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

Abstract

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.

Future Global Mineral Resources

“…A limitation is the effect of reflectors (lava flows, intrusions) that are stronger than the deposit itself. The costs are still greater than other geophysical methods, but many of the latter only collect data to depths of several 100 m (Malehmir et al, 2012). Further research on the petrophysical properties of rocks may allow seismic interpretation to be confidently extended from sedimentary basins to igneous rock.…”

Volumetric Interpretation of 3D Seismic Data from the Hillside IOCG Deposit in South Australia

“…In Australia, particularly in Western Australia a lot of work has been done. A considerable number of 3D seismic surveys have been conducted in the Kambalda region of Western Australia (Malehmir et al 2012). Several 3D surveys were conducted for nickel exploration in the Kambalda region with great success (Malehmir et al 2012.…”

“…A considerable number of 3D seismic surveys have been conducted in the Kambalda region of Western Australia (Malehmir et al 2012). Several 3D surveys were conducted for nickel exploration in the Kambalda region with great success (Malehmir et al 2012. In 2003, two orthogonal deep seismic lines, centred on the Olympic Dam deposit of the Stuart Shelf geological province in the north of South Australia were recorded (Goleby et al 2005).…”

Interpretation of 3D high-resolution seismic data collected over an IOCG deposit in South Australia

“…However, declining reserves of most mineral deposits and scarcity of new discoveries of large, near-surface deposits is forcing mineral industries to explore deeper in order to meet the future needs ( Figure 1; Salisbury and Snyder, 2007). As a results, the seismic reflection method has the potency to become an important tool to delineate deep-seated structures hosting ore bodies (Malehmir et al, 2012).…”