Seismic methods for deep mineral exploration: Mature technologies adapted to new targets

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 580-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Eaton ◽  
Bernd Milkereit ◽  
Matthew Salisbury
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
New Targets ◽  
Seismic Methods

scholarly journals Editorial for Special Issue “Seismic Methods in Mineral Exploration”

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 630
Author(s):  
Gilles Bellefleur ◽  
Michal Malinowski ◽  
Milovan Urosevic
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Seismic Methods ◽  
The World ◽  
Tools And Techniques

In many parts of the world, exploration for mineral deposits is moving progressively but persistently to greater depths, relying on knowledge gained from previous exploration campaigns and on new exploration tools and techniques used to guide deep and costly boreholes to most suitable targets [...]

scholarly journals Seismic processing, inversion, and AVO for gold exploration — Case study from Western Australia

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. WC235-WC243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher B. Harrison ◽  
Milovan Urosevic
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Hard Rock ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Core Sample ◽  
Gold Deposits ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Seismic Methods ◽  
Rock Characterization ◽  
Seismic Images

We investigate the potential of using high-resolution seismic methods for rock characterization and for targeting of gold deposits at the St. Ives gold camp. The application of seismic methods in hard-rock environments is challenged by complex structures, intrinsically low signal-to-noise ratio, regolith distortions, and access restrictions. If these issues can be addressed, then the unparalleled resolving power of reflection seismic can be used for mineral exploration. Appropriate spatial sampling of the wavefield combined with a survey geometry design and rigorous data processing to incorporate high fold and long offsets are necessary for creation of high-quality seismic images. In the hard-rock environment of Western Australia, accurate static corrections and multiphase velocity analysis are essential processing steps. This is followed by a rigorous quality control following each processing step. In such a case, we show that the role of reflection seismic could be lifted from mere identification of first-order structures to refined lithological analyses. Five deep boreholes with sonic logs and core sample test data were used to calibrate 2D seismic images. Despite seismic images were produced with relatively robust scaling it was possible to achieve reasonably high seismic-log correlation across three of the tightly spaced boreholes using a single composite wavelet. Amplitude-versus-offset (AVO) analysis indicated that gold-bearing structures may be related to elevated AVO effect and increased reflectivity. Consequently, partial stack analysis and acoustic and elastic inversions were conducted. These results and impedance crossplots were then evaluated against known gold occurrences. While still in the preliminary stages, hard-rock seismic imaging, inversion, and the application of AVO techniques indicated significant potential for targeting mineral reserves.

scholarly journals Seismic methods in mineral exploration and mine planning — Introduction

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. WC1-WC2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Malehmir ◽  
Milovan Urosevic ◽  
Gilles Bellefleur ◽  
Christopher Juhlin ◽  
Bernd Milkereit
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mine Planning ◽  
Seismic Methods

Development of 3-D seismic exploration technology for deep nickel‐copper deposits—A case history from the Sudbury basin, Canada

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 1890-1899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Milkereit ◽  
E. K. Berrer ◽  
Alan R. King ◽  
Anthony H. Watts ◽  
B. Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Detection ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Massive Sulfide ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Seismic Exploration ◽  
Seismic Scattering ◽  
Sudbury Igneous Complex ◽  
Seismic Methods ◽  
Seismic Experiment ◽  
Nickel Copper

Following extensive petrophysical studies and presite surveys, the Trill area of the Sudbury basin was selected for conducting the first 3-D seismic survey for mineral exploration in North America. The 3-D seismic experiment confirms that in a geological setting such as the Sudbury Igneous Complex, massive sulfide bodies cause a characteristic seismic scattering response. This provides an excellent basis for the direct detection of massive sulfides by seismic methods. The feasibility study suggests that high‐resolution seismic methods offer a large detection radius in the order of hundreds to thousands of meters, together with accurate depth estimates.

scholarly journals Seismic methods in mineral exploration and mine planning: A general overview of past and present case histories and a look into the future

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. WC173-WC190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Malehmir ◽  
Raymond Durrheim ◽  
Gilles Bellefleur ◽  
Milovan Urosevic ◽  
Christopher Juhlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Great Depth ◽  
Mine Planning ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Seismic Methods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Borehole Seismic

Due to high metal prices and increased difficulties in finding shallower deposits, the exploration for and exploitation of mineral resources is expected to move to greater depths. Consequently, seismic methods will become a more important tool to help unravel structures hosting mineral deposits at great depth for mine planning and exploration. These methods also can be used with varying degrees of success to directly target mineral deposits at depth. We review important contributions that have been made in developing these techniques for the mining industry with focus on four main regions: Australia, Europe, Canada, and South Africa. A wide range of case studies are covered, including some that are published in the special issue accompanying this article, from surface to borehole seismic methods, as well as petrophysical data and seismic modeling of mineral deposits. At present, high-resolution 2D surveys mostly are performed in mining areas, but there is a general increasing trend in the use of 3D seismic methods, especially in mature mining camps.

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