Geological Interpretation
The fundamental reason why your geological models may be completely wrong
Here are some reasons why we may get our geological models and understanding completely wrong.
Read MoreIf Richard Feynman was a Geologist…
Physicist Richard Feynman was famous for working from ‘first principles’. This is how I think Feynman would have approached exploration problems.
Read MoreIs ‘Vectoring’ to Mineralisation a Claytons Jargon?
What exactly is ‘Vectoring’ to Mineralisation? This post has all the answers.
Read MoreA recipe for shrinking a mineral resource by 90%
How can a mineral resource be downgraded by 90%? This is a simple explanation most geologists are not aware of.
Read MoreThe devolution of the Leapfrog drawing tool – a lesson in designing disruptive technology: Part 2
The 3D drawing tool in Leapfrog released in 2004 cannot be faulted from a technical standpoint. So why wasn’t it included in the next generation of Leapfrog software, Leapfrog Geo?
Read MoreThe missing link in exploration – Rapid 3D geological modelling
Implicit 3D modelling tools should be used by every exploration company as a geological tool, but like any other geological tool, it should be used by experienced geologists. Use it like a black box, and it will inevitably lead to disaster.
Read MoreThe System
I introduce you to ‘The System’ – a betting system that is guaranteed to make you money. The good news is that this is not a scam or illegal, so it’s perfectly timed for the mineral industry downturn. The bad news is that you’ll be taking your winnings from your geologist friends.
Read MoreA long winter ahead…
What are some of the lessons to be learned from the past mineral industry boom?
Read MoreWhy discussing public drill hole data can only be done in private
Dr Alistair Reed of Schoer, Reed & Associates has a few tips about what one can write about listed companies. As it turns out, you need special licences to discuss openly about public companies.
Read MoreStrain? What strain??!
The majority of geologists don’t understand 3D ductile strain, judging from our consultations with clients. I explain why it is absolutely critical to understand ductile strain to benefit exploration and resource evaluation.
Read MoreThe myth of sectional geological modelling: Part 2
I outline the quickest way to model geology in 3D, but it’s controversial and the discussion may offend the majority of academic economic geologists!
Read MoreThe myth of sectional geological modelling: Part 1
“Interpreting in section and in plan is the most reliable way we can understand the geology of the deposit.”, or is this statement a myth?
Read MoreRest In Peace Topographic Contours
Notwithstanding the nearly 200-year history of topographic contours, in today’s post I’ll question the usefulness of topographic contours in the context of 3D geological modelling. WARNING: Some of you, who have grown up using maps and GIS software, might consider the content of this post blasphemous!
Read MoreWhat is a Fault?
Many geologists consider the modelling of faults in mineral deposits to be VERY important. I am not one of these geologists. To understand why I feel this way, you have to ask the question “What is a Fault?”
Read MoreGeological shortfalls – there are ways to provide a soft landing
Visits to many different mining and exploration sites shows huge diversity in the skills of geologists. This post suggests ways to manage the issue of poor geological skill sets.
Read MoreBoundary Analysis in Leapfrog
How do you decide whether to make a fault boundary hard or soft? Geologist Ron Reid, who is an Orefind-trained veteran Leapfrog user, explains how to do this effectively in Leapfrog Mining software.
Read MoreWill Gemcom produce a Leaped Frog out of Leapfrog?
Gemcom recently announced the ‘Dynamic Shells’ update to their Surpac software, which is described as a fast implicit modeller. This is a module that jumps and croaks like Leapfrog, and regardless of whether it actually works like Leapfrog is a moot point. It doesn’t really matter because in marketing, it’s all about perception.
Read MoreDrill core orientation – An Inconvenient Truth (Part 3 of 3)
Obtaining reliably oriented core at the rig is only the first step in the process of dealing correctly and efficiently with oriented core. Individual orientation marks need to be checked and orientation lines constructed from those of high confidence. This post looks at processes and problems associated with checking orientation marks, constructing orientation lines, measurement of data and recognition of problems in data distributions
Read MoreThe Watch Riddle
A parable is a short tale that illustrates universal truth.
Today’s post is a geological parable in two parts, and it starts off with a strange looking watch.