How Imerys transforms data scarcity into a robust model through simulations. Imerys A world leader in industrial mineral specialties, Imerys extracts and transforms a wide range of minerals - kaolin, talc, bentonite, diatomite, perlite, feldspar, calcium carbonate, and graphite - from mining sites around the world. This mastery, from extraction to transformation, enables Imerys to deliver tailor-made technical solutions across a wide array of industries. The challenge. Sparse data in a strategic zone. In the underground Rodoretto talc mine in northern Italy, the Imerys geology team faced a major challenge: accurately estimating resources in a new exploration area, the Northern Extension, which is a natural continuation of the currently mined Northern zone but sparsely sampled. Although the extension shared a similar geological setting with the adjacent well-documented zone, only three drill holes were spaced at 25-meter intervals, whereas a reliable model would require one every 10 meters. This low data density made it difficult to precisely estimate the volume and quality of the talc. To address the insufficient number of samples, it was important to consider alternative methods to kriging for accurately estimating talc resources. The solution. Exploring alternatives to traditional kriging. Imerys had previously worked with Geovariances through geostatistics training courses, where simulation methods such as Multiple-point Statistics (MPS) had been introduced. The team was particularly interested in MPS for its potential to use the knowledge from the Northern zone as a training image. The idea of launching a geostatistical simulation project using Geovariances' tools soon emerged, along with personalized support to refine the methodology. Tool + expertise: unlocking the data value. 1| The team naturally chose Isatis.neo, a powerful and intuitive geostatistical software fully compatible with other geology and mine planning tools used by Imerys. Isatis.neo facilitated the integration of multiple data sources: drill holes, 3D envelope of the talc vein, and mapped faces of production galleries. 2| The project began with MPS simulations, using the Northern zone as a training image to estimate talc percentage per block. However, despite multiple attempts, the results appeared too smoothed, with a loss of statistical representativeness. 3| The objective was then adjusted: instead of estimating a percentage, the team shifted to assigning a lithology per block (talc, carbonate, mica schist). This time, the plurigaussian simulations (PGS) proved to be more suitable. Isatis.neo supported the statistical analysis, spatial visualization, Gaussian transformation, and execution of the simulations. A key success factor was the personalized support from Geovariances experts, who helped resolve tool configuration issues and optimize the parameters. 3D model of talc percentage * Improved deposit understanding The PGS method generated extraction-level maps that now support production team decisions. * Skills development Geovariances' support significantly enhanced the team's expertise in advanced simulation methods. * Flexibility and agility The ability to test different approaches in an intuitive environment allowed for agile adaptation based on results. * Progressive validation The first level of the Northern Extension has been opened, and comparing simulated results with actual extraction data will enable progressive model reconciliation. A strategy that opens new avenues. Through the advanced simulations of Isatis.neo and expert support from Geovariances, Imerys successfully overcame data scarcity to reliably model talc resources in Rodoretto's Northern Extension. This project strengthens an agile and structured geostatistical approach to support the future of the mine. Imerys customer story

Minerals giant teams up with college in Cornwall to give insight into land restoration. Imerys has teamed up with the Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project. (Picture: Imerys) MINERALS giant Imerys has teamed up with the Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project, near St Austell, to offer students a greater insight into how it undertakes land restoration in the Clay Country. The company and the centre have announced a programme of working together to strengthen their links. Imerys undertakes land restoration on spent china clay works in Mid-Cornwall on a large scale. This year, 100,000 trees were planted at Dubbers - an area of restored land near Nanpean and Whitemoor. Due to extensive restoration projects, Imerys can provide ecology students with access to land which demonstrates nature recovery in real time. Peter Sawford, environmental manager at Imerys, said: "We are in such a great position to work in this way with Cornwall College and its students - the relationship will really benefit everyone involved. "We can provide access to land as it is being restored, which is fascinating to study. The faculty and students can provide us with invaluable data and expert insight into how the projects are progressing. We're all delighted to get this partnership off the ground!" Zeinab Smillie, from the centre, said: "Working with Imerys provides MSc students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become future leaders and change-makers at a critical time. "The programme combines in-depth training in environmental management and ecological restoration, with extensive hands-on experience in both fieldwork and laboratory settings, in close collaboration with Eden Project colleagues." The two organisations working together creates a raft of opportunities including: student site visits to survey, map and report on restored land; volunteering and work experience for students at Imerys, and the chance for Imerys employees to volunteer at the Eden Project; Imerys guest talks at Eden and input into dissertation topics; and student access to drone survey the mining land.

Dr. Lyons retired from IMERYS as director of science and technology and established Paper Lyons LLC a paper and packaging technology consultancy, in 2017.