Seismic Imaging Techniques for Mineral Exploration

Deep understanding of the resource base is the most important economic leverage to optimize mining operations. SIT4ME improves this knowledge combining controlled-source seismic with seismic noise recording above and underground, generating a high, locally ultra-high resolved 3D image. Deep mining customers benefit most as drilling is expensive and potential field geophysics lacks resolution. Upscaling concerns methodology, soft- and hardware.

Developments in seismic techniques (hardware and software) have substantially changed ore exploration approaches, making high-resolution seismic surveys more affordable. New leading edge acquisition and processing technology has increased the capabilities of seismic imaging. Now, massive data acquisition programs (3D-3C) are attainable. Research carried out within environmental seismic noise interferometry, depth migration, and seismic tomography opens a variety of options, increasing imaging possibilities and resolution power of seismic data. Careful assessment of these new possibilities requires an ideal largescale data acquisition program and strong research efforts in developing new data analysis procedures, taking into account the different possibilities of such a unique seismic data base. This proposal targets to innovate in seismic imaging protocols, resulting in solutions of strategic importance for mineral exploration.

Exploring deeper and obtaining high resolution images is an asset of the greatest relevance to the mineral exploration and exploitation. Active mining areas carry out exploration using conventional geology and geophysical approaches at different scales as part of their regular activities.The resolving power of many classical geological and geophysical approaches to mineral exploration decrease beneath a depth of few 100’s meters. Adapted forms of seismic reflection imaging show the greatest potential for extending exploration beyond these depths. The SIT4ME project builds on the extensive R&D experiences already obtained by the consortium partners in imaging deep targets within different geologic environments.

The SIT4ME project targets on significantly improving the efficiency of mineral resource exploration, which is the key factor to enhance proven reserves of critical minerals. The project involves the acquisition of unique data sets in two mines representing typical customers and geological environments.