Upscaling of 2D mineralogical information to 3D volumes for geoscience applications using a multi-scale, multi-modal and multi-dimensional approach

Abstract

Bridging the scales of geological observation is an on-going challenge to earth scientists, but recent advances in the development of 2D and 3D imaging and analysis technology has allowed a workflow to be developed that starts to make this possible. Using concepts borrowed from allied industries (petroleum geoscience and materials science), this study shows how a multi-scale, multi-modal and multi-dimensional approach can lead to a better understanding of rock’s mineralogy and texture, especially ore-bearing drill cores, which in turn can be useful for elucidating the meso- and macro-features of ore bodies, leading ultimately to improved mineral exploration success.