Mine Site Imaging Investigations & Case Studies

Mine site Imaging – For Resource Targeting & Mine Planning

Technology advances: Over the last 20 years, Quantec has significantly advanced technology for mine site imaging.  Initially, the focus of development was on near mine exploration, but the deep images produced by the technology has helped in other key areas of mine planning. The TITAN 24 system can rapidly produce images from surface to 1500 metre depths. This data often directly relates to critical subsurface features such as lithology, faults, fractures, aquifers, and ore bodies.  

TITAN 24 achieves three separate surveys with a single deployment – MT and DC resistivity surveys, and an IP chargeability survey. The multiparameter system utilizes a distributed network of sensors to collect full EM waveform data plus chargeability responses. The data are processed with advanced digital signal processing, providing an ability to pick up small signals representing real structures and targets, even within noisy environments such as those found around a mine. Ultimately the system provides detailed and accurate images of key physical property parameters in the subsurface. Very deep resistivity (up to 1500m) is provided by the MT survey. The DC data give a resistivity model down to approximately 700 m, with additional detail provided by the chargeability data. These complementary data sets are then interpreted and combined to produce comprehensive and detailed geological models.

Products

TITAN 24 has been carried out at over 100 mine sites. In almost all cases the results have directly benefitted operations through cost savings related to improved drill targeting, planning and in some cases new discoveries.

ORION 3D surveys, which measure the same three DCIP + MT responses but in full 3D, can provide even greater imaging capability in geologically complex environments.

By collecting large volumes of data at the planning stage, a more complete picture of the subsurface is made for a more thorough understanding of the subsurface and potential risks, for example underlying faults, potential water sources etc. In addition, areas can be mapped for condemnation planning, tailings design, and dam planning. More ore may potentially exist in the vicinity of the discovery, and for planning purposes it is best to know of its existence before mining operations cover it making its future extraction difficult and costly.

Quantec continues to advance these technologies and anticipates new applications of the technology at mine sites to can include 4D deep resistivity monitoring surrounding tailings dams. By monitoring the resistivity signature over time, conductive fluid and water movement can potentially be monitored over time, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the underlying ground condition and changes than more traditional means such as monitoring wells.

Applications include Mine Planning to Exploration:

• Near mine exploration surveys to identify new resources and extend mine life
• Delineation surveys at the discovery stage – to focus drilling and obtain resource information sooner
• Condemnation surveys for mine planning
• Pre – tailings pond planning for risk mitigation

Experience

• Quantec has completed over 100 mine site and near-mine studies globally

Laying out the network; typically surveys take 2-3-weeks, depending on size and operational complexity.

Case Studies

Copper Mountain – mine site investigation

• To confirm continuity of mineralization between the pits.
• To test and possibly expand reported resources between existing pits in order to identify a new merged pit-known as the “Super Pit.”
• To identify the potential for large, deep-seated porphyry deposits through a comprehensive mine site exploration program.

In this case, a massive zone was discovered below the pit, and this led to a complete change of design for the pit and significant mine life extension estimated at 25 years.

Bolivar Mine Project, 2018 – mine site investigation

• Use TITAN 24 DC/IP & MT to help delineate the Bolivar deposit for drill targeting.
• Map and delineate near-surface zones associated with skarn mineralization.
• Map and delineate deep-seated alteration zones that could control or host mineralization.
• Focus drilling, thereby reducing overall drilling costs.
• Mine planning.

Results

Excellent data collection provided Sierra with distinctive and discrete features within the mine area

Kidd Creek Mine – near mine investigation

The TITAN 24 system was deployed over an area of 5 km by 1 km only 500m from the pit at the top of the mine. The approach and system were successfully demonstrated as a significant exploration tool for near mine application.

Results:

The survey was able to penetrate thick (50m) conductive overburden. The blind test survey was successful at identifying 100% of the known targets previously drilled within the top 800 metres. In addition, new target areas based on these results were identified for further exploration. A significant region where the survey indicated little further investigation would be warranted was confirmed by hundreds of barren drill holes that had been previously drilled over 15 years at an estimated cost of over 15 million dollars.

Summary:

With the great advances in computing power in the last 10-15 years, coupled with the ability to measure small signals in a background of noise, technology is available to achieve significant mine planning and address life of mine issues. Significant cost savings can be made by imaging in and around mine sites prior to blanket drilling.     Imaging provides improved drill planning, enhanced targeting and ultimately more efficient use of drilling budgets while working around the mine. Examples clearly demonstrate effective investigations for mine planning, exploration discovery and extended mine life.

How can your mine benefit?  Find out by connecting with us.

Rob Gordon P.Eng

[email protected]

www.quantecgeo.com