Geological orientation is part of the mining research process before the exploitation of a deposit. It is a drilling technique that consists of drilling holes to obtain a sample of the subsoil with the help of a small diameter tube. The extracted sample is called the core. This core is a valuable source of information to identify faults, veins, stratifications, sediments and structural features. It is safe to say that without thorough core orientation, mining exploration today would be more costly and inefficient.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CORE ORIENTATION IN MINE PLANNING?

We have just seen that we obtain oriented cores by drilling. One of the most versatile and accurate techniques available for this work is called diamond drilling. It can be performed both underground and at the surface. The cores are separated from the rock using a diamond tube, the diameter of which can be adapted to the size of the borehole to be drilled. These cylinders can be up to three meters long and can be coupled to reach the required depth.

Oriented diamond drill holes provide representative and highly accurate stratigraphic samples. Although core data is primarily used in the mine planning phase, it is also useful in later stages, such as control or confirmatory drilling. Here are some of the many benefits that core orientation brings to mineral exploration:

1- It allows probing of the depth of the geological strata of interest.

2- It facilitates the lithological study of the minerals present in the oriented core. For example, porosity, hardness, presence of fossils, etc. can be analyzed.

3- We use it to analyze the geological parameters of the subsoil. The sample obtained provides structural information on faults, hydrothermal elements, sediments, veins, water tables, etc.

4- While using laboratory tests, the quality of the mineral can be determined. For example, the number of hydrocarbons in a sandstone core or the gold content of a shale core.

5- When working in sedimentary terrains, the oriented core helps to plan the measurements needed to drill holes most efficiently. It provides such specific data as the direction of faults and veins.

6- It allows geotechnical studies to be carried out before the design of a mine.

7- Thanks to the detailed information provided by core orientation, many resources are optimized, which economically translates into a significant cost reduction.

 

COREMASTER™, A HIGH-PRECISION TOOL FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION

Having described the role that oriented drilling plays in mine planning, it is time to introduce you to the tool that simplifies this important work: CoreMaster™.

CoreMaster™ is a digital core orientation system designed to provide, with maximum accuracy and detail, the data needed to analyze the composition and structure of the subsurface. It is a versatile and easy-to-use instrument that ensures rigorous and effective core orientation. Let’s take a look at some of its most important functions and features.

 

DIFFERENT DIAMETERS

CoreMaster™ can be adapted to multiple diameters: N, N2, N3, H, H3, P, NTW, HTW. This versatility helps to make orientation work less costly and more convenient. Its cylindrical tubes are made for diamond drilling. This type of drilling is one of the most widely used and highly valued in mining. Thanks to the hardness and excellent thermal conductivity of diamond, it performs high-quality and precision cuts and extractions. In addition, the inner tube and a specialized storage box ensure the most suitable conditions for sample analysis and handling.

 

INTUITIVE SOFTWARE

CoreMaster™ incorporates intuitive software that is very easy to use, which greatly reduces the chances of error during work. Operators can become familiar with the system in a short time. One-click is all it takes to export all quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reports.

 

CONNECTION TO SPT SMARTCLOUD™

CoreMaster™ automatically synchronizes with SPT SmartCloud™, the digital platform that enables real-time monitoring, transfer and management of all drilling data from anywhere. This system brings greater efficiency to mining exploration, increases the safety of the environment and maximizes productivity.

 

Other functions and technical features that make the CoreMaster™ system one of the most efficient in the mining and geotechnical industries are as follows:

1- It allows remote monitoring of the optimal production rate (ROP) of boreholes.

2- The handheld device has 4G, Bluetooth and wifi connectivity, in addition to the aforementioned SPT SmartCloud™.

3- It guarantees the pumping equipment manoeuvres.

4- Its temperature range goes from -30 °C to 75 °C.

5- Provides temperature and inclination data during drilling.

6- It includes an IP67 handheld device resistant to dust and impacts.

7- Its maximum depth is 3500 meters and its inclination range is from -87° to +87°.

8- With very frequent use, the battery can last up to 6 months. It is not rechargeable and can be replaced in the field.

 

Shortly, if there is increasing talk about the many advantages of mining digitization, it is undoubtedly thanks to high-precision technologies such as the CoreMaster™. system. All of its features are carefully designed to optimize drilling operations and ensure the highest profitability and productivity. Its multi-diameter tubes, the simplicity of its software and its connectivity will significantly facilitate your core orientation work. Thanks to CoreMaster™ features, mining exploration is now easier, safer and more efficient.

 

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