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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a geotechnical investigation take leading to the final report?
The duration of a geotechnical investigation varies depending on the project complexity and site conditions. Smaller projects may take a 3-5 weeks, while larger projects can take 2 months.
What are the typical costs associated with a geotechnical investigation?
The cost of a geotechnical investigation depends on various factors, including site size, complexity, and the extent of required laboratory testing.
What are the typical phases involved in a geotechnical investigation?
A typical geotechnical investigation involves the following phases:
- Site reconnaissance: Initial site visit to assess surface conditions, topography, and potential geological hazards.
- Desk study: Review of existing geological maps, borehole logs, and other relevant data to gain background information.
- Field exploration: Conducting field tests such as borehole drilling, test pitting, and in-situ testing to collect soil and rock samples.
- Laboratory testing: Analyzing soil and rock samples in a laboratory to determine their engineering properties (e.g., strength, compressibility, permeability).
- Data analysis and interpretation: Analyzing field and laboratory data to assess site conditions and identify potential challenges.
- Report preparation: Preparing a comprehensive geotechnical report summarizing findings, recommendations, and design parameters.
Q:
How will you communicate with us throughout the project?
We will communicate with you regularly through email, phone, and project meetings to ensure that you are informed and up-to-date on the project’s progress.
Why should I invest in geophysics instead of just more drilling?
Geophysics acts as a “force multiplier” for your budget. While drilling provides a definitive 1D sample of a single point, geophysics provides a 3D map of the subsurface. By identifying anomalies before you rig up, you can reduce “dead meters” and significantly increase the success rate of your drilling program.
Which geophysical methods are right for my project?
The “best” method depends on your target mineral and the geological setting. We specialize in matching the physics to the geology:
Gold: Induced Polarization (IP) for disseminated sulfides or Magnetics for structural control.
Base Metals: Electromagnetics (EM) to find conductive massive sulfides.
Iron Ore/Diamonds: High-resolution Gravity and Magnetics.
Lithium/Brines: Magnetotellurics (MT) or Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT).
How quickly will I receive the survey results?
We prioritize real-time quality control. You will receive preliminary field plots within 24–48 hours of data collection. Final processed data, 3D inversions, and comprehensive interpretive reports are typically delivered within 2–4 weeks, depending on the scale of the survey.
How much does a geophysical survey cost?
Pricing is influenced by the method, station spacing, and accessibility. We provide transparent, fixed-price quotes rather than open-ended daily rates. By optimizing the survey design to your specific target, we ensure you aren’t paying for data you don’t need.
What stages of the mining lifecycle do you support?
We provide end-to-end support, from Greenfield exploration (identifying new targets) and Brownfield expansion(finding new reserves near existing mines) to Pre-Feasibility (PFS) and Definitive Feasibility Studies (DFS). Our goal is to de-risk your project at every milestone.
How does your firm help minimize exploration risk?
Exploration is inherently risky, but we mitigate it through data-driven targeting. By integrating structural geology, geochemistry, and advanced geophysics, we ensure that drilling budgets are spent on the highest-probability targets, reducing “dead meters” and maximizing capital efficiency.
We have a specific budget. Can you scale your services?
We work with everyone from junior explorers needing lean, high-impact field programs to major producers requiring complex technical audits. We tailor our scope of work to match your specific objectives and capital constraints.
What is 3D Geological Modelling, and why does my project need it?
Beyond just a “3D picture,” a geological model is a mathematical representation of the Earth’s subsurface. We integrate geophysics and structural mapping to create a high-fidelity digital twin. The Value: It reduces “subsurface risk”—the primary cause of budget overruns in mining and construction—by allowing you to visualize hazards and opportunities before breaking ground.
What software platforms do you use?
We operate in industry-standard environments like Leapfrog Geo, Micromine, Petrel, and Surpac. We provide the final outputs in formats that integrate seamlessly with your existing mine planning or engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, Deswik).
How long does a typical modelling project take?
Timeline depends on data complexity. A focused structural model for a specific site might take 2–3 weeks. We provide a detailed project roadmap after our initial data review.
