Data assimilation of sensor measurements to improve production forecast in resource extraction

Optimal Inference of Modelling Parameters to Simulate Complex Trends across Soft Boundaries: A Case Study in Heavy Mineral Sands

A risk-robust development of a heavy mineral resource requires an assessment of the geological uncertainty and spatial variability of the key factors impacting the mining and processing operation. Attributes of interest are the total heavy mineral grade, the slime content and the amount of oversized particles. The modelling of a mineral sand...

Embracing geological uncertainty in marine resource exploration and exploitation

Integrated geometallurgical modelling of heavy mineral sands accounting for profitability, extractability and processability under uncertainty

The development of a mineral resource is inherently connected with a substantial amount of risk due to the large financial investment required at the time that the geological knowledge is rather limited and the comprehension of the so-called “modifying factors” is incomplete. Ongoing research has shown that a great deal of the risk can be...

Mining the ocean floor: Managing geological uncertainty

As land resources decrease, commodity prices increase, and technology evolves, deep sea mining is becoming a viable alternative to meet the increasing demand for minerals. Successful deep sea mining operations are built on sound identification of the resource, proper selection of equipment, a thoughtful production plan, and good project...