A partnership between CSIRO and MinEx CRC could unlock efficiency in data-driven exploration in the mineral resources sector, with augmented reality (AR) core logging technology progressing.
Although core logging is crucial in mineral exploration, it can be time-consuming, solitary and subject to human error. Geologists often struggle to incorporate multiple data streams into the logging process and lack tools to analyse complex information efficiently for fast, informed decision-making.
Tackling this challenge is AR core logging technology, developed by MinEx CRC in collaboration with the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE) at the University of South Australia.
Led by Professor Tom Raimondo, Dr Andrew Cunningham, and Jack Fraser, the AR platform is designed to significantly improve the accuracy, speed and accessibility of drill core logging.
The innovative platform integrates essential sample and contextual data, overlaying it on drill core trays during logging. By doing so, it offers geologists a fully interactive and digital work environment that multiple users can access from anywhere in the world. This collaborative setup enhances the quality of data collected and reduces the risk of subjective interpretations.
MinEx CRC’s CEO, Andrew Bailey, said, “This technology provides either an augmented or completely virtual core logging experience without physical access to borehole samples, enabling synchronous or asynchronous collaborative workflows for both in-person and remote users.
“No equivalent logging platforms currently exist in the minerals industry to the best of our knowledge,” he said.
“The sector as a whole is ripe for the introduction of this kind of disruptive technology.”
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