US scientist offers PNG new tech to find copper, nickel faster using fine soil particles

Papua New Guinea could significantly accelerate its search for valuable copper and nickel deposits by adopting a novel exploration method proposed by a U.S. geochemist. Aaron Goodman, an assistant professor at the Colorado School of Mines, suggests that analyzing microscopic soil grains offers a more effective approach than traditional reliance on historical data.

Goodman explained that PNG's current exploration practices mirror outdated methods used in the United States years ago. To modernize, America launched the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a comprehensive program that integrates geology, geochemistry, and geophysics to map the entire country with state-of-the-art tools. This initiative aims to make the collected data accessible to both government and industry to facilitate the discovery of new mineral deposits.

The specific technique Goodman's lab is advancing focuses on the "very small particle sizes" found in soil and stream sediment samples. He noted that "When you start looking at the smaller and smaller grain sizes, you get a better response," as these fine particles are more likely to contain signals from valuable minerals, unlike larger particles which are often common minerals like sand. This advanced geochemical analysis promises a more targeted and efficient way to identify potential resource hotspots within Papua New Guinea.

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When you start looking at the smaller and smaller grain sizes, you get a better response.