The use of seismic methods for imaging complex mineral bodies in hard rock environments

Abstract

A seismic survey was designed and conducted at the Hillside mineral deposit, York Peninsula, South Australia as part of an experimental program within the Deep Exploration Technologies Corporative Research Centre (DETCRC). By using a low-power seismic source, low number of channels, specific survey geometries and small seismic crew we acquired high resolution 2D and a mini 3D seismic survey in a short time frame. The experiment was aimed as a proof of concept for using cost-effective, integrated high resolution surface seismic methods to map regolith and deeper structures in a complex hard rock environment. The forward outlook of such an experiment is the deployment of dynamic systems for the acquisition of seismic data such as land streamers or draggable geophone arrays. 2D seimic lines were subject to MASW, refraction and reflection studies. Produced P and S-wave velocity profiles provided a detailed map of elastic properties within the regolith, in good agreement with near surface geology inferred from high-density drillhole information. Reflection profiles and a mini 3D cube produced very good indications of sub-vertical mineralised bodies. Results of this comprehensive test survey suggest that cost effective seismic investigations could be a valuable tool for mineral exploration across the Yorke Peninsula.