3D geological modelling of ore deposits has become an important tool for improved exploration and mine planning. Advanced geological and geophysical methods are applied and integrated to model and delineate the ore body form and extension, as well as any proximal mineralising structures. Geophysical tools typically use a combination of methods (electromagnetic, gravity, magnetic and seismic) adapted to the needs of the local geological environment. The project proposes to integrate X-Ray sensing methods (which are not influenced by the local geological environment) with 3D ore deposit modelling software, in order to add compositional characteristics to the structural ones. The well-defined and accurately delineated structures of the ore deposit demonstrators will make the basis for the “fit-to-purpose” real-time sensing devices to be applied.

Real-time online data collection while drilling can allow mining companies to make better informed decisions about extending, re-prioritising or diminishing drill holes in order to maximize the efficiency of the mining operations. When exploring for precious metals, one of the most widely used techniques is to identify and monitor geochemical pathfinder elements (such as arsenic or tellurium for gold mining) which require high performance sensing capability. The project will demonstrate novel sensing tools that can support drill core scanning, measurement/analysis while drilling. Improved resource definition can reduce the blasting of excess waste rock (i.e. less release of NO2 and other potential harmful substances) therefore reducing the overall environmental impact of the mining operations.

Mining elements that appear in low concentrations can benefit from fast and accurate analysis. The project will demonstrate how novel sensing technologies can be used to reject unmineralized wall-rocks and gangue minerals at coarse particle sizes, thus reducing energy consumption by excluding redundant materials before transportation, crushing and grinding. Mines are very large energy consumers (to illustrate this fact, think that LKAB alone is responsible for 1.5% of Sweden’s electricity consumption at country level). In practice, the sooner waste rocks and gangue minerals are separated from further processing, the greater the benefit for an efficient and sustainable mining operation, as less energy, less chemicals and less water will be required for downstream mineral processing. The detection and extraction of valuable secondary minerals previously not considered may also reduce the total amount of waste rock, add mineral and metal value, and increase the profitability of the mines, enabling a closed down mine to be reopened, or a hardly profitable mine to have greater operational margins and long term stability.

X-Mine project will evaluate and assess the benefits of the new sensing (X-ray, 3D-imaging) technologies in 4 geographically and geologically different mining operations (Table ) with regards to ore structure model, drilling selectivity, extraction optimisation and efficiency, environmental impact, health & safety. The pilot reports will include full lifecycle analysis, socio-economic impact, business planning and health & safety analysis.