Deep exploration technologies for illuminating highly prospective ground in the shadow of headframes

Abstract

In the last few years, many companies have purchased abandoned mines. This gives ready access to economic mineralization that was either ?missed? with previous generations of geoscience technologies and methods, or that represents ground not yet evaluated. Today, new deep geophysical technologies are helping with investigations ?in the shadow of headframes? - assisting not only in exploration, but also in ore delineation and mine development (ground condemnation). However, brownfield work is not easy. Cultural noise, scheduling, electrical noise, remoteness and resistance to new technologies are some of the traditional obstacles that have been overcome through deep electrical imaging and Distributed Acquisition Systems. DAS technologies have a large multi-channel, fixed receiver array; sensitive electronics; advanced processing and noise removal; and other characteristics that result in improved depth of penetration, data quality and detectability. Numerous brownfield sites have been surveyed over the past 5 years. In this paper, we review the components and capabilities of DAS systems, and specifically, Titan 24 Deep Earth Imaging for brownfield work, including near mine and minesite applications. Three case studies are presented, including two from porphyry copper environments in western Canada as well as a gold project from Bulgaria. These case studies represent the state-of-the art in geophysics for brownfield work and are a unique and novel application for today?s DAS technologies.