XPLORE GLOBAL geologists Dr James Barnet and Benedikt Steiner bring the geology and resource potential of one of Earth’s final remaining frontiers, remote East Siberia, to the attention of European geologists and resource prospectors with two review papers published in January 2021 in Geology Today.

These review papers represent the products of a comprehensive review of publically available literature over the past 12 years, with most of this literature published in obscure Russian publications, in Russian language, and challenging to obtain in the UK. Although geological investigations in this region have long been hampered by thick permafrost, a lack of infrastructure, vast tracts of barren uninhabited rough terrain, and political challenges, the rocks in this region provide evidence of a diverse and complicated geological history spanning >1.6 billion years.

Such a varied geological history has resulted in the formation of significant associated economic precious metal, industrial mineral and hydrocarbon resources across the “Siberian Platform” and adjacent orogenic ranges, although these are largely underexplored and underexploited. However, the development of modern mining and hydrocarbon exploration methods, increasing efficiency at a lower cost, could elevate the Siberian Platform to the forefront of mineral and hydrocarbon exploration in the future.

The full journal issues can be accessed here: Geology Today: Vol 37, No 1 (wiley.com)

For the PDF version of the accepted manuscript, please click the article titles below.

References: 

Barnet, J.S.K. and Steiner, B.M. 2021. Unravelling the complex geological evolution of one of Earth’s final remaining frontiers: East Siberia. Geology Today, 37(1), 13–18.

Steiner, B.M. and Barnet, J.S.K. 2021. Resource potential of one of Earth’s final remaining frontiers: the Siberian Platform. Geology Today, 37(1), 19–23.

Collaborative services offered by XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. and Transition Elements AS

XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. and Transition Elements AS have recently teamed up to create a new consulting service offering, allowing clients in the mining and exploration sector to access integrated, cross-discipline analysis and geological modelling expertise. In a nutshell, our joint expertise can help to build your mining and exploration data into a consistent, coherent model in order to improve exploration targeting, testing and exploration strategy development.

Exploration support for Capella Minerals Ltd.

We are currently supporting Capella Minerals with their recently acquired Norwegian VMS projects in the renowned Løkken and Røros-Kjøli historic mining districts. The cluster of exploration licenses target Caledonian metavolcanic and metasedimentary-hosted Cu-Zn massive sulphide mineralisation. Our work so far comprises a detailed review of existing governmental (NGU) and proprietary geophysical and geochemical data which support the production of a local structural and mineralisation model, and the delineation of prospective geological trends in the tenement areas. Furthermore, our contribution facilitates a detailed and focused approach during the next fieldwork season.

Scope of joint services

Team Members

Collaborative services offered by XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. and Transition Elements AS

In spring 2021, XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. and Transition Elements AS have teamed up to create a new consulting service offering, allowing clients in the mining and exploration sector to access integrated, cross-discipline analysis and geological modelling expertise. In a nutshell, our joint expertise can help to build your mining and exploration data into a consistent, coherent model in order to improve exploration targeting, testing and exploration strategy development. Our first joint, successful project was carried out for Capella Minerals Ltd exploring for VMS-style mineralisation in the Trondelag Region of Central Norway.

Exploration support for Kuniko Norge AS (2021-date)

As a new entrant to Norway during the recent pandemic, Kuniko required experienced geologists on the ground to kick-start their exploration plans and implement best practice procedures and workflows. Together, in 2021, we evaluated their portfolio, ranked the prospects and designed acquisition programmes for the most prospective areas at Skuterud and Vangrofta. We analysed and evaluated historic and newly acquired data, initiated further specialist analysis and data acquisition, producing 3D models for assessment and target planning. We liaised with local community stakeholders and generated the 2022 work program to drill delineated targets at Skuterud and to evaluate the remaining opportunities.

From May 2022 onwards, we liaised with Kuniko’s permanent team for a smooth handover, as they established their office and field bases, and have since passed control of the full portfolio into their hands. With a year of comprehensive data acquisition, analysis and planning, Kuniko were able to take their projects forward over the summer generating new drill results and further soil and rock sampling datasets. We are delighted to remain associated with them for further specialist work as required.

Comment from Antony Beckmand (CEO Kuniko Norge AS):

“With the strong support of XPLORE GLOBAL Ltd. and Transition Elements AS, Kuniko was able to quickly establish its work programs and exploration activities across several of its projects, providing a solid foundation for the development of the Company. Those initial efforts provided a geological data set which enabled strong targets and led to a maiden drill campaign. The rapid development of our projects based on solid geological work practices and guidance has enhanced the Company’s reputation with regard to both accomplishment and transparency. On behalf of the Company, our shareholders and stakeholders, we are grateful for the professional support we have received.”

Are you interested in learning about the mining and exploration potential of Québec? Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur le potentiel minier et d’exploration du Québec?

The QME forum (16-18 November 2020) will allow you to learn more about ongoing projects. I will be giving a keynote talk about critical metals exploration, and will be focusing on utilising governmental and proprietary datasets to aid exploration in a variety of geographical and geological terrains.

A link to the event can be found here: https://mern.gouv.qc.ca/quebec-mines/programme/

See you there!

1st November 2020

Along with our colleagues at Ngali Mining Limited, we have completed a major 1-year mineral exploration campaign for the Rwandan Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).

The project included a comprehensive geological assessment of five priority target areas (PTAs) in western and northwestern Rwanda, which are prospective for REEs, tungsten, tin, lithium and coltan (LCT pegmatites), and energy resources.

The work programme included the routine collection and interpretation of stream sediment, rock and trench samples, diamond core drilling, borehole and ground geophysical surveys, undergound tunnel mapping and sampling, petrographic and automated mineralogical analysis. The outcomes of this exploration campaign were summarised in five extensive reports, available from RMB.

It has been a great opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team from Rwanda, South Africa and Russia and to jointly improve the current knowledge of important metallogenic belts in Rwanda.

Please contact us for further information and to see how we can help you with your exploration programme.

References:

Steiner, B., Savin, V.A., Nkabelane O.N. (2020). Follow-up exploration, scout drilling and mineralogical characterisation of the Gatumba Cluster Li-Cs-Ta pegmatites, Nyiramuganza PTA, Rwanda. Report compiled for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. 114p.

Steiner, B., Savin, V.A., Nkabelane O.N. (2020). An integrated geological, geochemical and geophysical investigation of Thorium anomalies and other REE occurrences in the Rukarara PTA, Butare Complex, Southern Rwanda. Report compiled for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. 112p.

Steiner, B., Savin, V.A., Nkabelane O.N. (2020). An investigation of Thorium anomalies and other REE occurrences in the Kirimbi PTA, western Rwanda. Report compiled for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. 87p.

Steiner, B., Savin, V.A., Nkabelane O.N. (2020). Exploration for structurally-controlled tungsten mineralisation in the Shyembe Belt PTA, western Rwanda. Report compiled for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. 95p.

Steiner, B., Savin, V.A., Nkabelane O.N. (2020). An investigation into organic-rich sedimentary rocks and the energy resource potential of the Nyamasheke PTA, Western Rwanda. Report compiled for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board. 63p.

In a recent article, published in the European Geologist Journal, we present a case for industry-focused geoscience education, particularly with regards to vocational training at MSc level. Using the “Exploration Targeting” module on the MSc Exploration Geology programme at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, as an example, we suggest that a ‘gold standard’ in designing modules for vocational MSc programmes should be based upon a research-inspired teaching approach, integrating core geoscientific concepts with practical considerations and requirements of the geological employment sector, enabling students to develop a better understanding and awareness of scientific and professional skills alike.

The full journal issue can be accessed here: European Geologist 50 by European Federation of Geologists – issuu

Steiner, B., Hughes, H.S.R., 2020. Exploring the link between employer needs, employability and postgraduate module design in a contemporary mining education framework. European Geologist Journal, 50, 63-68.

The construction of accurate, easy to follow and understandable reports is essential in the geological industry for clearly conveying the results of geological projects. However, tight deadlines and the need to write in a second language can often hamper this process.

The quality of a finished report will impact on the reader’s perception of the competency of a company and in many ways, could be regarded as the most important part of a geological project. Poorly written English, the incorrect use of punctuation, or poor organisation of the report can mislead the reader and fail to clearly convey the results of a project, which may have involved significant investment, manpower and time. You’ve done the hard work acquiring and interpreting the data, don’t let the final write up phase let you down.

Here at XPLORE GLOBAL, we can help. With over 6 years of proof-reading experience in the geological industry, we can ensure that the quality of the report you deliver to your clients is of the quality they expect from a company of your calibre. We can offer a bespoke proof-reading service tailored to your specific needs, with a highly competitive pricing structure.

Contact us now to see how we can help you.