{"title":"Legacy data – hidden opportunity","authors":"K. Reeves","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073241","url":null,"abstract":"Summary As oil prices have rebounded, operators look for new exploration opportunities. A new paradigm, however, is the increased focus on investor return rather than relentless expansion at all costs. This value-focused exploration looks for cost effective approaches and methods to leverage prior expenditures. Exploration driven by legacy data is one cost effective approach that is rising. Examination of resource discoveries are presented","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74749518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lithology characterisation of the roof and floor of the Moranbah measures coal seam using post-stack and pre-stack seismic inversion","authors":"M. Pavlova","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12072990","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072990","url":null,"abstract":"Summary 3D seismic technology has become a popular exploration and development tool among coal mining companies in Australia in the last ten years. Traditionally the main use of these seismic data is to inform the mine of the structural features such as faults, rolls and dykes. There have been very few attempts to use quantitative seismic interpretation to help understand geological risks ahead of longwall mining. The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of roof and floor characterisation using post-stack and prestack seismic inversion. First step in the study was to understand the relationship between elastic and rock properties using log data. Thus, when looking at the relationship between lithology/gamma ray response and compressional impedance I observed that massive, blocky sandstones have high velocity and density and hence high compressional impedance, while siltstones, claystones and fine-grained sands have low density, velocity and low compressional impedance. Lithology discriminators lambda-rho and mu-rho crossplots also showed good separation of blocky clean, sands and soft fine-grained sands. As a second step I ran pre-stack and post-stack inversions using a small subset of the boreholes. Thirdly, upon reviewing products of the inversions against all log data, I found the pre-stack results to be more superior than the post-stack. The current work highlighted a few areas of blocky sandstone roof and weak floor. This information could be used to inform the future mine operations and design.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84307089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Waele, A. Aitken, M. V. Mourik, Khalifa Oul Laab Laab, Mohamed Elhacen Ould Med Yeslem, Thiam Mohamedou
{"title":"From a Mining Mindset to Regional Discovery: A Case Study for Hematite Iron Ore Exploration in Mauritania","authors":"B. Waele, A. Aitken, M. V. Mourik, Khalifa Oul Laab Laab, Mohamed Elhacen Ould Med Yeslem, Thiam Mohamedou","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073145","url":null,"abstract":"Summary There has been extensive mining for hematite mineralisation in Mauritania since the 1950s, focused on the Kediat Ijil and Mhaoudat regions in northern Mauritania. These discoveries were largely made during the colonial period, with only limited additional discoveries in more recent years. In an effort to allow the discovery of additional hematite mineralisation in the district, the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) has obtained regional airborne VTEM and magnetic data and has tested a variety of ground-based geophysical methods on and near existing mineralisation. A re-interpretation of these datasets alongside structural mapping on the ground has allowed the development of a series of conceptual models for targeting high-grade hematite mineralisation, and the development of suitable exploration strategies to locate the next generation of prospective hematite iron ore mines to develop into the future.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81931978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A geological pressure model for the Browse Basin and the southern Vulcan Sub-Basin, NWS Australia","authors":"J. Heller, Toh Shi-Yuan, A. Edwards","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12072925","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072925","url":null,"abstract":"Summary The results presented in this paper draws on a regional pressure analysis of the offshore areas of the Browse Basin and the southern Vulcan Sub-Basin. The presented study focuses on Late Permian to Recent stratigraphy and a new stratigraphic scheme consisting of 11 main sequences has been developed as part of the study. Vp-Rho cross plot analysis conducted for wells in the study area, indicates that undercompaction (disequilibrium compaction) is the main overpressure generating mechanism present. Although no clear deviation from a normal compaction/disequilibrium compaction trend is evident in the analysed wells, densities can be very high at depth with densities up to 2.65 g/cm3 and above. This indicates that some cementation and possible clay mineral transformations have taken place in the deeper (and older) shales posing a challenge to conventional porosity/effective stress related pore pressure prediction. For the purpose of this study, a model describing (shale) overpressures due to “primary” and “secondary” disequilibrium has been developed. The developed geological pressure model shows an overall good match with shale pressure predictions and/or forms the upper bound of the observed shale pressure/drilling data for the majority of the analysed wells across the study area. The model is particularly useful when planning to drill in areas with few offset wells for calibration and may also form a supplement to pore pressure predictions from seismic velocities away from well control and thereby significantly reduces the risk of encountering unexpected high pressures.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80333017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Co-operative inversion of geoelectrical data sets acquired from different electrode arrays","authors":"D. T. Kieu, T. Truong","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073100","url":null,"abstract":"Summary Direct current resistivity (DCR) method is one of the most commonly applied geophysical exploration methods. The development of data acquisition techniques enables the acquisition of multiple data sets of various electrode arrays with a little extra measurement time in comparison with the time that needs to install the system. Accordingly, the data processor is required to utilise as much as possible useful information to build a more reliable geoelectrical model. This study aims to test using the co-operative inversion process to the multiple data sets of various electrode configurations. We use a synthetic model with the most common electrode arrays: Wenner-Schlumberger (WS), Dipole-Dipole (DD), Pole-Dipole (PD) and Pole-Pole to investigate the possibility of the co-operative inversion schemes. The results show that the co-operative inversion of the combined data sets is better than the inversion of the individual ones. The order of inversion for each data set can produce different results. Fuzzy c-means constraint may assist the inversion to produce better results.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82626139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quaternary buried valley characterization on the Canadian Prairies using a shear land-streamer","authors":"David G. Schieck, R. Hearst","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12072977","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072977","url":null,"abstract":"Summary A 72 channel 3-component land-streamer in conjunction with an IVI Envirovibe modified with a transverse shearpack has been constructed and tested over a known >70 m Quaternary buried valley system SE of Calgary, Alberta. Recent near surface seismic reflection developments using a land-streamer have been commercialized in the Western Canadian Prairies repurposing former exploration seismic equipment. Shear-shear reflection, P-wave reflection and multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) data are acquired concurrently using this cost-effective system. Processed data depicts detailed characteristics relative to cross-sections based on sparse water wells drilled to depth in this area. Real-time GPS to sub-meter accuracy, 24-bit distributed recording, advanced vibrator electronics and feedback using 3C analogue geophones all operated by a single observer while operating the Vibroseis machine is a novel approach for shallow seismic applications. This equipment and methodology demonstrate a cost-effective approach to soil investigations for near surface shear velocities, soil characterization, and detailed lithology of quaternary valleys within the Canadian Prairies to in-fill drill locations and airborne geophysical methods.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81161486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thermal Refraction: Impactions for Subglacial Heat Flux","authors":"S. Willcocks, D. Hasterok","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12072986","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12072986","url":null,"abstract":"Summary Numerical models of glaciers suggest variations in geothermal heat flux influences basal melting. In this study, we demonstrate the effect of thermal refraction on heat flux variations at the glacial-basement interface using a finite difference approximation of the 2D, steady-state, heat flow equation. Thermal refraction occurs as a result of variations in subglacial topography where the thermal conductivity of glacial ice and the solid Earth differ, or in the absence of subglacial topography where contacts between differing conductivity rocks exist. Both models are incompatible with prior topographic-based models of subglacial heat flux. Heat flux can preferentially flow into or around a subglacial valley depending on the thermal conductivity contrast with surrounding rock, with magnitudes at the glacial-basement interface ±20 to 40% of regional geothermal heat flux.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82880776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Pearce, A. L. Croix, F. Brink, V. Honari, S. González, A. Harfoush, J. Underschultz
{"title":"CO2-water-rock predictions from aquifer and oil field drill core data: The Precipice Sandstone-Evergreen Formation CO2 storage reservoir-seal pair","authors":"J. Pearce, A. L. Croix, F. Brink, V. Honari, S. González, A. Harfoush, J. Underschultz","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073162","url":null,"abstract":"Summary The Surat Basin is one of the most prospective onshore basins in Australia for CO2 storage. The Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation have been appraised for their feasibility as a future CO2 storage reservoir-seal pair. Here we will focus on predicted CO2-water-rock reactions. These predictions rely on mineral and porosity data from drill core. Data were obtained from northern and two southern regions of the Basin. The northern region was more data rich. The southern region is more well core and data sparse with the exception of the Moonie oil Field. Additional drill core samples were collected from archived well core of Moonie and other parts of the basin. The core samples were characterised for porosity, mineral, and metal content to build geochemical models to predict local CO2-water-rock reactions and their potential effect on reservoir scaling, changes to porosity and mineral trapping of CO2. For the northern region, our work has predicted low reactivity of the Precipice Sandstone, with mineral trapping in the Evergreen Formation. The Precipice Sandstone sampled in the Moonie field has different mineralogical characteristics to wells in the Northern region. Here, CO2-water-rock predictions indicate minor alteration of plagioclase and K-feldspar to kaolinite, chalcedony and ankerite in cleaner Moonie sandstones, with additionally precipitation of smectite in clay rich sands. Formation water pH was buffered between 5 and 6 by dissolution of calcite or siderite cements. Sampled core has also shown evidence of previous natural CO2 and hydrothermal fluid alteration, fractured quartz grains, and fracture fills with mineral trapping as carbonates. This type of natural analogue data is vital to validate long term predictions. New drill core and data are still required in future for the southern and central Surat Basin region which is most prospective for CO2 injection and storage.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89527065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Golfre' Andreasi, S. Re, F. Ceci, L. Masnaghetti
{"title":"Inversion of magnetotellurics data with enhanced structural fidelity","authors":"F. Golfre' Andreasi, S. Re, F. Ceci, L. Masnaghetti","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073124","url":null,"abstract":"Summary The magnetotelluric method has been successfully used as a complementary tool in the exploration of foothill plays but its intrinsic non-uniqueness and its reduced structural fidelity, with respect to a seismic section, make its interpretation more complex. Since the solution of a non-unique inverse problem is heavily dependent on its starting point, a traditional method to tackle the non-uniqueness relies on the careful definition of the starting model, used as a tool for injecting the available a-priori information into the inverse problem. We present an alternative approach to the exploitation of the a-priori knowledge that, instead of embedding it into the starting model, relies on the continuous assimilation of the structural/geological information into the resistivity volume. The method we propose for the inversion of the MT soundings tries to maximize, simultaneously, the data-fit and the structural fidelity. We discuss the advantages deriving from the application of this technique by mean of a synthetic example representative of a foothills play.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89635897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Collaborating on pre-competitive geophysical projects in the Northern Territory, Australia","authors":"T. Dhu, A. McCoy, I. Scrimgeour","doi":"10.1080/22020586.2019.12073134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/22020586.2019.12073134","url":null,"abstract":"Summary This paper reviews three different collaborative approaches that have been applied to acquire precompetitive geophysical data in the Northern Territory. The collaborative structures involve the resource exploration industry, Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS) and Geoscience Australia (GA), classified as Industry-led, NTGS-led and GA-led dependent on which group takes the lead role in survey design and project management. Each collaborative structure has different benefits, trading off between project targeting, impact and scale. All three collaborative approaches have successfully contributed to increasing the coverage, resolution, quality and variety of pre-competitive geophysical data within the NT and will continue to be refined and applied into the future.","PeriodicalId":8502,"journal":{"name":"ASEG Extended Abstracts","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88081872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}