scholarly journals SOME PROBLEMS OF ELECTRICAL GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING METHODS USED FOR EXPLORATION OF ORE DEPOSITS

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3S) ◽  
pp. 731-747
Author(s):  
V. A. Kulikov ◽  
A. G. Yakovlev ◽  
V. A. Polikarpova
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Induced Polarization ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Geophysical Prospecting ◽  
Electrical Prospecting ◽  
Satellite Navigation Systems ◽  
2D And 3D

Electrical geophysical prospecting methods are widely used at different stages of geological exploration. In the last two decades, new computer technologies and satellite navigation systems were successfully introduced in the geophysical industry. As a result, exploration technologies have improved, and new geophysical methods have been developed, such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and spectral induced polarization (SIP) methods. An important role in ore geophysics is played by magnetotelluric (MT) methods. In this article, we focus on the issues of methodology and interpretation of electrical prospecting data for solving ore exploration problems. Special attention is paid to the induced polarization (IP) method that is most widely used in mineral exploration and mining industry as one of the most important and most dynamically developing techniques of ore geophysics. In addition, the issues of correct choices of survey scales and the use of automatic 2D and 3D inversion programs are considered.

THE USE OF GEOPHYSICS IN PROSPECTING FOR GOLD AND BASE METALS IN CANADA

Geophysics ◽  
1947 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Koulomzine ◽  
Leo Brossard
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Canadian Shield ◽  
Base Metals ◽  
Geophysical Prospecting

The Canadian Shield is an area of Pre‐Cambrian rocks some 2,000,000 square miles in extent, which produces a half‐billion dollars worth of minerals per year. The geophysical prospecting methods of most use here are magnetic and electrical. Geophysical methods, after recovering from an earlier period of disfavor, are now beginning to be properly appreciated by the local mining industry. Several examples of important recent geophysical discoveries are presented. Future expansion in this field appears inevitable.

Enhancing base-metal exploration with seismic imagingThis article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme Lithoprobe — parameters, processes, and the evolution of a continent.

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Eaton ◽  
Erick Adam ◽  
Bernd Milkereit ◽  
Matthew Salisbury ◽  
Brian Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Base Metal ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Mining District ◽  
Borehole Data ◽  
Minimum Thickness ◽  
Metal Mining

Commencing in 1988 and continuing for 5 years, Lithoprobe acquired a series of high-resolution seismic experiments within and near base-metal mining camps in Canada, including the Abitibi subprovince of Quebec and Ontario, the world-class Sudbury Ni–Cu mining district, the Buchans mine in Newfoundland, and the Thompson Ni belt in Manitoba. This work, undertaken in close cooperation with the Geological Survey of Canada and major Canadian mining companies, stimulated an intensive and broadened series of followup studies with the common objective of assessing potential applications of multichannel seismic (MCS) imaging for deep mineral exploration and mine development. This research was motivated by a widely recognized disparity between the depths from which ores can be profitably mined (up to 2 km or more) and the resolving depths (typically <500 m) of commonly used geophysical methods for mineral exploration. Initial rock-property studies established that the expected contrast in acoustic impedance between ores and host rocks should be sufficient to generate observable reflections and (or) scattered waves. For an ore deposit to be directly detectable with MCS, however, it is also necessary for it to meet geometrical criteria including a minimum thickness of 1/8 wavelenth (typically ∼5 m) and a lateral extent similar to the Fresnel radius (typically ∼100 m). Both Lithoprobe and followup seismic studies, calibrated with borehole data, reveal that lithologic contacts that are characterized by large impedance contrast and significant lateral continuity, such as igneous intrusive contacts between mafic and felsic rocks, are the most likely features to be imaged with the MCS techniques. In some camps such as Buchans, however, faults and shear zones are better imaged than lithologic contacts. In either case, these studies show that well-designed and carefully processed seismic profiles can provide a valuable geophysical tool for interpreting the stratigraphic and structural framework of mineral systems and, more rarely, direct-detection capabilities for deep ore deposits.

Mineral Exploration: Discovering and Defining Ore Deposits

SEG Discovery ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Dan Wood, AO ◽  
Jeffrey Hedenquist
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
Current Century ◽  
The Many ◽  
Mineral Concentrations

Editor’s note: The Geology and Mining series, edited by Dan Wood and Jeffrey Hedenquist, is designed to introduce early-career professionals and students to a variety of topics in mineral exploration, development, and mining, in order to provide insight into the many ways in which geoscientists contribute to the mineral industry. Abstract For economic geologists, mineral exploration has a specific objective: the discovery of mineral concentrations that can be recovered economically to provide resources essential for society. This was achieved consistently until the first decade of the current century, but exploration since then has been wealth destructive. This outcome is a major issue for the mining industry unless reversed. We believe the technologies presently used to discover ore deposits will be as useful in making future discoveries as they were previously. However, we argue that a new approach is required in how exploration is conducted and in how these and emerging technologies are applied. The required changes in approach include improved business models for conducting exploration and acceptance that fewer deposits are likely to be discovered near the surface. We argue that discovery of deeper deposits will be facilitated if exploration teams (1) seek to identify subtle evidence of mineralized rock recognizable within 500 m of the surface, (2) conduct follow-up investigations with a clear understanding of the volumetric dimensions of the discovery target, and (3) drill boldly as a critical exploration tool. We propose that improving the way geoscientists think when exploring—being more predictive—is the immediate key to increasing the number of discoveries.

Geodetic technologies for monitoring ballast compaction parameters during the construction and overhaul of railways using global navigation satellite system

2020 ◽  
Vol 961 (7) ◽  
pp. 8-13
Author(s):  
V.V. Scherbakov ◽  
A.P. Karpik ◽  
I.V. Scherbakov ◽  
M.N. Barsuk ◽  
I.A. Buntsev
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Dynamic Control ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Dynamic Mode ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Residual Deformations ◽  
Satellite Navigation Systems ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The development of a monitoring system based on global satellite navigation systems (GNSS) of ballast compaction quality during the construction and overhaul of railways is covered in the article. Traditional geodetic methods for determining the quality of ballast compaction are tedious. Non-geodetic methods (dynamic control systems, empirical models and geophysical methods) are not widely used on railways due to the low reliability of the ballast compaction quality, as well as the high complexity of the work. The proposed method and device of a quality control system for ballast compaction are based on the measurement of draft and residual deformations during compaction in dynamic mode. The current coordinates are determined using GNSS with dual-antenna positioning receivers performing advanced functions, including determining the relative position of the antennas in plan and height. The monitoring system developed at the Siberian State University of Railway Engineering enables real-time determining parameters which characterize the quality of compaction with high accuracy and the ability of controlling the compaction process according to the current parameters.

THE PRACTICAL VIEW IN GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION FOR METALLIC ORE BODIES

Geophysics ◽  
1948 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 550-555
Author(s):  
L. C. Armstrong ◽  
D. M. Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Geophysical Prospecting ◽  
Second Development ◽  
Mining Companies ◽  
Ore Bodies ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Physical Effects

This is a nontechnical paper dealing with the potentialities of geophysical methods in the search for metallic ore bodies which do not outcrop. It emphasizes what exploration engineers are entitled to expect as well as to demand from geophysical surveys. Harmful misconceptions and frustrations have arisen among mining men through lack of understanding of the possibilities of the various methods, and through confusion traceable to the loose claims and looser interpretation of results on the part of some geophysical surveyors. The miner should be made to understand that geophysical methods merely measure physical effects, either inherent, or induced, in various rock bodies, and that high geological competence is usually needed to judge whether anomalous measurements may be correlative with ore, likely ore‐bearing structures or with features totally unrelated to ore occurrences. Since they do not put any tags on ore bodies, as some have been led to believe, the capabilities and limitations of the methods need further clarification. The biggest hurdles to overcome before geophysics can reach a fuller measure of its true potentialities in ore finding are, first, the development of techniques for mitigating or eliminating the anomalous effects of overburden; second, development of methods for detection of disseminated metallic sulphide deposits; third, perfection of techniques of investigating the rocks surrounding bore holes for appreciable distances; fourth, the improvement of techniques for geophysical prospecting underground; fifth, independent consultation before a survey is started to weigh dispassionately the chances for success (geophysical surveys should be checked with much pains and precision by repeating traverses and readings); sixth, reduction in costs for all methods; and seventh, modification and improvement in efficiency of equipment with special attention to increasing depth range. Finally, there is a critical need for research, long‐range, indirect, fundamental research, as well as direct research on known ore deposits which have not been disturbed too much by development or mining. This latter will be most profitably carried out if undertaken by private mining companies on their own properties and with complete cooperation from their own geological staffs.

Optimal Processing of Information from Inertial and Satellite Navigation Systems by Analysis after Flight

2001 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
E. G. Kharin ◽  
V. G. Maslennikov ◽  
N. B. Vavilova ◽  
I. A. Kopylov ◽  
A. Ch. Staroverov
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Navigation ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Optimal Processing ◽  
Satellite Navigation Systems

Upernavik 98: reconnaissance mineral exploration in North-West Greenland

1999 ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjørn Thomassen ◽  
Johannes Kyed ◽  
Agnete Steenfelt ◽  
Tapani Tukiainen
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Geological Survey ◽  
Original Series ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
North West ◽  
One Year

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Thomassen, B., Kyed, J., Steenfelt, A., & Tukiainen, T. (1999). Upernavik 98: reconnaissance mineral exploration in North-West Greenland. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 183, 39-45. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v183.5203 _______________ The Upernavik 98 project is a one-year project aimed at the acquisition of information on mineral occurrences and potential in North-West Greenland between Upernavik and Kap Seddon, i.e. from 72°30′ to 75°30′N (Fig. 1A). A similar project, Karrat 97, was carried out in 1997 in the Uummannaq region 70°30′–72°30′N (Steenfelt et al. 1998a). Both are joint projects between the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP), Government of Greenland, and wholly funded by the latter. The main purpose of the projects is to attract the interest of the mining industry. The field work comprised systematic drainage sampling, reconnaissance mineral exploration and spectroradiometric measurements of rock surfaces.

Qaanaaq 2001: mineral exploration reconnaissance in North-West Greenland

2002 ◽  
pp. 133-143
Author(s):  
Bjørn Thomassen ◽  
Peter R. Dawes ◽  
Agnete Steenfelt ◽  
Johan Ditlev Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Original Series ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
North West ◽  
Ice Caps ◽  
High Plateau ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Inland Ice

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Thomassen, B., Dawes, P. R., Steenfelt, A., & Krebs, J. D. (2002). Qaanaaq 2001: mineral exploration reconnaissance in North-West Greenland. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 191, 133-143. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v191.5141 _______________ Project Qaanaaq 2001, involving one season’s field work, was set up to investigate the mineral occurrences and potential of North-West Greenland between Olrik Fjord and Kap Alexander (77°10´N – 78°10´N; Fig. 1). Organised by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP), Government of Greenland, the project is mainly funded by the latter and has the overall goal of attracting the interest of the mining industry to the region. The investigated region – herein referred to as the Qaanaaq region – comprises 4300 km2 of ice-free land centred on Qaanaaq, the administrative capital of Qaanaap (Thule) municipality. Much of the region is characterised by a 500–800 m high plateau capped by local ice caps and intersected by fjords and glaciers. High dissected terrain occurs in Northumberland Ø and in the hinterland of Prudhoe Land where nunataks are common along the margin of the Inland Ice.

REVIEW OF SATELLITE-FREE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

2018 ◽  
pp. 20-24
Author(s):  
M. K. Savkin ◽  
A. R. Filatov
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Navigation ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Military Operations ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Working Principle ◽  
Satellite Signal ◽  
Satellite Navigation Systems ◽  
Insufficient Number

Nowadays majority of navigation methods, used in unmanned flying vehicles, are based on satellite navigation systems, such as GPS or GLONASS, or are amplified with them. But hardware, that uses such systems, can’t work in difficult conditions, for example causes by relief: with insufficient number of satellites or at low satellite signal. Satellite navigation systems are vulnerable for methods of radio defense: satellite signal can be deadened or replaced. That is why such systems usage is unacceptable while critical missions during military operations, emergency or reconnaissance. The article briefly describes components used for building alternative satellite-free navigation systems for flying vehicles. For each component its purpose and brief description of working principle are given, advantages and disadvantages are considered.

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