Near Surface Geophysics
I am Dale Rucker, a near-surface geophysicist in Tucson, AZ. My main interest lies in using geophysical techniques to solve hydrogeological and geotechnical problems, with a specific focus on electrical and electromagnetic methods. Problems I have worked on include hydraulic parameterization using ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity, plume mapping of nuclear waste, mining problems, and marine-based characterization of the Panama Canal.
Recently, a lot of my focus has been on the issues surrounding heap leach operations and the physics of flow in engineered rock piles at precious and base metal mines. A heap leach operation includes wetting a large pile of low-grade ore. As the solution percolates through the pile, the metals are dissolved and the solution is collected from a drainage system at the toe of the heap. Preferential flow paths have a tendency to develop during percolation, causing large volumes of inventory to be bypassed. By using geophysical techniques, the piles can be mapped with electrical resistivity to gain an appreciation of the remaining inventory. Secondary recovery techniques have been developed to enhance the extraction of the remaining inventory, such as the Hydro-Jex technology. Electrical resistivity has also been applied to monitor the high pressure injection associated with Hydro-Jex to ensure safe conditions at the slopes of heaps and adequate coverage of the solution.
I currently work at hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc. in Tucson, AZ as the Chief Technical Officer. I am charged with the scientific and technical direction of this very innovative company. Feel free to visit our website at www.hgiworld.com or email me here. Mailing address:
Dale Rucker, PhD
2302 N Forbes Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85715
See me on LinkedIn
Recently, a lot of my focus has been on the issues surrounding heap leach operations and the physics of flow in engineered rock piles at precious and base metal mines. A heap leach operation includes wetting a large pile of low-grade ore. As the solution percolates through the pile, the metals are dissolved and the solution is collected from a drainage system at the toe of the heap. Preferential flow paths have a tendency to develop during percolation, causing large volumes of inventory to be bypassed. By using geophysical techniques, the piles can be mapped with electrical resistivity to gain an appreciation of the remaining inventory. Secondary recovery techniques have been developed to enhance the extraction of the remaining inventory, such as the Hydro-Jex technology. Electrical resistivity has also been applied to monitor the high pressure injection associated with Hydro-Jex to ensure safe conditions at the slopes of heaps and adequate coverage of the solution.
I currently work at hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc. in Tucson, AZ as the Chief Technical Officer. I am charged with the scientific and technical direction of this very innovative company. Feel free to visit our website at www.hgiworld.com or email me here. Mailing address:
Dale Rucker, PhD
2302 N Forbes Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85715
See me on LinkedIn