A B S T R A C TThe Kevitsa mafic-ultramafic intrusion in Northern Finland hosts a large, disseminated nickel-copper sulphide ore body. The Kevitsa intrusion is an active mining and exploration site, for which we have built a 3D model of the main lithological contacts and near-mine structures in the area. To build the 3D model, 2D and 3D reflection seismic data have been used together with borehole data and geological map of the area. The Kevitsa reflection seismic data reveal the internal architecture of the Kevitsa intrusion and the surrounding units. For example, the seismic data have uncovered a previously unknown, deeper continuation of the Kevitsa intrusion. Improved 3D knowledge of the basal contact of the intrusion provides an exploration target for contact-type mineralization. Within the intrusion, a limited area of strong reflections is observed in the data. This has been associated with discontinuous, smaller-scale magmatic layering that is thought to control the extent of the Kevitsa main mineralization. Thus, our 3D model of the extents of the internal reflectors can provide a framework for near-mine and deep exploration of the main type of mineralization in the area. In addition to exploration, the original purpose of the 3D seismic survey was geotechnical planning of the Kevitsa open-pit mine. Accordingly, the 3D seismic data were used to create a 3D model of the subsurface structures, with a focus on the vicinity of the mine. The interpreted structures reveal a complex pattern of fault and fracture zones, some of which will be important for slope stability and operational planning of the final stages of the mine.
A network of high resolution seismic reflection profiles was acquired in Outokumpu, Finland. Outokumpu is one of the most important mining regions in Finland where active sulphide exploration is ongoing. Over 5 km long spread with 402 active channels and nominal vibroseismic source point interval of 25 m guarantee high fold and good signal-to-noise ratio of the seismic data. These high quality data have been commercially processed by Vniigeofizika, Moscow with standard hardrock seismic processing flow including careful static corrections. Seismic sections were migrated and depth converted with constant velocity (5400 m/s) that corresponds approximately to the seismic P-wave velocity in the main lithology of the area, mica schist. Additionally to seismic velocities, also densities of the main lithologies have been measured from the 2.5 km long drill hole. This enables estimation of the main sources of reflectivity in the Outokumpu area. Encouragingly, typical ore hosting lithological assemblage was found to be brightly reflective both externally and internally due to interlayers of high acoustic impedance skarns and low acoustic impedance serpentinites. All together nine interconnected seismic profiles combined with the drill hole logging data and other geophysical data, including ZTEM survey, enable the 3D-modeling of the Outokumpu subsurface structures.
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