Cosmic-ray muon tomography: from rays to rocks to results

Ideon Technologies, Richmond, Canada

Overview
Muon tomography is a passive method for mapping the subsurface down to below 1km depth using naturally occurring cosmic radiation. It is emerging as one of the only net new geophysical methods in mining for decades, with applications from exploration to mine closure. In certain configurations, it can provide spatial resolution of density structures to below 1m, and can operate freely in noisy, active mining environments.

Discovery and delineation of new deposits where there is density-grade correlation, structural geological mapping, resource (tonnage) estimation, void detection and 3D imaging, and tailings and fluid monitoring, are all among the recently demonstrated and valuable use cases for this technology.

The output delivered is not only of high-resolution, but the associated model uncertainty can also be quantified using statistical inference techniques, giving exploration and mining companies greater confidence to move earlier, faster, and with less downstream risk.

This course will start at an introductory level and move through to detailed analysis of methods and specific use cases.

What are the learning outcomes?
Develop a comprehensive understanding of muon tomography methods and their applications in mineral exploration, geological mapping, and geotechnical mapping. Gain foundational knowledge of the physics behind muon tomography and its capabilities, comparing and contrasting with other geophysics methods. Learn the different methods of processing, modelling, and inversion in muon data analysis, as well as in multi-physics inversions. Understand the process involved in executing muon tomography imaging programs from surface or in-mine, including system specifications and other key considerations. Review and discuss case studies across multiple applications (including exploration, resource geology, geological mapping, and geotechnical mapping) to understand the value achievable using muon tomography – and gain exposure to emerging use cases.

Who should attend?
This course is suitable for geologists and geophysicists at all levels wanting to increase their knowledge on the applications of muon tomography data and approaches for interpretation. It is expected that attendees will have working familiarity with 1st and 2nd year university math (basic linear algebra, calculus), and strong working knowledge of core geological concepts in exploration and mining.