Reducing mineral exploration risk through innovative geophysical analysis

MRIWA-sponsored research project M493 has produced an innovative technique for analysing seismic and magnetotelluric data. Developed by Professor Brett Harris and his team at Curtin University’s WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, this cooperative inversion method can reveal previously hidden geological features and aid prediction of rock properties deep below the surface.

The team used the concepts of unsupervised machine learning and seismic texture to develop a software toolkit that could help reduce the risk in targeting hidden ore systems, encouraging exploration investment in under-explored areas of Western Australia.

The technical report summarising the findings of this research can be found at https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/document/486737

Read the full  media release at https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/200317-M493-Press-Release-v2.pdf.