New system to help expand mineral exploration

Curtin University researchers have developed a new system to help identify undiscovered mineral deposits in Western Australia using an advanced machine learning tool. 

Geochemical data collected all over the state will be analysed to reveal patterns in big data that are not possible to see with standard methods. 

“The ultimate aim of this research project is to help identify new mineral deposits in Western Australia by analysing big geochemical data using deep learning methods,” Curtin University’s Oil and Gas Innovation Centre and the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences lead researcher, Dr Vladimir Puzyrev said. 

“Deep learning methods are completely transforming the landscape of data analysis because they achieve unprecedented performance levels across various tasks, significantly reducing the manual labour and subjectivity present in more conventional methods of exploration.”  

The research project will be done in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Western Australia. 

Researchers are analysing the Geological Survey of Western Australia’s Mineral Exploration database, WAMEX, showing WA’s exploration project activities over many years. 

“There are time and cost challenges in the manual quality control of such large data, so this project is an important step towards adding value to existing digital geochemical datasets,” Geological Survey of Western Australia project lead and senior geologist, Dr Paul Duuring said. 

“An improved database opens new possibilities for Western Australia’s mineral exploration sector.” 

According to Dr Puzyrev, the project has additional potential applications including identifying the most cost-effective and innovative geochemical data analysis method for the treatment of samples. 

Curtin University has been at the forefront of many high-profile research projects in astronomy, biosciences, economics, mining and information technology. 

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