel was supplemented by a unique, diamondimpregnated, hot-pressed insert core bit (fig. 2) with 12 straight profile blades and T2A TSD gauge protection. Directional drilling utilized MICON’s Positive Displacement Motor (PDM) series, including MICON 100 (standard power section), MICON 300 (equidistant power section II) and

An aerial view of Jwaneng diamond mine the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tool. The trio of tools delivered precise and reliable directional drilling through accelerometers and magnetometers measuring the well bore’s inclination and direction. Data was directly transmitted to the surface through positive mud pulse technology, allowing real-time determination of the well bore path and three-dimensional positioning. MICON’s MWD tool is equipped with a generator turbine and battery to prevent data loss in the event of mud flow interruption. The added combination of these two energy sources allows extended in-hole operation time. All electronic components are protected by a pressure-resistant case of ultra-high strength alloy steel, while the resinimpregnated material protects against shock and vibration. C

For more information Learn more about MICON’s products and services at: www.micon-drilling.de

Figure 3 – MICON’s SK 4 ¼ B wireline core barrel. 33

/SURVEY TOOLS

Comparing multishot & continuous surveys using the TwinGyro™ by Duncan McLeod, Product Manager and Dag Billger, Business Manager at Inertial Sensing One AB

Running continuous gyro surveys while conducting borehole surveying within mining applications is becoming increasingly popular. There are multiple reasons for this trend, but chief among them are the following four points. • Considerably faster survey time when compared to traditional multishot surveys resulting in reduced drilling down time and cost; • Greater accuracy as reducing overall gyro survey time lessens the impact of inherent gyro drift; • Ease of use for operators with less button clicking during a survey;

•

Potential to generate finer results, yielding greater understanding of the borehole.

Continuous gyro surveys have been used for a long time within the oil and gas industry, for example to perform so-called ‘micro-dogleg’ studies. By changing from traditional multishot surveys with a typical station interval of 50 ft (15 m) or 100 ft (30 m) to continuous surveys with resolution down to as low as 1 ft (0.30 m), it is possible to view the detailed structure of how the borehole bends and curves. Such surveys routinely show how a typical borehole is often much more doglegged than what can be seen at a 100-foot scale. This is made possible through a continuous survey, as attempting a multishot survey at 1 ft (0.30 m) intervals would take a prohibitively long time.

Conducting continuous gyro surveys saves time and money and is therefore attractive to anyone in the drilling sphere. Specific dogleg investigations are less common in mining, although they are still important in directional drilling. However, it would be a false economy to rely on continuous gyro surveys for all the benefits they can yield if survey results are less accurate or reliable than by using a traditional multishot survey. This article presents findings using Inertial Sensing’s TwinGyro™, demonstrating that accuracy can be maintained in even the most demanding survey applications using continuous surveying. Specifically, the focus was on repeatedly surveying the same hole in two applications: 1. A vertical coring project at a mine located in Sweden’s far north.

Figure 1 – Survey equipment. From left to right: Bluetooth wireless depth tracker, TwinGyro™ survey tool and the LiPAD-100™ gyrocompass. 34

Coring Magazine #12

SURVEY GYRO DIRECTION MISCLOSE [M] MISCLOSE [%] 1

817 (A) IN 0.26 0.05

817 (B) IN 0.30 0.06

817 (A) OUT 0.16 0.03

817 (B) OUT 0.11 0.02

817 (A) IN 0.33 0.07

817 (B) IN 0.28 0.06

817 (A) OUT 0.26 0.05

817 (B) OUT 0.22 0.04

800 (A) IN 0.04 0.01

800 (B) IN 0.19 0.04

800 (A) OUT 0.33 0.07

800 (B) OUT 0.35 0.07

AVERAGE 0.24

0.05

Table 1 – Summary of results from a 512-meter vertical coring hole. 2.

A micro-dogleg study of a vertical gas hole with kick-off in Texas.

The TwinGyro™ was an excellent platform for these studies, generating two simultaneous yet independent surveys during each run. The independent, continuous surveys not only double data collection, they also reveal the very fine details of the borehole’s true character. The TwinGyro™ is unique in this important respect. It should be noted that these results only apply to gyro survey tools with both a high dynamic and high rate range such as the TwinGyro™ and SlimGyro™. The results don’t apply to tools that measure deflection using optical, strain or other deflectometric principles, as their sensors

lack the bandwidth and sensitivity to cope with measuring while moving. Likewise, results from gyro systems that use low dynamic range sensors, or that generate results from simple averaging while moving, don’t yield sound results in more challenging survey conditions. In order to perform a continuous gyro survey, the survey tool depth must be continuously measured and integrated with the gyro’s measurements. There are two solutions – wired and wireless. The TwinGyro™ utilizes Surveyor™ control software to interface with most solutions, including Bluetooth and serial cable connections to standard industrial encoder units.

Figure 2 – Detailed results from the 12 surveys of the vertical coring hole. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Figure 3 – A Dynapar optical encoder with a serial cable interface to Surveyor™ software mounted onto the winch, just ahead of the cable drum.

Vertical coring The hole was a 512-meter deep vertical coring hole located in an underground mine in Sweden’s Arctic far north. The hole was drilled using WL46 rods and surveyed using two-inch centralizer blades. The hole was somewhat challenging from a survey perspective, as it was near vertical over its entire run with a distinct bulge which revealed repeated survey accuracy. Depth was continuously measured using the Bluetooth-enabled Wireless Depth Tracker™ which was mounted onto the hole’s collar. Figure 1 shows the two TwinGyros™ used to survey the hole in three in and out run pairs, generating a total of 12 surveys. To add a further element of rigor to the study, each survey was independently initialized using the LiPAD-100™ gyrocompass system by Northrop Grumman LITEF. This system is the most accurate by far – lightweight with an easy to use northfinding gyrocompass, tailored for borehole survey applications with reliable accuracy at high latitude. Each survey in this study was given an independent vertical reference direction simply by holding the LiPAD-100™ against the vertically mounted running gear. The survey results are summarized in Table 1. The average end-of-hole misclose was an impressive 0.05 % (0.24 m over the 512-meter depth). The survey with the greatest deviation had a misclose of only 0.07 %. The detailed plots of the inclination and azimuth of the hole for all 12 surveys are shown in Figure 2. 35

/SURVEY TOOLS

SURVEY MODE

No. OF SURVEYS

NORTH DEVIATION [M]

EAST DEVIATION [M]

VERTICAL DEVIATION [M] MISCLOSE [%]

MULTISHOT 24 0.56 0.73 0.26 0.16 CONTINUOUS 20 0.53 0.63 0.23 0.14

Table 2 – Average misclose results: continuous vs multishot surveying within a gas test well. It is clear that the TwinGyro™ results in highly repeatable surveys, even in a comparatively deep vertical hole while in continuous survey mode.

Micro-dogleg, Texas The second study was in a Texas gas test well with a depth of 1300 ft (396 m). The hole was drilled for gyro tests and began at vertical but soon rose sharply to a final inclination of 20°, simulating directional kick-off drilling. Depth was measured using a wired Dynapar optical encoder mounted onto the winch, just ahead of the cable drum, as shown in Figure 3. The TwinGyro™ was operated in both survey modes – continuous and traditional multishot. Continuous mode consisted of 10 runs, generating 20 surveys with a 2 ft (0.61 m) result interval to show microdoglegs. Multishot surveys consisted of 12 runs with 24 surveys and a 50 ft (15 m) station interval during surveying. The data is compiled into misclose results for the average, as well as with the position deviations at the end of hole and presented in Table 2. The results demonstrate that there is no significant difference between the two surveying methods, in terms of survey accuracy at end of hole.

Figure 4 shows micro-doglegs between 200 ft (61 m) and 650 ft (198 m), where the driller deliberately steered the drilling to kickoff the hole. The traditional multishot surveys show the hole’s correct average behavior, yet the 50-foot resolution cannot capture the detailed micro-dogleg effects visible in the continuous surveys.

Conclusion This study was conducted using the TwinGyro™ within a vertical coring hole and a vertical gas well with kick-off. Results indicate that continuous gyro surveying provides the same high level of accuracy as traditional multishot surveying, while continuous gyro surveying includes the following benefits: • Faster survey time. At least twice as fast as a multishot survey; • Greater deep survey accuracy. Less time, less accumulation of gyro drift; • Operator ease of use – fewer button clicks, less room for error; • Yields higher resolution of borehole details and position;

•

The unique lightweight LiPAD-100™ gyrocompass provides fast, direct vertical survey referencing, avoiding cumbersome ground alignment and transfers to the hole; With both gyro and depth data recorded and saved, the TwinGyro™ survey can be reprocessed to give results at any desired resolution without re-surveying the hole; Minimal added cost when compared to multishot surveying. A wireline depth encoder can either be mounted at the hole collar or in front of the winch in most situations. C

Footnote: The studies shared within this article were first distributed and revealed as a technical paper and presentation at the AIMMGM XXXIII International Mining Convention in Acapulco, Mexico in October 2019.

For more information Website: www.inertialsensing.com

Figure 4 – Micro-doglegs are visible in continuous surveys between 200 ft (61 m) and 650 ft (198 m). 36

Coring Magazine #12

TECHNOLOGY EFFICIENCY CLEAN-TECH

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/INDUSTRY EVENT

PDAC 2020:

The world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention The word’s mineral exploration and mining industry will come together in downtown Toronto for the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) Convention from March 1-4, 2020 marking the 88th year for this iconic event. Toronto is known as the mining investment capital of the world, and the annual PDAC Convention – the sector’s unofficial temperature gauge – is set to bring another unrivaled lineup of programs, speakers, investment opportunities and networking to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. More than 25 000 attendees from 132 countries attended in 2019, including analysts, mining executives, geologists, prospectors, investors, students and government officials. ‘The PDAC Convention is the one event the mineral exploration and mining industry cannot afford to miss,’ says PDAC President Felix Lee. ‘It is the only place where professionals and companies can connect every year to best position themselves and their companies for the year ahead. For me, 2020 will be my 32nd consecutive year attending.’ Highly-acclaimed programs – such as the Capital Markets Program -|^, Indigenous Program -|^, Short Courses -|^, Sustainability Program -|^ and

Technical Program -|^ – will return, along with a Keynote Program -|^ focussed on discoveries of the 21st century. The International Mines Ministers’ Summit (IMMS) – a unique event bringing together Mines Ministers from around the world – is returning for the fifth consecutive year. Co-hosted with the World Economic Forum, the IMMS provides a communal setting for sharing insights and taking part in discussions that are aimed at enhancing the positive impacts the industry can provide to communities and regions globally. ‘More than 130 countries are consistently represented at the PDAC Convention, and one of the top reasons for this is the learning opportunities,’ adds Lee. ‘In addition to regular programming, the IMMS offers a unique platform for international mining leaders to share their knowledge with others who work in similar roles, but in other parts of the world. It’s a rare meeting opportunity that we are proud to provide.’

PDAC 2020 highlights •

•

Awards Gala & After Party -|^: A prestigious event where outstanding achievements in the Canadian and international mineral exploration and mining industry are celebrated. Grand Finale -|^: After four outstanding days at the world’s leading convention for mineral exploration and mining, it’s time to party at this free event! Mineral Outlook Luncheon -|^: 2019 saw the return of major M&A activity in the mining industry. Catherine Raw, Chief Operating Officer

•

of Barrick Gold Corporation will discuss the recent spate of M&A in the gold mining sector. Network Reception -|^: PDAC’s new reception is the must-attend event to connect with domestic and international professionals, and discuss matters shaping the industry. Opening Day Reception -|^: Come to the largest networking event at the convention! Connect with attendees, peers and exhibitors while you enjoy a free drink and appetizers. PDAC New Members Networking Reception -|^: Over 1500 industry professionals are invited to network with PDAC Directors and fellow members from around the world. This is an opportunity to meet with your peers, make valuable connections and discuss issues facing the industry. Student-Industry Networking Luncheon -|^: This reception-style buffet luncheon provides an opportunity to make valuable connections with industry professionals and peers. Trade Show Reception -|^: Networking with Trade Show North exhibitors and attendees from international and local companies, including organizations promoting technology, products, services and mining jurisdictions. C

For more information For more #PDAC2020 information and the latest programming details, visit www.pdac.ca/convention

Coring Magazine #12

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Exploration Mining Geology In this issue: Q&A from the experts: In conversation with Tim Livesey, Director & Group CEO, Oriole Resources Plc Drill rig geologists’ on-site responsibilities: Beyond logging and HSE by Benedikt M. Steiner, Director at XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. Sampling quality assurance-quality control and its impact on resource estimates by Mario Rossi, Principal, GeoSystems International, Inc. Egypt and Sudan: Africa’s sleeping mining giants by Chris Bargmann, Principal Consultant, Sodor Geosciences Limited UK Drill core storage: Orientation regarding international best practices – Part II by Daniel Bortowski Carvalho, Geologist & CEO at Core Case, Gláucia Cuchierato, Geologist & CEO at GeoAnsata and Ana Carolina Chieregati, Professor & Mining Engineer

/Q&A FROM THE EXPERTS

In conversation with FROM

THE EXPERTS

Tim Livesey Director & Group CEO, Oriole Resources Plc Timothy Strong: Why did you elect to pursue geology? Tim Livesey: I was an outdoor-focused youth who enjoyed being in the hills. Its physical form intrigued me, as did the way in which we can help shape our environment through farming and mining. Geology seemed a natural fit and I started studying the subject at school, and then went on to pursue geology at Newcastle. TS: Your career spans three decades. Please share a pivotal and influential career moment – be it life-affirming, -changing or otherwise with our readers. TL: There are perhaps too many to mention! I started working in the mines in South Africa, which was a great foundation for me. I was also fortunate to travel, undertaking my undergraduate mapping thesis in New Zealand, spending the summer after graduation mapping (and climbing) the Indian Himalaya. My eyes were opened to the opportunity that travel affords early in life and I’ve never looked back – my work has taken me to spectacular places and great people – colleagues and the communities in which I’ve worked. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Tim Livesey Tim is an exploration and mining professional, with over 30 years’ experience in project, country and company management, conducting feasibility studies and delivering large-scale exploration projects. He obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology while studying at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the late 80s. Notable career achievements include a number of globally significant exploration and development projects at Nkomati Nickel, Kabanga Nickel, Reko Diq and Cukaru Peki while upholding senior executive roles including Exploration Manager Eurasia at Barrick Gold, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Tethyan Copper Company and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Reservoir Minerals. Tim is currently the CEO of Oriole Resources – an Alternative Investment Market-listed junior explorer, focused on exploration in West Africa.

TS: What has been the highlight of your career so far? TL: I’ve worked with truly talented people on great projects, so it’s difficult to pinpoint a single highlight. Seeing the orebody underground at Nkomati, after working on the exploration drilling and mine development was an opportunity few geologists are afforded in their career. Being a part of the advancement of Kabanga Nickel and Reko Diq was a fantastic experience, and I hope both world-class deposits will realize their potential one day soon. When I was transferred to the Cukaru Peki project through Reservoir Minerals, I was reminded of the amount of fun to be had when working with tight budgets in a small team of very capable geologists! When I think about it, every project that I’ve worked on has been a highlight, with each bringing new

challenges, new faces and new friends. Each asset was world-class, thereby stoking the team’s collective passion to deliver our best. TS: You started your career in Africa before moving to Asia and Europe. What prompted such a shift in geography? TL: When our group had elevated Kabanga to a size that began to attract attention, it became clear that the project would benefit from specialist nickel knowledge. I was the only ‘nickel guy’ amongst a host of expert gold explorationists at Barrick, so it was time to welcome a partner with relevant skills, which led to the 2005 joint venture with Falconbridge, which resulted in the project’s management shifting to their excellent and capable team. I seized the opportunity to then shift my focus back to Europe, on the Tethyan Belt and was soon appointed Exploration Manager, Eurasia at Barrick. I was responsible for identifying epithermal gold and porphyry systems that might host gold 43

/Q&A FROM THE EXPERTS

and copper. Prior to this, I had been working on various Barrick-led joint venture projects with junior miners in Turkey. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to benefit from Barrick’s growth into Eurasia. In 2005, I was one of the due diligence team at Reko Diq and was appointed to the project on a full-time basis soon after. I then managed studies in Pakistan and the Tethyan Belt exploration team for the next eight years, before eventually completing my time with Barrick in 2014. I yearned for a change of pace, and decided to join Reservoir Minerals as COO, which redirected my focus to Eastern Europe, and I once again was content to be amongst a small, dynamic team. From Serbia and the sale of the assets, I spent time as an independent consultant, before returning to Africa as CEO at Oriole Resources, previously known as Stratex International. I’ve come full circle, and the focus is back on Africa! TS: There seems to be a tendency with new graduates to be more ‘office-based’ than out in the field, when compared to graduates of a decade ago. Do you agree, and how is this trend affecting the industry? TL: Technological advancement in all aspects of life requires different skill sets, and I think there’s a mistaken belief that new graduates cannot function without Wi-Fi access, coupled with a desire to simply sit in an office and operate remote-controlled exploration equipment. Sadly, many larger companies that previously managed their own exploration teams have culled personnel in the last 10 to 15 years, leading to fewer opportunities for new graduates to experience field programmes, which is where many of us ‘cut our teeth’. The result of these two factors could lead to a way of thinking that the new breed of geo appears more office-focused, but I don’t think that’s the case. Yes, there is more that can be done in the earlier stages of exploration to better define target areas for followup, but the need for ‘boots on the ground’ geologists is as strong now as it ever was. I think the new breed of geo realizes this, and they are more than willing to get out amongst the rocks – it’s just that opportunity is sparse. And when they do get out and about, expectations are different to those of 30 years ago, and that’s not necessarily a negative. If Wi-Fi, the internet and email had existed when I first started, I’m sure I would have been embracing them with the same 44

eagerness that geos do now. Civilization must advance, and I suggest geos obtain field skills as early as they can in their career to ensure credibility.

TS: What’s the fundamental difference between working for a major producer such as Barrick, versus a junior company such as Reservoir Minerals?

TS: What’s the next frontier country or region for mineral exploration?

TL: Budget. In fact, the greatest impact is accessibility to a wider set of skills within a larger organization.

TL: If we’re talking about gold, I have to give a shout out for Cameroon, where Oriole have been working over the last couple of years. It ranks extremely high for gold prospectivity. Despite Reservoir Minerals early success in identifying new areas of highly anomalous gold back in 2012, the country had seen very little investment in exploration until Oriole claimed reservoir ground in 2018. We’re now starting to see other companies arrive, including multinational groups such as Eramet, and seeking other commodities other than gold. Cameroon is ‘Africa in one Country’ according to the locals, and few places like it remain, where opportunity exists to seize on prospective land packages. Similar areas would be any country or region such as Cameroon, where external influences have prevented recent exploration occurring. Iran and Pakistan boast fantastic geology, with resources just waiting to be discovered. TS: Much of your career has been spent working with Barrick Gold through senior management and executive roles. Was this a natural progression or an aspirational career plan? TL: I’m afraid I can’t admit to really having a ‘plan’ as such! I’ve always favored the more challenging projects, resulting in many opportunities to be involved in truly great projects. My enthusiasm and dedication have impressed people enough for them to entrust me with increasing responsibility and I’ve tried to reward that trust by delivering a first-class product. I value honesty and integrity, and I think that’s recognized by those who matter within an organization. I’ve also been very fortunate to develop good teams – groups of like-minded people who enjoy working on the projects as much as I do. That’s not to say they are all of the same mind. We do have our discussions and disagreements, but we remain focused on the solution. I think success comes from doing something you love and truly believing in it – surrounding yourself with positive people who focus on solutions; not problems. There is too much negativity in the world these days, and people seem to enjoy working in the environments that I try to create.

TS: You successfully managed and operated Tethyan Copper Company in Pakistan. Can you tell us more about that project, and your experience? TL: It’s a truly giant project. Initially discovered by BHP’s exploration teams in the 1980s and 90s, the project was acquired by an Australian junior company, Tethyan Copper Company Australia. Tethyan focused on advancing the deposit’s small oxide component at Tanjeel (also called H4), but in 2006, the asset was purchased by a joint venture between Antofagasta Minerals and Barrick Gold Corp. The project is located within a very remote, underdeveloped part of Balochistan – close to the borders of Afghanistan and Iran. It’s a clustered porphyry system with published reserves of around 2.4 billion tonnes. The plan was to develop an open pit mine at 110 ktpd ore production, which would then expand to a 220 ktpd operation. In 2011, the government denied the mining license application, leading to an international arbitration case, which recently concluded with an award for damages totaling over USD 5.8 billion. The project remains undeveloped at this point. TS: It’s 2020. What changes – positive and negative have you witnessed with drilling contractors since the turn of the century? TL: Changes have been largely positive. Today’s companies operate with greater focus on health, safety and environment (HSE), social license to operate (SLO), and recruitment and development. They’re an evolving aspect of our industry. TS: What do you look for in a drilling contractor (skills, capabilities, equipment)? TL: The overriding requirement is that a drilling company’s management aligns with your own company ideals. Skills, capabilities and equipment won’t amount to much if management doesn’t share your passion for doing the job correctly. In today’s mining sphere, we’re increasingly before the public’s scrutinous eyes. Every step that a Coring Magazine #12

sub-contractor (drilling company) takes on a project or mine site is a reflection on you and the parent company. TS: How can drilling contractors improve upon delivery and meeting expectation? TL: I was lucky to work alongside the DET-CRC (Deep Exploration Technologies) program, focused on developing new drilling technologies. I think the outcomes from that, and studies like it, are already improving drilling delivery and efficiency. Good quality, well-maintained equipment, which is operated by a skilled, rested and enthusiastic team will provide the desired outcome. TS: What’s your take on the relationship between drillers and geologists? TL: Love-hate, but less of the hate these days! It’s a symbiotic relationship, and one that often builds a strong reliance between the two. I’ve known and worked with all types, nationalities and skill levels, and I have found very few people who I couldn’t get along with to deliver the best result for the projects. Compared to 30 years ago, the modernday driller has changed just as much as the modern-day geologist. As with everything in life, it’s all about the people. TS: Please elaborate, albeit briefly, as to your experience at Oriole Resources. TL: It’s been a bit of a rough ride to start – coming in as I did when the company was still Stratex International, reeling from a failed bid to merge with Crusader Resources in 2017. We had to regain the focus of the company and rebuild investor trust. Despite the company’s very firm foundation – geology teams, assets, administrative structures, etc., we had to change out the management and Board, acquire new funds and find a new direction (and new projects), and all within the first year! We rebranded to Oriole Resources in September 2018, which was six months after I took the helm. We now have a stronger Board and management team, with some great assets in Cameroon, as well as the legacy assets of Dalafin (recently renewed as Senala) in Senegal, and various properties and investments in Turkey, Tanzania, Egypt and Djibouti. Our focus is on Cameroon, and we’re actively exploring and expanding our portfolio, whilst our partners, IAMGOLD, continue to earn on the Senegalese asset. It’s been a wild ride, but we have a strong team and there’s everything to play for. 2020 is the year of the junior explorer in Africa. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Tim Livesey and Rob Krcmarov at Reko Diq TS: Oriole strategically partnered with IAMGOLD in Senegal. Can you share your experience, collaborating with the group, and what’s life like in Senegal? TL: I know the IAMGOLD team quite well and we have a very stable and open relationship. Having spent so much of my career with a major miner, it’s easy to understand their needs and their position on any issues that arise through the exploration partnership, so I’d deem it an easy-going relationship. Their exploration team are technically very competent, and they have good support from the regional and head offices, so we don’t have any worries or concerns. TS: What are the benefits of being a ‘first mover’ in a country such as Cameroon? TL: Cameroon is essentially under-explored. It reminds me of Tanzania in the 1990s, when exploration teams were getting back on the ground. There are huge tracts of prospective land available, a supportive local partner, a progressive government, and the advantage of recent prospectivity and geology work undertaken by Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) under a World Bank-funded development program. We’ve been on the ground since mid-2018, establishing relationships and developing our understanding of the geology and of the country.

TS: What challenges do explorers face in Cameroon, compared to other locations? TL: Perception. The perception is that it’s a risky place to be, with focus on the Boko Haram struggles of 2010. The reality is that it’s a much more stable country these days, and the bigger issues sit to the north in Burkina and Mali. TS: Does the price of gold directly affect your ability to conduct work programs? TL: It affects our share price minimally, so I guess that it does indirectly. It’s not really our daily focus, as our noses are pointed to the ground, looking for gold. When we find it, we’ll worry about how much people will pay for it! TS: You’re actively involved with MINEXIA – a mining investment, development and advisory company. What’s your role and how does MINEXIA work? TL: I’m Chairman at Minexia – an independent metals and mining specialist, providing access to capital. Minexia brings together mining, risk management and financial professionals with a passion for driving innovation across the exploration and mining sector. 45

/Q&A FROM THE EXPERTS

The NR Private Market platform is a key component to this vision, aiming to simplify investment and capital raising for natural resource investors, and mining and exploration companies alike. We offer companies access to investor groups, which they wouldn’t normally have when following a typical brokered placement. Similarly, we offer investors an opportunity to become involved at early stage mining and exploration fund raises. TS: What’s the mineral exploration industry’s greatest challenge as of now? We welcome your insights and solution(s) if you care to share? TL: Managing expectation is our biggest challenge. Climate revolution has led to a huge backlash against mining, which is unsubstantiated in the main. Responsible mining is necessary if we’re to drive global change. Every new technology that’s being hailed as the savior of life on Earth, ultimately

relies on raw materials. It’s our responsibility to access raw materials in a sustainable and safe manner. The other major challenge is to work with governments to ensure mining profits are distributed fairly and re-invested in developing the communities and countries in which they’re mined. TS: What’s been the most significant industry development since commencing your career? TL: Every piece of remote technology adds value in some way, if properly applied, so that deserves mention. Within the broader space, improvements in reporting regulations and professional accreditation of various disciplines has helped to develop and deliver a better outcome for all. TS: In your opinion, what is the future for junior mining finance? TL: Minexia and NR Private Markets platform of course! We’ve seen the standard ‘broker’ model subject to recent pressure, and I

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think there’s space for something new and more accessible to support it. In fact, this is exactly how some of our early deals were structured – as a complement to an existing brokered raise. TS: What’s the future for mineral exploration? TL: I don’t think we’re quite ready to start mining the asteroid belt just yet, as there are still under-explored places waiting to be discovered. Geopolitical stability, or the shift in stability, will result in everyone moving around more in the coming years. The drive to decrease cut-off grades is inevitable as resources become increasingly scarce, which may lead to manufacturing industries developing products that are easier to repair, reuse and recycle. C

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Coring Magazine #12

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY

Drill rig geologists’ on-site responsibilities:

Beyond logging and HSE by Benedikt M. Steiner, Director at XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd.

As an exploration professional and workshop facilitator, I am often asked to outline geologists’ responsibilities beyond routine drill rig supervision, monitoring and geological logging. Drilling campaigns often highlight an apparent experience and knowledge gap between recent graduates and longstanding field geologists. The ‘gap’ widens further as senior geologists move into executive roles or retire, leaving room for error and inefficiencies. A drill site geologist’s first concern is to maintain a seamless drilling operation – developing relationships by communicating with drilling contractors and offsiders, maintaining a positive attitude toward health, safety and environment (HSE) as well as undertaking geological data collection and upholding quality control (QC). An exceptional on-site geologist would also heed the following to ensure an effective operation.

Preparation – planning and permitting Drill site geologists must obtain all required permits – environmental, water extraction, safety, access or community permits before 48

Drill core logging and on-site analysis using portable XRF equipment. Epithermal gold-copper prospect, Myanmar; Credit: Benedikt Steiner drilling commences. Permitting consumes a lot of time, as exploration and drilling companies must first document their intentions to operate on government, private or community land. Drilling cannot legally proceed without permits. Overlooking the process will prove costly, result in project delays, lost revenue and affect reputation. Permitting timelines vary between country and government, with some taking months or even years to obtain. Geologists are therefore advised to lodge permit applications in advance and during typical slow periods, such as the equatorial monsoonal season. As well as permitting, geologists are advised to compile detailed operational cost plans, outlining access to drill sites, availability of nearby water, drilling consumables and team member rotation.

Drilling methods Geologists should be aware of the scope of drilling and the actual geological target. Project leaders will often decide to change drilling techniques during the exploration program. For example, reverse circulation (RC) drilling in lateritic soils can struggle to advance and produce representative samples, leading to ‘clogging’ and clay accumulation in the inner tubing, particularly if the water table is shallow (less than 20 m or 66 ft). In this instance, changing to triple tube diamond core drilling (DD) would enable faster drilling, a quality sample recovery and a decrease in rig stand-by costs. Circumstances such as these are often overlooked, and must be planned in advance before the drilling program starts. Coring Magazine #12

Training, competency and reporting Site geologists need to ensure that all staff are appropriately trained, particularly in the collection, curation and presentation of data. Importantly, the site geologist must endeavour to involve and develop a close working relationship with the drilling contractor as both will interact many times during any given day on-site. For example, core recovery data is collected at the drill site and requires a team effort between drilling contractor and company geologist to ensure accuracy is maintained and process followed. Data integrity is imperative. Site geologists must first understand and then uphold international resource reporting standards to determine if their data collection at a specific drill site(s) or project(s) aligns with ‘best practice’. For example, Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code or JORC guidelines outline sub-sampling and sample preparation techniques, or in other words, the techniques to obtain representative, high-quality sub-samples of RC chips and

DD core material. Geologists must be skilled in knowing how and when to obtain quarter versus half-core samples when drilling complex, narrow vein or ‘nuggety’ mineral deposits and when to insert appropriate amounts of quality control samples in the form of certified reference materials and blanks into sample batches. Another example of transparent workflow reporting is to design and utilize practical chain of custody tracking sheets for geologists and site technicians to trace geological samples from drill site to project base, courier company and commercial geochemical laboratory. Simple tracking tools are often overlooked and are worth the small investment, especially for auditing and due diligence, and in instances when samples are prepared and analyzed by the same commercial laboratory, yet across continents.

Adapting to change Mineral exploration is an exciting industry, best approached with a flexible outlook, as technical and financial conditions can change regularly and rapidly. I have observed an

inability or unwillingness by some geologists to adapt accordingly. For example, when a target geological horizon is not encountered, despite initial geological and geophysical modelling; or when budgetary changes result in a shift in operational procedure and reduced borehole drilling. Such changes are most likely related to diversified management structures within large mining companies, removing or reducing site geologists’ ability to enact fact-based decisions. It is argued that a certain level of freedom and accountability should then be reinstated to on-site geologists in order to ensure progress and production. C

About the author Benedikt M. Steiner is a Senior Lecturer in Exploration and Mining Geology at the UK’s University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines and is currently the Director at XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. in Maidenhead, United Kingdom. Website: www.xplore.global

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Sampling quality assurance-quality control

and its impact on resource estimates by Mario E. Rossi, Principal at GeoSystems International, Inc.

The quality of the mineral resource estimate is directly dependent on the quality of the data used (Erickson and Padgett, 2011; Magri, 1987). Several issues impact the quality of the data; only a few are mentioned here. Data quality is briefly analyzed in the context of its impact on resource and reserve estimates. The samples are assumed to be representative; this means that the sample obtained should result in a value that is like any other sample that may be obtained of the same volume or deposit. Additionally, samples should be representative in a spatial sense; this means that the spatial coverage of the samples within the deposit is adequate. Exploration programs should be designed such that they ensure sample representivity, among other factors. Strict quality assurance and quality control programs must be put in place, covering all aspects of data collection, handling and analysis. If the samples are not representative, then there may be bias that will directly affect the resource estimates. Several issues need to be considered in relation to sample collection, handling, preparation and analysis. These issues include: • location of trenches, drill holes, and pits from where samples are taken; • sampling methods and drilling equipment used; • relative inherent quality of different sample types; 50

Figure 1 – Example of a sample preparation protocol. Reproduced from a South American project, showing the expected relative errors for each main step. • • • • •

sampling conditions; core and more generally, sample recoveries; sample collection and preparation procedures; sample preparation and assaying procedures; and database construction etc.

This paper discusses in general terms some of the issues related to sample preparation and assaying, and the quality assurance and quality control (QA-QC) procedures that should be used to ensure the basic data

quality required to estimate tonnages and grades of a mineral deposit. Specifically, this paper discusses some of the relevant issues after the samples have been taken from the field, including: 1. Sample preparation and assaying protocols; 2. Laboratory’s performance QA-QC programs; 3. Impact of sample errors on resource and reserve estimation; 4. Impact of sample errors and uncertainty on resource classification. Coring Magazine #12

Sample preparation and assaying protocols Samples are obtained for a specific purpose, which is to delineate a mineral deposit and provide resource and reserve estimates. Exploration for exploration sake does not exist. Sampling heterogeneous materials will always incur some error. This is the case no matter how much care is taken and what methods are used to obtain the sample. Because of this, it is important to understand the limitations of our samples and the impact of these sampling errors. The sampling theory and practice with application to the mineral industry was developed by P. Gy, (1982), with later additions by F. Pitard (1993) and D.F. Bongarçon (1998a and 1998b), among others. Sampling theory can be used to develop deposit-specific sampling protocols that minimize sampling variances. In practice, a heterogeneity test should ideally be completed early on in a project’s development path. This is needed to develop sampling preparation and assaying protocols specific to the mineralization style and characteristics at hand. The more significant the mineralization’s heterogeneity, the more impact the test will have: an epithermal gold deposit’s mineralization is more heterogeneous than classic copper porphyry’s mineralization. Also, if dealing with a multimetal deposit, the sampling preparation and assaying protocols should be derived for the most heterogeneous commodity. The heterogeneity test results in a sampling preparation protocol, which can be summarized in a graph called a nomograph. The protocol is expressed as a series of steps that take the field sample to the grain size and quantity required for assaying, which is generally called sample preparation. An example of a nomograph is shown in Figure 2, taken from Hartman (1992), and shows the size lines for six different nominal fragment sizes, a sample mass reduction step, and a comminution step. The size lines, for the nominal fragment sizes d1 decreasing to d6, are shown as thin lines that extend beyond the upper and left edges of the nomograph boundary. When the sample was split, the nominal size stayed the same, but the mass decreased, resulting in an increase in the sample variance. This is shown as the thick line from point A to point B. During the comminution phase, the sample mass stayed the same and the nominal fragment size decreased, resulting in the sample variance dropping from its position on the larger size

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

line down to a point on a lower size line corresponding to the nominal fragment size produced from the comminution cycle. This is shown as the thick line from point B to point C.

Laboratory quality assurance and quality control A practical but strict comprehensive and enforceable QA-QC program should be developed. This program should be independent of the laboratory and should not include (ignore) all internal laboratory checks. The program should include analyzing duplicate samples of pulp and coarse (or field) material; blanks; and samples with known values, known as Certified Reference Materials (CRM) or standards. There are no universally accepted procedures for QA-QC, although certain basic steps are always required. A good description of the practical aspects of implementing a QA-QC program, including insertion rates and other important aspects, are discussed in Long (1999) and Roden and Smith (2001). The main objective of the QA-QC program is to minimize errors introduced due to sampling, sample preparation and sample assaying procedures. The QA-QC program is a continuous improvement process, providing timely information necessary to correct defects in the shortest amount of time possible. This implies that the QA-QC program must be implemented and managed while the exploration/drilling programs are

being executed. This is, unfortunately, not always the case, as often the results of the QA-QC are available months after the drilling program has finished, and thus there is little opportunity for corrective measures. The following has been taken mostly from Rossi and Deustch (2014). • Accuracy and precision evaluate the quality of the information provided by analytical laboratories. A laboratory could have any combination of good or bad precision and accuracy, as illustrated in Figure 3. • Accuracy is a measure of the degree of agreement of the assayed sample value to the true (unknown) value of that sample. An estimate of accuracy can only be obtained through re-assaying samples of known values such as CRM materials. • Precision is a measure of the reproducibility of the sample value, which can be estimated by re-assaying the same sample several times. Detailed statistical analysis of the paired samples is required to obtain an estimate of laboratory precision. The sampling QA-QC program should cover: a) sampling conditions in the field; b) sample preparation; c) analytical accuracy and precision; and d) correctness of the laboratory reports and transfer of the information to the database(s).

Figure 2 – Example nomograph showing the nominal size lines, a sample splitting cycle and a comminution step (Hartmann, 1992). 51

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY

The following are the main elements of a laboratory QA-QC program: 1. Blanks: samples with no grade whose purpose is to check laboratory contamination and to verify correct handling. There should be both pulp and coarse blanks prepared and inserted into the sample preparation stream. In the case of core samples, the coarse blank is introduced after the first crushing stage, while the pulp blank should be inserted as a separate envelope in the sample batch. It is advisable that the blank have the same matrix (mineralogy) and result in a pulp with the same characteristics as the main samples, so it is not obvious to the laboratory that the sample is different. 2. Standards: samples with a known grade, used to check the accuracy of the analytical laboratories, by comparison of the re-assays to the reference value. This material can be purchased from laboratories and institutions around the world. The standards are delivered with certificates stating the accepted value and its precision, in addition to a full description of the procedures used to analyze them. Alternatively, the mining company has the option of developing its own standards. 3. Coarse and field duplicates: their purpose is to quantify variances introduced at different sample preparation stages, including initial comminution and splitting. There will commonly be more than one size reduction and splitting steps in the preparation stage. These coarse duplicates should be inserted into the primary laboratory stream, providing an estimate of the sum of the assay variance plus the sample preparation variance. Alternatively, a ‘field’ duplicate is obtained from the core box or RC chips while in the field. For example, a quarter-core (not recommended) or the other half core is sent to the laboratory, which replaces the coarse duplicate. The advantage is that the variance observed in field duplicates includes the actual sampling and the first size reduction step, but the cost of leaving the interval without core may be too high. A quarter core is typically too small a volume for the duplicate to be representative. In the case of reverse circulation drilling, it’s more likely that field duplicates do not exhaust the sample as chips are generally abundant. 52

Figure 3 – Illustration of the concepts of accuracy and precision. Left is precise but inaccurate; center is accurate but imprecise; and right is both precise and accurate. In the case of blast hole sampling, it’s also possible to take a duplicate sample in the field from the cuttings pile, or the reject from the hydro cyclone if an automatic sampler is used. 4. Pulp duplicates: provide a measure of precision of the analytical procedures used. They are taken at the final stage of sample preparation and generally are a second envelope with the 100-gram (0.22 lb) or 200-gram (0.44 lb) final sample sent for assaying, inserted blindly into the sample batch. Pulp duplicates can be sent to the same primary laboratory or to a second (check) laboratory. Depending on where the duplicates are forwarded, they provide an estimate of the analytical variance of intra- or inter- laboratory. Over time, the check samples described above result in a data set that should be statistically analyzed as drilling progresses. Figure 4 shows an example of a scatterplot that compares the results for pulp duplicates analyzed in two different laboratories.

Summary of key points, QA-QC programs Samples should have at a minimum a demonstrable level of quality to support resource estimation. Quality requirements increase from low to high as the level of detail of the resource model increases, from initial deposit modeling, pre-feasibility, feasibility studies, mine planning and mine operations support. A non-exhaustive laundry-list of specific issues to consider includes: a) Written procedures for data collection and handling should include procedures and protocols for field work, geologic mapping and logging, quality assurance and quality control, database construction, sample chain

of custody and documentation trail. A QA-QC program for the analytical work, including acceptance/rejection criteria for batches of samples should also be included. b) A detailed review by senior management personnel of field practices and sample collection procedures should be performed on a regular basis to ensure that the correct procedures and protocols are being followed. Occasionally, field programs benefit from third-party reviews. c) Independent reviews and audits of the laboratories’ work should be an ongoing process, including occasional visits to the laboratories involved. d) A QA-QC program should be implemented, as discussed above. Samples should be controlled on a batch-by-batch basis, and rejection criteria should be enforced. Detailed written QA-QC reports should exist for every step of the sampling and data handling process. These procedures should include corrective measures as required. e) Overall database error rates for all stored elements should be kept at a minimum through regular checks and reviews. f) Information about core recovery and sample weights for RC drilling should be compiled and analyzed as drilling progresses. Regular checks on the relation between grades and recoveries should be completed. g) Every drilling and sampling campaign should attempt to quantify its degree of uncertainty with respect to the samples taken. This includes discussions and reports of the quality and potential problems of sample collection procedures, data handling and the overall quality of the computerized database. Coring Magazine #12

Impact on resource estimates and classification Resources estimates are based on the important assumption that the available data is reasonable and correct. Much of what is discussed in this section is derived from the requirements of exploration and resource reporting requirements in different jurisdictions (NI 43-101; JORC; PERC; SAMREC; SEC; etc.). The specifics of these requirements are beyond the scope of this paper. There are many possible sources of bias and error that may not be fully considered or accounted for. One viewpoint that can be used to understand the impact of data quality on resource estimates is to separately analyze the consequences of inferior data accuracy (biases) and inferior data precision. Data bias can directly impact the accuracy of the resource estimate, either by underestimating or overestimating the resources and reserves available. A few examples of sources of biases are: 1. Laboratory assays that have improper methods, checks and equipment calibration procedures. They could be high or low biases and should be detected by the QA-QC program; 2. RC drilling in wet conditions when minerals are significantly heavier than the rock matrix (i.e. Au); causing artificial accumulation of metal at certain intervals down the hole; 3. Loss of fines can lead to either underand overestimation, depending on whether the fines contain more or less mineralization compared to other granulometries. For example, sooty chalcocite in supergene enrichment zones within typical porphyry copper deposits – typically found in desert

Figure 4 – Comparison of paired data (pulp duplicates) for two different laboratories’ gold (Au) data.

4. 5. 6.

environments, lead to substantial under-estimation of grades for the supergene blanket; Loss of coarse gold when the sampling protocol is not adjusted for it; Loss of mineralization in veinlets within the core that are significantly softer than rock matrix when saw-cutting core; Density measurements that are taken on full core tend to overestimate tonnage factors, particularly in the presence of rock with low recoveries or RQDs.

There are other factors that have been observed for different types of deposits and sampling conditions, and typically each deposit will have its own issues. Inaccuracies regarding the location of the samples can also be important, although they tend to affect the reserves and mine plan and could therefore be critical for an underground project.

Uncertainty related to the quantity of data in certain areas may be significant as well. Exploration programs are usually not designed with future resource estimates in mind, and thus the location of drill holes may not be optimal from a resource estimate standpoint. This is dependent on the deposit type and the degree of project development, and this can only be dealt with at the time of estimating and classifying the resources, impacting the resource classification itself, which is a risk indicator. There is also uncertainty related to the location measurements for each sample (collar location and down-the-hole deviations). If dealing with multiple or changing coordinate systems (base points are sometimes re-surveyed), or with tools that measure down-the-hole deviation which are affected by magnetic minerals, then the three-dimensional location assigned to each

Resource class

Confidence in geologic continuity

Data density

Data quality

Expected uncertainty

Used for economic evaluations?

Measured

Very High

3+ drill hole every 50 x 50 x 50 m

High

10 % annual

Yes

Indicated

High

2+ drill hole every 100 x 100 x 100 m

High

15 % annual

Yes

Inferred

Medium/Low

1+ drill hole every 100 x 100 x 100 m

Medium/Low

30 % annual

Table 1 – Example of simple resource classification criteria. Faster. Deeper. Safer.

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY

sample may be incorrect, thus impacting the location of the mineralized zones and the mine design. Criteria used to classify resources are commonly based on a combination of data density and data quality and may include consideration of some or all the following factors: 1. Drilling and sampling: sample type and location; sampling conditions in relation to the type of mineralization; 2. Average drill hole spacings; 3. QA-QC program for sample preparation and assaying; whether there are samples from prior campaigns that may not have the same level of detailed QA-QC required; differences in assaying methods for different generations and types of samples; etc. 4. Confidence as to the geologic logging procedures and comparisons with chemical information if possible; 5. Database quality, checks and revisions and software tools used to establish and maintain the database; 6. Interpretation and modelling of geologic variables; all other factors that are relevant to the estimation of the resources, including geostatistical analysis, modelling and validation. These topics are beyond the scope of this work but can also add significant uncertainty to the resource models. Table 1 shows an example of simple resource classification criteria that can be used. A series of factors can be included as outlined in the ‘data quality’ column, such as the level of detail of the QA-QC program applied.

Conclusions Exploration and drilling programs are the basis for resource estimation and classification, providing most of the data required to estimate a deposit’s resources and reserves. Mineral resources are the reason why an exploration or mining company will spend what is required to ultimately delineate what would be its asset. As such, the saying ‘garbage in – garbage out’ applies, given the fact that exploration programs provide the samples used for the estimation, therefore the quality of these samples is critical to assure future investors and to de-risk a project. This paper has highlighted some specific aspects that can be optimized to increase and ensure resource estimate reliability, arguing in favour of exploration programs that are designed with the vision of future project development needs, and thus increased QAQC programs. Increased emphasis on QA-QC may imply an increased cost in terms of check samples and procedures, as well as more supervisory involvement, but these costs are marginal in relation to overall exploration program costs. The benefits provided at the time of resource and reserve estimation far outweigh the costs, and thus a ‘penny wise/dollar fool’ approach should be avoided. C References

Erickson, A. J., & Padgett, J. T. (2011). Chapter 4.1: Geological Data Collection. In P. Darling, SME Mining Engineering Handbook, pp. 145-159. Society for Mining Metallurgy & Exploration.

François-Bongarçon, D. M. (1998a). Extensions to the demonstrations of Gy’s formula., In M. Valleé, and A. J. Sinclair (Eds.), Quality assurance, continuous quality improvement and standards in mineral resource estimation, Exp. Min. Geol., vol 7, nos. 1 and 2, pp. 149-154. François-Bongarçon, D. M. (1998b). Error variance information from paired data: applications to sampling theory. In M. Valleé, and A. J. Sinclair (Eds.), Quality assurance, continuous quality improvement and standards in mineral resource estimation, Exp. Min. Geol., Vol 7, Nos. 1 and 2, pp. 161-168. Gy, P. (1982). Sampling of Particulate Materials, Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. Elsevier Scientific Publications. Hartman, H. (Ed). (1992). SME Mining Engineering Handbook, volume 2. Society for Mining Metallurgy, and Exploration, Littleton, CO, second edition. Long, S. (1999). Practical Quality Control Procedures in Mineral Inventory Estimation. Exploration and Mining Geology Journal, vol. 7, No. 2. Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIMM). Magri, E. J. (1987). Economic optimization of the number of boreholes and deflections in deep gold exploration. The Journal of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 87 (10), pp 307-321. Pitard, F. (1993). Pierre Gy’s Sampling Theory and Sampling Practice, Second Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, Florida. Roden, S., & Smith, T. (2001). Sampling and analysis protocols and their role in mineral exploration and new resource development. In A. C. Edwards (Ed.), Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimation – The AusIMM Guide to Good Practice, pp 67-72.The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne, Vic. Rossi, M. E., & Deutsch, C. V. (2014). Mineral Resource Estimation. Dordrecht: Springer.

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Egypt and Sudan:

Africa’s sleeping mining giants by Chris Bargmann, Principal Consultant at Sodor Geosciences Limited UK

Mining in northeast Africa, particularly in Egypt and the Sudan, dates back to the Pharaonic period (2500 BC) when gold and copper were first mined. History and legacy aside, the modernday mining industry is struggling, with politics largely contributing to the deadlock. Recent political developments in both countries may soon provide impetus for a resurgence in mineral exploration and mining in Egypt and the Sudan. Political background and mining legislation Sudan The last year has been dramatic for the people of Sudan, with a popular uprising resulting in longstanding President al-Bashir being removed from power in April 2019. Negotiations to form a new government between the military and civilian bodies 56

representing the protesters commenced soon after, and then stalled. In June 2019, elements of the military dispersed the main protester camp in Khartoum, with reports of over 100 killed and many injured. Ethiopia and the African Union engaged in mediation and negotiations, and a political accord was signed in July 2019. In early August 2019, agreement was reached on the composition and leadership of a transitional government, and a new constitution was finalized. A Sovereign Council has since been established to lead the country for a threeyear transitional period. Abdalla Hamdok was sworn in as Prime Minister on August 21, 2019 to head the interim government. In 1993 the United States (US) designated Sudan a state sponsor of terrorism and consequently imposed economic sanctions in 1997. An escalation of violence in Darfur during 2003 resulted in the UN imposing an arms embargo on Sudan in 2004. The situation in Darfur was referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2005, and arrest warrants were subsequently issued for seven people, including the former President. In October 2017, the US lifted its trade and economic sanctions, yet the UN arms embargo and ICC arrest warrants remain and Sudan is still designated a state sponsor of terrorism. Many financial institutions have blacklisted Sudan and Sudanese companies and doing business within the country can be very challenging Mineral exploration and mining in Sudan are governed by the Ministry of Energy and Mining, and administered through

the Sudan Mineral Resources Company (SMRC). Exploration and mining rights are defined by concession agreements and granted under exclusive prospecting licenses (EPL) and mining leases (ML). Ground rent and royalties are payable, and the state receives a free carried interest in mining operations. Significant variation in the terms and conditions of individual concession agreements does occur, with more favorable agreements (i.e. large ground holdings and low free carried interests), secured by companies that signed agreements more than five years ago. High free carried interests (30 % to 40 %), three-year exploration terms and the requirement to sell gold production to the Sudanese Government have all been applied as conditions to recent concession agreements. It remains to be seen if the new Sudanese government will overhaul the current mineral exploration and mining legislation. Artisanal gold mining is widespread in Sudan and accounts for most of the country’s gold production (> 80 %). Some significant artisanal mining operations have developed, and a separate industry has evolved to treat artisanal tailings through heap leach and carbon in leach (CIL) plants.

Egypt Like Sudan, Egypt has seen recent political upheaval, with long-standing President Mubarak deposed in February 2011. Mohamed Morsi was then elected president in June 2012, although his reign was Coring Magazine #12

Quaternary-Tertiary unconsolidated sedimentary Tertiary-Quaternary – Um Ruwaba Formation Dominantly Tertiary – Red Sea sedimentary

complex is of a similar age. The final geology component is Quaternary age sediments in the form of aeolian sand, river alluvium and marine sediments on the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts (fig. 1 and 2).

Tertiary volcanic Mesozoic – dominantly Nubian Sandstone, including overlying formations Palaeozoic Sedimentary Precambrian (undifferentiated)

Figure 1 – Sudan geology. Source: earthwise.bgs.ac.uk/index.php?curid=18362 Igneous – largely volcanic Karst – Cretaceous-Tertiary, st. with unconsolidated cover Precambrian Craton Precambrian Mobile/Orogenic Belt Sedimentary – Cretaceous-Tertiary Sedimentary – Kufra basin, st. with unconsolidated cover Sedimentary – Mesozoic-Palaeozoic, st. with unconsolidated cover Sedimentary – Nubian aquifer, st. with unconsolidated cover Surface water Unconsolidated sedimentary

Major mineral deposit types and significant mining projects Orogenic gold Major structures associated with orogenic gold mineralization occur within Precambrian lithologies of the ANS and West Gondwana Craton. Eroding hard rock orogenic gold deposits result in the formation of placer gold deposits found in more recent sediments and wadi alluvium. Significant orogenic gold mines and exploration projects include Sukari (Centamin, Egypt), Galat Safur South (Orca Gold, Sudan) and Gabgaba (Managem, Sudan). The gold potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Centamin is the subject of a recent merger proposal by Endeavour Mining whilst Resolute Mining made a strategic investment in mid-2018 to acquire a 15 % stake in Orca Gold (fig. 3 and 4).

Figure 2 – Egypt geology. Source: earthwise.bgs.ac.uk/index.php/File:Egypt_Geology.png

Volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)

short-lived, with a government comprised of members of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt’s military staged a coup d’état in July 2013, with former military chief, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi elected president in June 2014. Egypt’s mining industry is overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum and administered by the Egyptian Mineral Resource Authority (EMRA). Existing mining regulations closely resemble those used in the oil and gas industry and include: production sharing agreements, production companies structured as a 50:50 joint venture with EMRA; and bidding rounds for exploration licenses. This approach has caused Egypt’s mineral exploration and mining sector to stagnate, with only one major mining project operating – Centamin’s Sukari gold mine. The Egyptian government has been working with global mining research and analysis group, Wood Mackenzie to overhaul the legislation. Proposals include the introduction of an exploration/mining licensing system, with the government receiving miningrelated revenue from ground rental and royalty payments. The Egyptian government is currently reviewing all suggested reforms.

This style of mineralization occurs widely within the ANS. Three areas of VMS mineralization exist in Sudan – Ariab, Derudeb/Karora and North Kordofan, whereas Egypt’s VMS mineralization occurs within two areas – Hamama and Darhib. Other notable VMS belts within the ANS are the Nakfa terrane in Eritrea, which hosts the Bisha deposit, and the Jebel Sayid region in Saudi Arabia. The Ariab VMS deposits in Sudan represent a world-class VMS district, comparable in size and scale to the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Both Ariab and Bisha feature unique weathering/oxidation profiles and near total copper removal, leaving a gold-rich oxide cap, allowing for significant copper, ±gold, ±zinc sulphide orebodies to be developed below the base of oxidation. Modern day VMS mineralization is formed in brine pools on the Red Sea floor, with Atlantis Deeps being the most well-known example. This formation style is distinct from the classic image of VMS mineralization forming at a hot seafloor vent, such as a black smoker, and bears similarities to SEDEX deposit formation.

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

Geology Egypt’s and Sudan’s geology can be summarized as: Precambrian, Mesozoic and Quaternary. Precambrian: the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS) is an orogenic belt comprising oceanic and island arc-related volcano-sedimentary sequences outcropping in eastern Egypt, the Sinai, and north-eastern Sudan. In its entirety, the ANS covers 1.4 Million km2 (869 920 miles), including Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and Ethiopia and is comparable in size to Precambrian shields in Canada and Australia. To the west of the ANS, in south-western Egypt, western and central Sudan, the Precambrian basement outcrops form part of the West Gondwana continental craton. Mesozoic: sediments overlie the Precambrian basement lithologies in Sudan and Egypt, with the most widespread being the Nuba Sandstone. The formation of the Red Sea some 30 million years ago resulted in rifting, followed by sea floor spreading, thereby depositing sediments and extrusive volcanic units. Western Sudan’s Jebel Marra volcanic

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY

Ariab’s gold-rich oxides have been exploited by the Ariab Mining Company (AMC) since 1992. AMC is 95 % Sudanese Governmentowned following the April 2015 sale of La Mancha’s 44 % stake in the operation. AMC’s future production plans include a CIL gold operation to retreat the heap leach pads and high-grade supergene ore material, and a sulphide copper-gold project. In November last year, Aton Resources applied for an exploitation lease over its Egyptian Hamama VMS project.

Porphyry copper and epithermal deposits The ANS’ oceanic/island arc-related setting deems it an obvious candidate to develop both epithermal and porphyry copper deposits (PCD). General assumption has been that uplift and erosion would have removed Precambrian age PCD’s from geological record, yet Qatar Mining Sudan’s (QMSD) discovery of the Jebel Ohier PCD in Sudan has shown this assumption to be incorrect. Jebel Ohier shows outcropping stockwork, veining with copper oxide mineralization over a 2-kilometer (1.24 miles) central zone, with adjacent argillic and advanced argillic alteration over some 6 km (3.73 miles). As a terrane, the ANS has upside potential for PCD mineralization, and potential PCD

systems are now being reported in Egypt. Epithermal type mineralization is also present within the ANS, yet at a higher level in the volcanic pile, most notably at Ma’Aden’s Mahd ad Dahab mine in Saudi Arabia.

Iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) This diverse family of mineral deposits is generally characterized by copper or gold, or iron as the economic metals; abundant magnetite or hematite; and they may be enriched in a suite of minor elements including REE and uranium. The Hofrat en Nehas area of south-western Sudan – close to the borders of the Central African Republic and South Sudan, contains historical copper workings which may represent IOCG deposits. The Hofrat en Nehas deposits are structurally controlled within Precambrian strata and are reportedly associated with gold and uranium. One of the end members of the IOCG suite of deposit types forms in the root zones of PCD deposits and these may occur within the ANS, a potential example being the iron deposits at Fodikwan in Sudan.

Chromite Sudan and Egypt host several areas with chromite mineralization. The most notable being in the Ingessana Hills of southeast Sudan. These are typical ophiolitic chromite deposits formed in oceanic crust within the ANS. They may also be associated with nickel, cobalt and PGM mineralization.

Iron Aside from IOCG deposits, two further types of iron deposits are present in Sudan and Egypt – banded iron formations (BIF) within the ANS and sedimentary iron deposits within the Mesozoic sediments. Some BIF deposits are associated with gold mineralization, i.e. Wadi Karim, Egypt.

Conclusion

Figure 3 – Artisanal miners at Sudan’s Orogenic vein. 58

Egypt and Sudan both have a long mining history and a rich endowment of mineral deposits. Focus has traditionally been on gold, but copper and zinc potential from VMS, PCD and IOCG deposits should not be

Figure 4 – Sukari Gold Mine. Source: Centamin PLC, Annual Report 2018 overlooked. Politics and mining legislation have combined to restrict mineral exploration and mining activity in both countries, which remain largely unexplored using modern exploration techniques. However, Centamin’s Sukari mining operation in Egypt, and Orca Gold’s Galat Safur South project in Sudan show what can be achieved. If the new governments in both countries can provide required stability and legislative frameworks to encourage exploration and mining, both countries have the potential to become African mining giants. C

About the author Chris Bargmann is a UK-based geologist and geological consultant at Sodor Geosciences Limited. He holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Geology from Leicester University and an MSc in Mineral Resources from Cardiff University. Chris possesses extensive global mining industry experience, encompassing various mineral deposit types and commodities. The Arabian Nubian Shield is a particular area of expertise, having spent several years working in Saudi Arabia and Sudan. Sodor Geosciences is ideally placed to provide technical services and advice to companies interested in this emerging mining region: Website: www.sodorgeo.com

Coring Magazine #12

/EXPLORATION & MINING GEOLOGY

Drill core storage:

Orientation regarding international best practices By Daniel Bortowski Carvalho, Geologist & CEO at Core Case, Gláucia Cuchierato, Geologist & CEO at GeoAnsata, and Professor & Mining Engineer Ana Carolina Chieregati

Defining international standards International reporting standards provide guidelines and best practice recommendations for the public reporting of exploration results, mineral resources and mineral reserves. Standardization of these codes is one of many advantages of adopting a methodology and systematization that is both equivalent and dynamic globally. Standardization enables comparison and benchmarking of similar projects using a shared presentation approach, as investors increasingly rely on quality information pertaining to financial markets. 60

All codes are based on three fundamentally important principles, as outlined within the Brazilian Commission for Resources and Reserves (CBRR, 2015, p.4): • Materiality: Reports must contain relevant information that investors and their professional advisors would require and expect for the purpose of making a reasoned and balanced judgement regarding the exploration results, mineral resources and mineral reserves being reported. Explanation and justification as to the exclusion of relevant information must be provided. • Transparency: Public reports must be easy to understand, clearly presented and contain sufficient and unambiguous information. Content should not mislead through omission of information known to the qualified professional. • Competency: Public reports are based on work undertaken by suitably qualified, experienced professionals who adhere to a code of ethics and are bound by professional conduct. Information regarding recommendations of materiality codes should be relevant to investor and advisor interests, enabling balanced and sound judgment as to the inherent business risk. Storage of data and information, both digital and physical including drill cores and samples, should be undertaken with priority afforded to security – controlled and defined by recognized and validated methodologies and criteria. As for transparency, data should be presented clearly, effectively and unambiguously so that readers can understand the content, avoid

misunderstanding, and not be misled, either by the information provided or through omission of insider information. Competence is assigned to professionals who conduct, plan, supervise, execute and sign public reporting. Such professionals possess experience and impartiality to define the best techniques and methodologies in mining exploration, evaluation, and operation – all the while remaining conscious that they will have to justify their choices to their peers regarding theories on origin, type of mineral deposit and geological context or other discipline expertise. In Brazil, a qualified mineral industry professional must register with CBRR or a recognized professional organization (RPO), possessing at least 10 years professional experience, of which at least five years’ experience was obtained in the specific style of mineralization or type of deposit being considered, and the activity for which the person intends to assume responsibility; including at least three years in a position of responsibility (CBRR, 2015). Other known names for such professionals include: • Competent person: JORC (Australasia) / SME (USA) / SAMREC (South Africa) / PERC (Western Europe) / CRIRSCO • Qualified person (QP): NI 43-101 (Canada) / CIM Standards Definitions (Canada) / SEC SK1300 (Canada) • Persona competente (PC): Codigo CM 20235 (Chile), CCRR (Colombia) The acronym, CP is often incorrectly used and previously granted to the category of ‘Chartered Professional’ by Australian RPO, Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM ). Coring Magazine #12

Image 1 – Examples of unsound core sample storage. International reporting codes – regarded as solid market practice guides – make no specific recommendations regarding data and information density, drilling spacing or mesh, number of samples, quality control rates (QA/QC), or any other metrics, nor do they define forms of calculation or level of reliability/uncertainty associated with estimates. Any decision on how and what data will be collected or accepted by historical data validation, is made by the qualified professional (QP), according to their experience in mineralization, technical skills, and professional judgment. A series of practice is recommended during data acquisition stages, allowing for project auditability as to the adoption of operational procedures at all stages to reduce and control potential errors during the drilling process, core description, sampling, sample preparation and laboratory analysis, packaging and storage. Such practice assigns credibility and reliability, while setting parameters for controls, validations and verifications. The category into which the project is classified – exploration results, mineral resource or mineral reserve varies depending on the degree of confidence of the geological information supplied for the mineral deposit, Faster. Deeper. Safer.

the quantity and quality of available data, its interpretation and the project’s technical and economic detail.

Sampling Defined as a sequence of operations that aims to take a significant part, or sample, from a given universe. According to GY (1998), the sole purpose of sampling is to reduce the mass of a lot (L) without introducing significant changes in its other properties. Samples usually consist of a series of increments, taken from the universe, or lot, at different times. According to Chieregati (2007), the main objective of any sampling process is to select a representative or accurate and precise sample whose content is called as. The as estimate should provide an accurate and unbiased estimate of the real and unknown content aL of lot L. It can be difficult to reach this objective, as a lot of particulate material contains a certain amount of heterogeneity – the greater the material heterogeneity, the greater the difficulty of the sampling operation, leading to increased errors. A suitable sampling plan is one that reconciles sampling costs with the accuracy required for the results, as they are directly

proportional elements. It is, however, pointless and illusory to return an analytical result to three or four supposedly significant decimal places if the sample analyzed is insufficiently representative, and even more pointless if it is biased (GY, 1998). Improvements in the sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility of the analyses are not limited to the quality of equipment or skill of the analyst, but by the difficulty of submitting representative samples to the laboratories, particularly at low or very low concentrations, such as gold ore (Ferreira, 1989 apud Chieregati, 2007). Experts (CHIEREGATI, 2007; Chieregati et al., 2019; Piard, 2009; Esbensen & Minkkinen, 2004; Esbensen et al. 2012; DS 3077, 2013) have for a long time, given tremendous attention to the theoretical and practical problems of sampling materials containing precious metals. Relatively small amounts of this type of material can involve large amounts of money, therefore accuracy and precision soon become the primary concern. There is probably no other material for which accuracy and precision of sampling is as critical as for precious metals, especially gold, which presents sampling difficulties 61

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that must be studied and resolved in a specific way for each type of deposit to avoid sampling errors. Heterogeneity is a unique characteristic associated with each material type and critical to all sampling (GY 1998; Pitard, 1993; Esbensen & Minkkinen, 2004). Heterogeneous materials interact with any usual sampling procedure, representative or not, causing various sampling errors with different manifestations. It is quantified as the total sampling error (TSE), specifically contributing to total analytical error (TAE), and should always be considered in overall estimation error (OEE) calculations. Primary factors that influence sampling include sample collection procedures and heterogeneity. In addition, close attention should be paid to the procedures for storing the data obtained by sampling. These can often be used in the future due to technological advancement, discovery and invention of new analysis methods. Improper data storage can impact the best data handling and analysis procedures, thereby causing errors, as is often the case within drill core sheds, where boxes contain rocks and sample pulp previously analyzed in the laboratory. Sampling is the most important aspect of an exploration or mining company as it determines the value, or lack thereof of company efforts. An important aspect of the process is to uphold quality assurance and sample accuracy. Sampling process recommendations described within the CBRR Brazilian Guide (CBRR, 2015, p.32) are outlined below. • Description of the sample type and method of sample collection (manual, trench, canal, fragment, core, diamond drill or reverse circulation, large volume sample). • Discussion of sample quality, size, representativeness (sample recovery, biased sample, contamination or selective loss) and any other factors that may result in sample bias. • The quantity and quality of sample data is critical to the reliability of resource estimates and should be well documented. Particular attention should be paid to this information. The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum published the CIM Mineral Exploration Best Practice Guidelines (CIM) in late 2018 with the following sampling recommendations. 62

•

• •

Sampling programs should be conducted with care and diligence, using scientifically established practices, designed and tested to ensure representative and reliable results. A geologist should oversee sample collection and ensure a chain of custody is established and recorded. Supervision of sample preparation for analysis should ensure that any work by employees, contractors or consultants is undertaken by trained, competent staff and appropriate QA/QC programs and safety procedures are followed. Whenever multiple people perform similar tasks, or when data is collected over a period of time, a geologist should refer to a system of checks and controls to ensure data quality and consistency. Sample preparation procedures used in each mineral exploration program should be appropriate to the program’s specific objectives. When the volume of individual field samples is reduced prior to submission to a laboratory for analysis, non-biased split procedures for representative subsamples should be tested, verified and then applied. Appropriate sample preparation procedures should apply when testing materials and analyzing elements. Representative material fractions should be retained for a specific period of time, determined by the geologist, company policy or regulatory requirement.

Chain of custody One of the most relevant international conduct concerns in relation to materiality is to ensure against fraud, negligence and procedural errors that includes (CBRR, 2015, p.35): • measures to properly document sample and chain of custody security; • retention of remaining sample waste, pulp and core. Sample safety is one fundamental component for quality assurance of the sampling process, from collection to analysis, and it is the responsibility of the qualified professional to observe the chain of custody, through establishing well-defined and implemented protocols. Obviously, the level of safety and requirements must be appropriate to local characteristics such as location (greenfield, brownfield, near mine or operation), facilities, and the type

of deposit/mineralization. Sample safety extends to batch control and respective shipping, and those responsible for all stages – shipping company, employees and people who are accountable for receiving samples at laboratories, both external and internal.

Packaging and storage As for precautions to materiality preservation, international best practices (CIM, 2018) indicate exploration programs should retain and archive a representative fraction of survey core material for future reference. If the material is used for the purposes of checking, duplicates, audits, and metallurgical testing, it’s important to document why it was not retained, and to include an image (photograph) and detailed description of the mineralized intervals. Drill core sheds must abide by a system that includes access control, organization of the entire collection and full-time oversight. Archiving of pulp and check samples, certified standards and blanks should be controlled by a responsible professional to prevent accidental or fraudulent handling. Each company sets its deadline for storing materiality – samples, certificates and drill cores – remembering that preserving information in junior companies is vital. In general, companies discard drill cores of unmineralized intervals, negative holes and those of already extracted portions that don’t represent the regional geology. An aspect of the data quality process that is often overlooked by mining and geoscience companies and practitioners concerns the procedures for final drill core packaging and storage. Just as digital databases must be well managed and utilize systems and software, the same applies to physical drill core storage. The cores must be properly stored in boxes, drill core sheds and lithothecas, especially as there is no way to back-up materials and re-drilling is costly and laborious. It is not uncommon to observe totally inappropriate situations from the scientific point of view – either due to the physical structure of the sheds, poorly trained technical staff, and especially due to the use of drill core boxes susceptible to rapid degradation (image 1). It is astounding that even today, companies are extremely careless at this stage of the process despite investing millions of dollars in drilling campaigns and applying extensive technical effort toward drilling quality, the environment and occupational safety issues. Coring Magazine #12

Image 2 – Examples of boxes and proper procedures for storing drill holes. Archive images provided by Core Case. The choice of drill core storage box is what often compromises data quality. Whether due to cost, ease of sourcing, pragmatism by decision makers, or for any other reason, boxes are most likely to deteriorate due to weathering and insects, resulting in collapsed boxes with drill cores from different intervals and holes inadvertently combining. This is most commonly observed with wooden crates, although metal crates rust, waxed cardboard and corrugated cardboard collapse, and plastic boxes warp or crack due to the significant weight of the core samples. When collapse occurs and core mixes together, it is impossible to rearrange them in the boxes, often losing intervals or even an entire drill hole. In other words, not only is there a big loss with the value invested to obtain the drill core, but also precious information is lost as to the mineral deposit, which may lead to deletion of information from the database, depending on the level of requirements by the professional that audits the data. It is apparent that geological and mineral research companies and professionals often incorrectly select drill core boxes based on cost-benefit assessment rather than opting for reliable products that would minimize risk of loss. Considering this fact, and irrespective of the type and brand of box, the value of the product does not even represent 5 % of the cost of the drill hole. It Faster. Deeper. Safer.

is therefore advisable to invest in the best core storage products that are durable and resistant to weather and insects, ergonomic and environmentally friendly (image 2).

Final considerations From time to time, debate resumes regarding the real need for companies to review storage and conservation procedures for drill cores at operational sites. Controversy remains as to the high cost of infrastructure, labor, building maintenance and occupational safety issues. In addition, mining companies generally have restricted areas close to the mining operation or research project, and establishing additional remote facilities for this purpose would result in added expense with moving personnel, equipment and materials. In order to equalize such problems, some possibilities have been considered, such as the use of scanners to capture 360-degree digital images of the cores; evaluate core disposal in areas characterized as ‘sterile’, or even establish criteria for determining a maximum percentage of drill core preservation. It can be challenging to convince geologists and managers alike that such behavior results in the permanent disposal of rock material. In the meantime, some argue that there is no need to retain physical cores once description, data acquisition, sampling and

digital scanning has occurred. However, most geoscience professionals argue that it would be a scientific ‘crime’ to permanently dispose of rocks in both mineralized and sterile zones. They argue that both geological knowledge and technological advancement evolve over time, and that the interval considered sterile in the future, may be viable as ore, due to new methods of analysis and ore extraction, as well as the variation in commodity prices. Aside from mineralization, vital data relating to a site or even a region can be further explored via drill core testing if and when advancement in structural, geochronological or geochemical techniques or analysis occurs. It is therefore the auditor’s responsibility to decide storage and preservation requirements of drill cores in warehouses and lithotecas, considering they adhere to international standards practiced during the audit and reporting of company mineral resources and reserves. Since these standards still outline that drill cores should be retained, it is very unlikely that these procedures will be altered, even with the use of scanners or other photographic archiving and/or digitization technologies. This is a topic of great importance for the mineral sector and one that requires further discussion and exploration as to potential solutions. C 63

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References CBRR. (2015) Guia CBRR para Declaração de Resultados de Exploração, Recursos e Reservas Minerais, Brasília. Retrieved from: http://www.cbrr.org.br/docs/guia_declaracao.pdf CHIEREGATI, A. C., PIGNATARI, L. E. C., PITARD, F. F., & DELBONI JR., H. (2019). Proactive reconciliation as a tool for integrating mining and milling operations. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, v. 29, 239-244. CHIEREGATI, A. C. (2017). Reconciliação pró-ativa em empreendimentos mineiros. Departamento de Engenharia de Minas e de Petróleo, Escola Politécnica da USP. São Paulo, 201. (PhD Thesis). CIM. (2018). Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum – Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Committee. CIM Mineral Exploration Best Practice Guidelines. Retrieved from: https://mrmr.cim.org/media/1080/cimmineral-exploration-best-practice-guidelinesnovember-23-2018.pdf CRIRSCO. (2019). Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards. CRIRSCO Website. Retrieved from: http://www.crirsco.com/welcome.asp.

CRIRSCO. (2006). International Reporting Template for the Public Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, 41. DS 3077. (2013). Representative Sampling – Horizontal Standard. Retrieved from: www.ds.dk. ESBENSEN, K. H., & MINKKINEN. P., (Eds). (2004). Special Issue: 50 years of Pierre Gy’s Theory of Sampling. Proceedings: First World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB1). Tutorials on Sampling: Theory and Practice. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, vol. 74, Issue 1, 236. ESBENSEN, K. H., PAOLETTI, C. & MINKKINEN, P. (2012). Representative sampling of large kernel lots – I. Theory of Sampling and variographic analysis. Trends in Analytical Chemistry (TrAC), 154-165. GY, P. (1998). Sampling for analytical purposes. 1st ed., translated by A.G. Royle, John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex, England. PITARD, F. F. (1993). Pierre Gy’s sampling theory and sampling practice: heterogeneity, sampling correctness, and statistical process control. 2nd ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, US. PITARD, F.F. (2009). Pierre Gy’s theory of sampling and C.O. Ingamell’s Poisson process approach. Esbjerg: Aalborg University, 309. (PhD Thesis).

About the authors Daniel Bortowski Carvalho Geologist (Unisinos), Master’s Degree in Geology (Unisinos), PhD in Geology (UFRGS), Core Case CEO Email: daniel@corecase.com.br Gláucia Cuchierato - Geologist (USP), Master’s Degree in Mineral Resources (IGc-USP), PhD student in Mineral Engineering (PMI-EPUSP), GeoAnsata CEO Email: glaucia@geoansata.com.br Ana Carolina Chieregati - Mining Engineer (USP), MS and PhD in Mineral Engineering (PMI-EPUSP), Professor (PMI-EPUSP) Email: ana.chieregati@usp.br

Coring Magazine #12

/EXPLORATION DRILLING CATALOG

Diamond Drilling Services Diamond Drilling Contractors (A-Z)

AARDVARK DRILLING Phone 1-877-726-9340 info@aardvarkdrillinginc.com www.aardvarkdrillinginc.com Canada, United States, England AGGRESSIVE DRILLING Phone (306) 975-1523 adrill@sasktel.net www.aggressivedrilling.com Canada ASINNI DRILLING Phone 819 723-5070 info@asinii.ca www.asinii.ca Canada AUSDRILL Phone +61 8 9311 5666 info@ausdrill.com.au www.ausdrill.com.au Australia

BUNDOK DRILLING Phone (+63 46) 460 5310 info@bundokdrilling.com www.bundokdrilling.com Philippines

DDH1 DRILLING Phone +61 08 9435 1700 admin@ddh1.com.au www.ddh1.com.au Australia

EXPLOMIN PERFORACIONES Phone +51 (1) 295-7070 contacto@explomin.com www.explomin.com/en/ Peru

CABO Phone (604)527-4201 info@cabo.ca www.cabo.ca Canada

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DIAMANTINA CHRISTENSEN Phone 56(9) 7707 9371 christensen@christensen.cl diamantinachristensen.com

DRILLING HQ Phone 1 (208) 690-3111 info@DrillingHQ.com www.drillinghq.com

FORSUN ULTRA-HARD MATERIAL INDUSTRY Phone 86-731 84254020 Fax 86-731 84252208 info@forsuntools.com www.forsun-tools.com

HARGRAND DRILLING TOOLS Phone 86-010-61599828 Fax 86-010-61599828 whp@baoqizt.com www.hargrand.com

JUFERMA Phone 34-91 498 93 07 Fax 34-91 498 93 06 diamondjuferma@juferma.com www.juferma.com

SINOCOREDRILL Phone 86-510-82723272 Fax 86-510-82752846 sales@sinocoredrill.com www.sinocoredrill.com

HOLE PRODUCTS Phone 909-939-2581 Fax 909-891-0434 www.holeproducts.com

K. MAIKAI Phone 81-3-3490-8433 Fax 81-3-3490-8622 www.kmaikai.co.jp/eng

TERRA TEAM OY Phone 358-9-849-4030 info@terra-team.fi www.terra-team.fi/en

ICEMS Phone (16) 3367-3126 Fax (16) 3361-5073 icems@icems.com.br www.icems.com.br

MBI DRILLING PRODUCTS Phone 1-819 762-9645 Fax 1-819 762-2845 www.mbidrillingproducts.com/en/ SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION Phone 1-905 632 4940 Fax 1-905 632 2172 www.mining.sandvik.com

Drill Rods & Casings (A-Z)

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

/EXPLORATION DRILLING CATALOG

Drill Rods & Casings Cont. BARKOM Phone 90-312 385 60 50 Fax 90-312 385 35 75 info@barkomas.com www.barkomas.com

BOART LONGYEAR Phone 1-801-972-6430 Fax 1-801-977-3374 www.boartlongyear.com

CORE TECH Phone (511) 255-5701 ventas@coretech.com.pe www.coretech.com.pe

DIAMANTINA CHRISTENSEN Phone 56(9) 7707 9371 christensen@christensen.cl www.diamantinachristensen.com

GEO DRILLING MACHINERY MANUFACTURING Phone 90-312-354-8576 www.geosondajmakine.com

SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION Phone 1-905 632 4940 Fax 1-905 632 2172 www.mining.sandvik.com

SON-MAK Phone +90 224 482 44 40 - 41 Fax +90 224 482 44 39 info@son-mak.com.tr www.son-mak.com

Wedges (A-Z) FORDIA Phone 514-336-9211 Fax 514-745-4125 info@fordia.com www.fordia.com

SONDA PARTS Phone 55 – (31) 3391 3810 Fax 55 – (31) 3391 3810 comercial@sondaparts.com.br www.sondaparts.com.br/

REFLEX Phone 1-705-235-2169 Fax 1-705-235-2165 reflex@imdexlimited.com www.reflexnow.com

TERRA TEAM OY Phone 358-9-849-4030 info@terra-team.fi www.terra-team.fi/en/

Specialized Machine Works (A-Z) NORTH BAY MACHINING CENTRE Phone (705) 472-9416 Fax (705) 472-2927 luc@nbmc.ca www.nbmc.ca PROLENC Phone (250) 563-8899 Fax (250) 563-6704 khodgins@prolenc.com www.prolenc.com

Survey Equipment Survey Tools (A-Z)

Coring Magazine #12

Survey Tools Cont.

AZIWELL Phone + 47 471 600 71 post@aziwell.no www.aziwell.no

BOART LONGYEAR Phone 1-801-972-6430 Fax 1-801-977-3374 www.boartlongyear.com

ICEEFIELD TOOLS Phone +1 (867) 633-4264 Fax +1 (867) 633-4217 support@icefieldtools.com www.icefieldtools.com

REFLEX INSTRUMENTS Phone 61 8 9445 4020 Fax 61 8 9445 4040 reflex@imdexlimited.com www.reflexnow.com

DEVICO AS Phone +47 72870101 devico@devico.com www.devico.com

REFLEX INSTRUMENTS Phone 61 8 9445 4020 Fax 61 8 9445 4040 reflex@imdexlimited.com www.reflexnow.com

STOCKHOLM PRECISION TOOLS Phone 46-8-590-733-10 Fax 46-8-590-731-55 info@stockholmprecisiontools.com www.stockholmprecisiontools.com

Core Orientation (A-Z) BOART LONGYEAR Phone 1-801-972-6430 Fax 1-801-977-3374 www.boartlongyear.com

COREFINDER Phone +55 62 992720023 contato@corefinder.com.br www.corefinder.com.br

Miscellaneous Drilling Fluids (A-Z)

CEBO HOLLAND B. V. (BAROID) Phone +31 255 546 262 info@cebo.com www.cebo.com

Faster. Deeper. Safer.

CORE TECH Phone (511) 255-5701 ventas@coretech.com.pe www.coretech.com.pe

DI-CORP Phone +1 (705) 721-3300 info@di-corp.com www.di-corp.com

JC PORTAL DRILLING SUPPLIES Phone (33) 3810 6099 (33) 1561 6618 ventas@jcpds.com.mx www.jcpds.com.mx

MUDEX Phone +61 (8) 9390 4620 info@mudex.com.au www.mudex.com.au

TIGER FLUIDS Phone +61 (0) 417 60 11 info@tigerfluids.com www.tigerfluids.com

/EXPLORATION DRILLING CATALOG

Packers (A-Z)

Print Catalog Rates Featured insert 200€ per issue 450€ per three issues A large, advert-sized listing featuring your choice of image as a background, your logo and strapline, 240 character spaces and your company contact details.

Highlighted insert HOLE PRODUCTS Phone +1 909 939 2581 Fax +1 909 891 0434 holeproducts.com

SON-MAK Phone +90 224 482 44 40 Fax +90 224 482 44 39 info@son-mak-com.tr www.son-mak-com.tr

Core Trays (A-Z)

120€ per issue 260€ per three issues Similar to the basic insert in size, yet with a color background, for improved visibility and exposure.

Basic insert 80€ per issue 150€ per three issues A text-only listing including your company name and contact details (phone, fax, email and web).

editorial@coringmagazine.com

DYNAMICS G-EX Phone +61 7 54826649 sales@dynamicsgex.com.au www.dynamicsgex.com.au

PROSPECTORS Phone +61 (02) 9839 3500 Fax +61 (02) 8824 5250 sales@prospectors.com.au

Health & Safety

Coring Magazine #12

In Nordfeld 14, 29336 Nienhagen, Germany, +49 5144/49360

BHA Equipment Diamond bits Core barrels Stabilizers Reamers Crossovers Drill collars Raise bore tools Additional services Coring service Directional drilling Borehole survey Rental stock Engineering Workshop Maintenance

CORE WRAP An overall

C O STE FFE CTIVE

C O R E R E C OVE R D R I LLI N G Y AD D ITIVE

Dry powdered polymer.

• Minimizes the requirements of multiple products for changing ground conditions. • Effective in drilling conditions where borehole stabilization is a concern. • Can be used in most ground conditions. • Improves core recovery in unconsolidated formations. • When mixed with Torqueless improves penetration rates and drastically reduces in-hole torque.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LOCATE A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU!