Exploration: the art of discovery

Identifying promising deposits in large, remote and inhospitable regions can be like looking for a needle in a wind-blown haystack. The first challenge is geography. The discovery of the Sakatti polymetallic deposit, 150 km north of the Arctic Circle in Finland, was a career highlight for senior project geologist Stephanie Klatt.

It’s what every exploration geologist dreams of, “It represents the art of what is possible.

Stephanie Klatt senior project geologist

In the Los Sulfatos area of Los Bronces in Chile, extreme weather limited field work to the summer months, while our exploration teams needed helicopters and mules to cope with the steep terrain. “Conditions can be harsh and tough,” says exploration geologist Esmé Tristram, “but you remember the passion you have for geology and making a difference.”

Creative use of science also helped planners on our exploration nickel project in Jacaré, Brazil. Senior geologist Giorgio Sartorato had the idea to build biomass and biodiversity estimates from satellite image data by applying a computer modeling technique normally used to calculate the value of a deposit. The process will help in the preparation of full life cycle plans of potential mines.

Find out more about Giogio's innovation in this video:

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Brazil Chile Copper Exploration Innovation Nickel