New applications of borehole geophysical logging in mining and mineral exploration

Abstract

The application of borehole geophysical logging in three different geological environments is presented. The three case studies discussed are: the evaluation of the Sendelings Drift alluvial diamond deposit near Oranjemund in Namibia; the Sadiola gold orebody in western Mali; and a kimberlite pipe in central Botswana. It is shown that the usefulness of borehole geophysical logging is not confined to the oil industry, and that quantitative methods such as those used in the oil industry may be effectively applied to any ore deposit via lateral thinking and a sound understanding of the relevant geology. The methods described are considered especially useful in the case of marginal ore bodies where a rapid three-dimensional understanding of the deposit may become critical.