The spatial database management system of China geological survey extent is a social service system. Its aim is to help the government and the whole social public to expediently use the spatial database, such as query...The spatial database management system of China geological survey extent is a social service system. Its aim is to help the government and the whole social public to expediently use the spatial database, such as querying, indexing, mapping and product outputting. The management system has been developed based on MAPGIS6.x SDK and Visual C++, considering the spatial database contents and structure and the requirements of users. This paper introduces the software structure, the data flow chart and some key techniques of software development.展开更多
During the whole 20th century in China, especially the latest 50 years, we have gotten much geological information about geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral exploration, remote sensing, environmental...During the whole 20th century in China, especially the latest 50 years, we have gotten much geological information about geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral exploration, remote sensing, environmental geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology and oceanic geology etc. by our geologists and explorers. All the information has been accumulated and can be used as a decision-making foundation for the future plan of geological survey. The spatial database of geological survey extents has been established by using computer technology. The database contained all kinds of exploration sections and collected about 160 000 records in this database. This paper introduces the data construction, contents and applying system of this database, and trys to let people know what kinds of geological survey were finished, when the exploration were carried out, and how and where you can get this information.展开更多
Subsurface geological cross sections of 0 - 200 m depth were constructed using a dense drilling database of the Osaka Plain in the intra-arc Osaka Basin of the Japan island arc, an active plate margin. The cross secti...Subsurface geological cross sections of 0 - 200 m depth were constructed using a dense drilling database of the Osaka Plain in the intra-arc Osaka Basin of the Japan island arc, an active plate margin. The cross sections revealed the subsurface geological structures and the geometry of folding and faulting in the basin. The comparison between the constructed subsurface cross sections and the seismic sections of the basement and basin fills at a depth of 1500 - 2000 m showed that the basement and shallow subsurface structures are similar;however, the shallow cross sections were of higher resolution than the deep seismic profiles.展开更多
1 Introduction Geological outcrops or sections are the basis of geological research.However,the traditional methods for presenting them are mainly photos which fall short of delivering a true visual sense (Deng et al....1 Introduction Geological outcrops or sections are the basis of geological research.However,the traditional methods for presenting them are mainly photos which fall short of delivering a true visual sense (Deng et al.,2009;Hou et al.,2014).With the continuous development of image acquisition technology using single-lens reflex camera (SLR camera),image synthesis,large file storage and acquisition,panoramic visualization and network technology.展开更多
Urban geological information platforms have traditionally focused on static data provision for public service,constrained by funding and limited engagement with engineering applications.This study takes Hangzhou-a maj...Urban geological information platforms have traditionally focused on static data provision for public service,constrained by funding and limited engagement with engineering applications.This study takes Hangzhou-a major Chinese megacity-as a model to propose a technically integrated platform that aligns with urban infrastructure development,particularly underground space engineering.Through the adoption of the large-scale relational database system Oracle,we first established a comprehensive storage framework for fundamental urban geological and underground infrastructure information,thereby completed the construction of the core databases.To ensure spatial consistency across multi-source data and to meet the platform’s high computational demands while improving overall server responsiveness,we introduced three critical innovations:voxel-based model encoding,distributed computing,and frontend-backend separation with asynchronous processing.To align with urban engineering projects and enhance economic returns,the platform was initially developed through the integration of foundational geological data,including borehole records and aboveground-underground spatial information.Based on this foundation,its practical application in Hangzhou’s Qiantang New Town further demonstrated the platform’s potential in supporting subway routing,underground structure planning,and engineering cost analysis.Consequently,the construction of the Hangzhou geological information platform not only offers robust support for urban decision-making and smart city development but also provides a replicable model for addressing the technical and institutional challenges commonly encountered in the development of urban geological platforms.展开更多
Taking hundreds of pieces of hazardous geological maps （1 ： 10 000） of Three Gorges res-ervoir area （3GR） as background, we establish regional three-dimensional （3D） geo-hazard modelusing DEM （digital elevatio...Taking hundreds of pieces of hazardous geological maps （1 ： 10 000） of Three Gorges res-ervoir area （3GR） as background, we establish regional three-dimensional （3D） geo-hazard modelusing DEM （digital elevation model） superposed surface images and geo-hazards elements. Based on landslides and other geo-hazard survey data,using improved B-REP（boundary representa-tion）entity data structure （two-body 3D data structure）, we set up 3D solid models for each hazardous bodies in each hazardous geological maps. Then we integrate the two types of 3D models with different scales from area to point, which are the regional geo-hazard 3D model and the solid models of each disaster body, in order to provide a visual processing and analysis plat-form for danger partition, stability evaluation, disaster prevention and control, early warning and command.展开更多
Based on the CCD images,IIM data and DEM data of China＇s lunar exploration project （Chang＇E-Ⅰ） and related processed and analytic results,an integrated study of regional geology of Sinus Iridum and its adjacent a...Based on the CCD images,IIM data and DEM data of China＇s lunar exploration project （Chang＇E-Ⅰ） and related processed and analytic results,an integrated study of regional geology of Sinus Iridum and its adjacent area was conducted,and a series of relevant researches and analyses were carried out,including analysis of impact craters and their extrusive and accumulative materials,division of stratigraphic and tectonic units and classification of rock types,integrated analysis of chronology and lunar evolution history.In consideration of crater＇s shape features,quantity and preserving status of filling materials,the lunar impact craters can be divided into 7 types and 11 subtypes,and the accumulative materials of craters are divided into 6 types and 9 accumulative groups.According to the content and distribution of TiO2 and image characteristics,the basalts are divided into high-TiO2,medium-TiO2 and low-TiO2 basalts.Discussion was made on division of tectonic units and evolution features in the study area.The geological map of the Sinus Iridum Quadrangle （LQ-4） at a scale of 1∶2.5 M was preliminarily compiled with the ArcGIS system,and the spatial database of the map was established.Related technical specification,procedure and method for lunar geological mapping have been worked out,so as to lay a foundation for the forthcoming geological mapping of the global Moon in China by using the data of Chang＇E-Ⅱ and also for comprehensive study and geological mapping of other celestial bodies in the future.展开更多
Geoanalytical data provide fundamental information according to which the Earth's resources can be known and exploited to support human life and development.Large amounts of manpower and material and financial res...Geoanalytical data provide fundamental information according to which the Earth's resources can be known and exploited to support human life and development.Large amounts of manpower and material and financial resources have been invested to acquire a wealth of geoanalytical data over the past 40 years.However,these data are usually managed by individual researchers and are preserved in an ad hoc manner without metadata that provide the necessary context for interpretation and data integration requirements.In this scenario,fewer data,except for published data,can be reutilized by geological researchers.Many geoanalytical databases have been constructed to collect existing data and to facilitate their use.These databases are useful tools for preserving,managing,and sharing data for geological research,and provide various data repositories to support geological studies.Since these databases are dispersed and diverse,it is difficult for researchers to make full use of them.This contribution provides an introduction on available geoanalytical databases.The database content can be made accessible to researchers,the ways in which this can be done,and the functionalities that can be used are illustrated in detail.Moreover,constraints that have limited the reutilization of geoanalytical data and creation of more advanced geoanalytical databases are discussed.展开更多
Structural characteristic of surface soil ground has great effect on the ground motion amplitude when earthquake happens. Recent studies in Japan on seismic zonings use a database that covers entire Japan with 1 km me...Structural characteristic of surface soil ground has great effect on the ground motion amplitude when earthquake happens. Recent studies in Japan on seismic zonings use a database that covers entire Japan with 1 km mesh size, which is useful for prefecture scale researches. However, it is hard, even with 500 m or 250 m mesh sizes to consider a city, a county or award as scale studies. Kanagawa Prefecture is highly urbanized and vulnerable to seismic disaster. The prefecture suffered a wide spread damage during the 1923 Kanto earthquake. In this paper, we deploy a very fine mesh 50 × 50 m mesh to develop a general seismic intensity map useful for micro scale disaster management for local governments and educational information for earthquake preparedness promotion. In this paper, first we prepared two detailed databases for 50 × 50 m mesh size over entire Kanagawa Prefecture. One was for geologic formations and the other the geomorphologic condition. Then these databases were used for preparation of high-resolution digital soil classification maps for 15 categories of micro landforms of prefecture. The later database was used for mapping the site amplification factors for 50 × 50 m mesh by applying the empirical relations for AVS30. We could create a GIS platform with sufficient accuracy to consider potential risk analysis.展开更多
The main aim of this work is to describe in detail how to develop an instrument, with the goal of collecting and managing a great deal of both geological and geophysical data acquired using different survey typologies...The main aim of this work is to describe in detail how to develop an instrument, with the goal of collecting and managing a great deal of both geological and geophysical data acquired using different survey typologies in Eastern Sicily (Italy). The opportunity to manage different categories of data, at the same time, allows us to have a complete view of the complex area studied. This paper discusses a software package that has been designed to enhance the efficiency of applying a range of geological and geophysical data. More than 12000 records are archived: boreholes represent 81% of the data and 19% is geophysical data. In this paper it is illustrated how both kinds of data, thanks to the functionalities of the database and the possibility of connecting to a Geographical Information System (GIS), can be used in a variety of different geological studies. We present four studies where is relevant the use of the database, in detail, we show a morpho-structural study, an examination of the spectral analysis of the noise data, an update of the geological and geotechnical maps, and a classification of the areas on the basis of the distribution of the shear wave velocity in the firsts 30 meters (Vs30). They are just some examples of the potentialities of a relational database.展开更多
Using copyright rules clear government of geological information property rights is the main path to realization of geological information socially sharing. For China＇s current laws have an institute basic principle ...Using copyright rules clear government of geological information property rights is the main path to realization of geological information socially sharing. For China＇s current laws have an institute basic principle of geological information protected by copyright law, we need to detailed thinking the copyright subject, write content, licensing and other aspects, combine the geological information sharing mechanism.展开更多
The identification and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of underground coal mining operations.To anticipate and mitigate adverse geologic conditions,a formal method...The identification and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of underground coal mining operations.To anticipate and mitigate adverse geologic conditions,a formal method to evaluate geotechnical factors must be established.Each mine is unique and has its own separate approach for defining what an adverse geological condition consists of.The collection of geologic data is a first critical step to creating a geological database to map these hazards efficiently and effectively.Many considerations must be taken into account,such as lithology of immediate roof and floor strata,seam height,gas and oil wells,faults,depressions in the mine floor(water)and increases in floor elevation(gas),overburden,streams and horizontal stress directions,amongst many other factors.Once geologic data is collected,it can be refined and integrated into a database that can be used to develop maps showing the trend,orientation,and extent of the adverse geological conditions.This information,delivered in a timely manner,allows mining personnel to be proactive in mine planning and support implementations,ultimately reducing the impacts of these features.This paper covers geologic exploratory methods,data organization,and the value of collecting and interpreting geologic information in coal mines to enhance safety and production.The implementation of the methods described above has been proven effective in predicting and mitigating adverse geologic conditions in underground coal mining.Consistent re-evaluation of data collection methods,geologic interpretations,mapping procedures,and communication techniques ensures continuous improvement in the accuracy of predictions and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions.Providing a concise record of the work previously done to track geologic conditions at a mine will allow for the smoothest transition during employee turnover and transitions.With refinements and standardization of data collection methods,such as those described in this paper,along with improvement in technology,the evaluation of adverse geologic conditions will evolve and continue to improve the safety and productivity of underground coal mining.展开更多
In this paper, the framework and technologic process of engineering geology demonstration information system （EGDIS） of the Bohai oilfield are presented, and the key technologies for system modeling, such as storage...In this paper, the framework and technologic process of engineering geology demonstration information system （EGDIS） of the Bohai oilfield are presented, and the key technologies for system modeling, such as storage and processing technology of multi-source and heterogeneous data, integrated display technology of multi-source information and multiple safeguard system design are studied. EGDIS of the Bohai oilfield is an integrated application system based on the data standardization and digital seabed database, has the function to realize the standardization/conformity, input/output, inquiry and display of the multi-source and heterogeneous data and graphics, and provides multiple comprehensive analysis and application services, which will provide shared and scientific basic data for the marine engineering construction and oilfield engineering safeguard.展开更多
The proceeds of the illicit trade in precious metals are used as currency to pay for,for example,other illicit goods and support terrorism.Precious metals are often mined in less developed countries and exported to an...The proceeds of the illicit trade in precious metals are used as currency to pay for,for example,other illicit goods and support terrorism.Precious metals are often mined in less developed countries and exported to and refined in more industrialised regions.International cooperation,sophisticated analytical techniques,combined with representative databases make it possible to trace the source of these stolen precious metals with the aim of obtaining successful prosecution of the culprits.In this paper the problem of illicit trade in precious metal-bearing materials and the effects it has on the countries in which the material originates is discussed.Combined with geological knowledge of the origin of the material and knowledge of the beneficiation processes utilized,enables determination of the provenance of unknown materials and whether the suspect material is illicit or not.Recent legislation with regard to international trade and the need to ensure the legality of the material traded is discussed,and some examples of the effectiveness of the forensic investigation of gold and platinum-group metal criminal cases are provided.展开更多
文摘The spatial database management system of China geological survey extent is a social service system. Its aim is to help the government and the whole social public to expediently use the spatial database, such as querying, indexing, mapping and product outputting. The management system has been developed based on MAPGIS6.x SDK and Visual C++, considering the spatial database contents and structure and the requirements of users. This paper introduces the software structure, the data flow chart and some key techniques of software development.
文摘During the whole 20th century in China, especially the latest 50 years, we have gotten much geological information about geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral exploration, remote sensing, environmental geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology and oceanic geology etc. by our geologists and explorers. All the information has been accumulated and can be used as a decision-making foundation for the future plan of geological survey. The spatial database of geological survey extents has been established by using computer technology. The database contained all kinds of exploration sections and collected about 160 000 records in this database. This paper introduces the data construction, contents and applying system of this database, and trys to let people know what kinds of geological survey were finished, when the exploration were carried out, and how and where you can get this information.
文摘Subsurface geological cross sections of 0 - 200 m depth were constructed using a dense drilling database of the Osaka Plain in the intra-arc Osaka Basin of the Japan island arc, an active plate margin. The cross sections revealed the subsurface geological structures and the geometry of folding and faulting in the basin. The comparison between the constructed subsurface cross sections and the seismic sections of the basement and basin fills at a depth of 1500 - 2000 m showed that the basement and shallow subsurface structures are similar;however, the shallow cross sections were of higher resolution than the deep seismic profiles.
基金granted by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.41725007)Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos.XDB10010100 and XXH13506)State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy,NIGPAS (Grant No.20183127).
文摘1 Introduction Geological outcrops or sections are the basis of geological research.However,the traditional methods for presenting them are mainly photos which fall short of delivering a true visual sense (Deng et al.,2009;Hou et al.,2014).With the continuous development of image acquisition technology using single-lens reflex camera (SLR camera),image synthesis,large file storage and acquisition,panoramic visualization and network technology.
基金supported by the China Geological Survey,Nanjing Center,Zhejiang Geological Survey and China University of Geosciences,Wuhanfunded by the Laboratory of Geological Safety of Underground Space in Coastal Cities,Ministry of Natural Resources(Project No.BHKF2023×01)the China Geological Survey,Nanjing Center(Project No.DD20190281).
文摘Urban geological information platforms have traditionally focused on static data provision for public service,constrained by funding and limited engagement with engineering applications.This study takes Hangzhou-a major Chinese megacity-as a model to propose a technically integrated platform that aligns with urban infrastructure development,particularly underground space engineering.Through the adoption of the large-scale relational database system Oracle,we first established a comprehensive storage framework for fundamental urban geological and underground infrastructure information,thereby completed the construction of the core databases.To ensure spatial consistency across multi-source data and to meet the platform’s high computational demands while improving overall server responsiveness,we introduced three critical innovations:voxel-based model encoding,distributed computing,and frontend-backend separation with asynchronous processing.To align with urban engineering projects and enhance economic returns,the platform was initially developed through the integration of foundational geological data,including borehole records and aboveground-underground spatial information.Based on this foundation,its practical application in Hangzhou’s Qiantang New Town further demonstrated the platform’s potential in supporting subway routing,underground structure planning,and engineering cost analysis.Consequently,the construction of the Hangzhou geological information platform not only offers robust support for urban decision-making and smart city development but also provides a replicable model for addressing the technical and institutional challenges commonly encountered in the development of urban geological platforms.
基金supported by the 3D Model Library of Geo-hazards in the 3GR (No. SXJC-3ZH1A7)the software development of 3D area disaster geology map in the 3GR (No. SXJC-3ZH1A6)+1 种基金survey data acquisition and geologic map CAD system in the 3GR (No. SXKY4-02)985 Platform Projects,3D modeling and space analysis system of geo-hazards and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41172300)
文摘Taking hundreds of pieces of hazardous geological maps （1 ： 10 000） of Three Gorges res-ervoir area （3GR） as background, we establish regional three-dimensional （3D） geo-hazard modelusing DEM （digital elevation model） superposed surface images and geo-hazards elements. Based on landslides and other geo-hazard survey data,using improved B-REP（boundary representa-tion）entity data structure （two-body 3D data structure）, we set up 3D solid models for each hazardous bodies in each hazardous geological maps. Then we integrate the two types of 3D models with different scales from area to point, which are the regional geo-hazard 3D model and the solid models of each disaster body, in order to provide a visual processing and analysis plat-form for danger partition, stability evaluation, disaster prevention and control, early warning and command.
基金financially supported by the National "863" Project (Grant No.:2010AA12220105)the Standard Research of Lunar mapping of Geology and Tectonics (Grant No.:Y2ZZ031000-02) from Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Based on the CCD images,IIM data and DEM data of China＇s lunar exploration project （Chang＇E-Ⅰ） and related processed and analytic results,an integrated study of regional geology of Sinus Iridum and its adjacent area was conducted,and a series of relevant researches and analyses were carried out,including analysis of impact craters and their extrusive and accumulative materials,division of stratigraphic and tectonic units and classification of rock types,integrated analysis of chronology and lunar evolution history.In consideration of crater＇s shape features,quantity and preserving status of filling materials,the lunar impact craters can be divided into 7 types and 11 subtypes,and the accumulative materials of craters are divided into 6 types and 9 accumulative groups.According to the content and distribution of TiO2 and image characteristics,the basalts are divided into high-TiO2,medium-TiO2 and low-TiO2 basalts.Discussion was made on division of tectonic units and evolution features in the study area.The geological map of the Sinus Iridum Quadrangle （LQ-4） at a scale of 1∶2.5 M was preliminarily compiled with the ArcGIS system,and the spatial database of the map was established.Related technical specification,procedure and method for lunar geological mapping have been worked out,so as to lay a foundation for the forthcoming geological mapping of the global Moon in China by using the data of Chang＇E-Ⅱ and also for comprehensive study and geological mapping of other celestial bodies in the future.
基金supported by ‘‘Instrument Equipment and superior resources sharing of high school’’ of China (‘‘211’’ program, Grant No. CERS-2-9)CGS research fund (JYYWF20181702)National Major Scientific Instruments and Equipment Development Special Funds (No. 2016YFF0103303)
文摘Geoanalytical data provide fundamental information according to which the Earth's resources can be known and exploited to support human life and development.Large amounts of manpower and material and financial resources have been invested to acquire a wealth of geoanalytical data over the past 40 years.However,these data are usually managed by individual researchers and are preserved in an ad hoc manner without metadata that provide the necessary context for interpretation and data integration requirements.In this scenario,fewer data,except for published data,can be reutilized by geological researchers.Many geoanalytical databases have been constructed to collect existing data and to facilitate their use.These databases are useful tools for preserving,managing,and sharing data for geological research,and provide various data repositories to support geological studies.Since these databases are dispersed and diverse,it is difficult for researchers to make full use of them.This contribution provides an introduction on available geoanalytical databases.The database content can be made accessible to researchers,the ways in which this can be done,and the functionalities that can be used are illustrated in detail.Moreover,constraints that have limited the reutilization of geoanalytical data and creation of more advanced geoanalytical databases are discussed.
文摘Structural characteristic of surface soil ground has great effect on the ground motion amplitude when earthquake happens. Recent studies in Japan on seismic zonings use a database that covers entire Japan with 1 km mesh size, which is useful for prefecture scale researches. However, it is hard, even with 500 m or 250 m mesh sizes to consider a city, a county or award as scale studies. Kanagawa Prefecture is highly urbanized and vulnerable to seismic disaster. The prefecture suffered a wide spread damage during the 1923 Kanto earthquake. In this paper, we deploy a very fine mesh 50 × 50 m mesh to develop a general seismic intensity map useful for micro scale disaster management for local governments and educational information for earthquake preparedness promotion. In this paper, first we prepared two detailed databases for 50 × 50 m mesh size over entire Kanagawa Prefecture. One was for geologic formations and the other the geomorphologic condition. Then these databases were used for preparation of high-resolution digital soil classification maps for 15 categories of micro landforms of prefecture. The later database was used for mapping the site amplification factors for 50 × 50 m mesh by applying the empirical relations for AVS30. We could create a GIS platform with sufficient accuracy to consider potential risk analysis.
文摘The main aim of this work is to describe in detail how to develop an instrument, with the goal of collecting and managing a great deal of both geological and geophysical data acquired using different survey typologies in Eastern Sicily (Italy). The opportunity to manage different categories of data, at the same time, allows us to have a complete view of the complex area studied. This paper discusses a software package that has been designed to enhance the efficiency of applying a range of geological and geophysical data. More than 12000 records are archived: boreholes represent 81% of the data and 19% is geophysical data. In this paper it is illustrated how both kinds of data, thanks to the functionalities of the database and the possibility of connecting to a Geographical Information System (GIS), can be used in a variety of different geological studies. We present four studies where is relevant the use of the database, in detail, we show a morpho-structural study, an examination of the spectral analysis of the noise data, an update of the geological and geotechnical maps, and a classification of the areas on the basis of the distribution of the shear wave velocity in the firsts 30 meters (Vs30). They are just some examples of the potentialities of a relational database.
文摘Using copyright rules clear government of geological information property rights is the main path to realization of geological information socially sharing. For China＇s current laws have an institute basic principle of geological information protected by copyright law, we need to detailed thinking the copyright subject, write content, licensing and other aspects, combine the geological information sharing mechanism.
文摘The identification and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of underground coal mining operations.To anticipate and mitigate adverse geologic conditions,a formal method to evaluate geotechnical factors must be established.Each mine is unique and has its own separate approach for defining what an adverse geological condition consists of.The collection of geologic data is a first critical step to creating a geological database to map these hazards efficiently and effectively.Many considerations must be taken into account,such as lithology of immediate roof and floor strata,seam height,gas and oil wells,faults,depressions in the mine floor(water)and increases in floor elevation(gas),overburden,streams and horizontal stress directions,amongst many other factors.Once geologic data is collected,it can be refined and integrated into a database that can be used to develop maps showing the trend,orientation,and extent of the adverse geological conditions.This information,delivered in a timely manner,allows mining personnel to be proactive in mine planning and support implementations,ultimately reducing the impacts of these features.This paper covers geologic exploratory methods,data organization,and the value of collecting and interpreting geologic information in coal mines to enhance safety and production.The implementation of the methods described above has been proven effective in predicting and mitigating adverse geologic conditions in underground coal mining.Consistent re-evaluation of data collection methods,geologic interpretations,mapping procedures,and communication techniques ensures continuous improvement in the accuracy of predictions and mitigation of adverse geologic conditions.Providing a concise record of the work previously done to track geologic conditions at a mine will allow for the smoothest transition during employee turnover and transitions.With refinements and standardization of data collection methods,such as those described in this paper,along with improvement in technology,the evaluation of adverse geologic conditions will evolve and continue to improve the safety and productivity of underground coal mining.
文摘In this paper, the framework and technologic process of engineering geology demonstration information system （EGDIS） of the Bohai oilfield are presented, and the key technologies for system modeling, such as storage and processing technology of multi-source and heterogeneous data, integrated display technology of multi-source information and multiple safeguard system design are studied. EGDIS of the Bohai oilfield is an integrated application system based on the data standardization and digital seabed database, has the function to realize the standardization/conformity, input/output, inquiry and display of the multi-source and heterogeneous data and graphics, and provides multiple comprehensive analysis and application services, which will provide shared and scientific basic data for the marine engineering construction and oilfield engineering safeguard.
文摘The proceeds of the illicit trade in precious metals are used as currency to pay for,for example,other illicit goods and support terrorism.Precious metals are often mined in less developed countries and exported to and refined in more industrialised regions.International cooperation,sophisticated analytical techniques,combined with representative databases make it possible to trace the source of these stolen precious metals with the aim of obtaining successful prosecution of the culprits.In this paper the problem of illicit trade in precious metal-bearing materials and the effects it has on the countries in which the material originates is discussed.Combined with geological knowledge of the origin of the material and knowledge of the beneficiation processes utilized,enables determination of the provenance of unknown materials and whether the suspect material is illicit or not.Recent legislation with regard to international trade and the need to ensure the legality of the material traded is discussed,and some examples of the effectiveness of the forensic investigation of gold and platinum-group metal criminal cases are provided.
