Empowering Geologists in the Exploration Process—Maximizing Data Use from Enabling Scanning Technologies

Abstract Semiautomated X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning of drill core can inform downhole lithology, mineralization, and alteration domains that can objectively guide core logging and provide new insights for deposit formation and, more importantly, provide new exploration guides through to deposit extraction and recovery. When completed systematically and continuously at a deposit scale, near-real-time data delivery of sensor-derived metal values not only helps in decision-making around drill hole planning but also can be transformational in core-shed workflow modification. Scanning core at centimeter-scale resolution helps minimize ambiguity in the geology and reduce observation-related slowdowns in the process of core logging. Two case studies are presented here that demonstrate the practical application of scanning XRF technology to provide for more consistent and robust physical and chemical data that eliminates subjective observations and observational biases. Algorithms, combined with interconnected visualization tools, help the field geologist in interpreting complex and large multiparameter data sets, extracting the essential information and knowledge important to new discoveries. We believe that scanning technology can augment the exploration geologist, providing focused data sets that support geology-led knowledge generation, rather than an accepted environment of small-scale data collection that is so commonly engrained in the core logging process. The routine application of in-field scanning XRF, while itself has an added field cost, delivered operational improvements in the process of logging and data collection to inform geologic models that impact the mining value chain. The value of the derived data and knowledge coming from the systematic scanning of core far exceeded the financial outlay of the scanning. Confidence in XRF scanning technology and its output can be lost without fully understanding the importance of a comprehensive calibration. A fully optimized calibration may require large volumes of sample material, including whole-rock samples combined with kilometers of core, depending on rock complexity and textural heterogeneity. Several iterations may be needed in the early stages of scanner deployment to a new project site. Furthermore, the agility to effectively deploy field-based scanning technology relies on people and their ability to recognize how the outputs impact their work.