Third Planet Exploration Services (3PXS) recently visited Finnish Lapland. The trip started in Rovaniemi, where we delivered an ioGAS workflow course with Imdex, entitled “ioGAS Workflows from Data to Information; The Midnight Sun Edition”. Following this we headed east to Posio and worked with the Finland based Latitude 66 team on their projects in the Kuusamo Schist Belt.
The ioGAS course covered all stages of geochemical Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), using best practice methodologies, with ioGAS software tools. This was a great opportunity to illustrate the value that can be extracted from good quality geochemical data. We also outlined practical, easy to follow workflows to assess any limitations in a data set. Some fundamental principles of element mobility were covered, including ways to deal with natural constraints often inherent in geochemical analyses.
Participants were provided with data from two quite different drill projects: one from a VMS deposit in Canada; the other from a sediment hosted deposit in Australia. There was ample time for everyone to work through these data sets using ioGAS on their own laptops. Practical sessions were guided through individual support from the three instructors.
During the course Imdex gave a preview of the new ioGAS version release (v8.2) and detailed workflows on the machine learning tools the software provides. This furthered the participants’ understanding of how to effectively implement machine learning techniques on various geochemical datasets.
The applicability of methods and tools used over the two days to projects that attendees were working on facilitated detailed discussions on general principles and how to apply workflows to existing project work.
After the workshop we travelled approx. 130Km to the Kuusamo Schist Belt to field validate our interpretations of diamond drillhole geochemistry data from Latitude 66 projects. Sample data had been collected from almost 20 holes drilled in two of the company’s Paleoproterozoic age orogenic Au-(Co) targets.
We visited the site to align lithogeochemical interpretations with geological observations by getting hands on with the drill core. Combining these approaches has provided strong validation for geochemical classification of protolith in the highly deformed and metamorphosed setting. Effects of metasomatism were also quantified and discussed with project geologists. Integrating such concepts with local knowledge of the geology team allowed a deeper dive into the mineralogy and genesis of the mineralisation.
Contributing to an increasing geological understanding of the controls on mineralisation, this geochemical modelling will contribute to targeting in upcoming drilling which the company has recently announced.
If you’d like any more information on training, including custom in-house courses, or assistance with enhancing the impact of your geochemical data, please don’t hesitate to contact us through https://3pxs.co.uk.
