Having worked with GMEX on multiple projects, I have seen first-hand the practical applications and benefits of combining geomechanics with structural geology to highlight prospective near mine exploration targets. When coupled with traditional methods, geomechanical modelling provides geologists with an innovative and alternative approach to near mine exploration. This technique should be utilised by all geologists when exploring near mine or regional environments.

GMEX is at the cutting edge of linking advanced structural interpretation with exploration targeting. I was recently involved in a project in which we used GMEX’s 2D regional scale modelling to predict the location of dilation, fluid flow and mineralisation with a remarkable success rate. Every modelled target we ground proofed demonstrated brecciation, veining and mineralisation at surface, using nothing but a simple structural interp from magnetics. If you are exploring for structurally hosted mineralisation I strongly recommend using GMEX both for regional scale targeting and near mine targeting.

Geomechanics and fluid pressure are significant contributors to localising mineralisation in an epithermal district, making modelling the combination of these an obvious decision. Blind modelling by GMEX was able to successfully locate known deposits, while integration with other data sets is proving invaluable in focusing exploration efforts in a target-rich area. I recommend the unrivaled knowledge and experience of GMEX to anyone wanting to apply geomechanical modelling.

GMEX uses geomechanical modelling to improve near-mine and district- to regional exploration targeting. If you have a set of target criteria that use geophysically-interpreted faults, the common problem arises as to where along that particular fault was most likely to fail and focus mineralising fluids. The modelling of ‘active’ deformation scenarios in both 2D and in 3D produces simulations of rock failure and dilation which address this. In the absence or scarcity of drilling, this is an excellent way to try to narrow down the focus of an exploration program for structurally-controlled mineralization.  I have worked with GMEX on several projects, both R&D and consulting, and their work has been instrumental in focusing drill programs and follow-up work, as well assisting in some genuine discoveries.

GMEX is a breath of fresh air in the mining and exploration world, providing innovative and highly skilled, structural and geomechanical techniques to mineral discovery. GMEX provided the geologists at Sunrise Dam with an alternative approach to in- and near-mine exploration, which resulted in the discovery of the validation of key and strategic geological models, in addition into aiding with the discovery of the 4Moz Vogue ore body at the Sunrise Dam Au mine in Western Australia. GMEX is a highly-professional and capable group and provides tangential thinking to mineral exploration that resulted in new discoveries. I highly-recommend their innovative and complimentary approach to both mine and exploration geologists to greatly enhance the potential of drilling targets both at Indicated and Inferred stages of the Mineral Resource process.

June 2014 ASX Media Release Saracen Minerals.........Dr John McLellan from GMEX Pty Ltd was contracted to carry out a stress modelling study on the Red October deposit. A data set of structural observations from core and field mapping was compiled and used to create a three dimensional mesh of the deposit. A series of regional scale stress fields of varying deformational stages and strengths were applied to the mesh to predict the behaviour of the Red October deposit and highlight areas of increased stress and strain and thus likely mineralisation. Two targets were drilled in the recent RC campaign with results supporting John’s findings.