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Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 1 of 24
1. PURPOSE
The geologist should be able to recognize a number of basic distinguishing lithological
parameters in drill coring. The purpose of coring log is to identify and describe lithologies and
assign some basic qualitative include color, grain size, weathering state, strength, etc. Besides,
this purpose of this procedure is to provide work instructions for taking coal and also geotechnical
& environmental core sampling.
2. SCOPE
The scope of work of Well Site Geologist includes:
2.1. Supervise all of Drilling Operation in the Field
2.2. Ensure all of Drilling Operation follow the Drilling Program and follow the procedure/work
instruction
2.3. Ensure that the Drill Pad locations surveyed using calibrated GPS follow the Drilling
Program, must be free from obvious hazard and have an adequate space for all of Drilling
Instruments and Drilling Activity.
2.4. Describe, record and reconcile all Geological Data and Drilling Activity.
2.5. Ensure the Geophysical Logging, Coal Sampling, Geotechnical Sampling and Survey can
running well follow the procedure.
2.6. Update Geological Model regularly based on the updated Drilling Hole.
2.7. Report and communicate the Drilling Results to Project Management Consultant and
Project Management.
2.8. Ensure all of Drilling Activity are undertaken follow the safety procedure and record all of
the safety procedures (JSA, SWP, etc).
3. OBJECTIVE
This document is content of information and action which have to do when undertake Logging for
Coring and General Sampling for Coal and also Core Samples for Geotechnical & Environmental
Laboratory Testing. Core is an extremely useful resource for exploration and mine planning
purposes. Large amounts of data can be collected from core that can not be obtained through
any other source.
4. RESPONSIBILITY PERSON
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.
4.9.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 2 of 24
6. REFERENCES
6.1.
6.2.
7. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.
7.4.
7.5.
7.6.
7.7.
7.8.
7.9.
7.10.
7.11.
7.12.
7.13.
Core tables and ladders to cater for full core length (use rig specific tables if available and
more ideal)
Chalk Boards or Whiteboards
Chalk or whiteboard markers
Heavy Duty Permanent Markers
Tape Measure
Hammer
Bolster
Large Sample Bags
Small Sample Bags
Zip Ties
Water Bucket and sponge or equivalent
Brush and shovel
Logging tools (including sheets, dictionaries and/ or Tough Book)
8. DEFINITION
8.1. Shall & Should
The word shall is to be understood as mandatory and the word should as non-mandatory,
advisory or recommended.
9. ACTION
9.1. Site Setup and Preparation
The following outlines the ideal site setup for coal quality sampling. Note that it is 4 core
specific.
9.1.1. STEP 1
Assemble your core table considering the safety of the drill rig crew and yourself, and client
requirements. This includes in particular ensuring that;
a. The core can be transferred to your table ergonomically and in the most complete form
possible, and the ground around the tables is free of trip or other hazards. The distance
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 3 of 24
from the rig to the table will be determined in part by the drill pad design, however ca.
15m is generally far enough to minimize noise and dust issues.
b. That the core table ladders are stable and the table tops tied or pinned together.
c. That you are not placed in a hazardous position with respect to the drill rig and the core
delivery table; and
d. That you can view and are in view of all drill rig crew, in particular the table.
The diagram below shows some possible drill rig and core table setup. Note that both driller
and geologist are in view of each other at all times. Note also that there is no reason why
the geologist cannot stand on the other side of the core table. Where you stand with espect
to the core table is your choice governed by safety considerations.
9.1.2. STEP 2
Setup your working area so that all your equipment is positioned to your working
requirements and general housekeeping considerations. Some Geologists like to set up
their logging equipment so that it is accessible from the back of your work Ute, others like
to attach it to the core table or place it out of the way, underneath the core table.
Whatever way you do it, you will always find field logging more efficient and less frustrating
if you have a system that you follow at all times. Ensure that your vehicle is parked away
from the drillers work area and not in line with the drillers core table or pump-out stands.
9.1.3. STEP 3
Prepare sample bags by;
a. Inserting one bag in another so that they are doubled
b. Writing the Project code, Hole Number and Sample Number if known on both sample
bags
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 4 of 24
If you are able to predict the size and number of samples, you can also prepare the bags
with sample tags and numbers (Section 9.6). By preparing sample bags before the core is
on the table, you will minimize the time you will need to spend on preparative tasks when
the pressure to complete geological work is high.
9.1.4. STEP 4 Other preparation
Prior to the driller starting the hole, predictions should be given to the driller for the
expected casing depths and type of casing, probable total depth of hole, problematic
lithologies such as gravels, sands and igneous intrusions, depth of the coal seams, whether
any of the seams are coked, the depths at which coring is to start and any known structure
or potential groundwater issues. Any pilot hole geophysics should be on hand for
verification of predictions or the identification of problematic lithologies. The quality of
workmanship and co-operation by the driller usually increases with the amount of
information given.
In general, try and have everything prepared before the core is pumped out chips logged,
photo board prepared, split(s) and water bucket ready, camera handy, Tough Book turned
on (if applicable) or all paperwork ready, etc. As each seam is cored, check predictions
against actual depths and adjust the predictions given to the driller on a seam by seam
basis.
9.2.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 5 of 24
immediate roof of a coal seam may be a specific lithology; make sure you know what the
expected lithologies are. If you have a low degree of confidence in the seam predictions,
core more roof (in consultation with the project geologist).
Establish how much roof to the coal seam is required, and make sure your start depth
reflects this. The prediction of a start core depth requires technical skill, understanding of
the geology and good communication with your driller. Make sure your driller knows exactly
the length of the open hole drill string down hole. If you are open holing above a seam,
make sure you are at the back step of the drill rig when within 12m of a start core depth
or more if you have little confidence in your predictions, or if there appears to be fault
displacement in the hole.
9.3. Core Reconciliation
9.3.1. General
Once core is on the table, the first task that is required to be undertaken is Core
Reconciliation, where the basis underpinning all accurate coring programs is a full
appreciation of core depth and recovery issues. In particular, understanding and being able
to measure and calculate total string lengths, core start depths and stickup.
This section covers methods and common issues surrounding Core Reconciliation.
Note that it is the driller and offsiders responsibility to deliver the core to the core table
intact.
9.3.2. Measuring Total String Length
In order to calculate Core Start Depths, the length of the string (Total String Length) needs
to be established. This is the length of everything down the hole from the top mark on the
Kelly or head rod to the end of the drilling barrel/ bit or equivalent.
The example below is a diagram of Total String Length (A), including (1) the length of the
core barrel, (2) any subs or stabilizers above the barrel or in the drill string, and the (3)
length of the rods used. Total String Length is inclusive of all rods still above the ground.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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d. STEP 4
Roll the core into your logging splits. Ensure to ask for help from the Driller and drillers
offsiders. Once the core is on the table, it is your responsibility to get it logged and
sampled correctly.
e. STEP 5
If there is excessive contamination on the core, such as drillers muds or clays, gently
flush the core. Avoid damaging or losing coal during this process. The most popular
method to do this is by gently squeezing a sponge full of clean water over the
contaminated area so that you can see what is underneath and log this accurately. For
coal, this is the brightness of bands; for sand or siltstone, bedding, laminations and
other sedimentary structures. With low rank coals, minimize water use on the core if
possible.
9.3.5. Recording your Core Reconciliation on a Core Recoveries Sheet; a Practical
Example
The example below shows Core Reconciliation on the Resolve Core Recoveries Sheet. It
also shows some issues that will be encountered when working on a hole with consecutive
runs.
This section should be filled in on every hole. By recording start depths, you also ensure
that you have established string lengths and stickups. It is always good practice to measure
up the core barrel and any subs prior to them being run down the hole.
Measured lengths do not always agree with the drillers assumption of length. Being vigilant
lets the driller know that you know what is going on, and can make hole validation and
reconciliation a whole lot easier.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 8 of 24
In this example, Runs 1 to 3 show a simple story of a failure to pick up the entire cored
section until the last run. This is a situation that you will often encounter. Note that in
Run 1:
Depth of Core = Drilling From + Run Rec (run recovered, or recovered length)
Whereas in Runs 2 and 3;
Depth of Core = Depth of Core Previous Run + Run Rec
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 9 of 24
This example also shows that the Drilling From and Drilling To is always the start core
depth plus the Run Cored, whether recovered or not. i.e. The recovered length does not
get used at any stage in the Drilling From or Drilling To columns. This also applies to
expanded sections (See Run 5). The depth of core cannot be deeper than the Drilling To
depth unless the driller has miscalculated the stickup length. This should not have
occurred, as you have checked his calculations already.
For all drilling on Day 3, is will be necessary to confirm any assigning of loss or
reconciliation with the down-hole geophysics. As additional information, the initial 10cm of
loss was assigned on the basis of a spin mark at the base of the second run, and full
recovery of run 11 was identified through the presence of a Bottom Break in Run 10.
As mentioned in Section 9.6.3, the identification of run or spin marks, catcher marks or
bottom breaks can be used as markers in the case of repeated core losses, or where
continuous core is being recovered.
Bottom breaks were found at the base of the run, indicating that the core run was pulled off
the absolute bottom of the hole.
9.3.6. Some Common Issues Encountered when Calculating Core Start Depth
a. Measuring Stickup and Measurement Changes
Confirm that the driller is accurately measuring stickup with a tape measure. Most
drillers measure stickup from the top of the core table, having already measured the
height from ground level to this point. If the driller has to raise or lower the rig jacks, the
amount of stickup will change.
Ensure that the driller re-measures stickup if the rig has moved, or when the rig jacks
have sunk.
b. Core Barrel Issues
Often drillers will try to core a constant amount. However, when the core wedges off in
the barrel (blocks the barrel); it is rare that it actually does this on a convenient mark.
Therefore be suspicious of core runs that are a constant length, or that always manage
to end on a convenient 10cm increment.
Be aware that barrels come in a variety of lengths (i.e. 1.5m, 3m, 4.5m, 6m etc),
however realistically hold a little more than this; i.e. a 4.5m barrel can typically fit up to
4.64m of core.
Some drillers will try to get as much core as possible into a barrel to minimize the
number of core runs in the total length of a hole. However, core regularly expands, and
there may be core down the hole from the last run. This can result in an overfull barrel
which can cause excessive or helical fracturing in the core. This makes the core very
difficult to get out of the barrel, as these fractures expand the diameter of the core and
push the core splits against the insides of the barrel.
For this reason, encourage the driller to only core the recommended amount that the
barrel will hold and communicate the recovery from each run. The driller can then make
allowance in the next core run for any potential lost core from previous runs.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 10 of 24
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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d. Geologist and Driller Core Depth Reconciliation; when they just will not reconcile
This occurs most commonly on fully cored holes or holes with a considerable sequence
of core consecutive runs and is the result of accumulated losses or gains, without being
able to reconcile them whilst logging.
If this occurs, ask the driller to deliberately leave a run mark in the base of an
accurately measured run by simply spinning the core bit for a few minutes without
advancing the barrel. This mark will act as a known depth. Once the core is on the
table, adjust the previous depths to suit the known marker, and assign loss if required.
Occasionally, you may measure a run where you are confident that the recovery is
accurate however you measure more than the driller indicates has been cored. This is
not an issue. Your driller has probably measured/added/subtracted inaccurately. The
core depths will reconcile it in the next short run. Encourage the driller to use a
calculator.
This cuts down on the parallax error in the photos, making it easier to correlate changes in
factors such as lithology, sample boundaries, stone band thicknesses, etc. between core
photos, lithology logs, defect logs and sample sheets.
9.4.3. STEP 3
The photo board should be marked up using the manner shown in the diagram below. Note
there are 2 consecutive examples. The first shows a 4.00 m core run with 5cm of loss. The
second consecutive 4.00 m core runs with 5 cm gain. Note how the loss and gain is
accounted for.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 12 of 24
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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9.6.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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Mechanical state can be logged in a number of different manners. BMA use codes from S1
to S4 as shown in the table below. This is a regional BMA specific definition. When working
on different sites, you will be required to work to different definitions. Ensure to discuss this
with Well Site Geologist.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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There are many other details that may be entered such as bedding detail, sedimentary
structure, tectonic structure, fossil and mineral assemblages, but are often not present and
therefore not mandatory. The basic principle is that if there is detail present, then log it (log
what you see). If there doesnt appear to be a field to describe what you see, describe the
detail in the comments section.
Another general principle is to log in fine enough detail or segments to give the Project
Geologist and data validator sufficient detail required for validation, correlation and
modeling purposes; if you log too finely, the detail is not lost and segments can be
amalgamated. If you log too coarsely, the detail is lost forever.
Sampling schemes (which can include how to break up the coal samples, ply boundaries,
what size stone bands are to be sampled separately, how much roof and floor is required),
are parameters set by the Project Geologist. It is therefore very important to get these
details at the start of the program.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 17 of 24
Once the core has been logged in full, including lithology and defect details, it is time to
split up your samples and put these in sample bags. Normally, you need to pull the core
apart slightly during the logging of defects, to examine defect surfaces and any infill
mineralogy. This normally displaces the core relative to the tape and photo board, after
logging. Therefore, great care must be taken to ensure that sample boundaries are
adequately marked on the core itself, as sampling errors generally mean the hole has to be
drilled again (at the expense of Resolve !!!).
Some people like to insert sample tags at the base of each sample so that they dont get
samples mixed up. Whatever way you do it, ensure that it is fail-safe, and ensure that you
are methodical.
9.6.2. If you are uncertain of the boundaries of a specified ply or sample, then separate the
sample into multiple samples based on the questionable boundaries. Multiple samples can
always be rejoined (i.e. be a splitter!).
9.6.3. Sample from the top of the main seam
Where small coal bands (<20cm) exist above or below a seam, they should only be
included in the main seam if the stone band is thinner than the coal band. If the coal band
is smaller than the stone band, sample it separately with the stone band.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 18 of 24
9.6.4. If you are uncertain about the roof and floor contacts, sample an extra section above
the doubtful sample.
9.6.5. Sample stone bands in a coal seam =10cm separately.
9.6.6. Try to recognize substantial zones of significant coal quality difference (i.e.
brightness, penny bands, pyrite/siderite presence, and repeated sections) and sample
separately.
9.6.7. In faulted core, if you believe significant offset has occurred, sample either side of the fault
plane separately. Try to recognize repeated sections.
2
9.6.8. Sample coked/ heat affected zones separately
9.6.9. If available, sample a minimum of 15 cm roof and floor above and below the target coal
seam.
9.6.10.For carbonaceous roofs, or roofs with occasional coal lamellae, take care to ensure that
this material is included in your roof sample. In mining operations, carbonaceous material
at the expected top of seam depth can be mistaken for top of coal.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 19 of 24
9.7.3. STEP 3
Prepare sample tags in sealed plastic bags. Where more than one sample bag is used for a
single sample, ensure that each prepared sample bag has a representative sample tag (up
to 3 printed tags available for each sample number) and that bags are labeled Bag 1 of x,
Bag 2 of x, etc., x being the total number of bags per sample number. The images below
shows preparing a BMA Coal Sample tag in a snap-seal bag.
9.7.4. STEP 4
Insert the corresponding sample tag between the two sample bags, so that the sample tag
faces out (the number is visible from the outside).
9.8.
9.8.1. STEP 1
Remove tape measure from in front of the core.
9.8.2. STEP 2
Push samples into bags from splits one sample at a time. Be careful not to lose sample
start and ends. It makes the job easier of you move the split so that it overhangs the core
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 20 of 24
table. Remember, a loss of >5% means a redrill, so ensure to put all of the sample,
including bits that have fallen out of the splits and onto the core table, into each sample
bag.
FOR 4 CORE, DO NOT PUT ANY COAL SAMPLES LONGER THAN 1.5 METRES IN A
SINGLE SAMPLE BAG! For any samples longer that 1.5 meters, use 2 or more sample
bags.
9.8.3. STEP 3
To secure each sample bag, twist the inner sample bag and tuck it between the sample
and outer bag. Then twist the outer bag tightly and secure this as close as possible to the
sample with a zip-tie.
9.8.4. STEP 4
Place the sample carefully in the back of your work utility to transport to dispatch point.
9.9.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 21 of 24
9.10.3. For coal quality samples, it is important to break the sample as few times as
possible
Ideally, the sample makes it to the lab in a single piece. This is not always possible due
to sample versus bag size and the manner in which we sample and dispatch.
9.10.4. Split all large or heavy samples between bags.
As mentioned previously, for 4 core, do not place more than a 1.6m length of coal in a
single bag. Some also find it useful to only use small bags so that you do not risk filling
bags to an hazardous weight Be aware of what you can personally carry as an individual
and use correct lifting techniques.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
Revision : initial
Date: 11/02/2007 Page 22 of 24
As a handler, make sure that the risk of injury to hands and fingers is controlled and
ensure that the hazards from the use of improper lifting is suitably controlled by with the
use of appropriate lifting tools or, if judged acceptable, by using the correct lifting
techniques.
The above BMA Coal Sample Report Sheet does not specify what tests are to be done on
the samples. This will be done by the project or supervising geologist unless otherwise
specified.
9.13. The Resolve Garage Dispatch System
For samples that are taken in the Moranbah region from BMA Sites that require general
dispatch from the Peak Downs Warehouse, there is a system in place whereby all samples
are accounted for dispatched in bulk. This system was put in place to;
9.13.1. Minimize sample exposure at the Peak Downs warehouse; samples are not dispatched
from the warehouse until 4 drums are full and sealed. They therefore remain in the
weather until this happens.
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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Date: 11/02/2007 Page 23 of 24
Work Instruction
Coring & General Sampling
Procedure
Procedure # : WI-MP-03
Number : 1
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By following this procedure, you will ensure that your samples are dispatched
together with all of the correct information included.
Samples will only be dispatched once there are sufficient samples to fill 4 complete
drums (1 pallet load). If you require your sample report book during this time, please
ensure to communicate this to the field technician responsible for garage dispatch.
10. JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for the jobs that have risk or new jobs must be created under
supervision of Supervisor and socialized to all workers.
11.
11.1. The work will progress until completion and it is anticipated that the work will take 3 months
for completion.
11.2. All consumables utilized in the completion of work will be recorded. All down-time that may
occur must also be recorded. This data will be detailed in the drilling companys Daily
Drilling Sheet that must be signed by the Well Site Geologist after determining that it is
correct. Should there be any conflict with recorded down-time or consumable usage this
must be noted and reported by the Well Site Geologist.