Nordic Iron Ore has been involved in several research projects that use modern technology to develop even more environmentally friendly mining operations. Here, Nordic Iron Ore's geologist Emma Bäckström talks about the Smart Exploration project, which has resulted in Nordic Iron Ore submitting an application for another exploration permit.
The EU-funded research project Smart Exploration, in which Nordic Iron Ore participated and which has now ended, focuses on developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods and tools for geophysical exploration. Smart Exploration is a collaboration between 27 universities and companies from 9 different EU countries.
The investigations have been ongoing for several years and have been concentrated around the area southeast of the old open pit in Blötberget.
- We already have indications that this particular area may contain additional mineralization and that is why it was selected. Geophysics is an excellent way to follow the mineralization down to depth. It is also the area closest to extending the life of the mine," says Emma Bäckström.
How did the investigations work?
- It has been a very interesting project where we collaborated with SGU, Uppsala University and a number of other institutions such as TU Bergakademie Freiburg, Politecnico di Torino, Ludvika Municipality, EAGE, Sesmic Mechatronics B.V., AMKVO, SkyTEM and Geopartner. Uppsala University led the entire project and has been involved in all fieldwork.
How was the cooperation?
- Incredibly good and smooth. It was also educational because we gained insight into a number of new techniques. We ourselves have never explored with the help of drones, helicopters or vibrotrucks before. In the future, as we continue to explore more areas around Blötberget and Väsman, we will benefit greatly from having tested all these techniques. Not all of them are commercially available yet, but given the results, it's only a matter of time.
- It was great that Ludvika municipality and EAGE were involved in the project. This led to a number of open house events where the public could come and ask questions, school visits where students got to test seismic and look at drill cores. We feel that we have made closer and more positive contact with those living near Blötberget and Ludvika. We will continue with open houses when we have major field work.
How reliable are the results of drone geophysical surveys?
- Obviously, these do not give the same clear results as drilling. However, you can link areas between boreholes if the geophysics suggests that the conditions are homogeneous. This means that you do not need to drill as densely, which is a real gain both economically and environmentally.
How was the data collected from the drone measurements processed?
- The results are compiled and modeled in 3D and compared with our own data.
What other technologies were used?
- Both TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) and Seismic Mechatronics were involved in seismic surveys in Blötberget. TUBAF with its Vibrotruck and Seimic Mechatronics with its E-Vib. Both of these seismic shakers are used to vibrate the ground and thereby map the bedrock. An echo bounces back in a way similar to what you get when fishing with sonar. E-vib is fully electric, making the image more high-resolution and precise. It is also compact enough to be used down mine shafts.
- The fieldwork with SkyTEM focused on a much larger area. Electromagnetic surveys were carried out here with the help of a helicopter. In just a few days we were able to cover Blötberget, Väsman and parts of Håksberg.
- In particular, the Politecnico di Torino has developed workflows for processing raw seismic data into the neat sections presented with our own 3D model.
