Transforming Mining Decision Velocity Through In-Situ Multi-Physics Analysis
Polimatica SpA, Chile
FA
by Fernando Avila
The $2B+ Exploration Decision Latency Challenge
2-8
weeks → minutes of actionable insight
Lab assays: multi-week turnaround;
LithoScan: near-real-time
$2B+
Market Problem
Cost of exploration decision latency
40-60%
Capital Waste
Drilling funds suboptimally allocated
Transforming Data-to-Decision Velocity
Patented Sensor Array
Integrated mechanical and chemical sensing near-bit technology for real-time analysis
Immediate Analysis
No waiting for lab results
360° Borehole Data
Ruggedized for extreme down-hole environments
Centimeter-scale resolution (10X standard)
Dynamic Adjustments
Same-shift operational decisions
LithoScan's Strategic Technology Platform
Patented Sensor System
Radial deployment system (US 11786111B2, JP 6634548B2)
Multi-Physics Framework
Optical spectroscopy combined with other modalities: electrical, acoustic
Edge Computing
Real-time geological classification
Industry Integration
Seamless data flow to modeling platforms
Unique Value Proposition & BHP Challenge Alignment
Beyond Conventional
Direct mineralogical data
Real-time vs. weeks of delay
Spatial heterogeneity capture
BHP Challenge Alignment
60-75% faster time-to-insight (weeks → minutes)
10X higher resolution
Unified data streams
Technology Readiness & Market Protection
TRL 5-6
Technology demonstration phase
CRL 1 (hypothetical commercial proposition by Polimatica SpA)
Validated Performance
aiming towards >92% geomechanical and chemical accuracy
IP Portfolio
US/Japan patents until 2039
Strategic Development Pathway
Completed (TRL 5-6)
Concept, patents, demonstrator validation
Granted: US 11786111B2 & JP 6634548B2 (2039); EU pending; IP owned by Imperial College London; co-inventor Diego Mesa in disclosure for mining-specific extensions.
Adaptation Phase (12-18 months)
Ruggedized versions, $750K capital needed
Field Trial Phase (Year 2-3)
Partner site validation, iterative refinement
Commercialization (Year 3-4)
Production scaling, market expansion
Value Creation Model
Temporal Efficiency
60-75% reduction in decision cycles
Capital Effectiveness
15-25% reduction in drilling requirements
Resource Definition
10X data density enhances model confidence
Operational Integration
Digital twin environment ready
Team & Innovation Foundation
Fernando Avila
Founder & Technical Lead
Inventor of core patented technology
Polimatica
Diego Mesa
Co-Founder & Co-Lead
Fellow, Department of Engineering,
Imperial College London
Strategic Partnership
Imperial College London, UK
Technical research collaboration
Industry Partner
Drillco Tools S.A., Chile
Drilling/tooling expertise
Collaboration Structure & Requirements
Partnership
Commercialization pathway development
Technical integration in collaboration with Drillco & UTFSM, Chile