Development and Implementation of the Sparse Refraction Method to Exploration for Detrital Fe Deposits

Abstract

The need for a more effective tool to explore for channel hosted detrital iron ore deposits under post mineral cover has led to the development of a novel minimalistic seismic refraction survey method we call ‘Sparse Refraction’, to map the depth of cover over basement. The survey configuration employs a single source and a single receiver, at a fixed offset. The source-receiver pair are moved progressively along a traverse, and at each station a first break reading is recorded. Gravity data is also acquired. Combining the two datasets allows the target response to be isolated from the gravitational effects of palaeotopography — we call this residual gravity field the ‘Excess Mass’. The method allows large areas to be screened quickly and effectively, with low environmental impact.

This paper describes the journey from understanding the exploration problem, finding a solution, and the successful implementation of the new approach.