Chinese CHIM ? electro-geochemical survey of extensions to the Challenger Gold Mine, South Australia

Abstract

Effective surface geochemical techniques to help map buried ore deposits are one means of limiting the high cost of unsuccessful holes drilled to test new targets or to define extensions to known orebodies. With this in mind, a version of the CHIM electro-geochemical prospecting technique developed at Guilin University, China was demonstrated at the Challenger Gold Mine in South Australia to test its suitability under Australian conditions. Two survey lines were completed over the projected extension of ore shoots at the mine. The results were inconclusive. Elevated levels but inconsistent results for Au and As were detected at the surface over shoots projected to depths of between 200 and 400 m. Some modification to the equipment is required to make the system more robust. Ongoing collaboration is planned that will look at improvements to the technique for use in Australian arid conditions.