A multi-sensor logger for rock cores: Methodology and preliminary results from the Matagami mining camp, Canada

Abstract

Diamond drilling typically constitutes a major part of costs in advanced mineral exploration programs. This generates thousands of meters of rock cores during major exploration campaigns, but the cores are not currently utilized to their full potential. They could supply three-dimensional information on physical properties, geochemistry and mineralogy; such data could be used to model the geology or physical properties in 3D, characterize hydrothermal alteration, or provide chemo-stratigraphic constraints, for example. But measuring all the parameters one by one at high spatial resolution by traditional methods would be impractical due to cost or time considerations and, for some parameters, it would destroy the core (e.g. geochemistry).In this paper we describe a multi-sensor core logger and its use on rock cores from exploration diamond drill holes. This semi-automated system can measure near-simultaneously, non-destructively and at high spatial resolution, the following parameters: (1) volumetric magnetic susceptibility; (2) density using gamma-ray attenuation; (3) several chemical elements through energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry; and (4) visible/near infrared spectrometry, which allows numerous minerals to be detected and characterized. The logger also acquires a continuous image of the core using a line-scan camera, which allows the user to compare other properties with the visual aspect of the core and creates a complete virtual archive. The aim of this mostly methodological paper is to describe the logger as a whole and then each instrument or sensor separately, outlining the numerous tests that have been performed to assess and improve data quality. We also present preliminary results from the Matagami mining camp of Canada, a base metal district.