Mine Scale Constrained Geophysical Inversion; A Case Study at the Darlot-Centenary Gold Mine

Abstract

SRK Consulting (SRK) conducted a geological and geophysical modelling study of the Darlot-Centenary Gold Mine, Western Australia. This study defined geological boundaries in areas where drilling was limited, allowing for targeting of potential extensions to the gold mineralisation. 3D geological modelling of the structural setting and geometry of gold mineralisation within the deposit has shown a strong relationship between gold grade and a magnetic sub-domain within the Mount Pickering Dolerite. The magnetic dolerite domain is considered as a more prospective unit and a target for exploration drilling. To define the boundaries of the dolerite multiple unconstrained magnetic inversion, models were conducted. This was followed by geologically constrained inversions. The resulting models were consistent and both methods are capable of resolving the prospective magnetic dolerite domain. However, the constrained inversion model ultimately provided a better representation of the geometry of the folded dolerite units. Using the inversion modelling, SRK was able to provide greater certainty in the subsurface geometry of the prospective Mount Pickering Dolerite, providing greater accuracy for the potential near mine exploration targets.