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Trends and Technologies in Drilling Management

The search for innovations to enhance geoscience data acquisition and management is a reality in mining companies. Therefore, we have selected five trends and technologies in drilling technology.

Among these trends, the following are highlighted:

automation and robotics
data optimization and analysis
implementation of artificial intelligence
adoption of technologies and good practices aimed at ESG preservation
digital transformation technologies aimed at obtaining data directly from the drilling source with production logs

Drilling is an Essential Process

Currently, drilling is an essential process for the geological understanding of a mine or mineral exploration project. Mining companies invest substantial resources in drilling programs every year. Thus, core samples comprise one of the few certainty resources on subsurface geology.

Geologists are able to describe, analyze and extract chemical, physical and lithological features from there and can have an estimate on mineral resources and several other geologies, mine and mining site routines. Therefore, any deviations taking place during the drilling stage can have an impact on various process throughout the mining chain.

In summary, the importance of drilling is such that new management trends and technologies are emerging more and more. Here are some of them.

Automation, Robotics, Scanners and Sensors

The use of automated machines, sensors and scanners that record high quality images is a growing trend in warehouses.

This equipment enables geology teams to extract more information from samples. They promote efficiency gains, decrease manual inputs, organization and data standardization.

This hardware can be equipped with a number of sensors. In addition to traditional RGB, spectral, hyper-spectral and laser band sensors to scan 3D core samples.

Solutions include from image recording and processing to software with artificial intelligence based on computational vision. This brings several insights that would otherwise be difficult for geologists’ eyes (and magnifiers).

Moreover, the use of automated robots in combination with rolling system workbenches enable case handling in warehouses.

Efficiency is key. This includes the adoption of practices and technologies to enable digital and direct recording of drilling information. For instance, core sample cases can be identified with QR CODES and RFID in addition to header physical engravings. This enables machines and software to later identify cases without the need of operator inputs.

Artificial Intelligence

Another major trend is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to acquire drilling core samples. The use of machine learning is already a reality. It brings numerous use opportunities within the mining value chain, especially for geology teams.

From sample images it is possible to train computational vision models to partition and classify several parameters. For instance, identification of flaws, cracks, texture and lithological classification.

However, computational vision can be used in many other geological or geotechnical classifications. It is possible to optimize several processes such as extracting the size of core samples in the case to check for development and recovery.

These algorithms use background data and descriptions and can be retrofitted from new geologist inputs. However, in order for artificial intelligence models to be effective, it is essential to acquire images in a uniform and high quality manner.

A common scenario in several projects is the progression of geologic interpretation. Over time there are changes to the terms used, acronyms and description format. Moreover, new important geologic markers can be discovered and become the basis to outline mineralized bodies in current interpretation.

Geologists often need to endeavor to gather legacy and new descriptions in building and updating geologic models. This process frequently needs trips to the warehouse, looking for old drilling cases to reinterpret or reassess.

Artificial intelligence models can help in this scenario. Old core sample images can be used in AI models to extract geological indicators that weren’t noted in the past.

However, every technology has its limit. Old pictures may not have the required quality for good algorithm response. A spectral sensor would be needed to obtain the required data.

This trend is not about replacing geologists by algorithms, but to expand their capabilities and possibilities. By exploring AI resources, they can achieve more assertive results and optimize them.

Sustainability, Governance and ESG

The mining industry is ever more committed to conservation, employee safety and ESG matters. This includes the implementation of practices to assess the environmental impact of value chain activities and to measure their implications.

Mining companies have adopted the use of ESG Analytics solutions to identify opportunities for improvement in drilling operational chains. And by complying with such guidelines, they propose actions to reduce waste, environmental and social impacts.

An innovation example in this regard is the adoption of Core Case sample packages. This product has revolutionized the industry by replacing old wood cases by recycled plastic cases. This replacement reduces wood use as a drilling input and contributes to plastic decrease and removal from nature.

Moreover, the recycled plastic cases manufactured by Core Case are more resistant and durable than wooden cases. This eliminates future waste by replacing cases, which have systems to ensure better worker safety and comfort. Such as stacking, pallet and handling protections.

Infrastructure

A common occurrence in mining companies is the lack of sufficient warehouse space to store drill core. This makes them use warehouse external space which is constantly surrounded by case and pallet piles. This causes deterioration of identification and loss of core sample information.

Thus, a significant effort is being made by handling and transport personnel to manage storage rooms and absorb case streams. Frequent handling to reorganize storage rooms can result in the loss of core samples and valuable geologic information.

The trend in large mining companies is the creation of large central storage warehouses. Large enough to accommodate and store several projects or mines. These structures include solutions and technologies to facilitate and optimize core sample use and handling. Work benches with rolling systems, pallet holders, robotization and automatic, etc.

In this context, the implementation of tools to manage warehouse inventories and document case transfers and handling is essential.

Digital transformation, integrated systems and real-time data management

Drilling is a key method to acquire geologic information required for the exploitation, planning and operation of any mining enterprise.

However, it is characterized by its high costs and a complex activity chain. It includes sample extraction and case identification, transport, warehouse handling, description, sawing, sampling activities, analyses and storage.

In most companies, these activities are performed by several teams, both internal and external. Many of these processes are managed by sorted tools, whether physical or digital. However, this approach fragments and hinders integrated management of drilling operations.

In this sense, there are growing investments in integrated management systems that enable full process visibility throughout the chain.

The implementation of 4.0 industry technologies, IoT devices, Business Intelligence, analytics and management and control solutions is a reality.

Real-time data analysis tools enable timely problem identification for decision-making and correction purposes.

Core Case Tech’s CORE MANAGER allows users to track core sample cases from the moment they are stored to their final storage location. It optimizes inventory management, handling and drilling warehouse activities by using QR CODE and RFID technologies embedded in the cases.

Digital data collection and integrated management aim at increasing the efficiency of drilling operations. They reduce losses, waste, deviations and data errors from drilling by digitizing the controls.

A New Drilling Era

The drilling status quo is changing. It can be concluded that these five trends and technologies in drilling management show that the process can be understood differently. Large mining companies are aware of the trends that promise to revolutionize management, eliminating old, rudimentary practices.

Author: Marcéu Barreto

Review: Rochelle Kazap

Layout: Débora Souza

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Wooden core boxes: 3 reasons not to use them

In recent years, the use of wood for transporting and storing drill cores has come under increasing scrutiny, mainly due to increasingly stringent environmental and occupational safety laws and after QA/QC -related good practices became more widely known and were required in audits in the mining industry.

As we have covered in our blog, drilling is drilling holes in soil or rock and provides valuable information about a mineral deposit.

Any undertaking, be it in the mining, geotechnical, or hydrogeological sector, has a duty to ensure the quality and reliability of these materials. It is from them that various geological characteristics are evaluated with respect to a project.

The correct storage of these materials is required according to the mineral legislation, and is a fundamental requirement for a company to remain competitive in the market.

Having said this, let’s list some points that can make you evaluate the use of boxes made of wood for the storage of core samples. Check it out

Origin of the raw material

Assessing the origin of the material/product used in your company is very important, and with wood it can be no different.

Native wood of legal origin comes from a cut authorized by the competent environmental agency and has a transport and storage license document.

Have you already certified that the wood used in the core sample boxes you use in your project is in fact legalized?

Durability

A very important topic to be considered when purchasing a product is the material’s useful life.

And here we highlight this topic not only because of the financial costs, but also because of the excessive disposal of materials that we cannot reuse, which directly harms the environment.

Wooden boxes are not very efficient in contact with insects and when they are subjected to sun and weather, which can lead to high product turnover, improper disposal and high costs with the storage of core samples.

Ergonomics and work safety

Boxes made of wood are usually very heavy. To its original weight we must add the weight of the core samples that will be stored inside, which can jeopardize the health and safety of the employees that handle these materials.

The norms related to ergonomics were created so that the collaborators are subjected to fewer risks in the work environment and are comfortable to perform their activities.

In addition, we should point out that some dangerous animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions can “hide” in wood, posing great risk to the staff.

In the content “Drilling Record: Wooden boxes versus plastic boxes” you can consult some more information on this topic.

Paying attention to the health and safety of employees, cost reduction, and legality of your enterprise can be the key to develop a serious and consolidated company in the market.

We are the Core Case. Where there is quality mining, we are present!

Learn more about our solutions.

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Rare earth elements – what they are, applications, and world market

Also known as the gold of the 21st century, Rare Earth Elements are widely used in high-tech equipment such as catalysts, solar cells, magnets, batteries, and lasers.

Because of this, government agencies in several countries have started to encourage the development of the production chain of this mineral commodity.

In Brazil, one of these initiatives is the National Mining Plan 2030, strategic tool to guide medium and long term policies that can contribute to the mineral sector being a foundation for the sustainable development of the Country.

Let’s learn a little more about these elements?

What are the Rare Earth Elements?

The Rare Earth Elements are a group of seventeen elements, fifteen of which belong to the lanthanide group [elements with atomic number (Z) between 57 and 71, i.e. from lanthanum – La to lutetium – Lu], which are joined by scandium (Z = 21) and yttrium (Z = 39), included because they have physical-chemical properties similar to the REEs.

Yttrium, Lanthanum and Neodymium. Source: Rocio et al. (2012).

REE do not occur as free metals in the earth’s crust, due to their behavior

The geochemical concentrations occur as a mixture of various REEs in minerals. These elements are found as components of accessory minerals, in the form of inclusions, filling fractures in other minerals and/or as replacement elements in the mineral.

The geochemical similarity of all the REEs allows for substitution between them in the structure crystalline mineral. This results in their wide distribution in the earth’s crust and the formation of minerals composed of several of the REE.

Despite these similarities in geochemical properties, the metallurgical, chemical, catalytic, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties vary subtly from one element to another.

REE minerals can be easily exploited, such as monazite from placer deposits. The separation of REEs from other elements is relatively easy, however their separation into individual oxides and/or metals are complex and expensive processes due to the small differences in their chemical behaviors.

Applications of Rare Earth Elements

REE are considered strategic elements because of their wide application in high-tech products. Its importance in modern industry is due to its numerous applications in metallurgy, wind and nuclear power, the oil industry, mining, and agriculture, among others.

Check out some applications of the Rare Earth Elements:

NdFeB alloy – to produce super magnets, widely used in electric cars, power systems, and high-speed trains;
Europium – on computer and television screens;
Lutetium, cerium, scandium, lanthanum and neodymium – separation of components of Petroleum;
Lanthanum – solar energy;
Tulio – X-Ray devices.

World Rare Earth Market

Brazil was one of the largest producers of monazite (rare earth phosphate, uranium and thorium) until the middle of the last century, replaced by the US in the 1980s, which came to dominate the market.

Monazite crystal (João Torres Mine, Muqui, Espírito Santo). Source: Rob Lavinski & irocks.com.

Starting in 1984, China began producing REEs, sharing the world market with the US, and from 1990 on, gradually began to dominate the market.

Brazil currently has the world’s third largest known reserve of rare earths, but this wealth is not exploited due to the cost of extraction and separation technology, which forces the country to import these elements to use as raw material in the industries.

The world’s largest known reserves of REE are located in China, Vietnam, Brazil, Russia, and India, respectively.

Country	Reserves (Million tons – Mt)
China	44
Vietnam	22
Brazil	21
Russia	12
India	6.9

The world’s largest reserves of REE. Source: U.S.GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, 2022

Regarding production, China continues to stand out and produced about 140 Mt in 2020.

It is worth mentioning that there is a worldwide effort to develop the production chain of

REE in view of its importance in high-tech productsand clean energy.

According to Fernando Landgraf (Escola Politécnica USP), the world market for rare earths is relatively small in financial terms, moving about $5 billion per year.

The viability of REE extraction projects depends on important points to be highlighted, such as: small market, high production costs, technological and environmental issues.

Rare Earth Deposits in Brazil

The known deposits and occurrences in the country are distributed nationwide. The most economically important are associated with the alkaline carbonate complexes, mainly of the Igneous Province of Alto do Paranaíba.

REE deposits occur in naturally rich rocks influenced by rock-forming processes, such as magmatic enrichment by hydrothermal fluids, magmatic segregation and/or redistribution and concentration by superficial processes.

Walters et al. (2010) proposes the simplified division of REE deposits into two main categories:

primary – associated with igneous rocks and hydrothermal processes;
secondary – formed by concentration through sedimentary and weathering processes.

The table below shows the Brazilian REE deposits and their classifications.

Primary	Association	Types	Examples
	Carbonatite	Magmatic / Veins and Stockworks	Araxá (MG), Catalão (GO), Seis Lagos (AM)
	Peralkalkaline rocks subsaturated in silica	Plutons/stocks and dikes	Repartimento (RR), Morro do Ferro (MG)
	Granite Rocks	Differentiated Granites	Pitinga (AM), Serra Dourada (GO), Granitos Rondonianos (RO)
Secondary	Placer marinho	Sedimentary	Buena (RJ), Guarapari (ES), Cumuruxativa (BA)
	Placer fluvial	Sedimentary	São Gonçalo do Sapucaí (MG), Pitinga (AM)
	Clays with adsorbed ions	Perfil laterítico	Serra Dourada (GO)

Classification of the Brazilian REE deposits. Source: Walters et al. (2010).

Challenges of rare earth elements production in Brazil

The Brazilian potential for RRE is great. Today, the country has the second largest reserve world with 21 Mt of mineable reserves of rare earth oxides (REO).

This scenario, however, does not put Brazil at an advantage in relation to the other countries, since there is a need for strong investment in the development of the technological routes of each deposit. This is because each mineralization requires routes appropriate to the type of ore in order to be economically viable, as they are expensive, low yielding and highly polluting processes.

Despite the growth in consumption of clean energy products and electric cars, which use REO in their manufacture, the demand for this mineral good will not show a significant increase in order to make the different projects that are underway in theworld.

Did you like this content?

We indicate two more readings that may be interesting to you:

Lithium: understand why this element is increasingly relevant in mining

Mining and Clean Energy

References

CODEMGE. http://recursomineralmg.codemge.com.br/substancias-minerais/terras-raras/

Jornal USP. https://jornal.usp.br/ciencias/valiosas-e-versateis-pesquisas-com-terras-raras-mostram-caminho-para-criar-cadeia-produtiva-no-brasil/

USGS. https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-rare-earths.pdf

USGS. https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1802/o/pp1802o.pdf

Rare earths: current situation and perspectives. https://web.bndes.gov.br/bib/jspui/handle/1408/1527

Report: Evaluation of the Rare Earth Potential in Brazil – CETEM, CPRM

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