High-resolution Integrated Geophysical Investigation at the Lancaster Gold Mine, Krugersdorp, South Africa

Onyebueke, Emmanuel; Durrheim, Raymond; Manzi, M.; Sebothoma, S.; Zhang, S. E.; Stettler, E.H.

doi:10.1007/s00024-020-02529-6

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The shot points were located in between every two receivers. The asymmetrical split‐spread yielded a common midpoint (CMP) subsurface spacing of 2.5 m in SL1 and 0.5 m in SL2 with nominal folds of 12 and 6, respectively (Levande et al., 1994; Minato et al., 2012; Onyebueke et al., 2020). Two offset shots were taken at 2.0 m and 5.0 m from the end of each line, respectively.…”

Section: Geophysical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mineral exploration relies on the application of advanced geophysical techniques to refine the search for mineral deposits and mine planning (Malehmir et al, 2012(Malehmir et al, , 2017Manzi et al, 2012Manzi et al, , 2020Stevenson et al, 2003). The seismic method has been well proven as an effective tool for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, geoengineering, seismic risk assessment, and environmental and hydrogeological investigations (Brodic et al, 2017;Onyebueke et al, 2018Onyebueke et al, , 2020Manzi et al, 2020). The reflection seismic method provides information about subsurface structures with the advantage of deeper penetration depth and higher resolution compared to other geophysical techniques (Yilmaz, 2001;Malehmir et al, 2012;Manzi et al, 2012Manzi et al, , 2019Manzi et al, , 2020Westgate et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The past few years have witnessed an increase in research activity towards in‐mine seismic experiments and the utilization of value‐added technology in assessing the excavation face and hangingwall stability using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and thermal imagery. These geophysical methods employ combinations of specific acquisition, processing and interpretation techniques in both shallow and deep hard‐rock mining environments to improve orebody and structural imaging (Malehmir et al., 2012, 2017; Manzi et al., 2012, 2020; Brodic et al., 2021). The integration of these innovative approaches can nurture new ideas on how the in‐mine infrastructure (shafts, boreholes and developmental tunnels) can be utilized to design geophysical experiments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Integration of in‐mine seismic and GPR surveys to gain advanced knowledge of Bushveld Complex orebodies

Onyebueke,

Manzi,

Rapetsoa

et al. 2023

Near Surface Geophysics

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Improving the exploration of deep‐seated mineral deposits and assessing the stability of the mine pillars require that geophysical techniques are deployed in a fast and cost‐effective manner with minimal environmental impact. This research presents results from in‐mine reflection seismic experiments and a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted at Maseve platinum mine, South Africa. The research aims to develop and implement methods to image Platinum Group Metal (PGM) deposits and geological structures near mine tunnels and assess the stability of pillars. The seismic experiments were conducted using a sledgehammer source (10 lb), conventional cabled geophones (14 Hz), and a landstreamer with 4.5 Hz vertical component geophones. The GPR survey was conducted using a Noggin 500 GPR system with 500 MHz centre frequency. An image of the underlying orebody and geological structures down to 100 m from the mine tunnel floor (∼ 500 m below ground surface) was produced. We correlated the coherent reflections beneath the tunnel floor with a known Upper Group (UG2) PGM orebody. The final seismic section shows that the UG2 mineralisation is dissected by near‐vertical dykes, faults and fractures. These structures, faults in particular, are interpreted to have been active post‐mineralisation, implying that they may have contributed to the current complex geometry of the deposit. Four GPR profiles were collected around a stability pillar adjacent to the seismic lines. The radargram sections were processed to improve the S/N. The results show different patterns of fracturing and stress‐ induced structures. Perhaps, these fracturing were shown to be subvertical and constituted complex micro‐structures within the pillar, which could compromise the pillar stability and integrity. The study demonstrates that in‐mine seismic and GPR surveys can be cost‐effective and valuable for mineral exploration.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Section: Geophysical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%