Rock Petrophysics Laboratory
The Potential Fields team provide petrophysical datasets, interpretation, and robust geophysical modelling. We work closely with other teams to integrate same scale minerology and geochemistry data and better explain different styles of ore formation.
About the lab
Mineral deposits, including Banded Iron Formation (BIF), Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG), Broken Hill Type (BHT), Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS), and Magmatic Nickel PGE deposits are geologically and geophysically complex. Their magnetic properties in particular are multifaceted, with remanent magnetisation, magnetic anisotropy and self-demagnetisation effects all causing difficulties for accurate modelling of the subsurface geometry of exploration targets. Laboratory measurements of petrophysical properties are currently the only way to retrieve insights into magnetic fabric and remanence, and provide important constraints to improve geophysical models.
Quantitative mineral system characterisation, integrated-by-design.
Laboratory equipment
- Sample preparation facilities including: Stationery rock drill, saw and mill.
- Density: Mettler Toledo MS204TS Scale
- Magnetic Susceptibility: AGICO MFK1-A Kappabridge magnetometer
- Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS): 3-D rotator for the MFK1-A
- Remanence: AGICO – JR-6 spinner magnetometer
- AF Demagnetisation Studies: AGICO LDA-5 – Alternating Field Demagnetizer (AFD)
- Thermal Demagnetisation Studies: Magnetic Measurements – MMTD80A
- Curie Temperature (Magnetic Susceptibility vs temperature): AGICO CS4
- Radiometrics: Radiation Solutions RS-332 Desktop Gamma-Ray Spectrometer System