Published in June 2006 Australian Longwall Magazine

SRK’s inter-disciplinary capability in the development of geological models from the regional to lease scale is a key differentiator for the international company.

The aim of such studies is to improve knowledge on regional geology, including structure and basement geology to help reduce geological uncertainty at a more local scale.

SRK completed the major Sydney Basin geological model study, released last year, and is currently working on Queensland’s Bowen and Surat Basins, due in September 2007.

Sponsor organisations provide non-confidential geological and geophysical data for the study that helps calibrate the structural model, places their operational and exploration lease areas into a better regional context, and improves their ability to evaluate and manage geological risk.

The product includes the first 3-D view of the basins as well as an interpretation of the underlying geology and structure.

Mining companies use such studies for data gap analysis, initial stages of more detailed assessments and as a tool to re-evaluate existing interpretations: for example regional structural zones may be first order controls on what is happening at seam level; perhaps not previously considered.

The most common use for the regional studies is for evaluating new ground from an exploration or feasibility study perspective. The regional context information leads to more targeted assessment work such as drilling, provides indications of where more data is required, and the type of data that could be usefully acquired.

SRK has successfully used the methodology to carry out more detailed structural risk studies at the exploration and mine lease scale. One published mine-scale study has reported 65-70% accuracy in predictions using this methodology.