Discovery to Recovery

35. Drilling - All the Angles

February 20, 2023 Society of Economic Geologists Season 3 Episode 35
Discovery to Recovery
35. Drilling - All the Angles
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Arguably the most important tool in exploration and mining is the drill, without it we lack the ability to collect data in that critical third dimension.  We start with  the basics of drilling technologies and communication between geologists and drillers, then delve into the power unleashed by oriented core and real-time data collection of critical drilling metrics.  From the current state of the art to the changes on the horizon for drilling, this episode covers all the angles. 

Kevin Slemko, Corporate Business Development Manager, Major Drilling kicks off this episode by first reviewing the standard drilling techniques used by the industry.  That discussion provides the platform to discuss wedges, directional drilling, and automation.  The industry is much closer than ever before to have standard automation on rigs.  Kevin is also a passionate believer in bridging the gaps between drillers and geologists such that everyone benefits from understanding what each other is doing.

 

Did you know that porphyry stockworks can have a preferred orientation?  Chris Brown, Principal Consultant ,  Oriented Targeted Solutions explains the processes available to orient core as well as the big wins that can come from spending the extra time and money to acquire oriented core.  A big factor in success is the  training of geologists on-site for quality control and to support  real-time targeting. Chris also shares the successes achieved at the Bullfrog project in Nevada once oriented core was obtained and used.

 

Spurred by frustrations in acquiring and tabulating drill data reports, Jody Conrad, founder and CEO of Krux Analytics channeled her energy into building a drilling metrics SAS business for the mining industry.  There is more to be gained, however, than just knowing how many meters were drilled in a day.  Complete, real time, drilling data could yield important information about geology and the targets we are seeking.  

 

Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com

SEG 2024 will be in Windhoek, Namibia!  Come join us in a country known for its spectacular and diverse geology  27- 30 September, 2024.

The deadline is coming up soon for the SEG Student Chapter Podcast Challenge - 29 March 2024 - let's get it done!

Bridging the gaps between geologist and driller, with Kevin Slemko
Oriented core for better ore targeting, with Chris Brown
Real time drilling data, with Jody Conrad