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Last updated: 06:45 06 Nov 2023, First published: 06:33 06 Nov 2023
Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling stands out as a key technique for the efficient discovery and evaluation of subsurface mineral deposits. RC drilling is a preferred method for many exploration companies, particularly those engaged in the search for valuable commodities deep within the earth’s crust.
RC drilling is more sophisticated and, consequently, more effective than its precursors such as Rotary Air Blast (RAB) and aircore drilling. The principle behind RC drilling is simple yet ingenious: it involves the use of a dual-wall drill pipe where compressed air is introduced between the inner and outer tubes.
The air drives a pneumatically powered down-hole hammer that crushes the rock into small chips and fragments. These cuttings are then returned to the surface within the inner tube, which provides a continuous and uncontaminated sample.
This technique has several advantages. Firstly, RC drilling provides a much clearer geological picture of the drill site. The samples returned are not only more representative of the subsurface strata but also remain in much better condition, as they are less exposed to contamination and the altering effects of the atmosphere during their rapid ascent. This allows for a more accurate assay, giving geologists high-quality data to inform their analysis.
Secondly, while RC drilling is slower than RAB or aircore methods, it achieves better penetration, especially in harder rock formations, and can reach greater depths. This is crucial when targeting mineral deposits that lie deep underground, which are increasingly becoming the focus as surface deposits become depleted.
Indeed, RC drilling is costlier, but the investment is justified by the quality and reliability of the data it provides. Exploration companies may spend more upfront on RC drilling, but the potential for a higher return on investment is significant if the method identifies a commercially viable mineral deposit.
Moreover, RC drilling's ability to provide continuous samples is particularly beneficial in complex geological settings where stratigraphic and mineralogical changes occur frequently. This continuous sampling can accurately track changes in mineralization, allowing for precise delineation of ore bodies and helping to optimize mine planning and reduce waste in mining operations.
The operational aspect of RC drilling also offers safety benefits. Since the drill cuttings are returned to the surface inside the rods, there is a reduced risk of losing samples. Additionally, the method minimizes the exposure of workers to dust and other potential hazards associated with the drilling process.
The environmental footprint of RC drilling can also be smaller compared to other methods, as it often requires fewer drill pads and less overall disturbance to the site. This is an important consideration in today’s environmentally conscious industry.
In the global landscape of mining, where the pursuit of deeper and more complex ore bodies is becoming the norm, RC drilling is a crucial tool. It bridges the gap between surface discoveries and deep-seated deposits, allowing the industry to sustainably and efficiently unlock the earth's hidden wealth.
RC drilling is a testament to the industry's innovation and adaptability. While it may come at a higher cost and slower pace than other drilling methods, its ability to deliver superior samples from greater depths makes it an invaluable technique in the arsenal of modern mineral exploration. As resource companies delve deeper in their quest for valuable minerals, RC drilling will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that this pursuit is not only successful but also responsible and sustainable.
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Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS, OTC:VTMLF) MD Andrew Radonjic tells Proactive the company has uncovered a significant rare earth element (REE) target now known as the Jupiter prospect at the Brothers Project in Western Australia. The discovery forms part of a 40-square-kilometre area...
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