Predictive Mineral Exploration
Geomechanical and Fluid Flow Modelling
RTA has combined their expert geological and exploration knowledge with numerical analysis to conduct predictive mineral exploration based on the structural history and subsequent deformation sequences. RTA’s experience in this field incorporates coupled geomechanical, thermal and fluid flow modelling where we define a fully coupled 3D stress/strain analysis and fluid localisation as applied to mineral deposits and mineral exploration at local to regional scales. Using structural reconstructions we can model paleostress and highlight areas most likely to focus mineralising fluids in structurally controlled deposits, incorporating many commodities such as Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Cu, U and Fe Ore. Using these techniques allows mining and exploration companies to test several structural scenarios to better understand the structural history and mineralising processes which provides critical information for informed decision making before target drilling commences. These techniques can be used in both Brownfield and Greenfield terranes.
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| a) Dilation and fluid flow in faulted sequences | b) Dilation around a porphyry body |
Geothermal Fluid Flow Modelling
RTA’s geoscientists have experience in modelling fully coupled deformation, thermal and fluid flow systems, where fluid convection in porous media may be important in mineral precipitation or dissolution. We also have the capacity to investigate advective fluid migration which is an important aspect of geothermal energy considerations. We have experience in working in some of the best geothermal systems in the world e.g. New Zealand, where the heat flow is more than 10 times the average crustal values causing vigorous convection systems.
| a) fluid convection in porous media | c) fluid convection and deformation in an extending rift zone |
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| b) unstable rigorous convection | |
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Discrete Element Fault/Fracture Modelling
RTA has the ability and experience in modelling brittle deformation in rock materials, which can predict fracture propagation due to the influence of tectonic forces. The prediction of fracture propogation can be extremely useful in both mineral and geothermal systems.
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| a) rock fracture due to a pressure increase | b) folding rock with brittle and ductile domains |
Spatial Stress/Strain Modelling
The RTA Geoscience team has the ability and experience in modelling the partitioning of stress and strain during tectonic deformation events, which may predict areas most likely to undergo rock failure and fluid flow focussing leading to an increased capacity for mineralisation. If structural controls have been important in focussing mineralising fluids then this technique can produce vital information that can easily be coupled with your magnetic and radiometric (or other remotely sensed) data to give you the optimum data coverage for your exploration tenement. These modelling techniques can be utilised at all scales (from tenement or greater to local deposit scales).
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| a) differential stress | b) minimum principal stress | c) failure modes using discrete element techniques based on deformation related partitioning. minimum principal stress |