DHEM: the Que-Hellyer volcanics experience

Abstract

The intermediate volcanic sequence hosting the Que River and Hellyer mines provides an excellent environment for electromagnetics in that the only two strong conductors ever found in them have been developed into mines. Now that the ground has been thoroughly explored by surface EM and the search is by necessity becoming deeper, downhole EM has become an extremely important aspect of the exploration programme. However, even in this ideal environment for EM, there are factors that cause interpretation headaches, although all can be overcome with care and experience. These problems include the overlying moderately conductive black shales, instrumentation responses from the Sirotem unit, responses from culture, and the effect of strong conductors such as the known ore bodies close to the target.