James Hollis

CEO, Novamera

Talk Abstract

Surgical Mining, a newly emerging mining method, focuses on targeting the ore and leaving the waste behind. The approach is a software-driven methodology that promises to unlock certain mineral sources faster, at lower cost, and with a dramatically smaller footprint than conventional mining methods. Key to the success of the method is a high-resolution understanding of the ore body that informs the system’s techno-economic analysis and optimizes the dynamic mine planning to maximize the economics.

One of the valuable applications of Surgical Mining is to target and extract high-grade narrow vein deposits that are too small to support the economics of conventional development such as open pit and underground mines. Core to economic viability of a project is a high-resolution understanding of the targeted ore body. To address this issue Novamera has been developing a tool-box approach to ore body definition that provides the accuracy necessary to optimize the Surgical Mining extraction plan and predict and maximize the expected economics.

As part of this approach Novamera has developed a proprietary down-hole directional Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey instrument that images cross-cutting exploration holes. The GPR data is combined with assay and geological core data, along with other exploration datasets selected according to the target’s physical properties. These inputs are fused into an integrated orebody model that feeds our techno-economic analysis and optimized mine planning. The data-fusion process uses 3D geostatistical methods and machine learning techniques to reduce ore body uncertainty and optimize extraction. The ore body model is then dynamically updated from extraction hole information further reducing orebody uncertainties and optimizing subsequent extraction.

Speaker Bio

Jim’s career has been focused on introducing and commercializing game-changing exploration technology advancements within the Energy and Mining industries including innovations in seismic imaging, wireless nodal seismic acquisition, software development and visualization, geospatial intelligence, machine learning enhanced resource exploration and sustainable energy alternatives.

Today Jim is focused on leading Novamera, the industry leader in Surgical Mining™ technology, through the upcoming phase of accelerated growth.

Jim also serves on the boards of Geothermal Technologies, Wireless Seismic and the Society of Exploration Geophysicist’s advanced modelling corporation (SEAM) Previously Jim was the Founder and CEO of NEOS, a technology company focused on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to facilitate exploration workflows and reduce uncertainties. Prior to NEOS, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of ION Geophysical Corporation where he was responsible for the growth and financial execution of all ION business units, including multi-client data acquisition, data processing, seabed and cable-less seismic imaging, and integrated seismic solutions. Prior to joining ION, Jim had multiple roles with oil and gas software company Landmark Graphics, a subsidiary of Halliburton, including software development, program management, and was the regional General Manager of Asia-Pacific. He began his career exploring for oil and gas with Mobil Exploration and holds a BS in Geophysics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MS in Geophysics from the University of Utah.