Data tools game changer for mining and exploration

ADELAIDE: Research scientists and industry are joining together to develop and commercialise new tools using cutting-edge digital technologies including machine learning that they say will be a game-changer for mining and exploration.

Launched by Education and Training Minister, Senator Simon Birmingham, the Geovision Cooperative Research Centre Project (Geovision CRCp) is a collaboration by the University of Adelaide, drilling giant Boart Longyear and South Australian specialist software company SRA Information Technology.

The three-year project is being funded with a A$2.1 million grant from the Australian Government through the Cooperative Research Centres Program, with another A$2.4 million of cash and in-kind support from the three partners. The CRCp grants are for industryled collaborations to develop important new technologies, products and services that will solve industry problems and deliver tangible outcomes.

The new tools will incorporate multisensory core scanners and sensors, data fusion and machine learning for improved geological and structural data collection enabling near real-time, automated decision-making at exploration and mining sites, as well as globally.

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the Turnbull Government’s CRCp programme supported businesses and research institutions to solve industry-specific issues and deliver new products, technologies or services.

“The A$2.1 million investment from the Turnbull Government backs a project that will position South Australia, the University of Adelaide and local industry at the cutting edge of these new technologies and the opportunities they offer.” — Newswise