Mineral Exploration

Early Stage Mineral Exploration

 

ACA Howe International’s experienced staff and Associates have many years’ experience in the design, implementation and management of exploration programmes, including target generation in greenfield locations.  An early stage exploration site visit would be led by a Senior Geologist with experience in the desired commodity and geological setting.  All projects require a unique approach, and we focus on designing the optimal programme while staying within your budget.

 

The following are among the activities undertaken depending on the project requirements and geological setting:

 

Compilation of historical exploration and mining data- If available, historical data provides a great starting point and avoids duplication; keeping costs down.  See our GIS and Data Management page for further information.

 

Satellite image interpretation - See our Satellite Image Interpretation page for more details.

 

Initial site visit - Includes ground truthing of satellite image interpretation (if applicable), initial assessment of target areas and recommendations on the design of the next phase of exploration with a budget for the work.

 

Geological mapping - Important in the identification and assessment of target areas and provides an understanding of the lithological and structural controls on mineralisation.  Mapping of alteration minerals can be completed as part of  the geological mapping to provide further evidence of epithermal and porphyry style mineralisation.

 

Geochemical sampling - Can be utilised as part of regional or small scale target area assessment and provides quantitative data on metal content in the form of laboratory assays.  Types of sample include stream sediment samples, soil samples, rock chip samples and channel samples.  Anomalous zones provide targets for follow-up exploration, especially if they're coincident with certain lithological and structural features.

 

Exploration geophysics - An important tool in many exploration projects, allowing interpretation of surface and sub surface features.  ACA Howe are experienced in the interpretation of gravity, magnetic, radiometric and electrical data.

Acquisition of soil samples in the Sahara Desert, Mauritania. Planned and supervised by ACA Howe International

Advanced Mineral Exploration

 

Over the years’ our staff and Associates have been involved in many advanced exploration programmes, from drilling in greenfield areas to underground drilling and development at existing mines.  This has covered geological control and management of all major types of drilling, including diamond core drilling, reverse circulation (RC) drilling, rotary air blast (RAB) drilling, air core drilling, sonic drilling and auger drilling.  As drilling and underground development programmes often form part of subsequent technical reports it is essential that they are well managed and adhere to the guidelines of the major reporting codes.

 

We are well qualified to advise on all aspects of drilling and trenching programmes, including the following:

 

Programme design - optimal drilling and development locations.  Drill hole dip and azimuth, type of drilling, drill hole spacing.  Production of sections during the planning stage and to display results on completion.

 

Geological analysis - Geological face mapping and geological logging, including analysis of lithologies, alteration, mineralisation and structural features.

 

Sampling procedures and recommendations on laboratory procedures

 

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures

 

Drilling tenders - analysis of drilling contracts and selection of the best option.