Structural Geology
Specialist services offered in the collection of structural geology data, structural database design, setup and maintenance, structural data analysis and interpretation, and training of personnel in structural data collection and interpretation.
3-Dimensional Geological Modelling
If a client’s geological mapping, structural database and drill-hole database is adequate, complex 3D modeling is offered using Leapfrog 3D-modeling software. Propriety software is also used for reef and ore-shoot projections to depth, or from depth to surface. Structural-data vector-interpolation services, in 3D, are also offered to create orientation-data grids for predictive on-strike and sub-surface modeling. Drill hole surveys in 3D can be designed to accurately target digital ore-deposit models in subsurface, with instant adjustment to models as drill-hole results are fed-back into the database and model.
Geospatial Data Services
A wide range of geologically-focused, digital-mapping services are available, including digital capture of paper-maps, field including mine data, and/or extraction of key geological, structural and topographical data from space-borne or aerial imagery. All data is assembled and maintained in powerful, geological relational-databases linked to digital maps.
Remote-Sensing Services
Satellite and airborne multi-spectral and hyper-spectral data-acquisition, processing and analysis services, geared towards geological mapping and mineral-deposit anomaly detection. A wide range of imaging systems can be used, depending on client project requirements and budget. Consulting advice on appropriate imaging system and remote sensing products are available to tailor remote-sensing results to the client’s needs.
Mineral-Deposit Targeting Services
A unique service is offered that combines geological-digital-intelligence, including detailed structural-geology mapping using both manual and automated structural-element extraction from space-borne systems, with multi- or hyperspectral image signals of alteration anomalies, to detect high-potential target areas for mineralization. Such focused targeting enables more rapid and cost-effective follow-up exploration on areas that are most likely to be prospective. Models used are based on established geo-tectonic mineral-deposit-formation hypotheses and employ digital “artificial intelligence”, or AI methods that are parametized according to commodity type. The AI system “mines” geological data over an area, identifying localities that match known geological settings contributing to the formation of ore-deposits. The system then searches for remotely-sensed, spectral signals in these identified, geologically-favourable areas for indications of alteration (spectral) typically associated with mineral-deposit formation. Results are ranked, target-prospectivity maps that are based on best-available geological data and well-tested geological models, not merely on image spectra.
Publications & Reports
Harris, R.W., 1987. Primary versus secondary structural features of allochthonous terranes -implications for terrain analysis in the Namaqua Province. In : Hartnady, C.J.H. (ed.) Proceedings and Abstracts of the Alex L. du Toit Golden Jubilee Conference on Tectonostratigraphic Terrain Analysis.
Harris, R.W., 1988. Examination of dextral transpression as a model for the development of thrusts and late folds in eastern Namaqualand. S. Afr. J. Geol., 91, 329 – 336.
Harris, R.W., 1990. Shear strain analysis along the south-eastern segment of the Pofadder Lineament. Abstracts, 23rd Earth Science Congress, Geol. Soc. SA, 214 – 217.
Jackson, C. and Harris, R.W. 1990. Kinematic analysis of mylonites and mylonite gneisses from the Neusspruit Lineament, northeastern Namaqua Tectonic Province. Proceedings the 23rd Earth Science Congress of the Geological Society of South Africa, Cape Town, p269.
Jackson, C. and Harris, R.W. 1997. Microstructural evidence for extensional reactivation of the Hartbees River Thrust Belt, northeastern Namaqua Tectonic Province. T-Dogs XIIIth Anniversary Conference, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS ON MAJOR PROJECTS
Harris, R.W., 1997. An analysis of the structural geology of the Loulo, Yalea and Yalea-Ridge gold deposits, Mali. Confidential report, Randgold Resources. Discovered previously undetected and unmapped Thrust Structures, resulting in the present success of the Loulo Mine, the largest gold mine in Mali.
Harris, R. W., 2005. ASTER imagery applied to the detection of hydrothemal alteration associated with gold deposits in the Lupa Gold Fields, southwestern Tanzania. Confidential report, Mineral Corporation.
Harris, R. W., 2005. ASTER imagery applied to mineral-anomaly detection in the Arota North area, Eritrea. Confidential report, Northern Mining.
Harris, R. W., 2005. ASTER imagery applied to mineral-anomaly detection in the Arota South area, Eritrea. Confidential report, Northern Mining.
Harris, R. W., 2005. ASTER imagery applied to mineral-anomaly detection and structural geology of the Haycote area, Eritrea. Confidential report, Northern Mining.
Harris, R. W., 2006. A test of the use of Hyperion space-borne hyperspectral imagery for detection of hydrothermal anomalies in the area around the Morilla Mine, Mali. Confidential report, Randgold Resources.
Harris, R.W., 2007 Report on the stratigraphy and structure of the Serinati tenement lease area, Northwestern Mali. Confidential report, Central African Gold.