COPPER-LEAD-ZINC: Geophysical responses over the Scuddles VMS deposit

Abstract

The Scuddles copper-zinc deposit was discovered in 1979. Before mining commenced in 1990, many exploration techniques were tested over the deposit. Of the geophysical techniques, aeromagnetics and gravity have proved the best regional mapping tools. For direct detection of the mineralisation, time-domain electromagnetics from both surface and drillhole has been the most effective. Mise-a-la-masse successfully outlined the limits of the mineralisation whereas IP responded to shallow mineralisation only. Several airborne electromagnetic surveys have been flown over the nearby Gossan Hill deposit, which has similar characteristics to Scuddles but is considerably shallower. All have failed to produce anomalies which would warrant follow up on a regional exploration survey.