Geological Data Management is not simply about collecting and storing data. Geological
data has an actual value, which can be measured by the actual cost of undertaking a
mineral exploration program and as such data sits at the core of the business' success. Drillhole and assay data support Resource and Reserves estimation and underpins the value of any exploration or mining companies’ assets. Management of geological data is
vital for such organisations as it allows for greater efficiency and extracting the most value
from the data available as well as providing greater confidence to investors, stakeholders
and any party considering purchase of a mineral asset through reduced risk of data
uncertainty. Geological database review forms a core part of any exploration and mining
Due Diligence programme and as such poor data management practices may ultimately
reduce the value of an asset.
Introduction
The following summarises the main challenges in data management faced by a Mineral
Exploration and Mining company that may have not implemented a geological data
management system and explains how a robust database could help in day-to-day
operations.
What is a Database and Why is it Needed?
Overview
A database is an organised collection of structured information, or data, typically stored
electronically in a computer system. A database is usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). Together, the data and the DBMS, along with the applications
that are associated with them, are referred to as a database system, often shortened to just
a database. A DBMS serves as an interface between the database and its end users or
programs, allowing users to retrieve, update, and manage how the information is organised
and optimised. A DBMS also facilitates oversight and control of databases, enabling a variety of administrative operations such as performance monitoring, tuning, backup and recovery.
Common Practices and Risk
It is a common practice in the mining and exploration industry to keep geological data in
Excel spreadsheets or in an Access Database. However, the value of such data and risks
associated with managing and storing data in this way is often under appreciated. The main
examples of risks faced every day include:
data security breaches;
managing version control;
maintaining standard codes and templates within projects;
missing key or essential data;
data loss;
human error whilst copying data between spreadsheets or merging lab files with
samples; and
inaccurate data leading to inaccurate Mineral Resource and Reserve estimates.
The main challenges in data management that arise by not using a dedicated database management system are:
difficulty accessing or finding the relevant data;
time spent on data management tasks;
level of confidence in handling the data accurately; and
challenges arising from collaborating on active project data, including maintaining version control and awareness of changes to the data.
De-Risking Through Improved Data Management
Systems dedicated for geological database management allow users to take advantage of bespoke features which are not available in Excel. The most important features comprise of:
assuring data integrity, confidence and security;
improved audit trail through the use of tracked changes and which user made those
changes; and
consistency and reliability of the data.
Database management systems eases consolidating huge amount of data, solve problems
with missing, inaccurate or partial geological data. Keeping the geological data in a database assures it is accurate and auditable. It also eases data access and cooperation for people working in different locations. Moreover, reporting and Quality Control takes only seconds.
Using one of the standardised solutions simplifies the whole workflow starting from drillhole
planning, logging drillholes on site directly in the provided logging system, controlling sample batches sent to the lab and importing assay results. Importing data is fast and efficient, and multiple levels of automatic validations ensure data accuracy. After completion of data collection data is kept in the one central and secured repository and easily accessible for all users.
Implementation and Cost
One of the most important factors for any exploration and mining company is justification of
the expenditure that must be made to implement a database solution, as at first this cost
seems to be high, they may also lack the in-house expertise to implement and manage
systems.
Firstly, management should consider that geologists usually spend hours every week in
managing and reviewing an array of Excel files. This is not an efficient use of their time,
which could be better spent reviewing the data rather than collating and filing in
spreadsheets, troubleshooting problems and hunting for lost data.
Secondly, the geological data received from sites is both confidential and valuable due to the high cost of staffing, drilling and assaying. The cost of a database management system is a short-term cost with long term gains when considering the risks previously outlined.
Finally, the cost of database implementation and the ongoing costs can be weighed against
the cost of one drillhole, after staffing, drilling and assay cost of around $200/m over a
typical 150 m deep drillhole the cost maybe around $30,000. Implementation of a robust
database system should be achievable for a similar price or less, depending on the system
implemented and the volume of data to be imported and validated. Of course, the more
data a company collects without proper database management systems in place, the greater the costs should they migrate to a dedicated geological data management system.
How to choose Database Management System appropriate for your company
Even though there are multiple providers of database management systems available on the market, all of the solutions have similar functionalities, which assure the best practices in
geological data collection and management. The difference between them is mainly in
system architecture, technology used, data storage facilities, and end user interface.
The main points that should be taken into consideration when shortlisting the database
systems are:
Ease of use – customisation, administration, logging;
System architecture – number of additional applications that need to be installed;
Data storage limitations;
Type of licences;
Connection to other software packages for seamless data transfer;
Cost of purchasing the system; and
Cost of implementation and training.
AMS undertook a review of the packages currently being used in the industry and advise
their clients on the solution that may be the best fit for purpose on a case-by-case basis.
Steps in database Implementation
AMS created a workflow for database implementation with the main steps as follows:
Discussions with the team from the exploration and mining company to understand current processes of data collection and requirements for database implementation. This includes understanding how many projects will be stored in the database, stage of exploration, the amount and state of legacy data, number of users as well as requirements regarding system architecture for example: structure of tables, reference lists and logging codes, as well as sample analysis workflows (laboratories, methods of analysis, QC samples).
Database design and customisation based on the agreed scope and requirements.
Staff training to the database administrator (if required) and field geologists.
System deployment in testing and the production environment.
Migration of legacy data.
Summary
Exploration and mining companies are strongly recommended to implement a database
solution for projects at any stage of exploration, but especially for projects which have
advanced beyond drillhole targeting.
Implementation will ensure geological data is validated and easily auditable as well as
improving data capture workflows, data management, storage, security and reporting. An
appropriately implemented database solution ultimately reduces risk and improves
confidence in results reported to stakeholders.
Addison Mining Services can provide expertise in database management systems and assist in the selection of an appropriate package for the company. AMS also has a capacity to host and maintain geological databases for exploration and mining companies as a service.
Our Personnel
Paula Mierzwa (MSc, BSc, FGS, MAIG) is a specialist in geological data management and data quality control. She holds a BSc in Underground and Open Pit Mining and an MSc in
Exploration and Mining Geology from the University of Science and Technology in Wroclaw.
She worked for Datamine Software in the UK for 4 years where she learned about the
importance of geological data management and as well as gained first experience in advising on best practices of data collection, management and database implementation. Before joining AMS she moved to Altus Strategies where she implemented and managed a multi-site geological database management system and monitored Quality Control across all company projects. Since joining AMS in September 2022, she has successfully implemented database management systems for multiple companies on various stages of project development and supported field teams during drilling and surface sampling programmes.
Additionally, she has been advising on designing Quality Assurance programmes as well as
aiding companies in monitoring Quality Control performance.
Paula also has experience in geological modelling and block modelling and has been exposed to production geology environments through cooperation with multiple AMS clients. She is an active volunteer with the Women in Mining committee in the UK.
For more information and a consultation with our geological data management specialist,
please contact Paula.
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