Geological exploration of gold deposits

Exploration and the search for gold deposits constitute a complex, multi-stage and capital-intensive process, requiring the application of cutting-edge scientific advances, in-depth expert knowledge in the fields of geology and metallogeny, and a whole range of specialised analytical methods.

Modern gold mining faces the challenge of having to search for increasingly complex and hard-to-reach deposits, which calls for fundamentally new approaches and technologies.

For many years, Geojet Group has specialised in providing a wide range of services in the field of gold prospecting and exploration, ensuring a significant reduction in financial and operational risks, as well as comprehensive cost optimisation at all stages of geological exploration work (GE) — from the prospecting and exploration stage through to the calculation of reserves and the preparation of project documentation for extraction.

Current challenges and issues in the field of gold exploration

The gold mining industry in Russia, Kazakhstan and around the world faces a unique set of problems and challenges linked to the specific geological characteristics of gold-bearing deposits. The main objective of modern geological exploration is to discover new gold deposits in a context where most of the easily accessible and obvious deposits have already been identified and are being mined.

Traditional methods of gold prospecting, based on surface indicators and manual exploration techniques, often prove to be insufficiently effective and economically viable. This is particularly true when dealing with complex types of mineralisation (such as disseminated or vein-disseminated types), deposits with low and ultra-low precious metal grades, as well as deep-seated and ‘blind’ ore bodies that do not outcrop at the surface, which cannot be located without the use of high-tech methods.

The main challenges facing gold exploration involve several key aspects. Firstly, there is the extremely high cost of drilling and sampling, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas. Secondly, there is the complexity of identifying and interpreting hidden and buried deposits beneath thick layers of sedimentary rock, which are sought using indirect methods. Thirdly, there is the need for geologists to apply specialised sampling techniques that prevent contamination and ensure the representativeness of the samples. Finally, there are the extremely high standards for the accuracy and reliability of reserve estimates, as required both by state commissions (GKZ, TKZ) and by international standards (CRIRSCO, JORC, NI 43-101).

Particularly challenging are the tasks of prospecting for alluvial gold in permafrost conditions in Yakutia and the Magadan Region, or searching for ore gold in the complex geological settings of the Urals and Eastern Siberia, where the ore lies within zones of thrust faults and normal faults. The specific characteristics of gold — its high mobility, uneven distribution within the ore and the ‘native gold effect’ — all of which require a highly specialised approach, taking into account the specific characteristics of gold-bearing mineralisation, the use of ultra-precise analytical methods (including atomic absorption spectrometry and mass spectrometry) and specific requirements for reserve estimation methodologies. Consequently, modern geological exploration for gold mining requires fundamentally new technological and methodological solutions that make it possible to detect what cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Geojet Group: turning gold exploration into a strategic advantage

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Innovative technologies and methods for the exploration of gold deposits

Over the past few years, ‘Geojet Group’ has developed and successfully implemented the specialised VEDART RS^® methodology, designed exclusively for the prospecting and exploration of gold deposits. This patented technology represents a comprehensive approach that combines cutting-edge methods of multispectral and hyperspectral analysis of Earth remote sensing (ERS) data, structural and geomorphological modelling, and big data processing using machine learning algorithms to identify and rank promising gold-bearing anomalies.

The key advantages of VEDART RS^® technology include several revolutionary aspects. Firstly, it enables the identification and remote delineation of promising areas with a predictive accuracy of up to 90% for the search for gold deposits, as confirmed by our company’s numerous case studies across five continents. Secondly, it reduces the initial search areas and subsequent exploration of gold deposits by a factor of 8–12 by excluding unpromising territories, which drastically reduces the costs of fieldwork and drilling. Thirdly, it involves the development of detailed geological-genetic and predictive models for various types of gold deposits (gold-quartz, gold-sulphide, gold-rare-metal), which enables the behaviour of ore bodies to be predicted at depth and the planning of geological exploration work to be optimised.

For the exploration of alluvial gold deposits, we use:

Specialised high-resolution electrical prospecting and ELECTRA HRX^® ground-penetrating radar scanning techniques, which do not require ground connections, enable the mapping of ancient palaeo-channels, thalwegs and placer-forming strata in unprecedented detail, as well as the determination of their morphology, boundaries and lithological composition. The technology enables the effective prospecting for placer gold even in areas with complex geological structures and permafrost, where traditional pan-sampling methods are of limited effectiveness. We search for gold in placers by analysing ancient river systems and traps for heavy minerals, which enables us to locate even the finest and most scattered gold grains.

A comprehensive approach to the exploration of various types of gold deposits

We offer a full range of services for gold exploration, including specialised, scientifically sound solutions for various genetic types of deposits — from bedrock (ore) to alluvial deposits. Our approach is based on a deep understanding of gold geology and many years of experience working in various regions around the world.

Gold Ore Exploration

Our gold ore prospecting services include comprehensive geological and structural surveys of target areas, the application of a modern suite of geophysical methods (magnetic surveys, electrical surveys, electrical tomography) and the specialised processing and integration of heterogeneous data to construct three-dimensional geological and concentration models. We develop projects for the exploration and assessment of gold ore deposits, taking into account both Russian regulations (GKZ, TKZ) and the strict requirements of international CRIRSCO standards (JORC, NI 43-101), which is particularly important for companies attracting foreign investment. We are not simply looking for gold ore, but for economically viable mining sites.

Placer Gold Exploration

For placer gold exploration, we employ specialised methodologies, including a detailed study of placer-forming formations, analysis of the grain size distribution and the distribution of gold particles by size and shape, modelling of ancient placer formation processes, and forecasting the productivity of target areas. Our geological projects for the exploration and assessment of placer gold take into account all the specific features of this type of deposit, including the possibility of using sluice sampling and ground-penetrating radar scanning.

Case studies and practical results of technology implementation

In the Magadan Region:

The planning of geological exploration work for alluvial gold in the Magadan Region made it possible, by precisely defining the contours of the alluvial deposits using ELECTRA HRX^® technology, to optimise the work programme, reduce the volume of drilling by 45 per cent and, as a result, bring forward the timeline for bringing the deposit into production by one field season.

Our specialists have drawn up a detailed, economically viable project for the exploration of a gold deposit, taking into account all the climatic and geomorphological characteristics of the region, which has enabled us to minimise the risks and development costs.

In Yakutia:

As part of the project to locate and assess ore gold, we applied modern methods of analysing geophysical and geochemical data, integrated with the results of structural interpretation, which enabled us to identify promising gold-antimony mineralisation at a depth of over 200 metres in Jurassic-age sediments.

Subsequent confirmatory column drilling with core sampling unequivocally confirmed the presence of commercial-grade gold (ranging from 3 to 12 g/t), which opened up a new direction for work in the region and enabled the client to begin preparations for mining.

In Eastern Siberia:

A gold exploration project has yielded outstanding results.

Across a total area of 1,200 km², using VEDART RS^® nine highly promising zones were identified remotely, three ‘blind’ (i.e. without surface manifestations) gold-bearing targets were discovered, and detailed recommendations were drawn up for further geophysical surveys targeting gold.

The forecast accuracy was 87 per cent, enabling the client to save over 60 per cent of their budget on costly fieldwork and drilling operations.

The discoveries are of great interest for future extraction and are currently undergoing appraisal work.

In the Magadan Region:

In Yakutia:

In Eastern Siberia:

A gold exploration project has yielded outstanding results.

The forecast accuracy was 87 per cent, enabling the client to save over 60 per cent of their budget on costly fieldwork and drilling operations.

The discoveries are of great interest for future extraction and are currently undergoing appraisal work.

The benefits of our approach and working methods

Our deep specialisation specifically in the geological exploration of precious metals, and gold in particular, enables us to offer unique, industry-specific solutions for gold mining companies.

Our technologies ensure high predictive accuracy for the discovery of gold deposits of various genetic types — from gold-quartz and gold-sulphide deposits to complex gold-rare-metal deposits.

We seek out and find what remains elusive using traditional methods.

We offer comprehensive services for the further exploration and reassessment of reserves at existing gold deposits, enabling us to refine the parameters of ore bodies, identify additional hidden ore zones and, in doing so, significantly increase the project’s resource base and extend its lifespan.

Our methodology incorporates modern approaches to the exploration and assessment of alluvial gold deposits, making active use of digital technologies and GIS modelling, which enables us to locate even small but economically viable alluvial deposits.

Comprehensive support for gold exploration

We develop bespoke prospecting and exploration projects for ore and alluvial gold, taking into account the specific characteristics of your assets, the geological and industrial type of deposit, and regional features. Our services cover the full cycle — from prospecting and field geological exploration to the preparation of a feasibility study and the calculation of reserves for inclusion in the state balance sheet.

We offer comprehensive scientific and technical support for gold exploration work, including:

The development of technical specifications and a project for the prospecting and exploration of gold ore deposits, taking into account all current requirements.

Carrying out specialised geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys for gold using our own state-of-the-art equipment.

We provide a full range of services for the exploration of gold deposits, utilising state-of-the-art technologies and methods that ensure high efficiency, reliable results and maximum return on investment.

A completely new approach to geological exploration from GeoJet Group

Modern gold exploration requires a highly specialised approach, in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of gold mineralisation, and the essential use of cutting-edge, often unique, technologies. Gold mining in the 21st century is a high-tech industry in which success depends on the quality of geological exploration work.

Our company offers comprehensive, scientifically sound solutions for gold exploration, based on our own unique methodology and many years of practical experience working with gold deposits of various types and complexities across a wide range of regions in the CIS and around the world.

We are ready to develop a bespoke, cost-effective proposal for your project, taking into account all the specific features and challenges associated with gold exploration in your region.

Our experts have unique experience in the field of geological exploration for precious metals and are ready to become your trusted technical partner in achieving your strategic business objectives.

Please get in touch for a consultation, and we’ll show you how modern technology can help you find what’s hidden from view.

For further information and to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration, please contact our experts.
We are ready to draw up a bespoke proposal to help you identify and evaluate resources whilst minimising risks.