There is a significant
amount of historical mining and exploration information available. This
information is often distributed throughout a number of reports or plans,
available from a variety of sources, and in many differing formats. The ability
to capture paper-based historical information in a modem digital format provides
mining and exploration companies with valuable information that can be used in a
number of ways; for example, reassessments of exploration or mining work
previously undertaken, or used in conjunction with current exploration
information.

The
purpose of this paper is threefold. Firstly, to present the paper-based
historical information; highlighting some of the problems encountered, solutions
to those problems, and any assumptions used. Secondly, to present the historical
data in digital format, and demonstrate the tools available to analyse
geological and associated information, and finally, to illustrate some of the
potential future applications of the information, including mining optimisation,
mine design and scheduling.

The
Glenorchy scheelite/gold prospect has been used as an example. Within the
overall prospect two smaller areas were selected. The Mount McIntosh and surrounding areas, focuses on
exploration and surface excavation information. The Mount Judah area (State and Kelly-Taylor
workings) focuses on underground mining and exploration information.