Mapping and target generation in poorly exposed sub-tropical terrains: the application of heliborne VTEM and magnetic survey data in base metal exploration in the Central African Copperbelt

Abstract

This study presents the result of an interpretation of heliborne electromagnetic (VTEM) and magnetic data over a base metal exploration tenement in the Central African Copperbelt in Zambia. The interpretation was based on several processed VTEM and magnetic grids, regional scale geological maps, geochemical data on soils and Landsat imagery. The electromagnetic responses in the VTEM or magnetic anomalies could not be ascribed directly to mineralisation. As a result, the identification and ranking of targets was based on the recognition of suitable geological conditions for base metal mineralisation rather than direct geophysical targeting.