Application of Pseudo-random electrical exploration method in mineral exploration: a case study of skarn-type ore body

The electromagnetic (EM) method is commonly used in mineral exploration due to the method’s sensitivity to conductive targets. Controlled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) is developed from magnetotelluric (MT) method with an artificial EM source to improve the signal amplitude. It has been used for mineral exploration for many years. In this study, we performed a case study of the CSAMT application for the Eagles-Nest lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) ore deposits in Jianshui, China. The Eagles-Nest deposit is located in southwest in China in forest-covered complex terrain, making it difficult to acquire the geophysical data. Based on the previous dual-frequency induced polarization (IP) results, we designed four profiles for the CSAMT data acquisition. After data processing and inversion, we mapped the subsurface resistivity distribution. From the CSAMT results, we inferred the location of the ore body, which was verified by the drilling wells. The Pb–Zn ore body was found at a depth between 373.70 m to 407.35 m in the well.

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Simultaneous Joint Inversion of Gravity and Self-Potential Data Measured Along Profile: Theory, Numerical Examples, and a Case Study From Mineral Exploration With Cross Validation From Electromagnetic Data

IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing ◽

10.1109/tgrs.2021.3071973 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Salah A. Mehanee

Keyword(s):

Cross Validation ◽

Joint Inversion ◽

Mineral Exploration ◽

Numerical Examples ◽

Electromagnetic Data ◽

Self Potential

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Application of multi-element relationships in stream sediments to mineral exploration: a case study of Walawe Ganga Basin, Sri Lanka

Applied Geochemistry ◽

10.1016/s0883-2927(00)00038-x ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 339-350 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Rohana Chandrajith ◽

C.B Dissanayake ◽

H.J Tobschall

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Mineral Exploration ◽

Stream Sediments ◽

Ganga Basin

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Seismic solutions utilizing existing in-mine infrastructure for mineral exploration: A case study from Maseve platinum mine, South Africa

The Leading Edge ◽

10.1190/tle41010054.1 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 54-61

Author(s):

Moyagabo K. Rapetsoa ◽

Musa S. D. Manzi ◽

Mpofana Sihoyiya ◽

Michael Westgate ◽

Phumlani Kubeka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Mineral Exploration ◽

Ground Surface ◽

Seismic Survey ◽

Noisy Environment ◽

Borehole Data ◽

Passive Seismic ◽

Below Ground

We demonstrate the application of seismic methods using in-mine infrastructure such as exploration tunnels to image platinum deposits and geologic structures using different acquisition configurations. In 2020, seismic experiments were conducted underground at the Maseve platinum mine in the Bushveld Complex of South Africa. These seismic experiments were part of the Advanced Orebody Knowledge project titled “Developing technologies that will be used to obtain information ahead of the mine face.” In these experiments, we recorded active and passive seismic data using surface nodal arrays and an in-mine seismic land streamer. We focus on analyzing only the in-mine active seismic portion of the survey. The tunnel seismic survey consisted of seven 2D profiles in exploration tunnels, located approximately 550 m below ground surface and a few meters above known platinum deposits. A careful data-processing approach was adopted to enhance high-quality reflections and suppress infrastructure-generated noise. Despite challenges presented by the in-mine noisy environment, we successfully imaged the platinum deposits with the aid of borehole data and geologic models. The results open opportunities to adapt surface-based geophysical instruments to address challenging in-mine environments for mineral exploration.

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