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Mineral Exploration

Smart Exploration Includes Subsurface Geological Models 

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MUD® SAR  (Mapped Underworld Dimension) for Exploration is the only satellite subsurface imaging technology available today that delivers 0.2 meter high-resolution images to delineate subsurface rock surfaces, geological structures, faults, textures, lithologies, and anomalies, at depths to 100m (300ft) and underwater. It exposes geological structures and mineral targets in places and to depths previously unseen. 

 

A breakthrough deep-penetrating satellite technology,  MUD® SAR penetrates thick vegetation, ground cover, ice, snow, soils, overburden and even water to produce a suite of advanced analytics that characterize and map the earth's subsurface.  

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Leverage subsurface technology to reduce geological uncertainty

It's not always possible to directly observe geological features at the surface. Without using inferred surface data, MUD SAR® directly detects and maps apparent and non-apparent geological structures including faults, fractures, lineaments and shear zones. 

 

MUD® SAR analytics reveal how a deposit is shaped by underlying geological structural controls. Subsurface geological models show  the geometry of geologic units, structural measurements and orientation of rocks and faults. 

 

It is possible to detect and model geological structures under snow, ice, overburden, soils, rocks and vegetation, year round, in all seasons.

Unlock the power of integrated spatial data 

MUD® SAR for Exploration transforms geospatial data into a comprehensive subsurface data set that exploration companies have previously not had access to. Include company geology, geochemistry, geophysics and map data collected by different sensors and in different seasons.

 

Drill log data and an updated subsurface geology map, with 0.2m resolution, can be integrated into MUD® SAR  to reposition geological structures and lithological contacts. Add ridge form lines, thrust faults, anticlinal lines, and lineaments to resolve the spatial constraints of a mineral deposit. 

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Understand subsurface structural trends

MUD® SAR's Fracture Density Models provide the density, orientation and length of subsurface linear features of an entire Area of Interest. It detects and measures the spatial density of fractures and faults, per square meter.

 

Subsurface Fracture Density Models, a one-of-a kind model produced only with MUD SAR® satellite data, defines deep subsurface trends that have causal relationships to near-surface geological structures and networks.  

Close the gap on geological uncertainty to move to market earlier, faster and with less downstream risk. 

Sustainable resource management

3D models of the subsurface and underwater provide an added data layer of information that improves operational efficiency through discovery of hidden risks and opportunities.

Create value with a unified data set 

Create value with new, user-friendly 3D maps and models that transform company spatial data into one unified data set, with fused dissimilar drill, geological,  geochemistry, and geophysics data. 

Satisfy environmental stewardship

Bring down the cost of deeper discoveries  year  round, through all weather, day or night, without the environmental risks often associated with traditional exploration activities. 

CASE STUDY

Reveal subsurface geological features Drill Less. Discover More. 

Auracle and Alerio Gold joined forces to apply MUD® SAR to produce new geographic and geological information and prioritize targets in Alerio's known gold deposits in Guyana. The known deposits were extended and two new targets were identified. 

 

With well-defined subsurface views of the 3D geometry, size and location of mineral targets, exploration companies save time and money by validating targets rather than managing the uncertainty of new discovery.  

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Geological insights that go beyond target generation

MUD® SAR's one-of-a-kind Subsurface Resistivity Model reveals  variations in lithologies, bedrock, and minerals based on their unique electrical properties. 

With enhanced understanding of structural trends in the subsurface geology, it is possible to  advance the characterization of existing mineralization, settle geological interpretations and identify extensions adjacent to known mineralization.  Known deposits can be extended, making smaller or lower-grade deposits profitable.

Explore in extreme environments

Using known occurrences, MUD® SAR created new AI to identify the unique features of subsurface kimberlite occurrences:

  • flared structural margins

  • higher reflective inner material and

  • a shatter zone bound by faulting. 

 

PipeStalker® allows for environmentally-sound exploration of kimberlite occurrences in extreme environments, including under water, with no unnecessary footprint or cultural interference. 

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Subsurface characterization de-risks mining operations

MUD® SAR is not impeded by complex surface structures at active exploration and mining operations. Delivering 0.2 m high-resolution, it penetrates surface features detail and map deep, subsurface voids, utilities, man-made structures, water tables, concrete pilings and geohazards.

 

Remotely characterize site subsurface conditions to mitigate potential risk of instability and collapse on operations, personnel and equipment.   

Subsurface intelligence
improves geophysics 

MUD® SAR produces subsurface 3D Point Clouds, with millions of data location points, each has a set coordinate on the X Y, Z axis. It acts as a digital twin, representing the subsurface by visualizing the shape, size, position and direction of the elements within the actual subsurface. It is possible to query each point for its exact location and boundaries. 

 

Gravity data can be sensitive to density anomalies at the near-surface and reveal regional understanding of the bulk properties of the subsurface. MUD® SAR subsurface image data can be fused with gravity data and corrects depth and geometry to give detailed density anomalies compared to using gravity alone.  

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