Airborne EM survey over the Groote Eylandt manganese mine

Abstract

A GeotemÒ airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey was flown over the Groote Eylandt manganese mine in May 1991 to characterize the conductivity and magnetic properties of the manganese ore and host rocks, in order to assess if AEM was viable in exploration for such a deposit type. Strong EM responses correlated with most of the known manganese ore zones. Subsequent drill hole EM surveys confirmed the conductive nature of most of the different types of ore. These results demonstrate that AEM is a cost-effective method of reconnaissance exploration for Groote Eylandt style manganese, providing the host rocks are comparatively resistive.