Rules of Thumb for Geological Field Mapping Success
Following my February article on Rules of Thumb for Mineral Exploration Success, I'd like to share some fundamental aspects to ensure success when conducting geological mapping. These "Rules of Thumb" can be applied to either true greenfields mapping, near-mine brownfields work, or open pit bench mapping. I'm not going to touch on underground mapping as that is a different animal entirely. This list is a compilation of notes from various publications, most notably Robert Compton's classic text book "Geology in the Field", and my personal experiences of mapping in various terrains and pits across multiple countries and two continents.
Planning and logistics are a major effort and shouldn't be taken lightly. One should treat a mapping campaign like a Project Manager and not like a weekend camper. There should be a clear understanding and agreement with management on the scope, resources, alternatives, objectives and timeframes to ensure success. Access rights, permissions, local guides, ability to collect samples, transportation, and other aspects must all be clearly organized prior to any campaign. There is a big difference in logistics required for mapping via a four-wheel drive in Montana versus horseback in Mongolia or a chopper in PNG.
1) Safety - I'd like to start with the safety aspect. Though some may see safety as non-critical to the technical mapping work, I strongly disagree. Your final product won't be very good if you break a leg or end up as a pile of sun-bleached bones in the desert. Establish an emergency plan outlining locations and times. Always map with a partner, as this is good for both safety and to have someone to bounce ideas off or to argue about structural or timing relationships. Carry a satellite phone because wherever you are in the world, mobile coverage is garbage. Establish check-in times so others will know within a few hours if something bad has happened. Carry an appropriate field first aid kit and know how to use it. Finally, take enough water or a filter/tabs to last 24 hours at a minimum.
2) Scope - It's critical to have a clear understanding of your goals. Is your plan to complete a generalized geologic map showing all units with major structures or are you after a specific attribute? Maps for mineral alteration, engineering geology, hazards, or oil & gas exploration can be quite different. This focus of scope can be a blessing and a curse so tread carefully. Focusing on one aspect typically means you can overlook another. There are many cases in both mapping and logging where the geologist failed to recognize the obvious. A good example is the case of a geologist logging core for an industrial minerals deposit and missing the visible gold, a true story!
To continue reading, view the article on Mining Geology HQ at https://www.mininggeologyhq.com/rules-of-thumb-for-geological-field-mapping-success/
This and many other articles, references, and training are free to view and download. I hope you enjoy and any feedback is welcome.
Consultant Economic Geologist
8 年This is good basic stuff to start with, but it really helps to have specific aims to focus on during mapping so that you can more quickly read the general geological environment and its potential to give you success. This particularly applies to prospecting for mineral deposits, as one cannot afford to get bogged down on generalities of the sequence, you are looking for the unusual and you may need to go where it is not obvious others have been before, i.e. look for the gaps in previous maps. Once you have got your eye in on the rocks I like to establish a daily base locale where one can dump any heavy equipment. support supplies or samples not immediately needed, then take semi circular traverses across the prospective terraine so you come back every 2 hours or so to dump more samples and refresh yourself, exchange data with support colleagues to refine your search and focus on the next target traverse. Of course this mainly apples to areas with adequate outcrop and walkable/ climbable terrain that have been already established by photo or satellite data/ google reconnaissance. Happy hunting!
Managing Director & Principal Consultant at Eaglehawk Geological Consulting Pty Ltd Australia
8 年Well said Erik!
Semi-really retired, emphasis on 'retired'
8 年Excellent - I especially appreciate placing 'safety' as no. 1. Thanks for sharing the article!
Consultor independiente/Asesor en Gestión de proyectos Exploración Minera
8 年Very usefull and important article Dean, thanks for shearing
Geologist
8 年Excellent, practical article.