Reflection Seismic Imaging in the Zinkgruvan Mining Area, Central Sweden

Abstract

The Zinkgruvan mining area is located in the south-eastern part of the Bergslagen district, one of the three most mineral prospective regions in Sweden. In this study, we present the results from two recently acquired approximately 6000 m-long reflection seismic profiles crossing the Zinkgruvan mining area. Profile P1 was acquired using cabled geophones with 10 m receiver and source interval and crossed a major NE-plunging fold. Profile P2 was acquired perpendicular to P1, used wireless recorders with 20 m receiver and 10 m source intervals. Despite the notably complex geology, the processed seismic sections clearly reveal a series of moderately-to-steeply dipping reflections associated with the mineral-bearing Zinkgruvan formation. The results from this seismic survey are encouraging regarding the potential of the seismic method for mineral exploration purposes and its high resolving power on complex geological structures in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.