Quantitative Optimisation of Drilling for Brownfields Mineral Exploration

This research presents a novel optimisation framework for brownfields exploration drilling. The proposed optimisation methodology has been developed applying geostatistical methods and modern portfolio theory. The use of conditional simulations ensures that geological uncertainty is taken into accou...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Maturana, Francisco Jose
Format: Thesis
Published: Curtin University 2022
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/88905
Description
Summary:This research presents a novel optimisation framework for brownfields exploration drilling. The proposed optimisation methodology has been developed applying geostatistical methods and modern portfolio theory. The use of conditional simulations ensures that geological uncertainty is taken into account, and the application of Markowitz portfolio theory makes drilling funds allocation optimal. The proposed method closes the gap in current research by incorporating the inherent geological uncertainty of an exploration target and mineral economics.