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Integration of artificial intelligence into geological and geophysical data processing in solid minerals exploration

EDN: WAUKUO

Abstract

The article provides a systematic review of modern approaches to the use of artificial intelligence methods for processing and interpreting geological and geophysical data in the prospecting and exploration of solid mineral deposits. The key areas of artificial intelligence integration into geological exploration processes are considered: automation of seismic, magnetic, gravimetric and electromagnetic data analysis, recognition of structural and anomalous objects based on machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks, integration of heterogeneous sources of geoinformation using multimodal architectures. The article explores approaches to ore content forecasting, constructing of three-dimensional geological models, and assessing of probabilistic scenarios for ore body location taking into account geological uncertainty. Particular attention is paid to the issues of interpretability of artificial intelligence models, the effect of the quality and completeness of the input data on the reliability of the results obtained, as well as institutional, technical and personnel limitations that hinder the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence in geological exploration practice. The article discusses the development prospects of hybrid intelligent systems that combine expert knowledge and algorithmic methods, as well as the possibility to create digital twins of deposits as a basis for the digital transformation of the mineral resource complex. The article is based on the analysis of relevant publications by Russian and foreign authors and can serve as a methodological guideline for conducting scientific research, creating applied software solutions and increasing the efficiency of digital geology in the context of increasing complexity and cost of geological exploration.

About the Authors

A. K. Krichinsky
Institute of the Earth’s Crust of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Egitinsky Mining and Processing Plant LLC
Russian Federation

Aleksey K. Krichinsky, Postgraduate Student; Geologist

Irkutsk


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



A. V. Pospeev
Institute of the Earth’s Crust of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Alexander V. Pospeev, Dr. Sci. (Geol. & Mineral.), Professor, Leading Researcher at the Arctic Laboratory

Irkutsk


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



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Krichinsky A.K., Pospeev A.V. Integration of artificial intelligence into geological and geophysical data processing in solid minerals exploration. Earth sciences and subsoil use. (In Russ.) EDN: WAUKUO

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