EIT Raw Materials is supported by EIT,a body of the European Union

Upscaling mineral exploration through field augmented reality:The FARMIN project

Tobias C. Kampmann

Luleå University of Technology

Image source: DMT

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The Visual3D network:• A NoI for visualisation of 3D/4D geological models. • Bringing together partners with 3D-4D-visualisation infrastructure and 3D-4D-modelling experience. • Collaboration interlinking Virtual/Mixed Reality hardware, geological modelling software and expert

knowledge in model visualisation and output. • Simplifying communication of geological models within and between the mining industry, geological

surveys and the academic community.• Improving evaluation and analysis of Earth science data and simulations by providing access to

Virtual/Mixed Reality environments for visualisation and analysis of geomodels.

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Visual3D partners:

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Impact

• Platform for fruitful communication between leading European experts in geomodelling and VR/MR in geosciences

• Networking with potential collaborators

• Identified challenges in the field have led to severalproposals for e.g. upscaling projects:

- MireBooks- Farmin

Outreach:

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Examples of available 3D/4D and VR infrastructure

Proceedings: ltu.diva-portal.org

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Field Augmented Reality for Mineral Exploration and Mining (FARMIN)

Team work Visualization Better Understanding

• Geology First

Geology is the essential component in mining business

“A "digital twin" is a digital model of the physical environment constructed using geological, engineering and asset information such as ore body models, engineering drawings, parts catalogues and service manuals. Data from sensors and location aware mobile devices can then continuously improve the 'digital twin', as an accurate reflection of the physical environment.” (Source: Deloitte)

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Field Augmented Reality for Mineral Exploration and Mining (FARMIN)

The need this project adresses:

• Link to and visualization of data and models while conducting field work

• Inaccuracies resulting from the temporal and spatial gap between data acquisition (field), and data processing and modelling (office)

• Efficient interpretation and communication of models require intuitive and immersive visualization

Team work Visualization Better Understanding

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Our proposed solution:• Augmented reality (AR) solution that visualizes 3D geological data and allows exploration and mining

professionals to modify models in the office and in the field.

• FARMIN will improve exploration success rates, reduce costs and lead times, and improve stakeholder communication.

• AR is a high growth industry and will drive new innovation in the exploration sector, which is in need of high data precision and efficiency.

Image source: RWTH Aachen University Image source: DMT

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Consortium:

• Various stakeholders in mining and exploration:- Mining and exploration companies- Mining consultants- Augmented reality developers- Academia- Business developers

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Project setup:

Project type: Upscaling projectFunding: EIT Raw Materials and co-funding by partnersProject coordinator: Luleå University of TechnologyContact person: Tobias C. Kampmann (tobias.kampmann@ltu.se)

Duration: January 2020 until December 2022

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Technical feasibility:

• Indoors and field applications are available for various subjects (e.g. gaming, engineering)

Images source: Doly Games

Image source: Microsoft

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Technical feasibility:

• Indoors and field applications are available for various subjects (e.g. gaming, engineering)

Image source: Robotic Eyes

Image source: ColonialWebb

Image source: Holotech solutions

Image source: Microsoft

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Technical feasibility of FARMIN:• Gem-Py: Open-source geomodelling platform

with multi-user model construction capabilities in VR

RexOS: AR operating system, incl. positioning system (synergy with Holomine project)

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FARMIN architecture:

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Development potential:

• Large application potential for the solution even in geotechnical and mining engineering, education, as well as outreach to stakeholders, decision makers and wider society

Image source: DMT Image source: DMT

Image source: Trimble & Randgold Resources

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Thanks for your attention