What's Happening?
Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has launched Imago image analysis, a new AI-powered capability integrated into its cloud-based solution, Imago. This innovation aims to dramatically accelerate geological core logging by enabling geologists to analyze
drill core imagery in minutes, a process that traditionally took days or weeks. The system uses purpose-built machine-learning models to automate core image preparation and analysis, converting both new and historical drill core tray images into quantitative geological data. For instance, Imago image analysis processed 600 meters of core imagery in two minutes, generating structured, depth-referenced drilling data for downstream interpretation. Tim Schurr, Seequent’s Product Line Manager, Drilling Data, emphasized that embedding AI directly into existing geological workflows not only accelerates tasks but also improves the consistency and confidence of geological data, which is crucial for exploration decisions.
Why It's Important?
This advancement holds significant importance for the U.S. mining and exploration industries. By automating and standardizing core logging, Imago image analysis can lead to substantial time and cost savings in drilling programs, making exploration more efficient and economically viable. The generation of consistent, high-confidence quantitative geological data reduces human subjectivity and error, leading to more accurate geological models and better-informed decision-making. This improved data quality can enhance the success rates of exploration projects, optimize resource extraction, and reduce environmental impact by minimizing unnecessary drilling. For companies ranging from junior explorers to major mining corporations, this technology offers a competitive edge by streamlining a critical, labor-intensive process and maximizing the value derived from their substantial investments in core sampling.
What's Next?
The immediate next step for Seequent will likely involve the widespread adoption and integration of Imago image analysis within the geological and mining sectors. Geologists will be able to review the AI-generated outputs against the original core imagery, adjust analyses, and validate results before incorporating them into their modeling and interpretation. This iterative process ensures data accuracy and builds confidence in the AI's capabilities. The validated interval data can then seamlessly flow into other integrated geology software, such as Leapfrog for 3D geological modeling and MX Deposit for drill hole and sample data management, further enhancing the overall exploration workflow. Seequent will likely continue to refine its machine-learning models and expand the capabilities of Imago image analysis to address additional geological challenges and data types.
Beyond the Headlines
The introduction of AI into geological core logging represents a broader trend of digital transformation within traditional industries. This technology not only optimizes existing processes but also fundamentally changes how geological data is perceived and utilized. The ability to transform vast libraries of historical core photos into actionable quantitative data unlocks immense value from previously underutilized assets. This shift has implications for data governance and intellectual property, as customer imagery and geological data remain securely managed within the Imago environment, with customers retaining control. Furthermore, the ethical considerations of AI in decision-making, particularly in high-stakes industries like mining, will become increasingly relevant. Ensuring transparency, interpretability, and accountability in AI-driven geological analysis will be crucial for maintaining trust and promoting responsible resource management.
