How Digital Core Logging Can Revolutionize Mining,
Even for Simple Mineralogy

Geologists know that mineral deposits can be complex and difficult to analyze, but what about those that seem straightforward and well-understood? While it’s tempting to rely on traditional methods for analyzing these types of minerals or limiting the investigation to measuring ore grade, there are still many benefits to be gained from automating the core logging process, regardless of the mineral complexity.

Let’s be honest : core logging is a time-consuming and boring job, underutilizing the expertise of geologists who could be focused on more complex tasks. Automating core logging means that this essential process can be performed quickly and accurately, freeing up human resources for other important tasks.

For those who say that they don’t need to automate the task because it is already simple enough, I say that it is an even better reason to automate it!

People are not meant for simple and repetitive tasks, machines are!

A few additional reasons to implement digital core logging, even when the mineralogy is straightforward or well-understood

Collect additional rock characteristics with a full mineralogical scan to reveal deleterious minerals, rock hardness indicators, master the composition to optimize the blend or provide a rapid preview of grades potential, helping to make decisions more quickly. Additionally, automating RQD measurements can save time and costs while improving accuracy.

Digital information improves data sharing and breaks down silos making it easier to share mineralogical information among stakeholders, which can help break down silos across the mining operation. With improved data sharing, geologists, engineers, and management can all access the data they need to make informed decisions.

Mineralogy is the common language among stakeholders in the mining industry. Therefore, it’s essential to have accurate and easily accessible mineralogical information. Digital core logging provides this, allowing stakeholders to quickly and easily access the data they need to make informed decisions.

A clear definition of geometallurgical domains can help in reconciliation of the mining operations and prediction of production performance. With a better understanding of the material that feeds the plant, it will be possible to explain the different phenomena that impact the efficiency of the processes:

    • grinding tonnage variation
    • lower recovery efficiency
    • unpredicted maintenance shutdowns
    • overuse of chemical agents

and eventually take action to improve overall efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even if the mineralogy seems simple or well-understood, automating the core logging process with digital tools can bring many benefits to mining operations. Not only does it free up human resources for more complex tasks, but it also provides accurate and easily accessible mineralogical information, improves data sharing and helps break down silos among stakeholders, and assists in the definition of geometallurgical domains for more informed decision making. Digital core logging can truly revolutionize the mining industry and help unlock its full potential. It’s time to go from boring to brilliant with digital core logging!

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