Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Geophysics Solutions for
Mining
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.
Solution 1
- Obtain high-resolution logs of water content and bound/mobile water fractions.
- Estimate hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
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.
Solution 1
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- Obtain high-resolution logs of water content and bound/mobile water fractions.
- Estimate hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
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.
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.
Solution 1
- Locate and quantify groundwater resources to depths of up to 500ft (150m).
- Distinguish between mobile and bound fractions.