Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Geophysics Solutions for
Mining
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Lithium and Other Brine-Based Mineral Resources
NMR provides direct measurement of key hydrogeologic properties needed to characterize reserves and optimize production.
- Measure hydrogeologic properties to develop brine flow models.
- Quantify reserves using measurements of volumetric water content.
- Monitor production over time.
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Solution 1
- Obtain high-resolution logs of water content and bound/mobile water fractions.
- Estimate hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
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Tailings and Impoundment Dam Stability
Measure moisture content in tailings, earthen dams, heap leach piles, and waste rock. Determine pore size distribution and identify perched water.
- Inform slope stability assessment.
- Monitor for changes seasonally or during/after infiltration events.
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Solution 1
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- Obtain high-resolution logs of water content and bound/mobile water fractions.
- Estimate hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
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Solution 2
- Measure in situ hydrogeologic conditions with minimal drilling disturbance.
- Avoid installation of PVC casing.
- Use small direct push drill rigs to obtain measurements from locations inaccessible by full-size drill rigs.
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Water Resources
Identify and quantify groundwater sources needed for mine operations.
- Locate and quantify sources of fresh groundwater required for ore processing or other mine activities.
- Ensure adequate groundwater reserves for mine operational lifetime.
- Supplement or replace surface water sources or establish water sources in locations without surface water.
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Solution 1
- Locate and quantify groundwater resources to depths of up to 500ft (150m).
- Distinguish between mobile and bound fractions.