Supporting smarter mining decisions
Mining projects are inherently high-stakes ventures — where the quality of subsurface information can mean the difference between success and setback.
GBG Australia is helping mining clients tackle these risks head-on with a powerful combination of advanced technology, deep domain expertise and practical field experience.
Since its inception in 2002, the company has completed more than 3,000 projects across Australia, establishing itself as a leading provider of near-surface geophysics.
Supporting mining at every stage
GBG delivers tailored geophysical investigations that support the full mining lifecycle. From tailings storage facility (TSF) lifecycle investigations and geohazard risk management to material stiffness profiling and 3D subsurface modelling, GBG delivers tailored geophysical solutions that reduce risk and support smarter mining decisions.
Its capabilities include:
- Seismic Refraction, Surface Wave Testing (MASW) and Passive Seismics techniques including HVSR for bedrock profiling, overburden thickness, material rippability, stiffness assessments and dynamic modulus calculations.
- Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Electromagnetics (EM) for leak detection, hydrogeological studies and environmental hazard investigations.
- Downhole, Cross-hole and Surface to Borehole Seismics to assess ground stiffness for foundation or embankment design.
- Downhole wireline tools for borehole imaging for structure and defects, Natural Gamma, Resistivity and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for shallow overburden, paleo-channels, legacy workings and non-destructive structural investigations.
- Ground and Drone Magnetometry for detailed exploration, fault / dyke and sill mapping, location of ferrous waste in stockpiles and environmental investigations.
- Micro-gravity for legacy workings, void spaces including consultancy for scoping, processing and interpretation.
GBG’s field teams operate across Australia’s mining regions, mobilising rapidly with state-based equipment and local expertise.
Tailings storage facilities — a critical risk area
The safe containment of mine waste, referred to as tailings, is crucial for mine site safety and compliance, upholding the rigorous ESG standards of the Australian resources sector.
Within industry, the consultant and the client always strive to achieve best practise. Operating within tailings facilities, this is executed by adhering to the latest and most-improved processes, learning from past events, being open with community, tailoring the dam to appropriate conditions and attaining the best-possible dataset to design a strong and economical tailings dam.
One standout example of GBG’s relevance to the mining industry is its TSF capability. The company’s tailings first approach addresses site characterisation, leakage detection, deformation and flow path mapping.
GBG leads by example and conforms with early and ongoing consultations, information sharing and dialogue with stakeholders that are required during the design, operation and closure phases. By aligning closely with industry best practise, GBG provides a framework to the client that falls in line with applicable audits and ongoing document control.
At one large TSF project, GBG integrated MASW and ERT data with downhole measurements into a 3D conceptual model of the subsurface. This model helped project engineers better visualise pathways of potential subsurface movement and guided the investigation into deformation causes — providing vital clarity under tight timeframes.
Enhancing project certainty
GBG’s work improves confidence in ground conditions, reduces reliance on point-source data like boreholes and enhances decision-making for planners and engineers.
GBG Australia director Simon Williams says geophysical data bridges the gap between what you can see and what you may suspect.
“It allows clients to de-risk earlier and often reduces the number of expensive drillholes and mitigates surprises during construction,” he said.
Why GBG Group?
- Experience you can trust: more than 23 years in the field and trusted by top-tier clients
- Adaptability across environments: from remote arid inland sites to complex terrain
- Technical depth: supported by a team of in-house geophysicists, geologists and engineers
- GBG geophysicists collect the data on site, allowing for real-time decision making and problem solving to produce better outcomes. This also enables continuity from a client perspective — ensuring a value-driven result across the project lifecycle.
- Full-service offering: from scope planning and survey execution to 3D deliverables and reporting
- Tailored, not cookie-cutter: every project is scoped to balance outcome, risk and budget
As demand for critical minerals grows and operational risks increase, GBG continues to position geophysics as a cornerstone of responsible and efficient resource development.
“Our role is not just to gather data — it’s to enable better decisions,” says Mr Williams.
